The collection comprises bound copies of outgoing letters written by C. E. French, an entrepreneur who contributed significantly to the growth of Santa Ana, California during the mid to late 19th century. The letters refer to French's personal and business activities and reflect the concerns of Orange County residents preceding and immediately following the 1880s real estate boom. The letters include information about family matters, remittance for goods and services, real estate transactions, Irvine Ranch business, local transportation, Santa Ana community activities, and the attractive climate of Southern California.

Charles Edwin French was a resident of Santa Ana, California who contributed significantly to the city's growth during the mid to late 19th century. He actively promoted Santa Ana and the surrounding area as an ideal place to live and conduct business. Professionally, he facilitated real estate transactions, was postmaster of Santa Ana, and managed Irvine Ranch for a time. He was responsible for the construction of the original Irvine family ranch home in 1876. He was instrumental in establishing the first horse-drawn street car line in what is now Orange County and was named secretary of the Santa Ana, Orange, and Tustin Street Railway when it was incorporated in 1886.

0.4 Linear Feet (1 box)

Property rights reside with the University of California. These materials are in the public domain. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

The collection is open for research.