JUDGING THE 70s -- Judge Gardner

I thought 1970 would never get here. I have struggled, not too

successfully, to think of something interesting that had happened in all

the other decades.

Unfortunately, history does not lend itself to handy little chunks. Take

me, for instance. The past 88 years are a blur. I can remember the first

time I saw my future wife. Everything else blurs.

But in 1970, something happened that should be of real interest to anyone

interested in the history of our town -- the publication by Jim Felton of

his magnificent “Newport Beach, 75.”

For those who do not know Jim, he is a rather small, quiet man whose

background is in journalism and business, not in history. But Jim had

this concept of a history written by those who actually took part in it.

Of course, I do not mean to imply that Ellen Lee is old enough to have

seen the creation of the original lagoon from which our town eventually

emerged. If she is, Judge Bill Lee, her husband, better get some new

glasses.

Ellen Lee is a recognized and accomplished historian. Her “Newport Bay, a

Pioneer History,” is a classic. So, too, is her opening chapter in Jim

Felton’s book, titled “The Sandpit Pioneers.”

This is followed by Bill Grundy’s “The Formative Years,” which is

instructive, readable and highly interesting.

Agnes Blomquist contributes “The Decisive Years,” and who could better

tell us about those years than Paul Palmer’s right-hand person.

I sneak in there with a chapter about the bad old days of the Balboa

political machine, then Margot Skilling gives us a good look at the group

who have unselfishly tried to make our town a better place in “The City

Watchdogs.”

Walter Burroughs comes in with a chapter about the various newspapers

which have contributed to our history, culminating with our present Daily

Pilot.

Jim Sleeper surveys the Irvines, who have had such an influence on the

town and its expansion. There is chapter titled “We Call It Paradise,”

written by Jean Watt, which is pure poetry -- and beautiful poetry, at

that.

Well, if any reader of this column has not acquired Felton’s book, run --

don’t walk -- to the closest bookstore and get it.

* JUDGE GARDNER is a Corona del Mar resident and former judge. His

regular column runs Tuesdays.