Old World Village

Old World Village is a German enclave in Huntington Beach, California. It features shops, restaurants, a chapel, and a hotel.[1][2] Many of the proprietors of its businesses live above their establishments. This live-work arrangement is unusual for Orange County.[3][4]

Old World Village
Neighborhood
Old World Village
Coordinates: 33.7347096°N 117.9969182°W / 33.7347096; -117.9969182
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountyOrange County
CityHuntington Beach
Founded1978[1]
Founded byJosef Bischof[1]
Government
 • BodyOld World Owners Association[1]
Area
 • Total8 acres (3 ha)
 • Land8 acres (3 ha)
Population
 • Total150 (approx.)
ZIP code
92647
Area code(s)714
Websiteoldworld.ws

About 40 families live in the village.[5] When it opened in 1978, the proprietors were primarily from Germany and Austria, but the Village has become more ethnically diverse over time.[6]

History

In 1952, Josef Bischof emigrated from Germany to the United States.[1] He was inspired by Ports O' Call Village in San Pedro, to create the shopping center Alpine Village in Torrance in 1965.[1] Wanting to have spaces to both live and work in the same place, he split with his business partners from Alpine Village to found Old World Village in 1978.[1][7]

In the 1980s, the Village had an internal feud, with owners of the live-work establishments accusing Bischof of a "reign of terror".[7] An initial $2.1 million judgment in favor of the merchants was later reduced to $1.25 million (equivalent to $2,916,000 in 2019).[8]

Festivals

The Village holds annual German events, including an Oktoberfest[9] and dachshund races.[10] Over time, events for other ethnic and cultural groups have been held at the Village, including Greek,[11] Irish,[12] Scottish,[13] and South American[14] festivals. The village also hosts weddings[15] and quinceañeras.[16]

Legacy

Old World Village was parodied in the television show Arrested Development, as the English enclave "Wee Britain".[17]

References
  1. Burris, Annie (March 18, 2008). "What's to become of Huntington's Old World Village?". Orange County Register. Archived from the original on March 22, 2008.
  2. Lee, Gregory (1993). The Best of Orange County California. Jasi. ISBN 978-1-881409-05-2.
  3. Young, Karen (June 10, 1988). "Old World Village Captures Bavarian Flavor". Los Angeles Times. p. OC_E5.
  4. O'Dell, John (February 23, 1991). "Piggyback Apartments Work Elsewhere in County". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, Calif. p. 5.
  5. "Old World Village". Los Angeles Times. September 16, 1989. p. OC_G2.
  6. Westcott, John (September 22, 1988). "Old World village brings a taste of Europe to OC". Orange County Register. Santa Ana, Calif. p. b02.
  7. Lucas, Greg (April 29, 1986). "Old World Village Suit to Go to Jury: Business Owners Accuse Developer of 'Reign of Terror'". Los Angeles Times.
  8. Spano, John (June 18, 1986). "Shopping Center Award Excessive, Judge Rules". Los Angeles Times. p. OC_A2.
  9. Kinsler, Robert (September 29, 1995). "Old World's Oktoberfest a Deutsch treat". Orange County Register. Santa Ana, Calif. p. 63.
  10. "Corrections". The Orange County Register. Santa Ana, Calif. October 28, 1994. p. A02.
  11. "Old World Village". Los Angeles Times. June 8, 1990. p. OCF22.
  12. Perry, Susan (March 17, 1988). "Ways to Go for the Green: Irish-Heritage Celebrations Take a Festive Turn". Los Angeles Times. p. G12.
  13. "Old World Village Scottish Festival (advertisement)". Los Angeles Times. February 14, 1988. p. OC_A6.
  14. Pasles, Chris (July 20, 1988). "Harpist Taps a Multi-Ethnic Background to Make His Music". Los Angeles Times. p. EOC13.
  15. "Old World Village Serves as Wedding Center". Los Angeles Times. February 14, 1992. p. OCE12.
  16. "Heels over head". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, Calif. March 29, 2000. p. 5.
  17. Coker, Matt (May 23, 2013). "Arrested Development's Orange County". OC Weekly.
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