Richard Dodd’s May 19 article in the Orange County Register on Brea, California’s Union Oil Co. neighborhood is a good one:
The 1882 discovery of oil in shallow wells in Brea Canyon had a major influence in the history and economy of Orange County. Several small oil companies sprang up shortly afterward and in 1890, some of them merged to form Union Oil Co. of California.
Many local communities faced a housing shortage for new workmen during the oil and land boom in the 1920s. Union Oil built 61 homes for their employees in the southwestern part of Brea. This area became known as the "Union Oil neighborhood."
The bungalow period was in full swing at the time. As a result, most of the homes are California, Craftsman and Pueblo bungalows and other variations interspersed with a few
provincial revivals.
This is interesting. Brea obliterated the majority of it’s core old neighborhoods and “main street” shops along Imperial Highway and Brea Blvd in the 90’s to make way for large shopping centers. You can drive through most of it without knowing the town even has a history. At least some part somewhere was spared.
I’m very interested in a house along the Redwood Ave. I’ve noticed there are many Craftsmen Houses with historical signs on them.
How would I find out more about a specific house on that street.
Thank You