About

Builder Ole Hanson lived here in 1940.

Hanson moved to Seattle from Wisconsin in the early 1900s, and went into business building a home for not only his family, but for other families too. After developing a community designed as an idyllic alternative for city dwellers in Lake Forest Park, Washington, Hanson was elected as Seattle’s mayor in 1918.

Following the 1917 October Revolution in Russia, the city workers called a general strike to protest their lack of wage increases following a period of success during World War I. Hanson became a national hero to conservatives when he stood up to what was perceived to be a Bolshevik threat. The New York Times called him, “champion of order” and telegrams and notices of support came in from across the country, from newspapers and from citizens alike.

Hanson resigned as mayor later that year, and then embarked on a speaking tour of the country. Some touted him as a potential 1920 presidential candidate. After touring Europe, Hanson came to California and bought up land in Los Angeles, between Florence and Western Avenues, which he sold for a tidy profit. He bought a home in Los Feliz, as well as land south of San Juan Capistrano. Hanson embarked on developing his land purchases, thereby founding the city of San Clemente. Because the new community was fairly isolated between Los Angeles and San Diego, Hanson also built a dairy and provided space for bakeries, so the city could produce its own goods. When the Depression created some financial hardships, Hanson worked with his creditor, The Bank of America, to resolve his debt problems. Hanson, who still had his home in Los Feliz, then went on to build some of the first properties in Twentynine Palms. He later moved to San Clemente. (Source: San Clemente Times, December 2013)

Morrow & Baer, architect.

1930 census:
2000 N. Catalina Street: (Value: $13,500): 1) George Bennett, owner and head of household; 56 year old white married male; married at age 40; born in Wisconsin; father born in Michigan, mother in English Canada; a salesman in rubber goods. 2) Annie Bennett, wife; 41 year old white married female; married at age 25; born in England; parents born in England; a naturalized citizen; not working. 3) George Bennett, Jr., son; 15 year old white single male; in school; born in California. 4) Eleanor G. Bennett, daughter; 13 year old white female; in school; born in California.

1940 Census:
2000 Catalina Avenue (Rents for $110): 1) Ole Hanson, head of household; white married male 66 years of age; born in Wisconsin; real estate, self. 2) Nellie May Hanson; wife; white married female 65 years of age; born in Wisconsin; not working. 3) Nellie K. Hanson, daughter; white single female 39 years of age; born in Pennsylvania; not working. 4) William H. Hanson, son; white single male 33 years of age; born in California; musician, own band. 5) Margie F. Hanson, daughter; white single female 27 years of age; born in Washington; not working. 6) Lloyd Hanson, son ; white single male 22 years of age; born in Washington; actor, motion picture studios; earns $800. 7) Muriel Hanson, daughter; white single female 19 years of age; born in Washington; in school.

1940 Census:
Second Entry: 2000 Catalina Street (Value $8,500): 1) Fred L. Woodman, head of household; white married male 57 years of age; born in California purchasing agent, home insurance office; earns $3,600. 2) Blanche Woodman, wife; white married female 47 years of age; born in California; not working.