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Continuation of the Library proposal from folder 1. Includes local maps, local attractions, and general site information. 49pgs. [Report], n.d.
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Continuation of the Library proposal from folder 1. Includes local maps, local attractions, and general site information. 49pgs. [Report], n.d.
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Richard Nixon Presidential Library
White House Special Files Collection
Folder List
Box Number Folder Number Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
14
2
n.d.
Report
Continuation of the Library proposal from
folder 1. Includes local maps, local
attractions, and general site information.
49pgs.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Page 1 of 1
LEGEND
FREEWAY ACCESSIBILITY
A
PROPOSED LIBRARY SITES
10
B
CAL STATE COLLEGE, FULLERTON
60
57
ORANGE FREEWAY
605
57
91
RIVERSIDE FREEWAY
PROPOSED
55
NEWPORT FREEWAY
RICHARD NIXON
A
5
YORBA LINDA
B
FREEWAY
22
GARDEN GROVE FREEWAY
91
60
POMONA FREEWAY
91
5
SANTA ANA FREEWAY
55
405
5
SAN CLEMENTE-
405
SAN DIEGO FREEWAY
WESTERN WHITE
HOUSE, 36 MILES
22
605
SAN GABRIEL FREEWAY
SAN BERNARDINO FREEWAY
PROPOSED
405
10
COASTAL FREEWAY
1
18
IV. FREEWAY ACCESSIBILITY
A- The proposed library sites are shown in orange; the
Fullerton site is the southerly one, the Brea site the more
northerly. A great advantage of either of these sites is
that they border on one freeway and are within a mile of
another freeway (see below):
B- California State College, Fullerton is also along the
freeway (#57) which goes past the proposed library sites.
Cal. State Fullerton is two miles south of the entrance into
the proposed Fullerton site, and three miles south of the
entrance into the proposed Brea library site.
57- State #57 (Orange Freeway)
1. The western boundary of both proposed library sites is
freeway #57. It is now open from State #91 on the south
to the northern border of the proposed Fullerton site,
the east-west Imperial Highway. By the spring of 1972
#57 will be open to State #60, that is, past the Brea
site. When the link is made with #60, #57 will provide
ready access to the proposed sites for travelers coming
from all directions. Those coming from the south, San
Diego and San Clemente (only 36 freeway miles away), can
reach #57 via Interstate #5, and State freeways #55 and
#91. Persons arriving from Los Angeles and points west
can reach #57 via Interstate #5 and State #91.
Completion of #57 to Interstate #10 will assure access
19
to drivers coming from the north and east, that is,
Riverside, San Bernardino, and states east of
California.
2. State #57 soon will connect with Interstate #5 on the
south. This will be quite significant, as it will mean
the proposed sites will be less than ten freeway miles
due north of the most important superhighway on the West
Coast. Eventually #57 will hit the Pacific Ocean near
Newport Beach and Balboa. Thus, it will connect with
State #22, Interstate #405, and the proposed Coastal
Freeway.
3. State #57 will run north into Los Angeles County,
intersecting with State #60, Interstate #10, and meeting
the most northerly east-west superhighway, Interstate
#210 (the Foothill Freeway - not shown).
4. Therefore #57 will be the most important north-south
Orange County freeway. It will pass through the most
populous areas of Orange County, and provide easy
connection with the freeways in Orange, Los Angeles,
Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties.
91- State #91 (Riverside-Artesia Freeway)
1. The southern part of State #57 presently leads into
State #91. The latter is now complete on the west to
west of Interstate #605. This provides direct freeway
access from Mrs. Nixon's childhood home (see V) in the
20
Artesia-Cerritos area to the proposed library sites.
State #91 is scheduled to go westward to the Pacific
Ocean. This extension would link #91 with all freeways
in southwestern and south-central Los Angeles County.
It would include meeting Interstate #405 three miles
from the ocean.
2. State #91 extends eastward from the intersection with
#57 to the cities of Riverside and San Bernardino, about
40 miles away. These are the only large cities in
California east of Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
55- State #55 (Newport Freeway)
1. This recently widened freeway extends northward to State
#91. It ends near the Pacific Ocean on the south in the
Newport Beach and Balboa area. Until #57 is opened
further north, #55 is the most important freeway in
Orange County that runs in a generally north-south line.
22- State #22 (Garden Grove Freeway)
1. State #22 starts at State #55 on the east, and runs east-
west into Los Angeles County. It intersects Interstate
#5 and goes into Interstate #405. Eventually State #22
will reach the shore area near the cities of Long Beach
and Seal Beach.
60- State #60 (Pomona Freeway)
1. As previously mentioned, State #57 will extend north
into Los Angeles County past State #60. State #60 will
21
soon reach the city of Pomona, the largest city in
eastern Los Angeles County. Going westward, #60 leads
directly into the center of the city of Los Angeles.
5- Interstate #5 (Santa Ana Freeway)
1. The most important freeway in Orange County, Interstate
#5, runs on a northwest-southeast diagonal through the
center of the county. Interstate #5 is now 14 freeway
miles (or 10 freeway and surface road miles) from the
proposed Fullerton library site. By the spring of 1972
the Brea site will be 15 freeway miles to Interstate #5
(or 11 freeway and surface road miles). As noted above,
State #57 will connect with Interstate #5; this will cut
to 9 freeway miles the distance from the proposed
Fullerton site to Interstate #5, and 10 freeway miles to
the Brea site.
2. Interstate #5 leads directly into the center of the city
of Los Angeles, 29 freeway miles northwest of the
proposed Fullerton library site, and 30 miles from the
Brea location. Interstate #5 goes north from Los Angeles,
passing the Hollywood-Burbank Airport (see II). When
fully completed Interstate #5 will bisect the center
of the state, running near Bakersfield, skirting the
San Francisco Bay region, and going into the capital
at Sacramento. From there it will lead to Portland
(Oregon), Seattle (Washington), and to Vancouver (British
22
Columbia).
