Midway City, an intriguing and often overlooked community nestled within Orange County, California, presents a fascinating study in local governance, community resilience, and historical evolution. Unlike its incorporated neighbors, Midway City maintains a unique status as an unincorporated area, a distinction that has profoundly shaped its development, its challenges, and the fiercely independent spirit of its residents. This arrangement, allowing for specific administrative structures like its chamber of commerce and homeowners association to function much like a city council, offers a compelling glimpse into alternative models of local self-determination.
However, this distinctive status also places Midway City at the heart of an ongoing dialogue with its larger, incorporated counterparts, particularly concerning municipal annexation. The community’s continuous efforts to preserve its autonomy, often driven by a desire to maintain lower water and property tax rates compared to neighboring cities, underscore a persistent struggle for identity and control over its destiny. This in-depth analysis aims to provide a comprehensive, Consumer Reports-style examination of Midway City, shedding light on its critical defining features, historical milestones, and the persistent challenges that shape its present and future.
1. **Midway City’s Unincorporated Status and Annexation Battles**:
Midway City’s identity is inextricably linked to its unincorporated status, a characteristic setting it apart within Orange County. Functioning under county control, it uniquely “incorporates its chamber of commerce and homeowners association to act in concert like a city council.” This model empowers local residents and business owners to collectively address municipal topics, with decisions usually finalized by the Orange County Board of Supervisors, fostering community ownership.
Despite functional autonomy, Midway City’s unincorporated nature makes it a perpetual target for annexation by Westminster. This creates an “ongoing issue” met with “fierce resistance from Midway’s residents,” who prefer to “remain an unincorporated area.” Their primary motivation: “to maintain water and property tax rates that are lower than neighboring communities,” highlighting a tension between self-determination and larger economic interests.
Annexation efforts have visibly fragmented Midway City’s geography. The community “presently is composed of four anemic sections, or ‘islands’,” resulting from Westminster’s gradual annexation of border lands. “Annexation has also occurred along the heavily traveled Beach Boulevard… where that annexed land could be redeveloped to generate significant business tax revenue.” These targeted annexations have carved Midway City into distinct, less cohesive enclaves.
2. **The Origin of the “Midway” Name and Its Geographic Significance**:
The name “Midway City” directly reflects its foundational geographic identity. It “was so named because it is horizontally midway between Seal Beach, to the west, and Santa Ana, to the east,” establishing it as a central point in early Orange County development. This designation indicates a time when its location held significant logistical and navigational importance between more established settlements.
Further reinforcing its namesake, the context states, “Midway City is six miles from Santa Ana, six miles from Huntington Beach, and seven miles from Long Beach, giving rise to the Midway City name.” These precise measurements underscore its literal “midway” status, a hub equidistant from several key regional centers. This geographical centrality likely contributed to its early growth, attracting those seeking a convenient Southern California location.
Today, Midway City occupies “approximately 47% of an 830-acre rectangular boundary” and covers “0.632 square miles (1.64 km2) of land.” This compact area, segmented into “four anemic sections, or ‘islands’,” illustrates a community whose physical integrity is challenged. Its unique historical and present positioning remains critical to understanding its development and persistent issues.
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3. **John H. Harper’s Vision: Laying the Foundations of a Community**:
Midway City’s true genesis as a distinct settlement is largely attributed to John H. Harper’s entrepreneurial vision in the early 1920s. In 1922, Harper “purchased 200 acres (0.81 km2) of land based on the location of a local stagecoach stop and needs of the workers in the Huntington Beach Oil Field.” This strategic acquisition recognized the burgeoning economic activity and the necessity for organized residential areas, laying groundwork for a future community.
Following his acquisition, Harper meticulously “subdivided his land by laying out streets, building sidewalks, and, in 1923, started selling lots.” This systematic approach to urban planning moved beyond scattered homesteads, providing essential infrastructure for a structured community. The deliberate creation of these foundational elements facilitated orderly growth, allowing new residents to establish homes and livelihoods in an organized environment.
A pivotal moment involved home relocation: as the “Huntington Beach Oil Field expanded, the homes in that area… were physically relocated to Harper’s lots in Midway City,” an event that “started Midway City.” This pragmatic solution cemented Harper’s role as the community’s de facto founder. “Harper Street… is named after John Harper,” a lasting testament to his indelible impact.
