For many years only essential businesses, several general stores, two blacksmith shops, a hardware store, a feed store, pool hall and at least one bar operated in Tustin.
Many Tustin wives and mothers were working outside their homes to augment the family income long before the term “Career Woman” was coined in the late ’30s.
Columbus Tustin knew the success of his new city hinged on having a dynamic business community for this rural town. He was instrumental in supporting “entrepreneurs” who took a chance on his city.
Tustin and Santa Ana have fought over many things, but one of the biggest battles was the fight for the Southern Pacific Railroad back in the 1800s.
Early service stations operated differently than today’s self-service operations. The high school boys hired to serve customers not only filled the tank, they checked the oil level, the water in the radiator, added air to the tires and washed all the windows.