3. Interstate #5 goes southeast to San Diego (about 95
miles from the proposed sites), and from there to the
Mexican border. Thus, this freeway passes El Toro
Marine Corps Air Station (see II), San Juan Capistrano,
and the Western White House at San Clemente.
4. Therefore, the proposed library sites of Brea and
Fullerton will have access to the most important freeway on
the West Coast, Interstate #5.
405- Interstate #405 (San Diego Freeway)
1. This freeway runs nearer the ocean than does Interstate
#5, but Interstate #405 intersects Interstate #5 at both
its northern and southern termini. In the north this
occurs just north of the Hollywood-Burbank Airport; in
the south the freeways converge just south of El Toro
Marine Corps Air Station. Although longer in this
section than Interstate #5, the extra-laned #405 is
heavily used as it intercepts all the north-south
freeways in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
605- Interstate #605 (San Gabriel Freeway)
1. Interstate #605 extends from the Pacific Ocean and the
Long Beach area on the south to State #60 and Interstate
#10 on the north. Thus it connects the Artesia-Cerritos
area of Mrs. Nixon in southern Los Angeles County with
the Whittier of Mr. Nixon further north in the county.
23
Interstate #605, running north-south, roughly parallels
part of the Orange-Los Angeles Counties border. This
freeway intersects almost all the Orange County freeways:
#22 and Interstate #405, #91, Interstate #5, and then
northward to #60 and Interstate #10.
10- Interstate #10 (San Bernardino Freeway)
1. Interstate #10 extends from the Pacific Ocean to Phoenix
(Arizona), and across the country to Jacksonville
(Florida). It skirts the heart of the city of Los
Angeles, as well as Pomona, Riverside, and San Bernar-
dino. State #57 is scheduled to intersect Interstate
#10. Thus, both proposed library sites will have direct
freeway access to Interstate #10, the most important
east-west freeway in southern California.
210- Interstate #210 (Foothill Freeway - not shown)
1. Interstate #210, now being built, is not shown on the
map. It will run in an east-west direction about five
miles north of Interstate #10. Interstate #210 will
link the city of San Bernardino with the Pacific Coast
(north of Los Angeles in Ventura County). State #57
will connect with Interstate #210, which is scheduled to
be the most northerly superhighway in southern-central
Los Angeles County.
Coastal Freeway (proposed)
1. Going from the northern to the southern part of Orange
24
County, a superhighway is planned along or near the
Pacific Ocean. This Coastal Freeway would link San
Clemente at the southern end of Orange County with
Interstate #605, just north of the northern border of
the county. Of course, State #57 would connect with the
Coastal Freeway.
Yorba Linda Freeway (see arrow)
1. The short Yorba Linda Freeway connects State #91 with
both Yorba Linda Boulevard and Imperial Highway (see V).
There are no current plans for extending this.
Richard Nixon Memorial Freeway (proposed)
1. This freeway, now in the planning stage, is to parallel
and run slightly north of Imperial Highway (see v). The
east-west presidential superhighway will provide freeway
access from both proposed library sites to Mr. Nixon's
birthplace in Yorba Linda (see v).
2. The Nixon Freeway will continue eastward connecting with
State #60 west of Pomona, at the site of the Ontario
International Airport (see II). On the west the Nixon
Freeway will intersect Interstates #605 and #5.
3. The presidential freeway ultimately will lead directly
into the Los Angeles International Airport on the
Pacific. Thus, it will connect the two major inter-
national airports now in existence in the area, Los
Angeles and Ontario. The Nixon Freeway, therefore, will
25
be one of the most important superhighways in southern
California, as its original name, "The East-West
Freeway," implies.
4. Appropriately, the Nixon Memorial Freeway will be less
than a mile north of the proposed Fullerton library
site, and would be less than t of a mile south of the
Brea site. Therefore, both sites would have State #57
as their eastern border (providing north-south access),
and the Nixon Freeway very near them (providing east-
west access).
Summary: Very Accessible Sites
1. The proposed library sites are not only centrally located
in regard to southern California's geography and popula-
tion, but they are also very accessible, Both sites
have excellent freeway access, being near the most
important north-south interstate freeway on the West
Coast, #5, and the most important east-west interstate
superhighway in southern California, #10. The potential
library sites are extremely close to the Nixon Memorial
Freeway, which should prove to be among the most
important superhighways in southern California. The
freeway which will be the most heavily traveled north-
south superhighway in Orange County, #57, will border
both proposed sites. Therefore, the sites can be reached
easily and quickly from any point in southern Los Angeles
26
or northern Orange Counties, or indeed, from all of
southern California. And there is good freeway access
from northern California or other states. Beyond the
freeways, these sites are surrounded by fast surface
roads (see v) .
NIXON COUNTRY
LEGEND
10
A. PROPOSED LIBRARY SITES
B. CALIFORNIA STATE COLLEGE,
60
WHITTIER
FULLERTON
605
F
57
C
YORBA LINDA - NIXON BIRTHPLACE
PROPOSED
YORBA LINDA
IMPERIAL
RICHARD NIXON
A
C
SITE- QUAKER MEETING HOUSE
5
B
YORBA LINDA
FREEWAY
D
FULLERTON UNION HIGH SCHOOL
YORBA LINES
E
D
BLVE.
91
FULLERCO
(MR.NIXON); FULLERTON JUNIOR
ARTESIA
CERRITOS
91
COLLEGE, (MRS. NIXON)
405
55
E
ARTESIA - PAT NIXON PARK
5
SAN CLEMENTE-
WESTERN WHITE
(MRS. NIXON'S HOMESITE)
HOUSE, 36 MILES
22
F
WHITTIER
PROPOSED
405
COASTAL FREEWAY
27
V. NIXON COUNTRY
A- Shown on the map in orange are the proposed library sites in
Fullerton and Brea.
B- Colored in grey and green on the map is California State College,
Fullerton.
C- Yorba Linda
1. The proposed library sites are less than five miles from the
city of Yorba Linda, where the President was born and lived
his first nine years. The Fullerton site has particularly
good access because the two nearest State #57 freeway
exit/entrances, Yorba Linda Boulevard on the south and
Imperial Highway on the north, both lead to the presidential
birthplace (see the streets in black on the poster board).
