Historical society board to be installed

***This corrects an earlier version***

Although the Costa Mesa Historical Society wouldn’t get involved in the politics surrounding the sale of the Orange County Fairgrounds, the organization is clear about one thing: preserving the historical buildings on the 150-acre property.

About six buildings on the fairgrounds go back to World War II, when the property was used as a U.S. Army Air Force base, said Terry Shaw, vice president of the historical society.

Shaw said he’s against the sale of the fairgrounds.

“If you don’t know where you came from, you don’t know where you’re going,” Shaw said. “It’s always nice to know where you’ve been, and it kind of guides you as far as where you want to go.”

The historical society, which has been documenting the history of Costa Mesa for 43 years, is getting ready to hold its installation dinner Wednesday.

“Installation refers to installing the board of directors and new officers for the board of directors each year,” Shaw said.

Board member Bob Palazzola will serve as new president of the society, Shaw said.

The event, which will begin at 6 p.m. Captain’s Table restaurant, will feature Richard Kimball as its guest speaker. The restaurant is at Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa.

Kimball is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, an organization dedicated to preserving California’s history.

For reservations, call (949) 631-5918. The cost is $15 per person.

To learn more about the historical society, go to www.costamesahistory.org.