I grew up here, went to Midway City Elementary School and had a newspaper route here as a kid in the early 1970's. In 1922, farmer John Harper laid out streets, installed sidewalks and by the next year began to sell lots near Seal Beach, between Wintersburg and Gospel Swamp. This area became known as MIDWAY CITY, due to its central location halfway between Santa Ana and Seal Beach. Stagecoach travelers started using the area as a watering hole and wealthy Huntington Beach oilmen took up residence in the area to escape the smell of the black gold. MIDWAY CITY is the only area in Orange County that incorporates its
chamber of commerce (1924) and homeowners association, which in concert act like a city council. Monthly meetings, formerly held at the American Legion Post, now take place in front of big audiences at the new MIDWAY CITY Community Center. The fact that someone brings homemade cakes and coffee to these meetings might have something to do with the great attendance. Street lights, water supply, zoning and Neighborhood Watch are some of the topics that are dealt with regularly. And while the final decision is up to the County Supervisor, the Chamber of Commerce and Homeowners Association and the MIDWAY CITY Community Organization (1983) is taken quite seriously and usually gets good results. This close-knit unincorporated area bears a close resemblance to many Midwestern communities. In fact much of Midway City was horse property up until the 1970's. There are still some people in Midway City who first met here, went to school here, wed here, and are now celebrating their anniversaries here. Midway City citizens are extremely friendly and proud of their small-town heritage.