Imperial Highway has just been widened, and it is now a fast
four lane highway. Similar improvements are now taking place
on Yorba Linda Boulevard. The Brea library site is less than
a mile north of Imperial Highway, via State #57.
2. Led by Yorba Linda residents and the President's sister-in-law
(Mrs. Donald Nixon), a Richard Nixon Birthplace Foundation
has been established. The Foundation is working with the
federal government and the state of California to purchase
the birthplace and the birthsite. Thus, the original home
will be preserved. The most modest proposal calls for
acquiring nine acres around the home; this would be roughly
the same land area as Mr. Nixon's father's lemon orchard.
28
In the old family home the original furniture and heirlooms
will be on display. Over one hundred items already have been
collected. The old Quaker Meeting House of Yorba Linda, where
the Nixon family worshipped, will be moved onto the nine
acre area. This site should become a significant tourist
attraction, and proximity to the Nixon library, either in
Fullerton or Brea, would be logical. Both these proposed
library sites overlook Yorba Linda.
D- Fullerton Union High School and Fullerton Junior College
1. The proposed library sites are less than five miles on
freeway and four lane surface roads from Fullerton Union
High School and Fullerton Junior College. The contiguous
schools, due west of California State College, Fullerton,
have associations with Mr. and Mrs. Nixon. The President
attended the high school, while the First Lady went to the
junior college.
E- Artesia-Cerritos
1. The proposed library sites are less than 17 freeway miles
from the area where Mrs. Nixon grew up and attended public
school. Her old family home and adjacent water tower still
stand, and are now being refurbished. The area around the
homesite is being turned into a park for children, the Pat
Nixon Park, which the First Lady has already dedicated. The
Pat Nixon Park is very close to an entrance to State #91, the
freeway which leads directly into State #57, the freeway which
29
borders on the proposed sites.
F- Whittier
1. The city of Whittier is 14 surface miles from the proposed
library sites. Here Mr. Nixon spent the latter part of his
boyhood, and attended school and college. In this area is the
site of the Nixon family grocery store, as well as the still-
standing home of his maternal grandparents.
San Clemente - the Western White House (not shown)
1. San Clemente and the Western White House are 36 freeway miles
southeast of the proposed library sites.
Summary: In the Heart of Nixon Country
1. The proposed library sites in Fullerton and Brea are in the
heart of Nixon Country. Easily accessible from these
proposed sites via freeways and wide fast surface roads are
the places in Orange and Los Angeles Counties most closely
associated with Mr. Nixon, as well as Mrs. Nixon. It would
seem suitable to have the Nixon library in the center of
Nixon Country.
I
ORINGE COUNTY ATTRACTIONS
10
LEGEND
60
WHITTIER
G. JAPANESE DEER PARK
605
F
57
PROPOSED
VORBA LINDA
RICHARD NIXON
A
H. KNOTTS BERRY FARM
IMPERIAL HIGHWAY
C
5
YORBA LINDA
B
FREE WAY
I DISNEYLAND
YORKE
FULLERTON
D
BAL
91
E
J. ANAHEIM CONVENTION
ARTESIA
91
CERRITOS
1:)
55
CENTER
405
I
5
K
SAN CLEMENTE-
WESTERN WHITE
K ANAHEIM STADIUM
HOUSE, 36 MILES
22
A PROPOSED LIBRARY SITES
PROPOSED
405
IRMINE
SAN
PODI
B CAL STATE COLLEGE, FULLERTON
COASTAL FREEWAY
a
30
VI. ORANGE COUNTY ATTRACTIONS
A- The proposed library sites in Fullerton and Brea.
B- California State College, Fullerton.
Orange County and Surrounding Area
1. Orange County is the fastest growing county in the fastest
growing state in the nation. The county population exceeds
1,400,000, and it has more than doubled in the last decade.
Orange County is the second most populous county in the state,
lying between the largest (Los Angeles) and the third ranking
one (San Diego); nationally, it is the fourteenth most popu-
lous county. Orange County encompasses an area of 782 square
miles (500,000 acres), and includes 25 incorporated cities
and 42 miles of coastline. Despite the population explosion
available lands for residential, commercial, and recreational
use point to continued future growth.
2. Orange County is the center of the five counties of southern
California. This five county area attracts over 8,000,000
visitors yearly to the varied places southern California has
to offer. Among the attractions in the four counties surround-
ing Orange County are:
Los Angeles Music Center
Farmer's Market
Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood, plus the movie and television studios
Dodger Stadium and Memorial Coliseum
31
Mount Wilson Observatory and Skyline Park
Rose Bowl
Los Angeles County Art Museum
Hollywood Park, Santa Anita, Del Mar, and Los Alamitos race
tracks
Griffith Park, Observatory, and Planetarium
Cleveland, Angeles, and San Bernardino National Forests
Joshua Tree National Monument
Huntington Library and Art Gallery
Idyllwild - winter sports and summer cultural programs
San Bernardino Rim of the World Drive
Riverside Inn - where the Nixons were married
Lake Elsinore State Recreation Area
Colorado and Mojave Deserts
Palm to Pines Scenic Highway
Pomona - Arabian Horse Shows
Big Bear Mountain and Lake Arrowhead - summer and winter
sports
Ontario Motor Speedway and Riverside International Raceway
Palm Springs: canyons and resort facilities
Mount San Jacinto Aerial Tramway
Salton Sea
Mount Palomar Observatory
San Diego Zoo, Gardens, and Balboa Park
Oldtown San Diego
32
Old Globe Theatre - Shakespearean plays
Sea World
Queen Mary Museum and Convention Center
Marineland of the Pacific
Ocean beaches - visited by 20,000,000 people a year
Santa Catalina Island
3. Yet Orange County is the focal point for the vast majority
of these 8,000,000 visitors, plus many people from the
surrounding counties. Orange County is widely known for
its temperate climate, geographical attractions, and the
scope of its educational, cultural, and recreational facili-
ties. A few of the unique offerings of Orange County are
shown on the poster board:
G- Japanese Deer Park
1. The Japanese Village and Deer Park is similar to the deer
park in Nara, Japan. Many species of deer may be hand fed.
