Midway City History

Welcome to Midway City, California. A stagecoach watering hole that became an American success story.

Midway City History

Welcome to Midway City, California. A stagecoach watering hole that became an American success story.

Midway City History

In 1922, farmer John Harper laid out streets, installed sidewalks and by the next year began to sell lots near Seal Beach, between Wintersburg and Gospel Swamp. This area became known as Midway City, due to its central location halfway between Santa Ana and Seal Beach.

Stagecoach travelers started using the area as a watering hole and wealthy Huntington Beach oilmen took up residence in the area to escape the smell of the black gold.

Midway City is the only area in Orange County that incorporates its
chamber of commerce (1924) and homeowners association, which in concert act like a city council. Monthly meetings, formerly held at the American Legion Post, now take place in front of big audiences at the new Midway City Community Center. The fact that someone brings homemade cakes and coffee to these meetings might have something to do with the great attendance. Street lights, water supply, zoning and Neighborhood Watch are some of the topics that are dealt with regularly. And while the final decision is up to the County Supervisor, the Chamber of Commerce and Homeowners Association and the Midway City Community Organization (1983) is taken quite seriously and usually gets good results.

Flavor of The Midwest

This close-knit unincorporated area bears a close resemblance to many Midwestern communities. In fact much of Midway City was horse property up until the 1970’s. There are still some people in Midway City who first met here, went to school here, wed here, and are now celebrating their anniversaries here. Midway City citizens are extremely friendly and proud of their small-town heritage.

Midway City Fire Department

The Midway City Volunteer Fire Department was formed in 1935. This photo, circa 1938, shows the original station which was located on the northwest corner of Bolsa Avenue and Beach Blvd. (which at that time was called Huntington Beach Blvd, or State Highway 39). Mounted on front of the hose tower to the rear of the apparatus barn is the siren that was used to call the volunteers when there was an alarm. In those days there were no paid county fire department employees, and the volunteers were trained and managed by the state Division of Forestry. The county paid for and owned the trucks but the volunteers had to raise the money from the local citizens to buy the rest of their equipment.

The Midway City Volunteer Fire Department served nearby Westminster for about 15 years. In February of 1950, the Westminster Fire Department was operational, but in the old days, Midway City Volunteer Fire Department and Knott’s Berry Farm’s Volunteer Fire Department responded to fires between Buena Park and Huntington Beach. Midway City Fire Department is now a permanent part of the Orange County Fire Authority.

$360,000 in Today's Money

The present Midway City Fire Station (Orange County Fire Authority Station #25) is a modern up-to-date full service manned fire department located at 8171 Bolsa Avenue was built in 1952. The land was acquired from Kenneth and Dorothy Van Druff on October 17, 1951 for $3,200. The construction cost for that station was $32,000 in 1952.

Midway City, CA. Geography

Midway City occupies about 391 acres within an 832-acre rectangular boundary, where the four islands measure approximately: the northeast island: 296.6 acres, the southwest island: 40.5 acres, the southeast island: 33 acres, and the northwest island: 21.1 acres.

For more information please visit the Midway City Wikipedia Page

Tim Castroreale

Buying or Selling?

I’m Tim Castroreale, Licensed Realtor. From search to sale I provide expert advice and unwavering support to help make your home selling or buying experience stress-free.

I have access to comprehensive, up-to-the-minute listing information giving me the edge necessary in today’s fast-paced market. Whether it’s finding your dream home or helping you get ready to move, I’ve got you covered, with strong negotiation skills, friendly service and a track record to back it up.