Scene of an explosion and fire at the Olinda oil field, Brea, California
Entry/Object ID
2009.132.1.4
Description
Scene of an explosion and fire at the Olinda oil field, Brea, California, ca. 1920s. The image is taken from a distance and shows a tin building at the right with damage from the explosion, as well as a plume of dark smoke rising from the area. At the left are crowds of bystanders. In the distance are oil derricks, including some on the hills to the north of the field. There was double exposure on the right side, covering about 40% of the image, so details are obscured there. An ink inscription on the reverse reads "Gasoline plant explosion at top of Hall's Hill / Santa Fe water tanks on top of hill / in distance -- lower hill Santa Fe / Carpenter shop." These latter remarks concern the hillside portions off Carbon Canyon Road where the Olinda Ranch subdivision is now located. With some light soiling and light edge rubbing, the condition is good.
