Orange in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Lewis and Persis Ainsworth
Ainsworth House
Photographed By Craig Baker, February 17, 2024
1. Lewis and Persis Ainsworth Marker
Lewis Ainsworth (1829 - 1914) and his wife Persis (1837 - 1933) chose the city of Orange as their home in 1901 after making their fortunes panning gold in California and farming in Kansas.
The Ainsworths raised three sons, Lewis, Frank, Mitt, and two daughters, Eva, and Ina. Frank was the mayor of Orange from 1918 - 1920 and Mitt was a councilman from 1922 - 1926.
Lewis built the Ainsworth Block on the Plaza Square in 1907 and founded the first lumber company in Orange. This house, designed by their daughter Ina Butler and built in 1910, reflects the simple life of the elderly couple.
The restoration of the house was initiated by the Orange Bicentennial Commission and Councilman Don E. Smith, the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Erected 1976 by Orange Bicentennial Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location. 33° 47.264′ N, 117° 50.965′ W. Marker is in Orange, California, in Orange County. Marker is on Chapman Avenue east of Center Street
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Woman’s Club of Orange (within shouting distance of this marker); City of Orange Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. John’s Lutheran School (about 700 feet away); Orange's First Bank (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Orange Plaza (approx. 0.2 miles away); May Festival (approx. 0.2 miles away); Torch Run (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of First Building (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orange.
Photographed By Craig Baker, February 17, 2024
2. Lewis and Persis Ainsworth Marker
Ainsworth House - restored in 1981.
Photographed By Craig Baker, February 17, 2024
3. Ainsworth House
Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 45 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 18, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
