The Frankish Building:
A Reflection of the Success
of Ontario, California

(Photo by Brent Heath) Standing proudly on the southwest corner of Euclid Avenue and Transit Street in Ontario, California, the three­story Frankish Building symbolizes the commercial and economic success of a California town. Like hundreds of similar buildings across the nation — in small towns and large — the building is locally significant because of its association with a prominent man of the community and because of its attractive architectural style. The unusually wide and sweeping main street — Euclid Avenue — was the creation of the town’s original founder, George Chaffey. Together, the building and its setting provide a visual reminder of the spirit of boosterism that swept across the nation in the late 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century.

TABLE OF CONTENTS About This Lesson Getting Started: Inquiry Question Setting the Stage: Historical Context Locating the Site: Maps 1. State of California 2. Plan of Ontario, California Determining the Facts: Readings 1. The Beginnings of a City 2. A Symbol of Wealth and Position Visual Evidence: Images 1. Euclid Avenue 2. Architectural details 3. The Frankish Building Putting It All Together: Activities 1. Advertising the Colony of Ontario 2. Looking at a Building 3. Determining Community Sites of Historic Significance Supplementary Resources

RELATED INFORMATION How to Use a TwHP Lesson Lessons on Related Topics TwHP Home National Register Home About the National Register How the National Register Helps Teachers Contact TwHP This lesson is based on the Frankish Building, one of the thousands of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

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