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At our February meeting, author and former Irvine Company executive Michael Stockstill shares the history and transformation of the Irvine Ranch.
Stockstill’s presentation is based on the book he co-authored, Transforming the Irvine Ranch: Joan Irvine, William Pereira, Ray Watson, and the Big Plan (2022). He will tell the fascinating story of how the Irvine Ranch was transformed from an agricultural empire into the most successful New Town in the United States.
Along the way, the colorful and tragic history of the Irvine family, especially Joan Irvine Smith, will be featured, along with key insights based on the writings and oral history of Ray Watson and a look at the man who created the first master plans for Irvine and UC Irvine, William Pereira.
Michael Stockstill is a native Californian who moved to Orange County in 1972 where he worked for newspapers and magazines before joining the Irvine Company in 1978. He graduated from Humboldt State University in 1971 with a degree in journalism. After leaving the Irvine Company in 1991 he worked in a variety of public affairs positions before retiring in 2010. He lives with his wife Colleen Clark in Irvine.
Our program will be held Thursday, February 9th, at 7:30 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2400 N. Canal St., Orange. (Doors open at 7:00 pm.)
Just a reminder, we are asking non-members for a suggested cash donation of $5 to help us offset the costs of the meeting. Thank you for understanding.
Or consider becoming a member instead – $30 for an individual, $25 for a senior, $45 for a family. Membership comes with all 9 general meetings for free, our monthly newsletter, priority registration/discounts when registering for field trips and history hikes, and other benefits.
