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

Ellingson Building

— City of Fullerton Local Landmark —

Photographed by Tatiana Zavala, May 17, 2025

1. Ellingson Building Marker

Inscription.
Ellingson Building
Built 1920

Erected 2011 by Fullerton Heritage. (Marker Number 74.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.

Location. 33° 52.164′ N, 117° 55.511′ W. Marker is in Fullerton, California, in Orange County. It is on West Santa Fe Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Identical markers on north and south side of building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 119 W Santa Fe Ave, Fullerton CA 92832, 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 walking distance of this marker: Fullerton's Oldest Drinking Establishment (a few steps from this marker); John Gardiner Building

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(a few steps from this marker); Union Pacific Depot (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Odd Fellows Lodge (about 500 feet away); Santa Fe Depot (about 700 feet away); Elephant Packing House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Leo Fender Factory (approx. 0.2 miles away); Schumacher Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fullerton.

Also see . . .
1. Brick Commercial Buildings: Ellingson Building. From Fullerton Heritage website

This building was originally designed for use as an automotive dealership and garage, and was typical of brick commercial structures built in Fullerton in the early 1920s. The building retains its original storefront, which is a blending of the typical storefront format and a Mission Revival roof line.

(Submitted on May 22, 2025, by Tatiana Zavala of Orange County, California.)

2. History of Ellingson, Inc.

In 1946, Thomas C. Ellingson, a newly discharged Marine Corps fighter pilot, began making plans to combine his interest in aircraft and flying with his pre-war education at the University of Minnesota and his apprenticeship at Foley Manufacturing.
Photographed by Tatiana Zavala, May 17, 2025

2. Ellingson Building south exterior
The marker is located to the right of the windows.
Using his money from the GI Bill and a loan from a relative, Tom purchased tools and machinery to start a small machine shop, Ellingson Machine, in rented space in downtown Fullerton.

In the mid-70s the Ellingson brothers began to move the company in a new direction; to provide production parts to local aerospace companies

(Submitted on May 22, 2025, by Tatiana Zavala of Orange County, California.)

3. Architectural Styles in Fullerton: Early 20th Century Commercial.

From 1918 to 1925, Fullerton experienced new commercial construction with major buildings that largely defined the Central Business District. As the main street, Spadra Road (now Harbor Boulevard) was the focus of much of this construction, but less important industrial and service structures filled the side streets, particularly, W. Santa Fe Avenue.

Also, during this period less important industrial and service structures filled in the town's side streets. With a less prominent location, these building's façades were kept simple and unpretentious. Among those that still stand today with adaptive reuse include the Ellingson Building (1920) at 119 W. Santa
Photographed by Tatiana Zavala, May 17, 2025

3. Ellingson Building north exterior
Fe Avenue

(Submitted on May 22, 2025, by Tatiana Zavala of Orange County, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2025, by Tatiana Zavala of Orange County, California. This page has been viewed 123 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 22, 2025, by Tatiana Zavala of Orange County, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.