Other animals include bears, monkeys, doves, white peacocks,
seals, dolphins, and the rare golden carp and black swan from
Japan. Tea is served in the popular tea house in the garden,
and a karate exhibit can be seen. The Japanese Deer Park is
15 freeway miles from the proposed sites.
H- Knott's Berry Farm
1. This important fifty-year-old tourist attraction has amuse-
ments, rides, a ghost town, Mexican fiesta village, Indian
village, wagon camp, cable cars, saloon, narrow gauge rail-
33
road, Bird Cage Theatre, gold mine, and a farm. Also
emphasized are a Western and Indian heritage museum and
patriotic symbols of America's past; for instance, a full-
scale replica of Philadelphia's Independence Hall. The berry
farm is 15 freeway miles from the proposed sites.
2. Also nearby are: The California Alligator Camp which features
over 3,000 live alligators, crocodiles, and snakes; Movieland
Wax Museum which recreates famous movie and television scenes
and personalities; and the Palace of Living Art showing
replicas of famous works of art.
I- Disneyland
1. Probably the most costly tourist attraction ever built,
Disneyland is a conglomeration of things designed to please
people of all ages. Last year the world mecca drew 9,302,020
people! Still growing, Disneyland includes the following
areas: Main Street USA, New Orleans Square, Adventureland,
Fantasyland, Frontierland, Tomorrowland. It also features
over fifty interesting rides and many eating places, plus
unusual transportation facilities. Disneyland is 11 miles
from the proposed sites on a combination of surface roads
and freeways, Now it can be reached from the sites by going
16 miles on freeways; this will be cut to 10 miles when State
#57 is completed down to Interstate #5.
J- Anaheim Convention Center and Sports Arena
1. Near Disneyland, the convention center is unique in the
34
county, and draws many people to its large exhibit hall and
stage. Like Disneyland, the Anaheim Convention Center will
be 10 miles from the proposed library sites with the southern
addition to State #57.
K- Anaheim Stadium
1. Opened in 1967, and also near Disneyland, the stadium accomo-
dates about 50,000 people. It is the home of the American
League California Angels baseball club, and is also used for
other entertainment. The stadium is now 10 miles from the
proposed sites by freeway and surface roads; however, State
#57 will go next to the stadium, so the distance will be cut
to 9 freeway miles shortly.
Irvine (see arrow)
1. The famous Irvine complex has over 83,000 acres where about
one million people will live. It is the site of the largest
privately-financed master planned development in the world.
It includes industrial areas, Newport Center shopping area,
Irvine Park, Irvine Lake, and the just-opened 500 acre Lion
Country Safari (where African animals and birds can be seen
from one's car). The Irvine area is about 20-25 miles from
the proposed library sites.
San Juan Capistrano (see arrow)
1. The most famous of the California missions, Mission San Juan
Capistrano is a prime tourist attraction. It is noted
for its swallows and Spanish folklore, which help take visitors
35
into another era. Within the walls are statues, ancient
vestments, and the remains of the mission library. The
mission is 30 miles from the proposed library sites on
freeways.
San Clemente (see arrow)
1. The Western White House is about 36 freeway miles away from
the proposed library sites on freeways.
2. Also along the Pacific, although not included on the poster
board, are the oceanside resort cities of Orange County which
draw so many southern Californians and visitors. For example,
Newport Beach is famous for its homes and boats, while Laguna
Beach has achieved reknown as an art colony and cultural
center.
Summary: Orange County and its Unique Attractions
1. In many ways the tourist centers of Orange County are unique.
They are drawing cards for most of the 8,000,000 yearly
visitors to southern California. Moreover, the attractions
of the county allure residents of the four surrounding count-
ies. If a purpose of a presidential library and museum is
to diffuse a knowledge of American history and culture, the
Fullerton and Brea sites, in the center of southern Calif-
ornia's entertainment area, should be given serious consider-
ation.
LEGEND
DISENERAL
7
PROPOSED LIBRARY SITES
6
2
1-B BREA
BREA
CANYON
1-F FULLERTON
1-B
6
2 ORANGE FREEWAY
0
6
3 RICHARD M NIXON FREEWAY (PROPOSED)
HOUSING
4 CALIFORNIA STATE COLLEGE
6
6
3
FULLERTON
3
BIRCH
5 REGIONAL PARKS
10
READ
USTRY
K5
STATE
6 GREEN AREAS
UNION
OIL
RESEARCH
7 FIRESTONE BOY SCOUT CAMP
5
1F
8
YORBA
8 GOLF COURSE
LINDA
9 LAKE PLACENTIA
2
9
RD.
STANC
10 PLANNED REGIONAL SHOPPING & FINANCIAL CENTER
4
36
VII. GENERAL SITE AREA
1-B Proposed Library Site - in Brea
The proposed presidential library site in Brea is shown in
orange, identified by the notation "1-B". Located upon
approximately 1,500 acres, the site has a general elevation
of 675-825 feet above sea level. The land is visible from
a wide area and commands a breath-taking view of northern
Orange County, including Yorba Linda and the hills to the
east. The Brea site affords excellent access to freeways,
Nixon Country, southern California tourist attractions, as
well as a setting in the midst of recreational facilities.
1-F Proposed Library Site - in Fullerton
Also in orange is the proposed Fullerton presidential
library site. It is "1-F" on the poster board. Occupying
about 170 acres, the land reaches a height of 340 feet above
sea level. Yorba Linda, California State College, Fullerton
and the hills to the east can be seen from this area. The
Fullerton site is in the center of recreation grounds and
has a choice location close to freeways, Nixon Country, and
entertainment establishments.
2- Orange Freeway (State #57)
The Orange Freeway (State #57) is an important north-south
arterial designed to connect the mountains and the ocean.
The freeway borders both proposed sites as well as California
State College, Fullerton. Crossing many other major
37
superhighways, #57 provides easy accessibility to all of
southern California.