4. **A Glimpse into Early 20th-Century Innovation: Zenith Aircraft Corporation**:
Midway City briefly played a surprising role in the nascent American aviation industry during the late 1920s. The Zenith Corporation, initially a “farm implements” manufacturer, pivoted dramatically after learning of “Charles Lindbergh’s famed… first solo transatlantic flight.” Inspired, owners Charles Rocheville and Albin Peterson swiftly “formed the Zenith Aircraft Corporation,” demonstrating remarkable responsiveness to technological advancements.
Within three months, “by August 1927, Zenith Aircraft Corporation built a huge, lightweight tri-motor aircraft named Schofield Albatross in a hangar/factory at Midway City Airport.” The Zenith Albatross Z-12 showcased engineering prowess, featuring “an externally braced wing spanning 90-ft and a fuselage designed to carry 14 passengers.” This aircraft, the “then-largest aircraft in the world,” briefly positioned Midway City as an aerospace hub.
Despite its innovative design, the Z-12 faced “no market,” eventually “sold to Hollywood and used to represent a crashed Fokker in the 1928 film Conquest.” Zenith built a second plane, the Z-6, before the Great Depression forced a return to “manufacturing farm equipment in 1932,” ending Midway City’s notable aviation foray.
5. **The Power of Community: The Ladies Social and Civic Club**:
Midway City’s early community life was shaped by the “politically powerful Ladies Social and Civic Club.” This influential group, initially meeting “at John Harper’s house and included Harper’s wife,” exemplified collective action and local advocacy crucial for a burgeoning community, laying groundwork for future civic engagement.
A testament to their impact, the club “built a community clubhouse at the corner of Bolsa Avenue and Monroe Street from land donated by Harper” in 1928. This clubhouse became a central gathering place, used by “the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations.” Beyond providing space, the “proactive women’s group… also worked to keep out roadhouses and landfills,” demonstrating commitment to quality of life.
The club’s dedication evolved. In 1932, it “renamed itself as the Midway City Women’s Club.” By 1935, they established “a Midway City branch of the Orange County Public Library and joined the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.” Its legacy endures, with the clubhouse eventually “moved in 1989 to Leaora L. Blakey Park,” a continuous symbol of community-driven progress.
6. **A New Deal Success Story: The Midway City Dairy Association**:
During the Great Depression, Midway City became a unique example of federal New Deal assistance fostering economic resilience. In 1936, “seven families that made up the Midway City Dairy Association received a loan of $7,850… from the Resettlement Administration.” This was groundbreaking, “the first loan… to a self-help cooperative,” inspiring “other cooperatives seeking money.”
This capital infusion immediately transformed the dairy association. “The plant was immediately renovated, and better equipment procured by trade.” Members engaged in strategic business development, “Bidding tactics of competitors were studied… means of developing consumer cooperative markets were explained.” This demonstrated a comprehensive effort to revitalize operations and secure long-term viability through collective effort.
The loan offered profound hope. Henry Lotz, an association member, stated, “This Resettlement loan, it’s a future to us from the bidding platform for old age labor.” This quote conveys the impact of federal programs on individual lives and community stability. The Midway City Dairy Association stands as a testament to cooperative models supported by targeted government intervention.
7. **Preserving Heritage: The Enduring Legacy of the Brothers of Saint Patrick**:
Midway City’s cultural and spiritual landscape is enriched by the Brothers of Saint Patrick, an Ireland-based Roman Catholic congregation. In 1948, the order “was established in Midway City as the United States foundation and headquarters of Patrician Brothers.” Their mission, “religious and literary education of youth and the instruction of the faithful,” integrated swiftly into the local community and the wider Diocese of Orange County.
Beyond education, the Brothers of Saint Patrick contribute significantly to Midway City’s social calendar. “They also began a celebration tradition that has become one of Orange County’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.” This annual event honors Irish heritage and fosters vibrant community spirit, drawing attendees and solidifying Midway City’s cultural reputation.
The Brothers’ ongoing legacy is seen in subsequent affiliations. In 1990, the “Celtic Gold Academy of Irish Dance was founded at Brother’s of St. Patrick.” Five years later, “The Brothers of St. Patrick Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America was established,” reinforcing the site as a focal point for Irish-American community and heritage, proving its enduring significance.
### 8. The Persistent Challenge of Municipal Annexation
Midway City’s distinctive unincorporated status continues to define its administrative landscape, often placing it in a complex, ongoing dialogue with its incorporated neighbors. Residents exhibit “fierce resistance” to complete municipal annexation, primarily motivated by a collective desire “to maintain water and property tax rates that are lower than neighboring communities.” This deep-seated preference for local autonomy underscores a fundamental aspect of Midway City’s identity.
