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

First Site of the Olive Mill

Photographed by Adam Margolis, April 8, 2023

1. First Site of the Olive Mill Marker

Inscription. The 3-story flour and feed mill established by Thomas Dillin and his sons began operation Nov. 1, 1882. Its motive power was derived from a turbine turned by Santa Ana River irrigation water flowing down to the valley below. On Sept 29, 1889, fire razed the structure. Due to is vital function in early Orange County's economy, it was rebuilt. The second site was in the S. W. corner of this park. It continued in operation there until 1932.

Erected 1975 by Orange North Rotary Club.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Disasters • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 29, 1889.

Location. 33° 50.249′ N, 117° 50.298′ W. Marker is in Orange, California, in Orange County. It can be reached from East Buena Vista Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16780 E Buena Vista Avenue, Orange CA 92865, 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Dwight David Eisenhower (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Santa Ana (approx. half a mile away); Campsite of Anza (approx. 0.7 miles

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away); Steve Ambriz Memorial Park (approx. 1.1 miles away); Block by Block (approx. 1.2 miles away); a different marker also named Block by Block (approx. 1.2 miles away); a different marker also named Block by Block (approx. 1.2 miles away); Boeing Autonetics (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orange.

More about this marker. The marker is located in Eisenhower Park, close to the East Main Street entrance.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, April 8, 2023

2. First Site of the Olive Mill Marker

The Olive Mill image. Click for full size.

courtesy of SoCa Digitization Project and California State Library, 1880s

3. The Olive Mill

View of Olive Flour Mill, built in 1880, run by water-power from canal of Santa Ana Valley Irrigation Company; shows bridge on left side of mill, two frameboard buildings beyond; three men in and around building in foreground.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 1,356 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on August 17, 2023. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.