Orange in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Orange Street Cars
Photographed by Adam Margolis, March 31, 2022
1. Orange Street Cars Marker
The first motorized streetcar in Orange was called "Peanut Roaster" because of its high-pitched whistle.
The parking structure you see today was built on the site of Orange's Pacific Electric Passenger & Freight Depot. Starting in 1888 with a horse-drawn car, Orange's first streetcar ran through the Plaza to Santa Ana. By 1901, the system had become part of Pacific Electric connecting with points throughout southern California.
The streetcar stopped operating due to low ridership in 1930 and was replaced with bus service. Freight rail service continued from this site, serving the citrus packing houses to the north.
In 2018, excavation for the Old Towne West Metrolink Parking Structure uncovered original tracks from the streetcar. A portion of the salvaged tracks is installed in the landscaping around this sign.
After the streetcar service ended in 1930, the Depot was used as a bus station by Pacific Electric. The tracks remained in use to carry citrus to and from the nearby parking houses.
The Pacific Electric Depot seen here was constructed on this site in 1918. It was demolished in the 1960s after
this page online
Erected by City of Orange.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 33° 47.28′ N, 117° 51.331′ W. Marker is in Orange, California, in Orange County. It is at the intersection of Chapman Avenue and Lemon Street, on the right when traveling west on Chapman Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 319 W Chapman Ave, Orange CA 92866, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Santa Fe Depot And Park (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Armor Building (about 600 feet away); Santa Fe Train Depot (about
Photographed by Adam Margolis, March 31, 2022
2. Original 1918 Tracks
These original tracks were laid in 1901 and were discovered in 2018 during an excavation of the nearby parking garage to the north (seen in the background). They were moved to this site shortly after.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, March 31, 2022
3. Orange Street Cars Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, March 31, 2022
4. Maker and Tracks
courtesy of the Orange Public Library and History Center, 1964
5. Pacific Electric Depot, North Lemon Street, Orange, California, 1964
This is the same photo as in the lower left of the marker.
courtesy of the Orange Public Library and History Center, circa 1905
6. Pacific Electric Streetcar, Orange, California, ca. 1905
"Postcard image shows view looking across the Plaza Square, with several men riders on "Orange Dummy" streetcar (a railroad term for the street-locomotive), posing for photograph. E.I. Tolle is the engineer. The Orange Dummy, also known as the Peanut Roaster for its shrill whistle, was built by the Tolle brothers who bought and operated the line and ran the streetcar beginning in 1896 from Orange to Santa Ana. It was advertized for its 'Odorless, smokeless, noiseless motor.'" - Orange Public Library
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 965 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 1, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 5. submitted on April 1, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 6. submitted on April 1, 2022. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