Historically, attempts at complete annexation have faced significant pushback. In 1956, Westminster sought to merge Midway City, Barber City, and itself into a new entity named Tri-City. However, Midway City notably withdrew prior to the March 1957 creation date, explicitly citing “fears of high taxes,” which ultimately led to the remaining areas forming Westminster.
Despite this resistance, Midway City’s geography has been progressively fragmented through strategic annexations by Westminster. Lands “adjacent to its borders has slowly been annexed over time,” specifically targeting sites such as public schools to transfer decision-making and government funds. More significantly, “annexation has also occurred along the heavily traveled Beach Boulevard… where that annexed land could be redeveloped to generate significant business tax revenue” for Westminster.
These targeted actions have resulted in Midway City being “presently composed of four anemic sections, or ‘islands’,” with irregular boundaries. A particular vulnerability exists for smaller areas, as “islands with less than 150 acres can be annexed without a vote by the annexation targeted island.” The ongoing nature of this struggle is further underscored by the 2007 reaffirmation of Midway City’s inclusion in Westminster’s ‘sphere of influence,’ a designation that dates back to 1981.
In 2008, Westminster’s city economic development manager, Tami Piscotty, articulated the dilemma, noting that Westminster received no payment for nearly 500 Midway City matters handled by its police. While acknowledging the significant benefit if Midway City were part of Westminster, she also stated, “We’re not going to take them against their will,” highlighting the delicate balance between municipal aspirations and resident self-determination.
### 9. Evolving Demographics and Community Profile
Midway City, as one of Orange County’s oldest communities, reflects a demographic tapestry shaped by historical settlement patterns and recent population shifts. Many of its homes date back to “1950s construction,” and the community is characterized by residents of “moderate income,” including a notable proportion of “senior citizens,” residing in a mix of traditional homes and “two mobile home parks.”
Recent census data reveals a dynamic evolution in Midway City’s population. The community grew from 8,485 residents in 2010 to 8,825 in 2020. More significantly, the racial and ethnic composition has undergone considerable change, with the non-Hispanic White population decreasing from 20.93% in 2010 to 13.01% in 2020.
Conversely, the Asian population has seen a substantial increase, rising from 46.67% to 52.09% during the same decade, solidifying its majority status. The Hispanic or Latino population also grew, from 29.07% to 31.76% of the total population. These shifts underscore the increasingly diverse nature of Midway City, with a strong influence from the Vietnamese community, many of whom “have moved into the area, often running businesses in Westminster’s Little Saigon District.”
Household characteristics further illustrate the community’s structure. In 2020, 36.4% of households included children under 18, with an average household size of 3.45. The median age stood at 40.0 years, indicating a maturing population. Economically, the 2023 U.S. Census Bureau estimated the median household income at $64,735 and the per capita income at $27,851. Despite these figures, approximately “10.7% of families and 17.6% of the population were below the poverty line,” indicating pockets of economic challenge.
Residential trends also point to ongoing evolution. As noted by a local historian in 2008, Midway City’s “large lots – typically over 8,000 square feet with many larger lots as well” make it a desirable location. This has led to a trend where “buyers are scraping the lots and building big homes or adding large additions onto the original home,” suggesting a transformation in the housing stock as new residents invest in larger, more modern residences.
### 10. Unique Economic Landscape and Local Commerce
Midway City’s economy presents a distinctive blend, characterized by a “mixture of rural, retirement, and Vietnamese businesses.” This unique composition reflects both its historical agricultural roots and the significant demographic shifts that have occurred, creating a specialized and vibrant local commercial environment tailored to its diverse populace.
Along Bolsa Avenue, the community hosts several niche markets that highlight its specific economic peculiarities. “Dakao Poultry” operates as a unique establishment where customers can select live chickens, roosters, ducks, and other animals, which are then prepared on-site. This particular business model caters to a specific cultural and culinary demand within the area.
Just 350 yards east on Bolsa Avenue, “Baladi Poultry” stands as Dakao’s competitor, further illustrating a concentrated hub for this specialized market. The close proximity of these two businesses indicates a robust demand for fresh, culturally specific food products, serving as a microcosm of the broader economic activities influenced by Westminster’s Little Saigon district.
