Ocean Beach Historical Society ARCHIVES preserve the history of Ocean Beach and the peninsula.
WE NEED: • Historical Photos, Items, Documentation & Interviews • Cash & Archival Supplies
Archives provide an invaluable window into our past. The collection includes: Photos, maps, books, papers, newspapers, letters & artifacts, an biography index and 1926-1984 S.D. Directories. Donations Welcome- Buildings and scenery vanish or change…people’s lives are of interest… photos, house plans, business & org. records, and family papers are needed.
When Donating: Please date, identify the people and places. Reluctant to give up originals? The Archive’s staff will safely copy and return items to you with your permission to use the materials. Preservation work needs support & supplies. Gifts may be donated at OBHS meetings. OBHS is a 501 (C) 3 Non-profit, donations of items & cash May Be Tax Deductible. Thanks to all who donate. All General Info. Contact – pjinob@gmail.com or (619)226-8125.
Link to the past at The Beach News Archives: https://archive.org/details/oceanbeachhistorical
Sea Scrolls Newsletter Archives:
2023
2022
2021
2020
September – October
July – August
May – June
March – April
January – February
2019
November -December
September – October
July – August
May – June
March – April
January – February
2018
November -December
September – October
July – August
May – June
March – April
January – February
2017
November -December
September – October
July – August
May – June
March – April
January – February
2016
November -December
September – October
July – August
May – June
March – April
January – February
2015
November -December
September – October
July – August
May – June
March – April
January – February
2014
November -December
September – October
July – August
May – June
March – April
January – February
2013
December
October – November
August – September
June – July
April – May
February – March
January
2012
December
October – November
August – September
June – July
April – May
February – March
January
2011
December
October – November
August – September
May – June
March – April
January – February
2010
November -December
October
August – September
June – July
April – May
February – March
January – December
MILLS ACT PROGRAM
“The Ocean Beach Historical Society promotes preservation by maintaining archives, promoting the “Emerging Ocean Beach Historical Cottage District” and “Mills Act”, adding historical records and preservation needs to the the future Ocean Beach Community Plan, and working with other community organizations on providing historical plaques and designations for important historical structures and sites in Ocean Beach. Through programs and documentation the OBHS teaches the history of Ocean Beach, guides people in preservation and weighs in on preserving historical resources.
Over the years the City has cut staff that manages historic districts and added higher fees to Mills Act recipients. This has caused a slowing down of individual house designations and the destruction of some of San Diego’s important historical buildings and sites. Because of these setbacks it is important for residents to be active in supporting historic districts, historical groups and people championing preservation. Be an active member in the OBHS help preserve and protect our community and San Diego.
Link to County of San Diego Mills Act Form
Historically designated properties enacted by CA in 1972 for property owners of qualified historic properties.
- Restoration & Maintenance
- Property tax relief
City of San Diego in 1995, Council Policy 700-46 Property tax reduction:
- Maintenance
- Restoration
- Rehabilitation
Ocean Beach Historical Society 
I live in a 103 year old home, at 2932 Evergreen Street.
Might you have old photos of my home?
Im interested in see some of these old photos of Ocean Beach. And I was curious if I could purchase a copy to hang on my wall
Id really like to look at the archive and I was hoping I could purchase or make a donation. I’ve lived here in OB for 15 years. I would love to find some. Pictures for my new condo here in OB.
looking for information about the collier park hospital were i was born in 1947. all facts about the hospital would be greatly loved.
I am writing a little piece on what it was like growing up in Ocean Beach during the 80’s. I was trying to find photos of some of the storefronts from that era to jog my memory, particularly of Buford’s…interior photos of Buford’s would make me very happy indeed. There is almost nothing on the web. Do you have anything like this in your archives?
i am looking for information on the the collier park hospital in ocean beach, california. have have been city of hope children’s home in 1947.
Aloha-
Hi Gang. I contributed a couple short articles to you guys back in the day, and I’m curious to know how I could browse the back issues of the newsletters. I’ve been a member for years, but I’m actually interested in reading from the very first issues. It’s kind of like what I’ve done for my canoe club here on Maui for almost 40 years now I’m kind of the historian by dint of just being on hand for all that time. But I’m O.B. at heart, graduated PLHS ’67 so I recognize some of the family names on the BoD. I’ve got lots of amusing tales that began before they built the Pier. Maybe I’ll see some of the folks who enjoy the newsletter as I do.
A Hui Ho (’til next we meet)
Aloha Gang-Just got my latest SeaScrolls and saw the blurb on PSA 182. Yow some Monday that was! Worked til 3AM that morning, and the first I knew of it was my friend in OB calling to say “You’re alive!The plane didn’t fall on you”…. because at the time I lived just off 32nd St and Meade, and I’d slept through the impact just a few blocks away. I went over to offer help and wound up working next to Ozzie Smith, then a Padre rookie, who apparently lived in the neighborhood too. What a great guy! Tragic day, and he was just doing his best to put it right. Never forget THAT day!
Just started dating woman who is now my wife. We were married in 1980 on the East Coast after several moves before being married and after (I am retired military). We have lived in our current location over 35 years……across the street from the wife of a PSA pilot killed in that crash. He was catching a flight home, not piloting the plane. Small world.
Does anyone know the history of the OB Lifeguard Station at 1950 Abbott Street. When was the original building built, and when was the current building constructed? any help would be most appreciated. Kathy Crawford
I live on Milan St near Dana Center. I have a 200 year old oak in my front yard. I’d love to see photos of this area from before there were houses. Do you have any?
Have 3 old photos I’d love to send you by e-mail from the 1950’s
Hi Sandy, that would be wonderful. We would very much appreciate that. You can send them to myself: ericlduvall@gmail.com, or to Pat James pjinob@gmail.com, and we will respond via email. Many thanks for thinking of us. – Eric
I was told by my 93 year old friend who lived her whole life in O.B. that a fire consumed many homes and prompted many of the surviving homes chimneys to be filled in with cement. I live in a home that has a chimney that’s filled in and have many friends with the same. Do you know what year?
I have a old table with seems to be a map of ob all stores that used. To be there
Does anyone know anything about the architectural history of 4770 West Point Loma Blvd. It looks very similar to a two story
building in University Heights that was moved there and had housed Portuguese American dignitaries.