Irvine in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Katie Wheeler Library
Irvine Ranch Historic Park
— The Irvine Family Residence —
Photographed By Adam Margolis, July 3, 2022
1. Katie Wheeler Library Marker
The present day Katie Wheeler Library is a reconstruction of the outer facade of the Irvine family's residence. The original structure was constructed in 1876 by C.E. French, general manager for the Ranch. Once he gained control of the Ranch in 1892, James Irvine II (J.I.) had the house doubled in size. The house was described as a "rambling thirty room structure whose styles were highly eclectic"
Damaged by an electrical fire in 1965, the original structure was demolished in 1968. It was rebuilt one inch off the original footprint and opened in February 2008 as the Katie Wheeler Library
Landscaping and gardens were significant features in which the Irvine family took great pride. J.I. once stated that "the view from the house is more important than the view of the house." When J.I. married for the third time to Katharine Brown White in 1931, she planted the rose garden and installed the pool.
The remaining formal and man-made landscape features of the Irvine Ranch site are enduring reminders of the function and utilization of the site as a working ranch, and as the residence of the Irvine
this page online
Erected by OC Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is February 2008.
Location. 33° 43.83′ N, 117° 47.117′ W. Marker is in Irvine, California, in Orange County. Marker can be reached from Old Myford Road near Irvine Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13109 Old Myford Road, Irvine CA 92602, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Myford's New Garage (a few steps from this marker); Cogan House (within shouting distance of this marker); Living and Working on the Irvine Ranch (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Bunkhouse (about 500 feet away); The Bath House (about 500 feet away); Frances Packing House (approx. 1.6 miles away); Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial (approx. 1.7 miles away); Red Hill (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Irvine.
Photographed By Adam Margolis, July 3, 2022
2. Katie Wheeler Library Marker
Photographed By Adam Margolis, July 3, 2022
3. Katie Wheeler Library
Photographed By Adam Margolis, July 3, 2022
4. Katie Wheeler Library
Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 125 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 9, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