Adding to this distinctive mix is the enduring presence of the “Midway City Feed Store.” Operating continuously since 1942, this local landmark, housed in a large yellow barn, continues to sell “farm implements and rabbits, guinea pigs, baby chicks, ducklings, and goslings.” This blend of agricultural supply and live pet sales underscores the community’s lingering connection to a more rural past, even as urbanization progresses.
Furthermore, situated between these two food animal sellers on Jackson Street, the “Animal Assistance League of Orange County” operates as a “nonprofit, no-kill humane society that aids lost and homeless pets.” The presence of such a service-oriented organization alongside commercial ventures highlights a community that balances unique consumer demands with a commitment to animal welfare, enriching its local economic and social fabric.
### 11. Comprehensive Infrastructure and Essential Services
Midway City relies on a diverse and locally managed infrastructure network to provide essential services to its residents. Its water supply, for instance, is uniquely decentralized, with the community divided into four areas drawing from four distinct sources. These include three “water mutuals” — South Midway City Mutual Water Company, Inc., Eastside Water Association, Inc., and Midway City Water Company — all formed in the 1930s to supply domestic water from underground wells, supplemented by the Westminster Water Department.
These three local mutuals are “operated and funded by local residents” and utilize hydro pneumatic pumps to draw 300 to 750 gallons per minute of water to on-site tanks at three separate locations: 8301 Madison Ave, 14731 Jackson St, and 14582 Hunter Lane. The water is then efficiently distributed through a system comprising “four inch underground steel pipe and six inch (C900) plastic pipe.” Notably, the “water provided by the Eastside Water Association to 300 Midway City homeowners is award-winning water,” and a flat rate fee applies in areas serviced by these wells.
Beyond water, other critical public services are well-established. The “Midway City Sanitary District,” responsible for “sewer and solid waste services,” was officially established in January 1939, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to public health. Fire protection is robustly provided by the “Orange County Fire Authority with ambulance transport by Care Ambulance Service,” a service that evolved from the “Midway City Volunteer Fire Department,” initially formed in 1935 and receiving its own station in 1952.
Transportation and communication needs are also addressed. The “Orange County Transportation Authority provides mass transit services” connecting Midway City with other parts of Orange County. On the communication front, a “United States Postal Service” office opened on Jackson Street in 1930, serving the community for decades. However, by 2011, this post office was identified among 112 California locations that “have not seen enough postal customers to generate the revenue necessary to keep them open,” illustrating the impact of changing consumer habits on traditional services.
Education for Midway City’s younger residents is provided by neighboring school districts. The “Westminster School District operates two public schools in Midway City – DeMille and Jessie Hayden Elementary School.” Additionally, the “Ocean View School District also operates public schools within this unincorporated county area, including Star View Elementary School,” ensuring that local children have access to a range of educational opportunities within their community.
### 12. Key Community Development Initiatives and Affordable Housing
Midway City has proactively engaged in various community development initiatives, often leveraging its unincorporated status to facilitate projects that address specific social needs, particularly in affordable housing. In 1986, Orange County utilized funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish “Midway Meadows.” This project involved purchasing approximately five acres of land from Southern California Edison and developing it into “92-one bedroom apartment units for senior citizens,” directly addressing the housing needs of its elderly population.
Further demonstrating a commitment to supporting vulnerable residents, the county also extended support to the “Interval House,” Midway City’s shelter for abused women. In 1989, this vital facility was selected to receive “part of a $1-million grant for expansion,” underscoring the community’s role in providing essential social services and safe havens during times of crisis, reflecting a broader commitment to resident well-being.
A significant modern undertaking in affordable housing is the “Jackson Aisle Apartments,” which H.O.M.E.S., Inc. opened in January 2003. This “$2.8 million apartment complex” provides “29 units” specifically designed for “low income individuals who additionally are mentally ill.” The developers strategically chose Midway City for this development because its “county owned” status made “it easier to buy property than had they selected an area incorporated into a city,” illustrating a unique advantage of its governance model.
This initiative highlights a long-term vision for social support within the community. By agreement, the “Jackson Aisle Apartments is to remain affordable housing through 2058,” ensuring decades of stable, supportive living arrangements for its residents. These projects collectively showcase Midway City’s ongoing dedication to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all its inhabitants.
Public spaces and cultural recognition have also been subjects of community development. “Stanton Park,” initially built by the county in 1987 and later renamed in 1989 after supervisor Roger R. Stanton, became the site of a notable cultural installation. In January 2010, Orange County supervisors approved a “$350,000 memorial dedicated to Vietnamese and American history” to be installed there, designed to feature “U.S. history and important events in the history of the Vietnamese American community,” despite some critics raising concerns about the expenditure.
