Countdown to 2000: 1920s At A Glance

Newport Beach

* Population: 894

* One hospital located at the corner of Balboa Boulevard and 9th Street;

included five private rooms, three treatment rooms, a delivery room,

operating room, kitchen and consultation offices. The wife of the town’s

doctor prepared the majority of the meals.

Costa Mesa

* Population: 475

* Water companies: 4

* Policeman: one constable

* Firemen: volunteer

* Schools: one

* Churches: two

* Apple orchards: 400

Balboa Island

1923: City installs water lines

1925: Streets paved; street lighting

1928:

* Concrete bridges to two islands constructed

* Emergency dredging; peninsula ocean homes eroding

SOURCES:

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

The Costa Mesa Historical Society

“The Picture History of Balboa Island 1906-1981: A Celebration of the

Diamond Jubilee,” Gail Vinje Smith and William A. Allen, 1981