Newport Beach celebrated its 100th birthday in 2006.
A project was born to honor this legacy at the base of the historic pier, at McFadden Square next to the equally historic Dory Shipping Fleet.
The completed McFadden Square Centennial Legacy Project was unveiled in 2008:
It includes granite benches, a circular walking path marked with significant events from throughout the city’s history, The bronze sculpture is five feet in diameter, with words and images illustrating significant events in the history of the 100 year history of the City of Newport Beach.
On Monday I went to the Pier for the 2nd time this month, and, for the first time took a close look at this fine example of Public Art, Open Space, and chance to exercise not just your brain, but your legs, and feet, as well. ;-D
A message on the ball reads:
Remembering the Past
Acknowledging the Present
Looking Toward the Future
As a History Buff, and the Family Genealogist, I can appreciate the message, and the different elements of the project there for one to explore, and enjoy.
The message also resonates with me on another level, right now, as I am unemployed and, as I struggle to find my new career, and direction, I am also trying to understand how I got to this place in my life, and how I can improve my life going forward.
The Walking Path is a sort of Labyrinth that takes you along a circular, winding, journey around the globe, and into the past history of Newport Beach.
Your first step begins with these words: Begin here, your journey through time...
While you can't get lost on the trail you CAN, if you choose, take the time to read the various plaques at your feet, and get lost in some fascinating historical tidbits.
There were some Asian Tourists, and Hispanic locals, as well as an older white couple, sitting on the benches watching my antics as I decided to walk the path, and take some pictures.
I had no sooner began to walk than the 8 year old boy from the Hispanic family decided to follow directly behind me, and so I encouraged him, and we had almost reached the end when his Dad spoiled the moment by calling the kid away so they could go. ;-D
However, as luck would have it, some teens approached, and took some pictures, and began debating walking the path.
I encouraged them, explaining what it was all about, and telling them they would not get lost..."Trust me!" ;-D
Laughing, and maybe a little embarrased, they then proceeded to take the journey from start to finish.
As darkess enveloped the square, I had my picture taken, and then headed off to catch the bus home.
This is a nice place to rest from ones travels along the boardwalk, and elsewhere in the area, by foot, or by bicycle, and a nice place for anyone interested in writing, and photography, to people watch, while working on their writing, or reading a book.
In 2008, a fellow local blogger, Danny Sullivan, who writes Daggle Blog, as well as being Editor-in-Chief of Search Engine Land, attended the grand unveiling event for the finished project, and shares some photos, as well as the history of the Square, and his mixed opinion of the Monument.
An added bonus to this great post is the wondeful, and fascinating, first comment...by the wife of the Great-Grandson of one of the original McFadden Brothers. ;-D
Excellent...Liked the intergenerational touch with the young lad and the teens...woven into the notion of shared history...
Only ? Did Nikita take that last pic of you in repose?
Posted by: Randy Eady | January 19, 2011 at 05:37 AM
LOL!
Not this time, hee, hee!
Orange County's Premiere Stroller Kitty stayed home. ;-D
I got one of the teens to do the deed.
Posted by: Kiril The Mad Macedonian | January 19, 2011 at 09:12 AM
Great story Kiril.
I wish for you that you find that ideal job!
I also attended the grand unveiling ceremony and had an interesting discussion w/ the a son of the founding McFadden family.
I also had discussions with Hank Kaminsky, the artist who created the sculptor sphere or ball.
He had an amazing story of what he did in the 1960s that took him to Feyetteville Arkansas, where he lives today.
Posted by: Stephen Dolle | January 19, 2011 at 03:27 PM