### 13. Cultural Vibrancy and Enduring Points of Interest
Midway City’s cultural landscape is enriched by a blend of enduring traditions and historical landmarks, reflecting its diverse heritage and community spirit. A prominent example is the continued influence of the Brothers of Saint Patrick, whose establishment in 1948 has led to an annual “celebration tradition that has become one of Orange County’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.” This event not only honors Irish heritage but also fosters a vibrant community gathering that draws attendees from across the region.
The Brothers’ site has further cemented its role as a hub for Irish-American culture. It became the founding location for the “Celtic Gold Academy of Irish Dance in 1990” and saw the establishment of “The Brothers of St. Patrick Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America in 1995.” These affiliations reinforce the site’s significance as a focal point for cultural preservation, education, and community activities within Midway City.
Another substantial cultural landmark is the “Albert E. Schwab American Legion Post 555,” which was formally renamed in 2001. This renaming honored Private First Class Albert Earnest Schwab, a Medal of Honor recipient and the brother of a Legion member. While the post no longer features its original Huntington Beach lifeguard’s tower as an unusual landmark in its parking lot, its interior preserves a powerful artistic and historical narrative.
The club’s interior is adorned with “several 40-foot-wide murals commemorating U.S. World War II military history events such as the Attack on Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Midway, and the dropping of the atomic bomb on Nagasaki.” These expansive murals serve as a vivid and tangible link to national history, demonstrating the community’s profound respect for military service and memory, making the post a distinctive cultural and historical point of interest.
Rounding out Midway City’s unique points of interest is the “Midway City Feed Store,” an operational local landmark since 1942. This establishment continues to offer a glimpse into the community’s agricultural past and present, where visitors can still “buy farm implements and rabbits, guinea pigs, baby chicks, ducklings, and goslings from the stores large yellow barn,” providing a unique, hands-on experience of local commerce that stands apart in an increasingly urbanized environment.
### 14. Notable Residents and Unexpected Historical Discoveries
Despite its status as an unincorporated community, Midway City has been home to a diverse array of notable individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields, enriching its social and cultural fabric. Among its distinguished residents are the acclaimed Vietnamese songwriter Pham Duy and the popular Vietnamese American singer Quang Le, whose presence underscores the vibrant cultural impact of the Vietnamese community in the area.
The community also boasts connections to the entertainment industry, with actresses Dedee Pfeiffer and her sister, the widely recognized Michelle Pfeiffer, having resided in Midway City. In the realm of sports, American boxer Montell Griffin represents another notable figure from the community, adding a layer of athletic achievement to Midway City’s profile.
Beyond public figures, Midway City was notably home to Francis Townsend, the influential author of the Great Depression-era “Townsend Plan.” This groundbreaking proposal played a significant role in “influenc[ing] the establishment of the United States Social Security system,” demonstrating Midway City’s unexpected link to national policy-making and social reform that had a profound and lasting impact.
The community has also fostered exceptional local talent, such as Ruben Hipolito, who achieved the rare distinction of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 12 in 2001. Eight years later, Hipolito’s accomplishments garnered national recognition when he was selected from “3.5 million scouts nationwide as one of six scouts to represent the Boy Scouts of America organization before the U.S. president and Congress,” an achievement for which he later received a special commendation from the mayor of Huntington Beach.
Adding an intriguing layer of ancient history to Midway City’s narrative, an unexpected archaeological discovery occurred in September 1999. While workers were repairing water lines in the 15000 block of Cedarwood Avenue, they “dug up a 500-year-old human skull and teeth, and seashells when they reached about three feet down.” This remarkable finding provides a poignant reminder of the deep, pre-colonial history of the land upon which Midway City now stands, connecting its present to a much more distant and mysterious past.
This extensive overview reveals Midway City as far more than just an ‘unincorporated area’ on a map. It is a community defined by its tenacious pursuit of self-determination, its dynamic evolution shaped by demographic shifts, and its robust network of local services and cultural institutions. From the ongoing battle for autonomy to the unique tapestry of its businesses, the dedication to affordable housing, and the remarkable stories of its residents and ancient discoveries, Midway City embodies a resilient and evolving spirit. Its journey continues to be a compelling study in how a community navigates modern challenges while honoring its distinct historical identity, proving that even in the shadows of larger cities, a singular character can powerfully endure.
