Living History Articles
These articles have been researched by our team at the Tustin Area Museum. If you have additional information or photos on the subject, we’d love to hear it.
The researched articles and photos are copyright protected by the Tustin Area Historical Society. Please contact the Society if you would like to reuse any of them.
Living History
Staples Family
A tenant farmer in the Irvine ranch for 24 years, Oswald Staples provided for and raised 3 children and 6 stepchildren.
Read More →
Living History
Hannaford Family
Bud Hannaford Jr. built the first motor court in Tustin. He served on the Tustin Elementary Board.
Read More →
Living History
Lagier Family
Second generation tenant farmer, Ernie Lagier also managed the Irvine Bean Pickers baseball team.
Read More →
Living History
Albert Colwell Williams
Albert Williams grew walnuts on the family farm. He was foreman of the Santa Ana Walnut Association packing house.
Read More →
Living History
Felix Holmes
If you saw a horse-drawn wagon heading west of 4th Street in the 1950's that was Felix Holmes.
Read More →
Living History
Antonio Bernardo Nieblas
Ancestors of the Nieblas family arrived at Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1862 after walking from central Mexico.
Read More →
Living History
The Prather Family
Despite many setbacks, Charlie Prather provided for his family.
Read More →
Living History
Washington Williams
Coming to California over the Oregon Trail, the Williams Brothers found their way to Tustin Township.
Read More →
Living History
George and Miko Kaihara
George was sent to an internment camp in 1942. He enlisted in the 171st Infantry Battalion of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the Army. ...
Read More →
Living History
Edmund and Caroline Downs
The Downs came to Tustin from Texas in the mid 1870’s. Caroline is credited with founding the Advent Christian Church.
Read More →
Living History
Dwight Tassell Hayden
A World War I Veteran, Dwight served as the Justice of Peace and City Clerk when Tustin was incorporated.
Read More →
Living History
Upton Christian Holderman
The “fighting “ Holderman’s fought in four wars. Upton was a County Supervisor. A park on E. 17th Street is named after the family.
Read More →
Living History
William Bradford Hellis in Tustin
A descendant of a Mayflower passenger, Brad Hellis was the superintendent of the Irvine Ranch for many years and a community fundraiser.
Read More →
Living History
David Hewes and Family in Tustin
David Hewes was a packinghouse owner, businessman and developer. He donated the Golden Spike for the transcontinental railroad.
Read More →
Living History
The Broomell Family of Tustin
Family man, good citizen, man of many professions and worldwide traveler, George Brommell lived to be 100.
Read More →
Living History
George Oliver Cook
“A. J. “ Cook’s son, George raised grain and beans on the Irvine Ranch. He raised two children and had two stepsons.
Read More →
Living History
William D. Bowman
A farmer, William D Bowman came to Tustin in 1881. His son, William Henry Bowman, became a successful contractor.
Read More →
Living History
Milton John Bundy
John was elected President of the Santa Ana, Orange and Tustin Street Railway Company in 1887 and owned the Bundy Addition.
Read More →