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

Brea American Legion Building

Photographed By Adam Margolis, June 5, 2022

1. Brea American Legion Building Marker

Inscription. Since 1920, the American Legion has had an active presence in Brea. Post #181 dedicated a structure on this site on November 8, 1924 followed by a transformation to this Mission Style building in 1931.

It housed the Brea Women's Club during the 1930's and served as a temporary shelter after the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. It later housed the Brea Methodist Church, the Brea Police Department, and an ambulance service.

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, the building became the permanent home of the Brea Museum and Heritage Center on April 19, 2002.

Erected 2008 by Santa Ana Parlor 74 Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number 3.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 19, 2002.

Location. 33° 54.801′ N, 117° 54.14′ W. Marker is in Brea, California, in Orange County. Marker is at the intersection of Brea Boulevard and Elm Street, on the right when traveling south on Brea Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 495 S Brea Blvd, Brea CA 92821, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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marker. Brea Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); City Hall Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Ralph E. Barnes Bandstand (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Richard Nixon in City Hall Park (about 400 feet away); Many a Child (about 400 feet away); Brea Plunge (about 400 feet away); Old City Hall (about 500 feet away); The Humming Bird (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brea.

Photographed By Adam Margolis, June 5, 2022

2. Brea American Legion Building Marker

Marker can be seen on the right.

Old American Legion Building - 1930 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Adam Margolis, June 5, 2022

3. Old American Legion Building - 1930

Brea Historical Landmark #3

Credits. This page was last revised on April 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 153 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 9, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.