Publisher Description

In the 1920s, San Clemente founder Ole Hanson envisioned a "Spanish Village" on the Pacific coast halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. His city would have streets that followed the natural contours of the land. Sunny beaches and perfect climate enticed many to settle in this charming community. Known for its hospitality and neighborly atmosphere, the city became host and home to dignitaries such as Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Pres. Richard M. Nixon. Today, professional surfers, skateboarders, and small businesses call San Clemente home--the perfect place for work and leisure.

Author Biography

Jennifer A. Garey, president of Arts & Antiquities, Inc., has provided distinguished consultations for museums, corporations, and private collectors on management, exhibitions, and education since 1999. Her professional museum experience spans over 25 years with institutions such as the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Smithsonian Institution. The San Clemente Historical Society was founded in 1973 with a mission to unite all persons who are interested in the historical and cultural aspects of San Clemente; to foster greater community appreciation and identity; to preserve and promote the heritage

Review Text

Title: Photo book celebrates San Clemente's history Author: Fred Swegles Publisher: The Orange County Register Date: 5/6/2010 San Clemente is about to become the latest icon in a series of picture books showcasing communities across the United States. Arcadia Publishing, a South Carolina firm that specializes in publishing local histories, will release the 127-page book May 17. Retailing at $21.99, it will be available at stores and online services or from the San Clemente Historical Society. It becomes one of some 4,500 titles in Arcadia's "Images of America" series, the company said. The book, with 190 historical photos, is a collaboration between local author Jennifer Garey and the historical society, which opened its photo archives to the project. The book tells the story of San Clemente through captioned pictures, starting with Ole Hanson's dream in 1925 of creating a Spanish village by the sea. Garey is the owner of Arts & Antiquities Inc., a museum consulting company based in San Clemente. She previously wrote a picture book for Arcadia Publishing about the San Diego Naval Training Center. Garey, an eight-year resident of San Clemente, said she realized Arcadia had published books about Laguna Beach and Orange County but not San Clemente. "We have such a great story," she said. Garey approached the historical society about collaborating. Maryann Comes, the historical society's president, said the group was delighted, having long wanted to publish its archives. "We didn't have the expertise," Comes said. "She had it down pat." As Garey did her research, the historical society assembled photos, and longtime residents such as Bill Ayer, Lois Divel and Liz Hanson Kuhns came forward with more photos. "We dedicated the book to the people of San Clemente," Comes said. "We're excited about it." Garey will appear from 4 to 8 p.m. May 24 at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens to discuss the book at a "Meet the Authors" event. Her keynote talk will be at 6 p.m., according to the Casa, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. Garey and other authors will sign and sell books at the event. For information on obtaining the book from the historical society, call Comes at 949-498-0116. 'MEET THE AUTHORS' Casa Romantica says these speakers are slated to appear there May 24 to talk about the following books: Jennifer Garey, "Images of America: San Clemente" Roberto Diaz, children's books on surfing and skateboarding Lisa Merryman, "The True Adventures of Holy Smoke" and "Casa Romantica: A Spanish Home by the Sea" Lisa Spinelli, "From Fishcarts to Fiestas" Sandra Marquez, "Sallie and the Spirit of San Clemente" Wayne Eggleston, "San Clemente: The Spanish Village by the Sea"

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