Countdown to 2000: 1940s Top Ten

Noaki Schwartz

With the onset of World War II in 1941, the determination that took the

city through the 1930s continued and intensified in the 1940s.

Where once local news was dominated by politicians and sightings of movie

stars, it was now filled with stories about boys joining in the fight

across the ocean. Events occurring on foreign and exotic shores were

suddenly brought closer to home.

As a result, local men and women started to get involved with the war

effort. Stores in Newport and Costa Mesa began collecting silk and rayon

hosiery to be turned into parachutes and other items. Residents were also

encouraged to buy war stamps or bonds.

Tourism suffered, although the ritzy Hollywood crowd continued to visit

Newport Beach. Industry also ran into difficulty finding employees. As a

result, more and more local women started to join the work force.

The shipyards that received contracts for small military crafts, rescue

boats, mine sweepers and patrol boats were part of one of the area’s few

booming industries.

There was also a steady stream of optimistic news about the Newport Beach

and Costa Mesa communities pulling together in the face of the common

fear of losing their way of life. Businesses and residents alike were

constantly encouraged to buy bonds to support the war effort.

By the end of the war the tide had turned and the focus became recovery.

The social pages of newspapers were filled with a steady stream of news

on returning soldiers and double, even triple weddings.

By the end of the 1940s the poor economic state of Newport and Costa Mesa

began to appear more optimistic.

These events shaped the 1940s in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa:

1940 -- Newport Beach residents vote on whether to change their name to

Balboa. They choose to keep the former, voting 1,014 to 581.

1942 -- The Civilian Defense Organization begins to prepare for air raids

in case Southern California is bombed. They move their headquarters to

the American Legion Hall.

1945 -- World War II ends. While there is some optimism, the news is

filled with stories about local boys who have died. The following

appeared in the Costa Mesa Herald: “It’s the end of hostilities but Mrs.

Marin E. Gray’s and 2-year-old daughter’s husband and father was killed

in action on March 9 while serving as a tail-gunner on a B-25 in the

Pacific Theater.”

1947 -- After a debate spanning a number of years, Costa Mesa is

incorporated.

1947 -- Orange Coast Junior College is formed by the Huntington Beach and

Newport Harbor High School Districts.

1948 -- The Federal Bureau denies a theater for Costa Mesa, city of

15,000, though Santa Ana has four, Newport Beach has two, Laguna Beach

has two and Huntington Beach has one. A huge debate ensues.

1948 -- Some local youths are accused of using benzedrine inhalants by

two state pharmaceutical inspectors. Community members and school

authorities are infuriated by the allegations that their youngsters might

be using drugs.

1948 -- Uranium, the key element in manufacturing atomic bombs, is

discovered on the property of Wesley R. Collins of Costa Mesa while he

excavated for a pool.

1949 -- The new Newport City Hall near Lido Village is dedicated with

Gov. Earl Warren presiding. The new city charter is also dedicated.

1949 -- Business finally starts to pick up after the war. Colbert Motor

Co. and Newport Harbor Motor open new $100,000 plants on Coast Highway.

This area becomes known as “Auto Row.”