Beverly Hills in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Francis-Orr Stationary Co.

Beverly Hills

— Golden Shield Commemorative Plaque —

Francis-Orr Stationary Co. Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, July 20, 2025

1. Francis-Orr Stationary Co. Marker

Inscription.
Located on this site from 1929 to 1941 was one of Beverly Hills' first women-owned businesses. Specializing in elegant products from the era of hand-written notes, cards, and letters. The store served a star-studded clientele including Hollywood legends such as Clark Gable, Barbara Stanwyck, and Joan Crawford, among others. In 1941, the store moved to Rodeo Drive, and then later to Camden Drive. The physical store closed in 2017.

Erected by City of Beverly Hills. (Marker Number 18.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.

Location. 34° 4.158′ N, 118° 24.089′ W. Marker is in Beverly Hills, California, in Los Angeles County. It is on Beverly Drive south of Brighton Way, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 345 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills CA 90210, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North

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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: Gearys Beverly Hills (a few steps from this marker); Pixie Town (within shouting distance of this marker); Anderton Court (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Romanoff’s/The Daisy (about 400 feet away); Nate 'N Al (about 400 feet away); Uncle Bernie’s Toy Menagerie (about 500 feet away); Harry Harris Shoes (about 500 feet away); Giorgio Beverly Hills (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beverly Hills.

Regarding Francis-Orr Stationary Co.. Founded by a pair of enterprising women, Estella G. Francis (1883-1961) and Estella D. Orr (1874-1968), their store was a haven for personal stationery, gifts, and office supplies. In 1941, it moved to 351 Rodeo Drive. In the late 1950s, the business was sold to Curtis Guss (1931-2020) and family. Catherine “Annelle,” Curtis’ wife (1938-2020)

Photographed by Craig Baker, July 20, 2025

2. Francis-Orr Stationary Co. Marker

raised four children while helping to run the family store. She was known to be one of the most talented engravers in the Los Angeles area and had a keen eye for fine design and craftsmanship. Upon their passing, the business was managed by their son Greg. At the end of 2017, the brick and mortar shop closed its doors and became an online marketplace offering quality commercial and personalized stationery products and gifts.

Francis-Orr Stationary Co. image. Click for full size.

courtesy Beverlyhills.org

3. Francis-Orr Stationary Co.

349 N Beverly Drive, circa 1933.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 196 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 24, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.