How the 4th of July Parade Connects to Orinda History
Residents might be surprised to learn that Orinda, as an incorporated city, began the same year the movie “Back to the Future” was released (1985). If Marty McFly landed his DeLorean in Orinda a thousand years before that, he would have found the rich history of the Native American Ohlone. Artifacts from this period were discovered all over the places we traverse daily – San Pablo Creek, Orinda Way, Moraga Way, etc., and let’s not forget the burial ground on what’s now the Orinda Country Club.
Assuming the flux capacitor is in good working order, let’s say Marty jumps ahead several hundred years to the 1840s when Mexican land grants with familiar names like Rancho El Sobrante and Rancho Acalanes appear. Time marches on and these holdings disintegrate after the Mexican-American War, giving way to settlers and property developers.
In comes William Camron, a developer who in 1876 buys the place for $20 per acre. His wife, Alice, a big fan of the 17th century British poet Katherine Fowler Philips, who was informally known as “Matchless Orinda,” insists her husband name the new subdivision Orinda Park. Our friend Marty likes the name and doesn’t dissuade Alice, although he doesn’t complain when the “Park” part is dropped around the turn of the century.
The tires on the DeLorean are looking a little bald, so Marty jumps into the 20th century to purchase a new set at Western Auto. Orinda continues to grow, requiring planning, infrastructure, police and fire protection – all managed by Contra Costa County.
The Orinda Association (OA) is created in the 1940s to represent Orinda’s interests to the County Board of Supervisors. Some local control is established with the creation of planning, parks and recreation and police commissions. However, these commissions are limited to advisory roles. Some residents want more control over their community; attempts are made to incorporate in the 1950s and 1960s, but there isn’t enough support.
Marty makes a stop in the 80s to restock his supply of Tab cola at Gemco. The time seems ripe for incorporation. He overhears residents worried about lack of control over their own community’s growth; developers often have the upper hand with decision-making in Martinez, where Orinda had one supervisor representing them out of five.
There are plans for a freeway to run through Bollinger Canyon and Wilder through to the Caldecott Tunnel. The Orinda Theatre is slated for demolition until it is narrowly saved by the “Friends of Orinda Theatre” and The OA filing a lawsuit to protect the historic building.
Bobbie Landers, The OA secretary at the time, comes up with the idea of a parade to help get local residents excited about becoming a city. She envisions bringing both sides of Highway 24 together for a fun celebration of our country’s founding and to build a sense of community.
The parade requires no registration, and participation is free to all – if kids decorate their trikes that morning, they can be in the parade. Flyers are sent out to form a pick-up marching band. Band volunteers show up at 9 a.m. to practice for the parade at 10 a.m., where over 20 musicians show up.
Local businesses and clubs are encouraged to participate and invited to set up booths in the park to promote themselves, along with food, beverages and available music.
Landers and others who organize the parade in 1984 are excited, along with Marty, that the turnout for the parade is great.
The community spirit generated by the parade galvanizes the citizens to vote in March of 1985 to incorporate our city of Orinda. If you see a DeLorean at the parade this year, please let The OA Board know.