3- Richard M. Nixon Freeway (proposed)
A second freeway will serve both library sites. Named for
President Nixon, it is currently under study by the
California Division of Highways and the state legislature.
This superhighway will be one of the most important east-
west transportation links in southern California. The
proposed Nixon freeway and State #57 will intersect
approximately halfway between the two proposed library sites.
4- California State College, Fullerton
California State College, Fullerton is located two miles
south of the Fullerton proposed library site, and three
miles south of the Brea site.
5- Regional Parks
In accordance with the Orange County Master Plan of Regional
Parks, three major recreational facilities will be located in
the area shown on the poster board. Going from south to
north, the first regional park is being built behind the
Fullerton Dam. This multi-purpose area of approximately 122
acres has two parts: the southerly one will be a park in the
flood control land owned by the federal government; plans call
for the northerly section to be maintained by the county. The
second regional park will be located behind Carbon Canyon Flood
Control Dam. Shown on the eastern edge of the poster board,
38
it will have 149 acres. East of the proposed Brea library
site a large Olinda area regional park is being planned; it
may include an airport. All these regional parks will
provide many facilities for day camping, walking, hiking,
riding, observing nature, picnicking, games and sports.
There are still other city or semi-private parks in the
area. North of Imperial Highway across from the proposed
Fullerton library site is the city of Brea's 5 acre Green-
briar Park. It has general recreation facilities, especially
those for children, as well as picnicking and barbecue facil-
ities. East of the Brea library site, where Valencia
Avenue and Lambert Road meet, the Union Oil Company has
created the A.C. Rubel Park. Groups reserve the approxi-
mately 12 acres for sports such as baseball and horseshoes;
other games may be played in a shaded grassy area. A special
playground is available to children. Like other accomodations,
it has lights for night use. The park, which is not restricted
to Union employees, has a covered area seating 200-300, and
barbecue facilities for 1,000. Another park, owned by Mobil
011 Company, is located north and east of the Brea library
site. These 10 acres may be used by employees and their friends.
Facilities are provided by baseball, horseshoes, dancing, and a
children's playground.
6- Green Areas
Ample open green areas exist to beautify the general region of
39
the two proposed library sites. These areas are presently
undeveloped.
1- Firestone Boy Scout Camp
The 3,400 arre Firestone Boy Scout Camp may be reached from
Tonner Canyon Road, off Brea Boulevard. Located between the
city of Brea and the Los Angeles County line, the camp is
mainly used by Boy Scouts and youth groups. There are trails
for hiking, a swimming pool, and many other sports facilities.
The camp provides dining and sleeping accomodations as well as
a number of stores.
8- Golf Course
On the eastern boundary of the Fullerton library site is a new
18 hole public golf course of some 160 acres. It adds a
pleasant landscaped acreage and a fine recreational facility
to the area.
I Lake Placentia
Bordering on the golf course and near the Fullerton library
site is a small lake of a few acres. It is surrounded by a
recreational area, totaling 38 acres.
10- Planned Regional Shopping and Financial Center
A regional shopping and financial center is planned for the
western side of State #57 north of Imperial Highway. The
center will hold a 1,500,000 square foot commercial area
including financial businesses. Major retail stores of high
quality also will be featured. Part of the area is intended
40
as a 40 acre government complex for the city of Brea, school
administrative offices, a county library, and Chamber of
Commerce headquarters.
LIBRARY SITE GEOGRAPHY
LEGEND
3
4
1
PROPOSED LIBRARY SITE-
3
IN FULLERTON.
10
2 ORANGE FREEWAY#57
3 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY
4 NEW HOUSING DEVELOP-
5
MENT (AVERAGE VALUE
I
$40,000).
ROLLING
HILLS DR.
(PROPOSED)
5 GOLF COURSE
2
6
6 LAKE PLACENTIA AND
RECREATION AREA.
ELVD.
ASSOCIATED RD.
7
7 EXISTING HOMES (AVERAGE
9
7
VALUE $40,000).
8
CALIFORNIA STATE COL-
STATE
PLACENTIA AVE.,
LEGE, FULLERTON. 2
BASTANCHURY RD,
MILES FROM IMPERIAL BLVD.
,
FULLERTON DAM AND
7
RECREATION AREA.
7
7
CALIFORNIA
STATE COLLEGE,
10
ORANGE COUNTY REGION-
FULLERTON
AL PARK.
s
LINDA
41
VIII. LIBRARY SITE GEOGRAPHY: FULLERTON
1- Proposed Library Site - in Fullerton
The area in orange is the land in Fullerton advanced as the site
for the Nixon library. Actually, three cities converge in the
general area (Fullerton, Brea, and Placentia), but the site is
largely in Fullerton. It encompasses 170 acres of rolling hills.
surrounded by recreational facilities plus freeways and roads
affording excellent access. The site is owned by a number of
individuals and/or companies, but each has evidenced a willing-
ness to sell his parcel or perhaps make a gift of it.
2- State #57 (Orange Freeway)
State freeway #57 borders the proposed library site on the west.
The freeway is now open to Imperial Highway (number 3), which
would be an entrance/exit onto the proposed site. Of the two
State #57 exits south of Imperial Highway, the northerly one
allows travelers to get off at Yorba Linda Boulevard to go to the
Nixon homesite, while the more southerly one, Nutwood Avenue,
places drivers at the entrance to California State College, Full-
erton. As noted earlier, #57 will go north into Los Angeles
County, linking with three more freeways, and south to the Pacific,
intersecting as many as five additional superhighways. Less
than one mile north of the Fullerton site the proposed Nixon
freeway will intersect State #57. This linkage should provide
superb access to the library site from almost any place in
southern California.
42
2- Imperial Highway
Imperial Highway is a four lane highway which provides direct
access from State #57 to the proposed library site. On the east
it leads to the Nixon Yorba Linda homesite, and on the west goes
toward Whittier.
4- New Housing Development
On the other (north) side of Imperial Highway from the proposed
site, a new housing development is being built. The homes
average $40,000 in value.
