Old Town Orange in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Great Western Cordage
Photographed by Tatiana Zavala, November 15, 2024
1. Great Western Cordage Marker
Great Western Cordage, O.B. Eller & John Knight, 1923.
Restored by Chapman University 2009.
Erected by Old Towne Preservation Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 33° 47.497′ N, 117° 51.46′ W. Marker is in Orange, California, in Orange County. It is in Old Town Orange. It is on Palm Avenue west of Cypress Street, on the right when traveling west. Located at Crean Hall in Chapman University. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 W Palm Avenue, Orange CA 92868, 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: California Wire Company (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Santa Fe Train Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Santa Fe Depot And Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Orange's First Public Schoohouse (approx. Ό mile away); Orange Street Cars (approx. Ό mile away); Armor Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Site of First Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Torch Run (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orange.
Regarding Great Western Cordage. The company was established in 1923 by Otis B. Eller and John Knight, formerly at the head of the Canada-Western
this page online
Great Western Cordage was heavily involved in the manufacture and nationwide distribution of rope and cordage.
In 1927, the company acquired the former Richland Walnut Association building in Orange, California. It became a primary West Coast manufacturer of manila rope.
In 1947, the factory was acquired by the Tubbs Cordage Company, one of the oldest and largest rope-making firms on the West Coast. Tubbs operated the plant until 1986.
Today, the original Great Western Cordage Company building is part of Chapman University, and an Old Towne Orange Historic District landmark.
Photographed by Tatiana Zavala, November 15, 2024
2. Great Western Cordage Marker
Located to the right of the main entrance.
Photographed by Tatiana Zavala, November 15, 2024
3. Great Western Cordage building, now Crean Hall
Photographed by Tatiana Zavala, November 15, 2024
4. Interior of Cordage Building
Photos of the building over the years.
Photographed by Tatiana Zavala, November 15, 2024
5. Building Exterior, 1926
Photo from gallery inside building.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2024, by Tatiana Zavala of Orange County, California. This page has been viewed 277 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 16, 2024, by Tatiana Zavala of Orange County, California. 2. submitted on December 5, 2024, by Tatiana Zavala of Orange County, California. 3. submitted on November 16, 2024, by Tatiana Zavala of Orange County, California. 4, 5. submitted on December 5, 2024, by Tatiana Zavala of Orange County, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
