The Automobile Club of Southern California and the Fullerton Museum Center have joined together to present Coat Road: 1900 - 1950 an exhibit of historic photographs and memorabilia depicting the construction, the development and pop culture of Pacific Coast Highway. The exhibit features a regional emphasis on the Orange County coastline with historic photographs from Balboa, Huntington Beach, Laguna, and Newport beaches.

The exhibit combines coastal images and memorabilia from the Auto Club's Corporate Archives, the Fullerton museum Center, Ventura County Museum, and private collections. Featured are surfing photographs by the late John Larronde, an avid surfer, surfboard maker, historian and conservationist, as well as other black and white photographs of Orange County's Coastline.

Vintage photos of Pacific Coast Highway's construction, piers, roadside attractions, and beach activities along Malibu, Point Magu, Santa Monica Canyon, Rincon Causeway, and other scenic locations are part of the exhibit displayed for the first time in Orange County. Also included in the exhibition are Surfer's Journal videos from Opper Sports and historic surfboards from Hobie Sports, Dana Point.

The exhibit also features historic rarely displayed Auto Club ink-on-vellum maps; original cover art by well-known California artists from the Auto Club's Westways magazine collection; an enlarged three-dimensional tower display of historic postcards; and unique promotional publications from beach front motels. Along with the photographs and artifacts, a late-1940s Harley Davidson motorcycle used to deliver maps, and assist Auto Club members and stranded motorists, is part of the exhibit.

"The images and objects in this exhibit tell the story of PCH's early construction and its role in shaping the culture and lifestyle associated with the Southern California coast," said Rosa Nowels, manager of the Auto Club's Fullerton District office.

This exhibit was organized by the Automobile Club of Southern California and the Fullerton Museum Center.

Coast Road