5- Golf Course
On the eastern border of the proposed site is a new 18 hole golf
course and clubhouse. On some 160 acres, the public course is
named "Imperial", and is run by a concern with another golf course
nearby. From the height of the library site one can see the golf
course and Yorba Linda.
6- Lake Placentia and Recreation Area
Also to the east of the proposed site is another recreation area,
Lake Placentia. Now privately owned, the lake and its surround-
ing recreational area will probably become the property of the
city of Placentia. The lake is a few acres, and the whole site
comprises 38 acres. Individuals and groups may schedule to use
the property, for water sports as well as picnics and games.
1- Existing Homes
To the south of the proposed library site are existing homes. They
average about $40,000 in value.
43
8- California State College, Fullerton
The College is to the south of the proposed library site, on the
other (western) side of State #57. The northern boundary of the
College is Yorba Linda Boulevard. It is just over two miles from
the southern rim of the campus (where the buildings and parking
are now concentrated) along #57 to the Imperial Highway exit.
2- Fullerton Dam and Recreation Area
A United States flood control dam is located to the west of the
proposed library site on the other (western) side of State #57.
The only water in it (unless there is a flood emergency) will be
a few acres on the northern part of the dam. The rest of the
area, which is about 92 acres altogether, will be landscaped and
used for picnicking and recreation. This includes land for day
camping, riding, hiking, walking, games, sports, and an open turf
grass meadow.
10- Orange County Regional Park
Just north of the dam will be a 30 acre regional park in Fullerton
which will be used for picnicking, sports, and general recreation.
Day camping and a nature trail are features of the park, which is
now beyond the planning stage. In addition, on the north side of
Imperial Highway across from the Orange County Regional Park is the
city of Brea's 5 acre Greenbriar Park.
LIBRARY SITE DEVELOPMENT
LEGEND
3
I
PRESIDENTIAL OF-
2
FICES, AUDITORIUM,
SEMINAR ROOMS,
ARCHIVES, AND
RESEARCH ROOMS
2
NIXON MUSEUM
3
PARKING AREA
4
PICNIC GROUNDS
44
IX. LIBRARY SITE DEVELOPMENT: FULLERTON
*
Note: the items on this poster board are not necessarily drawn
to scale, and are just an example of an arrangement of the Nixon
library buildings and grounds.
1- Presidential Offices, Auditorium, Seminar Rooms, Archives, and
Research Rooms
One building could house all the non-public functions of the,
presidential library. This would allow a greater degree of
privacy and quiet for the President, his staff, archives offi-
cials, special guests, and scholars. The building could be used
as a center not only for academic scholarship, but also as a
place to educate the public and opinion-making leaders on
significant issues.
2- Nixon Museum
In a separate building, but with easy access to the first building,
the Nixon museum could be placed. It would be open to the general
public. The museum imaginatively could display Nixon and Ryan
memorabilia as well as objects relating to the Nixon career and
presidency. Remembering the excellent family attractions of
Orange County, it is hoped that the museum would have a special
section for children.
3- Parking Area
Over 35 acres of the 170 acre site would be devoted to parking
and access facilities. There would be three entrances to the
Nixon library, two off Imperial. Highway (and therefore off State
45
#57) . The main entrance would be the middle one, for cars coming
from State #57. The entrance farthest to the east technically
would be off Placentia Avenue, where the golf course has a large
entrance to its grounds. This Placentia Avenue entrance could be
used by local vehicles, Yorba Linda homesite traffic, as well as
the overflow from State #57. The entrance farthest west, the
one off Associated Road, would accomodate local traffic, including
people using the recreational facilities west and north of the
library site.
4-
Picnic Grounds
On the site would be a place for picnicking, and also a helicopter
pad (not shown) for the quick flight to and from San Clemente. A
wooded area around the buildings could be developed to add beauty
and strolling space.
LEGEND
LIBRARY SITE GEOGRAPHY
1 LIBRARY SITE,
IN BREA
6
2 ORANGE FREEWAY
6
6
5
3 RICHARD M. NIXON
4
FREEWAY (PROPOSED)
1
4 PARKS
2
5 FIRESTONE BOY SCOUT
CAMPING AREA
6 OPEN AREAS
6
THE 3
46
X. LIBRARY SITE GEOGRAPHY: BREA
1- The area designated as "1" is the land in Brea put forth as the
site for the Nixon library. It encompasses approximately 1,500
acres of high rolling hills surrounded by recreational facilities
and freeways/roads affording estimable access. The site is
solely owned by the Union Oil Company of California. The
company is aware that the site is being considered for the Nixon
library, and appears willing to aid the Nixon Foundation.
2- State #57 (Orange Freeway)
State freeway #57 borders the proposed Brea library site on the
east. The freeway will be opened by the spring of 1972 to the
east-west superhighway north of the Brea library site, State #60.
State #57 has entrance-exit at Yorba Linda Boulevard and Imperial
Highway which will insure fast transit to the Yorba Linda birth-
place site. The entrance-exit south of Yorba Linda Boulevard,
Nutwood Avenue, enables cars to go directly to Cal. State Fuller-
ton. An entrance/exit of #57 just north of the Brea site, at
Brea Canyon Road, will link the open green areas east and west
of State #57 with the proposed site.
3 Richard M. Nixon Freeway (proposed)
A second freeway to serve the site, named for President Nixon,
is currently under study. The Nixon freeway will be one of the
most important east-west transportation links in southern Cali-
fornia. The proposed presidential superhighway and State #57
will intersect about one-quarter mile south of the Brea site.
47
This intersecting of the important Nixon and Orange freeways
gives the proposed site unequalled accessibility.
4- Parks
The area east of the proposed library site has many regional
and semi-private parks. They provide many facilities which
would not have to be duplicated on the grounds of a presidential
library. Shown on the poster board as "4" are the Rubel,
Olinda Regional, and the Mobil Oil parks.
5- Firestone Boy Scout Camping Area
Additional recreation is available in the 3,400 acre Firestone
Boy Scout Camp. It features a wide variety of facilities for
sports and games.
