Countdown to 2000: Lifestyles

Danette Goulet

A dark cloud hung over the entire country following the crash of Wall

Street in 1929. The atmosphere in Newport-Mesa was no exception.

The Roaring ‘20s were just a memory and the Great Depression was a harsh

reality. New business growth rates declined, immigration declined and

things once taken for granted were now considered luxuries.

The Costa Mesa branch of The Bank of Balboa closed its doors in 1932 due

to excessive withdrawals, leaving the town without a bank for several

years.

Business slowed considerably, but the active lives of local residents did

not.

Clubs were more active than ever. The Friday Afternoon club saw an

increase in membership and auxiliary groups and the Lions Club became

increasingly active.

Schools continued to open in Newport-Mesa and the very active PTA was

formed. Bridge parties and dinner dances and pot luck suppers filled

local calendars.

In 1932, the Business and Professional Women’s Club was formed. There

were more than 30 members, with Marguerite Way as its first president.

Another new activity in the area was the Boys Club, started by Mrs. Vern

Bishop of Santa Ana. She chose Costa Mesa for the rural atmosphere and

the proximity of water sports in Newport Beach.

“The time has come to swing back to the old-fashioned home life that was

the background for some of the greatest men,” Bishop said of the boys

club and camp.

Water sports in Newport Beach continued to be a favorite pastime. But

early in the decade, Newport Bay was a dangerous area for water sports.

With investment capital not simply scarce but nonexistent, a trio of

Newport Beach residents went to Washington to secure money from the

federal government to turn Newport Bay into Newport Harbor.

The decade ended on an jubilant note, with the creation of the “scarecrow

carnival” in Costa Mesa, which drew thousands of tourists to the area and

lifted the spirits of everyone.

Sources:

“A Slice of Orange: The History of Costa Mesa,” Edrick J. Miller, 1970.

“Newport Beach 75: 1906-1981,” James P. Felton, 1981.

“50 Golden Years,” Samuel A. Meyer, published by the Newport News,

1921-1946.

“Orange County Through Four Centuries,” Leo J. Friis, 1982.

Costa Mesa Herald.