You might think Katella Avenue in Anaheim refers to some exotic spreadable nut mixture favored by European backpackers. Not quite. But Phil Brigandi says walnuts do figure in the story.

"There was an early rancher in Anaheim named John Rea and he had two daughters named Kate and Ella."

Local historian Phil Brigandi wrote the book "Orange County Place Names A-Z." It was 1896 when John Rea purchased his property.

"And he named his ranch where he grew walnuts – it was over by Disneyland – he named it the Katella Ranch. Kate and Ella, for his daughters."

The road that went by the ranch was also called Katella and for a time, there was even a Katella school district. The sisters lived long and apparently happy lives in Anaheim. Kate taught at Anaheim High School in the early 1900's. Ella became the first chairwoman of the Library board.

Portrait of Kate and Ella Rea

(Airdate: 4/5/2008)