CLIPBOARD : HOW TO : GUIDELINES FOR REGISTERING HISTORY

If Cicero was right in his observation that history illumines reality, county residents have a way to shed their own ideas of light, and the boundaries are far from constricting.

Among the more unusual landmarks included in the Orange County Historical Commission’s registry of 38 historical locations, for example, are a grove of macadamia trees, planted by a spiritual community in Yorba Linda in 1890, and a rusted iron cage in San Juan Capistrano, used earlier in the century to confine outlaws captured in South County.

More traditional are the Peralta Adobe in Anaheim and Huntington Beach High School, included as representations of significant building and architectural styles. Each site is marked with a bronze plaque.

If you know of something you think worthy of note, the commission is willing to hear your case. It accepts recommendations from citizens or organizations willing to sponsor a potential addition to its registry. If the site is accepted, the sponsor must provide renovation funding and arrange a dedication ceremony. Obtain an application by calling (714) 834-5560. Or write to the commission at P.O. Box 4048, Santa Ana, 92702.

There are, however, a few basic selection guidelines:

* Subject may be a structure, natural formation or significant plant, such as a landmark tree or grove.

* It should relate to significant events in the county’s political, cultural, economic or social development--for example, the railroad era, bygone business or military activities or early agricultural trends.

* It can be a site once lived in or utilized by a historical personality.

* Structures that represent indigenous or significant architectural styles are acceptable.

* Buildings representative of notable architects or builders are also considered.

Source: Orange County Historical Commission