History in the Making

Families, county officials and even legends such as Betsy Ross and Abe Lincoln turned up Saturday for the 100th anniversary of Irvine Regional Park, the oldest county park in California.

So the real legends weren’t there, but Sylvia Fellows, the Betsy Ross impersonator, came toting her sewing wares and demonstrated intricate needlework of the 18th century, the kind of skills Ross used to sew the country’s first flag.

There were also uniformed Union and Confederate soldiers, some on horseback, who reenacted a battle from the Civil War. Others re-fought battles from the Revolutionary War to World War II, while people meandered through the park betting on pig races, listening to mariachi and country bands, and climbing inside military aircraft.

“I love helicopters,” Steven Goodwin, 12, exclaimed while haltered inside the cockpit of a UH-1HV Huey helicopter. “I want to be a pilot when I grow up.”

The celebration, which continues today, also drew dignitaries such as County Supervisor Todd Spitzer, who dedicated a replica of the original park sign, a 16-foot arch that stands at the main entrance.

Originally called Orange County Park, this 160-acre oak grove was renamed in 1928 after its donor, James Irvine. Since its establishment as a regional park, the grounds have been well-known for its historical monuments, such as the Spanish American War Memorial, the Civil War cannon and the newly installed bronze statue of James Irvine.

Saturday’s festivities were fun-filled and educational, said Don and Becky Kuchenski. The Alhambra couple brought their two sons and a family friend.

“We home-school our children, and this is a part of history they can see,” Becky Kuchenski said.

As cannons blasted and sword-wielding Confederate infantrymen stormed the battleground, Joel and Daniel Kuchenski plugged their ears and watched in awe.

This time, the gray coats claimed victory, and the Kuchenski boys and other spectators jumped to their feet and cheered.

“That was cool,” shouted Joel, 7. “When’s the next one?”

There were five other demonstrations to follow, and the Kuchenski couple knew they were in for the long haul.

“We anticipated staying all day,” Don Kuchenski said.