Did you know we also have a YouTube channel? It is small but growing. So far, short videos covering highways such as State Highway 108 over Sonora Pass, Highway 91 through Santa Ana Canyon, old US 101 in San Diego, various county roads in the Santa Clarita area, and more have been posted. Come check it out!
All posts by Michael F Ballard
Featured Image – 12/4/2021
From the Archives – 1959
A lot has changed in southern Orange County since 1959. Gone are most of the orange groves and wide-open spaces. Today, this view is very different but a surprising amount of what is seen does remain. This photo, taken in 1959, shows the US 101 freeway and the original alignment to the right, known as Camino Capistrano. In the intervening years, the roadway has been widened at least four times. Instead of a four-lane freeway, it is now eight lanes plus two HOV lanes. Even today, the roadway is being widened yet again, this time to add an additional HOV lane in each direction. The State 73 freeway interchange is also missing from this view. It would be added in 1996.
Some of the concrete visible in this photo on both the freeway and old alignment still remain to this day. It is truly amazing to see what things looked like before they became one giant suburban mess.
Historic Highway 99 Presentation
“Where the Lincoln Highway meets Highway 99.”
A look at where the Lincoln Highway, America’s first Transcontinental Highway, 1913-1927, meets Highway 99 in California Central Valley. We will discuss why the Lincoln Highway chose the central valley route to Altamont Pass instead of a more direct one. Hint, there wasn’t any. When the Lincoln Highway ceased to exist, the number system Highway 99 took over from Sacramento south. We will look at some places where you can still see some of the histories of these two famous roads.
Along with his wife Monica, Trey created “Adventures in California History,” an ongoing exploration of historic California. Trey is currently the Vice-President of the Lincoln Highway Association.
Join the Historic Highway 99 Association of California on November 2, 2021 at 6 pm for a Zoom presentation. To register, please use the link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqf-2rrDksH9Yjqv4pqIALpt1W3TAQqJ9V
Upcoming Ridge Route Event
Next weekend, on October 23, 2021, the Ridge Route Preservation Organization will be holding a Clean Up The Ridge Route event. These events are work parties to help repair and preserve the historic Ridge Route. They are open to all, though donations are always welcome. For more information and specific details, please check out their website:
Coastal California Photos
Check out this great website. the California Coastal Records Project, for aerial photos, some going back to 1972 covering the entire California coastline.