It was in the early and middle 1920's that Oak View really started to become a community. If you ever wondered where Apricot, Olive, Bundren and Mahoney streets got their names, then read on.
The land on which "Oak View Gardens" was developed originally comprised part of the broad acres of the Mahoney Ranch. There were about 55 acres on this ranch which originally belonged to a man named Sherwood before the turn of the century. It was later sold to Mahoney.
Imagine, if you can, one house standing on these oak-covered acres. This was the Mahoney house built in the typical two-story style of those days -- straight up and down boards with a lean-to built on the side. This house has long since disappeared, but was situated a little east and north of what is now Straw's Olive Street Market.
The drive from the old grade road to the Mahoney house started at about the location of the house at 785 N. Ventura Avenue, which is now occupied by the John Proctors.
This drive was tree-lined from the old grade road to the house. Olive trees lined the south side of the drive. On the north side, the trees alternated between palms and sour orange trees.
It was in the 1920s, as mentioned before, that Oak View started to grow. A subdivider named Moffett bought land from George Bundren that became Oak View Gardens No. 1. Oak View Gardens No. 2 was made up of Mahoney land by the same subdivider. Oak View Gardens later just became Oak View.
Next week: "Don Jose de Arnaz."