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

In Memory of Jim Olson

1939 - 2002

Jim Olson Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, June 18, 2010

1. Jim Olson Marker

Inscription.
This windmill is one of 1,200 such water-pumping devices that once served the Irvine Ranch before modern water systems were available. Jim, a long-time employee of Irvine Ranch Water District, was responsible for dismantling and reconstructing it on numerous occasions as it was moved to various locations to preserve a piece of local history. This windmill will always serve as a fond remembrance of Jim.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Windmills series list.

Location. 33° 39.899′ N, 117° 50.225′ W. Marker is in Irvine, California, in Orange County. It is on Riparian View, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 45 Riparian View, Irvine CA 92612, 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,

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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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: El Camino Real (approx. 1.7 miles away); John Wayne Airport (approx. 1.7 miles away); Marine Corps Air Station Tustin (approx. 2.8 miles away); Upper Newport Bay (approx. 3.1 miles away); Hang Gliding (approx. 3.4 miles away); Santa Ana Army Air Base Site (approx. 3.8 miles away); Site of 3rd National Boy Scout Jamboree (approx. 3.9 miles away); The Original Disneyland Bandstand (approx. 4 miles away).

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Salt Works (was approx. 3.1 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . IRWD Windmill a Longtime Irvine Landmark. Irving Ranch Water District website entry:
In March 2008, the windmill was damaged during high winds. An IRWD employee discovered blades dangling from the wheel and others lying on the ground. Two days

Photographed by Michael Kindig, June 18, 2010

2. Jim Olson Marker

later, the 600-pound wheel was removed while IRWD officials pondered whether to fix the vintage structure or replace it. (Submitted on May 7, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 922 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 5, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.