12/29/2021
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY 150 YORBA!
HKA, which has been fortunate to be the third occupant of 150 Yorba in Tustin, would be remiss in not wishing our home a happy 100th birthday before the year turns into 2022!
150 Yorba was built in 1921 by Andrew Morris and it’s safe to say our blue & white building has seen quite a bit of history over those years. Originally surrounded by orange groves, the house now dwells on an eclectic stretch of Yorba, just off the 55 Freeway, nestled amongst a variety of residences and businesses. We often wonder who the heck did zoning back then?
In 1968, Big Brothers & Sisters of OC purchased the building from Mr. Morris and remained here until 1998. In that year, we purchased the building, did a gentle rehab that maintained the historical integrity and then the HKA team moved into the building in 1999. We are still here, 23 years later.
Through the years, many HKA team members have enjoyed the casual environment of this “Mission-style, Craftsman Bungalow” – the official term used in the City of Tustin Historical Survey. And a smaller number of feline creatures have taken up residence as well – mostly kitties abandoned when their owners vacated the apartments next door. It began with Yorba, a chunky, feral orange cat who lived under the building when we first arrived. Once tamed, he invited his friends and, well, the rest was history. The cats were well cared for and cat therapy became part of the workday for people who worked here (at least those who liked cats).
So, Happy Birthday 150 Yorba! Thank you for 100 fabulous years enjoyed by Mr. Morris, Big Brothers & Sisters and HKA.
Tustin Area Historical Society Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County City of Tustin - Municipal Government