This is the plot plan for Mission San Juan Capistrano created as part of a Works Progress Administration's Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), back in the 1930s. This image, along with many other drawings and photos of the Mission, are available on the Library of Congress' website. In fact, the HABS section of their site has this kind of detailed information for thousands and thousands of historic structures all over America. Other Orange County HABS surveys were done in Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Tustin, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Anaheim, and Irvine.Speaking of Capistrano, right now, the Mission is featuring an exhibit entitled, "Mission Treasures: Historical Collection Revealed." The exhibit includes historic artifacts from the Mission that have not been seen in decades, including rare paintings, religious artifacts, and documents related to the Mission's history. The exhibit runs through Sept. 5th, and is open daily, 10am-5pm.
The Santa Ana Historic Preservation Society has presented their 2011 Preservation Award to the Boukai family.
I'm sad to report that the Placentia Library's history room now has extremely limited hours. It's best to call and make an appointment if you want to go in and do research.
On a positive note, the Friends of the Santa Ana Library have purchased a microfilm machine for the Santa Ana History Room, so historians can get back to digging through the old newspapers. Of course, that collection also has short hours these days, so be sure to check their website to see when they're open.
And finally, a reminder that you can still see the exhibit, "On Location: Orange County in Silent Film," at the Old Orange County Courthouse, 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, until Aug. 5th. It's free to the public.
