This isn't an HB thing, but an OC thing I thought you might like. I did a book signing at the OC Fair this afternoon and afterwards, as my family and I were walking around, we made sure to check on the old silo salvaged from Newport's famed Buffalo Ranch (which existed near today's Fashion Island back in the 1950s-60s). The popular tourist stop featured buffalo (duh) a trading post gift shop, kiddie rides and more. I love that the silo is preserved on the fairgrounds--here it is today and as it looked back in the 1950's, before the mall was even a glint in a developer's eye... It has been resurfaced obviously, but still, it's a great OC artifact that seems safe--at least for now.
The Buffalo Ranch was on the east side of MacArthur Blvd, near where it crosses Bison Rd. It was sort of halfway between UCI and Fashion Island.
I worked there on the last weekend before it closed completely. At that point, there were only a couple buffalo left.
Posted by: Chris Jepsen | August 03, 2007 at 07:32 PM
C--You actually worked there? That's huge! Did you take photos at all?
Posted by: chris | August 03, 2007 at 09:07 PM
What were the American Bison's names at the Buffalo Ranch?
I visited the ranch on a number of occasions and I seem to recall the names being "Billy" and "Becky" who liked to be fed apples and carrots. I probably have photos around some were around the house. I attended a few parties at the ranch and the bison-pie-tossing contest was one of the thematic events...
Posted by: Frank Carroll | August 05, 2007 at 12:14 AM