Dana Point in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

John Severson (1933-2017)

Artist, Photography, Writer, Filmmaker

John Severson Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 3, 2021

1. John Severson Marker

Inscription. Severson wove art into the surfing culture and influences several emerging surf artists. In 1960 he produced a 36-page booklet called The Surfer to promote his film, Surf Fever. He never expected it to do more than create a buzz for his movie, yet it sold 5,000 copies.

Surfer was just the tip of Severson's talents. He was a devoted dad, shot surf films in the 1950s, penned two surfing books in the 1960s (writing four books total in his lifetime). He continued to paint and surf until the end of his life.

[illegible] became the first issue of Surfer magazine founded in Dana Point, today known as the [birthplace?] of the sport.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1960.

Location. 33° 27.903′ N, 117° 41.189′ W. Marker is in Dana Point, California, in Orange County. It is on Pacific Coast Highway (California Route 1), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dana Point CA 92629, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this

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marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hobie Cat (here, next to this marker); Phil Edwards (b. 1938) (a few steps from this marker); Hobie Alter (a few steps from this marker); Bruce Brown (1937-2017) (a few steps from this marker); Dana Point (a few steps from this marker); Surfin' Dana Point (within shouting distance of this marker); The Endless Summer (within shouting distance of this marker); Doheny State Beach (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dana Point.

John Severson Statue and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 3, 2021

2. John Severson Statue and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 285 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 14, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.