6- Open Areas
Open green areas surround much of the proposed Brea library site.
In their relatively undeveloped state they add a touch of the
rustic to the area.
LEGEND
LIBRARY SITE DEVELOPMENT
1 PRESIDENTIAL OFFICES,
AUDITORIUM. SEMINAR ROOMS,
ARCHIVES and RESEARCH ROOMS
1
2
2 NIXON MUSEUM
5
5
5
3 PARKING AREA
4 PICNIC GROUNDS
5
3
5 WOODED AREA
4
5
48
XI. LIBRARY SITE DEVELOPMENT: BREA
#
Note: the things on this poster board are not necessarily
drawn to scale; they are just an example of an arrangement
of the buildings and grounds for the Nixon library. The
area shown on this poster board is not the full 1,500 acres
of the Brea site, but rather a much smaller segment in the
southeast corner of the proposed site property.
1- Presidential Offices, Auditorium, Seminar Rooms, Archives,
and Research Rooms
In one building could be housed all the non-public functions of
the presidential library. This would allow for a greater
degree of privacy and quiet for the President, his staff,
archives officials, special guests, and scholars. The
building could provide a center for discussion and speeches
to inform the opinion-making leaders as well as the general
public.
3- Nixon Museum
In a separate building, but with easy access to the first
building, the Nixon museum could be placed. It would be
open to the general public. Conceivably, the museum could
display Nixon and Ryan memorabilia as well as objects
relating to Mr. Nixon's career and presidency. Considering
the excellent family attractions of Orange County, it is hoped
that the museum would have a special section for children.
49
3- Parking Area
Over 35 acres of the 1,500 acre site would be devoted to
parking and access facilities. There would be three
entrances into the Nixon library: one off Lambert Road, a
second from Tonner Canyon Road, and the third via Valencia
Avenue. The main entrance would be from Lambert Road, for
visitors using State #57 and Yorba Linda homesite traffic.
The Tonner Canyon Road entrance could be used by local
vehicles as well as cars coming from the western and northern
recreation areas. Local traffic and people arriving from
nearby southern and eastern parks could take Valencia Avenue
to the Nixon library.
4
Picnic Grounds
On the site would be places for picnicking, plus a helicopter
pad (not shown) for the quick trip to and from San Clemente.
5- Wooded Area
A nicely wooded area completely surrounding the structural
portions of the site could be developed to add warmth and a
quiet peacefulness.
50
XII. THE CITY OF FULLERTON
Fullerton is the 29th largest city of some 400 cities in California,
with a preliminary 1970 federal census of 84,974. It is the fifth in
size in California's second largest and fastest growing county. Incor-
porated in 1904, it is the fourth oldest city in Orange County. The
area of the city is 22 square miles. Fullerton is within 20-60 minutes
of beaches, mountains, deserts, and metropolitan Los Angeles, as it is
in the center of southern California.
Fullerton not only has a large growing population, but also an
advanced educational level, a large percentage of upper income families,
and established higher educational facilities. The marketing research
department of the Los Angeles Times estimated the Fullerton median
income to be the highest in northern Orange County, almost $12,000.
The average age is 26 years and median level of schooling of the adult
population 12.4 years. Fullerton is the site of California's oldest
junior college, Fullerton Junior College, and one of the largest of
the state colleges, California State College, Fullerton. There are 4
high schools and 21 elementary and junior high schools in the city.
Thus, Fullerton is a well educated, affluent community.
The city of Fullerton is the cultural center of northern Orange
County. The Northern Orange County Art Association and the Cultural
Groups Foundation of Northern Orange County are located in Fullerton;
the latter is responsible for the wide-ranging Muckenthaler Cultural
Center. The Center is housed in a lovely old 9 acre estate complete
51
with European gardens. Perhaps the most important aspect of the Center
are the two art galleries which last year had 7 notable exhibits. In
addition, the Center is the home of the Fullerton Footlighters, a local
community theatre group. The Center presents a great number of programs
yearly including workshop programs in sculpture, ceramics, creative
photography, oil painting, folk chorus, art appreciation, drama, and
children's workshop programs in creative dramatics and theatre. Many
other events also take place at the Center: opera recitals, art festi-
vals, outdoor band concerts, concerts, dance events, vintage and
contemporary film series, professional lecture-demonstrations, and
children's theatrical presentations. And the Muckenthaler Center is
beginning a three year expansion program of both instruction/rehearsal
and performance/exhibition facilities.
Besides the excellent cultural activities of California State College,
Fullerton and the Muckenthaler Center, the Fullerton area boasts of other
artistic activities. Within the primary service area some two dozen
community organizations are engaged in various cultural pursuits, which
result in more than 500 different events yearly. Fullerton Junior
College presents many cultural programs, being especially noted for
its musical and dramatic presentations. The city government has a
cultural orientation, as evidenced by its active Cultural and Fine Arts
Commission. The city library is outstanding, with many features other
than books. The Hunt Foods Library shows exhibits from the collection
of Norton Simon. Fullerton is a serious competitor to have the famous
Simon collection be permanently housed within its boundaries.
52
Fullerton is the second largest employer in Orange County with 250
industrial firms. Three major railways and as many major freeways
(Interstate #5, State #91 and #57 all traverse Fullerton), and a munici-
pal airport serve a strong commercial base. Industries include Hughes
Aircraft, Beckman Instruments, Aerojet-General, Hunt Foods, Kaynar
Manufacturing, and Kimberly Clark, among the larger.
In commercial activity, as represented by sales tax returns,
Fullerton ranks fifth among the county's ten largest cities and is
significantly higher than the average of all cities in Orange County.
The residential character is enhanced by the wide range of housing in
style, price and size. The bulk of all homes have been built since 1955;
over 10,000 homes have been added since 1960. Many building sites were
developed in the city's rolling hills, giving Fullerton a more rural
atmosphere.
