The Whitaker-Jaynes House
Artist
Scott FitzGerald
Date1974
MediumPrint
Dimensions8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm)
ClassificationsPrintmaking
Credit LineGift of Dan and Cathy Thomas
Object number2020.014
DescriptionThis house at 7842 Whitaker Avenue in Buena Park is named for two prominent southland families who occupied it for more than 75 years.Andrew Whitaker, brother of James Whitaker who founded Buena Park, built the home in 1887 on 20 acres he purchased when he came here from the Midwest. The two brothers operated a general store in the town for several years.
In 1903, following Andrew’s death, the home was traded by his widow for another house in Los Angeles owned by Isaac Jaynes, a realtor. An enterprising and energetic sort, Jaynes worked at many jobs after assuming title to the property to support his growing family. He also planted an extensive orchard, raising mainly oranges. Still gracing the grounds, however, art two of many redwood trees, some avocado trees, an acacia and a macadamia nut tree. Jaynes was active in civic and philanthropic organizations, served in the Quartermaster Corps in WWI, and was appointed postmaster in 1922.
Jaynes lived to be 94 and occupied the house until his death when the property was purchased by the Coty of Buena Park. It has since been restored and refurbished by the Buena Park Historical Society. One of the second-story bedrooms houses the Lillian Popkins collection of dolls, each 36” in height, dressed in exact replicas of the inaugural gowns worn by wives and hostesses of the U.S. Presidents.
The 87-year-old home is only a few yards from the din of the constant flow of heavy traffic and is surrounded by a cluster of small industrial shops, retail stores, and a motel. In the midst of such surroundings the old house still retains a bit of its earlier grandeur, and the stately old trees contribute an aura of quiet dignity. The families that it sheltered so well for so long should rest easily knowing that it is reverently cared for by the interested citizens of Buena Park.
(June 1974)
Written by the artist, Scott FitzGerald
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