Fullerton Natives

I was recently given a tour of the facility, formerly known as Women’s Transitional Living Center, now run by the same folks but renamed Radiant Futures to distinguish itself from a former shelter, to an incredible part of an organization that serves everyone throughout Orange County. Their team partners with each survivor of violence, including men and women, teens, really all ages, including help for elders who have experienced suspicious financial activity, lack of hygiene or food, isolation and other issues, as well as domestic violence.

I am planning a day when you can also take a tour soon, so you can see for yourself the amazing historic building, as well as the free services offered. This is a place all of us in Fullerton can be proud of. Details to follow.

As we all know, unlike other bergs, many who find their way to Fullerton from parts near and far often end up staying a long time, some for the rest of their days. What about those mature citizens who were actually born here in our own Fullerton Hospital? In our last edition, we reached out to find out and quickly discovered over a dozen such Fullertonians.

Carol writes, “I was born in Fullerton Community Hospital in 1946, and five of my siblings were too. #7 was born at St. Joseph’s in Orange and there was no St. Jude’s yet in 1956. I was born there the same day as my cousin Bill, whose Father was Thomas James Eadington.”

Tom gave us this account: “I was born at the Fullerton Hospital in August of 1946. I am the oldest of nine children- two of my brothers and one sister were also born there before St. Jude opened up. Even though minors were not allowed inside to visit, I recall going to an outside window to see my Mom and a sibling.”

One more account, verified even if hard to imagine. See the birth certificate on the right. “My parents had a citrus grove,  house and barn just north of Fullerton, so they headed to the nearest hospital, at the time in Fullerton, for my birth.

I needed my birth certificate as we all do in order to get my driver’s license, Social Security #, draft card and all of the other legal papers needed, but only when I applied for a passport did I get the shock of a lifetime.

“The Registrar’s office scoffed at my birth certificate and said it was just a “Souvenir,” so I needed to go online and get my legal certificate. Somehow, they had left my first name off the document. I had lived my entire life under a false name? All of my properties, cars, marriage license, deeds, tax records, etc., were not accurate. Still got the passport. Go figure.” (name withheld by request, as you might request as well!)

Union Pacific Trail Update

The Union Pacific trail is coming right along, as you can see. Paving is in, many of the trees are planted, and other design features are taking shape so we can imagine in person just what it will be like when locals are moving on the trail west to Independence Park and east to Union Pacific Park.

As to Union Pacific Park, you have seen that much of the playground equipment is installed, and the hope is that both the trail and the park will open as planned by the end of this year.

Where are all of the bookstores?

Disappearing, some recently, some long ago. If you were around at the time, a favorite would have been the Blue Wolf. It was a classic bookstore, free coffee, homey, run by a couple who seemed to have read every book in the place, and a hangout for many. They built a good business, but sadly, discovered a nice mountain town on a trip and decided that town could use a bookstore, so off they went.

Then there was Larsen’s, here for many, many years. Not exactly sure what happened there, but it seems logical that it was simply time to retire, can’t work forever, or maybe, should not work forever. Gotta take advantage of those Golden Years.

141 West Wilshire Ave

Never fear, 8 years ago, Half Off Books appeared just a few doors east of where Larsen’s was. Here is their howdy to all who have patronized the store over that successful span of time. “We’re so grateful for this community that has supported us over the years. Thank you for keeping our lights on and shelves full.” For those who have not been there, they also have a large inventory of “all things printed and recorded at affordable prices”. We can attest to that.

Photo Quiz

Send answer to Mike at AllMedia@sbcglobal.net

This time: What is the significance of the color pink, and where is this?
Bonus question: Where is the rest of the tree?

Last time: Two questions, and a nod to reader Tori, who knew it was the current location of Deelite Ice Cream and the former site of the Clark House. Hey, the clues were right there on the page.

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