RelyLocal

Things That Aren't Here Anymore (Orange/Villa Park, CA)

This page will be dedicated to certain Orange/Villa Park "things" that aren't here anymore, a la KCET when it was PBS.  As a goal of RelyLocal is to promote/support current local businesses, we do not want to dwell too much on the past but admit we love to reminisce about certain old places and would love to hear other nostalgic yearns/suggestions/corrections/photos etc.  We think it is natural and healthy to reflect on why they may not be here anymore and how our community may be better or worse in their absence. These are submitted in no particular order.

The Packing House (VPOA), Santiago Blvd, Villa Park- RIP 1983- This building, with its 3 memorable rooftop gables, was completed in 1914 by the Villa Park Orchards Association and was important to the success of the local economy and the Valencia orange industry.  The packing house was an extemely productive operation and was heavily utilized until 1978.  Business peaked in the 1970s but the industry was shifting as local orchards were succumbing to residential development.  The dominant landmark was razed in 1983 and commemorated with a commissioned lithograph which still hangs today at City Hall.  The VPOA is still an ongoing concern now based in Fillmore, CA.

Floyd's Diner, Chapman/Main, Orange- RIP circa 1994- A local intoduced me to this place in the early 90's when I moved to town but I believe it had been in business for decades before.   Ultimate greasy spoon diner with a counter where a guy with a handlebar mustache always seemed to be sitting.  Biscuits and gravy in addition to traditional diner fare. I went to breakfast with that same friend who introduced me to this place the day he moved out of the area and it closed soon after.

Olive Heights Citrus Association, Orange-Olive Blvd, Orange- RIP circa 1996- This packing house was built in 1928 and in operation until the early 1980's.  It was strategically located by the raliroad tracks and the old Olive Santa Fe Depot station.  It remained vacant for years after with its fading Sunkist sign until "The Crossing" housing development was built on the site.

Stadium Drive-In Theater, 1501 W Katella Ave, Orange- RIP 9/12/1996- Although many great local businesses, and a 25 screen cinema, now occupy the former site of this venue, I still miss this former landmark.  The Stadium "8" was Orange County's last-built drive-in, opening in 1970, and was one of the last drive-in's left standing before closing in 1996.  To name a few, I remember seeing Goodfellas, Thunderheart, Lethal Weapon III, Indecent Proposal, Flatliners, Desperate Hours, What's Love Got to Do, and Jurassic Park- not all classics but they didn't have to be at the drive-in.  I loved the circular snack bar and central projection station. I still kick myself for missing the closing night in 1996 which featured a number of 1970's movies such as Saturday Night Fever and The Exorcist as well as MASH and Easy Rider, which had both originally been shown on opening night.  I remember riding my bike on the Santa Ana River Trail and watching with dismay as the 8 screens came down and the new buildings went up.  Nothing like the experience of a drive-in movie.

Central Lemon Association, Wanda Rd, Villa Park- RIP 1962- Local growers formed an association and built the original packing house building in 1912. An addition in 1915 made it the largest packing house in Orange County and possibly the largest such structure exclusively for lemons in the world. It was razed in 1962 for subsequent residential development.  Two lemon trees in the center divider on Villa Park Rd, just east of Wanda Rd, pay tribute to the former location.

Sir Wicket's Tux Shop, Glassell St, Orange- RIP c. 2009- I bought my wedding tux at this longstanding, iconic shop at the Plaza. Francoli Gourmet restaurant now open in its stead.

Captain Blood's Village Theater, Tustin St, Orange- RIP 2007- The name is not really as macabre as it may seem.  The Village Theater had been closed for many years (maybe five, I recall that during its closure the movie Desperate Hours (1990) remained on its billboard) when local movie afficianado, Todd Blood, bought the theater in 1995.  He added a little character to the name and extensively remodeled the theater with a subtle pirate theme, star pinlights in the ceiling and an excellent sound system.  There were two theaters- each with ground and balcony seating. Todd put his soul into it and built a great business.  We used to go every Friday night and sit in the semi-private balcony section at stage right(c'mon- when is the last time you sat in the balcony?)- it was awesome!  Although, I did not know Todd personally, he recognized me at the time as "one of his best customers" and we even attended the awards night when the theater was one of the three venues of the Newport Film Festival.  Todd began buying a few other theaters(notably in Main Place-top level and Fullerton-Orangethorpe/Lemon) and I stopped going as much while raising young kids- and still feel some guilt about this.  I did get to share the experience with my kids of waiting in line for Star Wars Episode III, at the peak of their Star Wars interest, and seeing the movie in a unique theater with some "enthusiastic" sci-fi locals.  In the end, it was a valiant, and relatively successful effort, but Todd had to close his doors after 12 years of blood, sweat and tears.  Arrrrgh!

Blyleven's Dugout Diner, Santiago Blvd, Santiago Blvd, Villa Park- RIP c. 1996- Only served diner/sports fare for a few years but it took the likes of future hall-of-fame pitcher and Villa Park resident, Bert Blyleven, to get this jaunt opened in the Towne Centre.  Sports memorabilia on the walls and game balls dispayed within the glass-top tables.

Richland- RIP 1873- former name of the City of Orange

Mountain View- RIP 1888- former name of Villa Park

Adray's, Chapman Ave, Orange- RIP circa 1998- Independent and locally owned electronics and appliance store. Lou even added a cigar humidor for his customers.  The huge building has remained empty since the closing. Hopefully, a new unique business will fill the void soon.

Orange Cinedome, 3001 W. Chapman Ave, Orange- RIP 1999- Another unique local movie venue that surrendered to the modern megaplex.  Three "dome" structures made for impactful exterior presentation as well as a memorable viewing experience.  Each dome housed 863 seats and was partitioned into separate theaters.  The rocking chairs and "stadium seating"(before I knew the term existed) made for a very comfortable setting.  I recall reading that 2001: A Space Odyssey was shown on opening night in 1969 and I saw many movies here.  Quick in and out access near the 5 freeway.

The Brickyard, Olive Hill, Orange- RIP c. 1969- This site was run mainly by the Mission Clay Products Co. and manufactured bricks, roof tiles and pipes starting in the 1920's.  The bricks and tiles were sun-dried until the construction of a huge kiln on the property in the 1950's.  The kiln and its firing could be seen and heard- especially at night.  However, the glow dimmed in the late 1960's and the site made way for a commercial/retail center.  This center, aptly named The Brickyard, is located on Lincoln Ave at Tustin St and is home to many businesses today.  It is adjacent to Eisenhowser Park which is a fun place to take a walk through history.