A little humor from the founding fathers

An unpaved Third Street, circa 1905, with horse and buggy teams up the street and a formidable housewife watching the photographer.  (Photo, City of Huntington Beach archives)

   Every now and then, historical records leave a hint about the humor or intensity of discussion not reflected in the usually formal minutes of city leaders.  In August, 1921, there was an apparently enthusiastic conversation about the condition of Third Street.

The Huntington Beach board of trustees minutes for August 1, 1921, include the notation, "No joke," regarding the rough condition of Third Street.  (Source, City of Huntington Beach archives)

   The early years of the new town's Board of Trustees---predecessor to the City Council---are filled with the activity of setting up a growing city, grading streets and blocks via horse team, installing ornamental lights, seeding parks, planting trees, and establishing telephone service.  The dirt streets were "oiled" after grading, but had to be regularly maintained due to divots and ruts left by horses and wagon wheels, as well as new-fangled automobiles.

One of the older cottages remaining on Third Street, beautifully restored. (April 10, 2013)

 A well-paved Third Street as it looks today, no joke. (April 10, 2013)

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