Fullerton has established well-defined, efficient municipal services
in its 67 years of operations. In addition to the operation of its own
airport, served by a federally controlled air-traffic tower, the city
operates its own water supply and distribution system and a municipal
library service. A new $2,000,000 library facility is now in the
developmental stage. Fullerton's police department has an authorized
strength of 138 full-time employees, 117 of whom are sworn officers.
The fire service is manned by 108 personnel and shares with the city
the distinction of being one of only four cities in Orange County in a
Class 3 fire rating of the American Insurance Association.
The city has a comprehensive plan of development including a land
53
use element with a full-time planning staff of 23 to do advance planning,
administration, updating and enforcement of the zoning ordinance. Within
the incorporated limits there are 21 parks comprising approximately
400 acres. Notable among these is the Brea Dam Flood Control Basin,
on a 99-year lease from the federal government. This area comprises
250 acres and is the site of Fullerton's 9 hole, 3 par and 18 hole
regulation golf courses.
The stability of Fullerton's government, its location and strong
industrial base, the ability to keep abreast of the rapid growth of
northern Orange County, and a fine educational and cultural environment
have combined to make the city one of the outstanding examples of local
government at its best. Fullerton combines the advantages of a thriving
industrial city with those of a cultural and educational center.
54
XIII. THE CITY OF BREA
Brea, "the Balanced Community", is unique when compared to other
cities in southern California because it has grown slowly enough to
avoid the problems often confronting some of its neighboring communities.
The atmosphere of Brea is unusual. Many people move here because
it reminds them of a small city that they may have lived in at one
time. In Brea, one can walk down the street and expect to meet acquain-
tances. Despite its small-town qualities, Brea is near many features
that contribute to southern California's reputation as an ideal place
to live.
Brea derives its name from the Spanish word which means "tar" or
"asphalt". Settlers came to the Brea Canyon to cut chunks of the oil-
soaked earth for use as fuel in heating their homes. Oil has continued
to play an important role in the development of the city. Many of the
Brea oil-related industries of today relate to the turn of the century
oil fields.
Currently Brea has a population of 18,500 and an area of 10 square
miles. The city's central location in southern California, the
availability of land, and construction of State #57 are expected to
cause the population to double in the next five years. According to
Master Plan studies, the city of Brea eventually will reach a popula-
tion of 100,000 and will encompass an area of 40 to 50 square miles.
Brea also has the opportunity to develop a totally new City Center
north of Imperial Highway and west of State #57. This development
55
includes construction of a major regional shopping center, a financial
complex, and a sub-regional commercial area. The city will include the
future Civic Center development within this same new City Center area.
Brea ultimately will have the benefit of freeway access from four
different directions. In addition, the new City Center will have an
abundance of open space and recreational facilities because of the
Orange County Regional Park south of Imperial Highway. Included in
the City Center is an 18 hole, 6,400 yard public golf course that is
scheduled for opening in late 1970.
The people-oriented aspects of the community are now receiving an
even higher level of commitment and service than before. The Recreation
Commission has been reoriented to more fully act as a coordinating and
stimulating agent. For the first time, a high school student was ap-
pointed to serve on a City Commission. With the assistance of the
Recreation Commission, the City Council has developed a Master Plan for
park development which maintains a policy of aggressive park expansion
to serve current and future Brea citizens. Some of these park facilities
were detailed in describing the proposed library sites. In order to make
maximum use of public lands and funds, and through the cooperation of
the Brea-Olinda Unified School District, current park plans are based upon
joint usage by both the schools and the city wherever possible.
Last year witnessed a major expansion of leisure time activities
including the reestablishment of "Summer Concerts in the Park", development
of an active pre-school program, expansion of the successful plunge and
swimming program, the initiation of an annual Christmas Tree Lighting
56
Program, and the establishment of a "Tiny Tot" area in cooperation with
the Junior Woman's Club.
In response to citizen requests, a cable television company is now
located in Brea. A complete color television studio and remote T.V.
van also have been set up. By late 1970, a television program of local
origin will feature community events, and educational programs will be
underway and available to those who wish to subscribe to the cable
service. The cable television company also will make its services
available to local organizations.
Thus, Brea is a balanced community. It combines small-town
atmosphere with great growth potential. Blessed with imaginative
leadership, fine recreational facilities, and land for expansion, Brea
has a great future.
57
CONCLUSION
For many reasons the proposed library sites in Fullerton and
Brea appear to be the best places to establish the Nixon presidential
library. They are in Orange County which has the fastest growth rate
in the nation and is one of the most important entertainment capitals
in the world. When considering geography, population, or driving time,
Orange County is the nucleus of southern California. Northern Orange
County, the location of the proposed sites, is surrounded by super-
highways providing easy access from almost any place in the five county
southern California region, or indeed, from the entire West Coast.
The strengths of the Brea-Fullerton district add to the reasons
why they should be awarded the Nixon library. The cities are in an
area of population density which is also the exact center of population
for all of southern California. Recreational facilities abound and there
remain many acres of open spaces nearby. The two-city district is in the
heart of Nixon Country, being especially close to the Yorba Linda
birthplace, which along with the library will become an outstanding
tourist attraction associated with Richard Nixon. This hub locality
provides excellent air transportation and freeway accessibility, north-
south and east-west. Fullerton and Brea are in the midst of a large
number of southern California colleges, and very near an outstanding
institution of higher education.
California State College, Fullerton could reinforce a presidential
library by reason of the number and quality of its personnel and
58
facilities. The College offers a range and depth of fields of scholarly
endeavor which could enhance and fully utilize the Nixon library. Cal.
State Fullerton also can present an admirable library and unique oral
history program.
The proposed library sites themselves have sufficient acreage,
height, view, and nearby recreation for a superior setting. They are
near an important college, but could never be swallowed up by it.
The traffic flow and freeway access of the sites are superb.
Growth and stability, first-rate recreational acreage, and an
educated, affluent citizenry are attributes of the cities of Brea and
Fullerton. The cities offer an exceptional industrial-recreational-
educational-cultural mix. Because they ably meet the criteria
advanced, either the Fullerton or the Brea site should be chosen as
the location for the Richard Nixon presidential library.