OBHS Presented A Tribute to Ned Titlow—Tales of  NED, Nov.17th O.B.’s Beloved Obeacan and local historian Ned Titlow passed away Oct. 29th, 2011. Ned was an active community member, Past President and sitting- Vice chair of the Ocean Beach historical society. his legacy stories and joy of growing up in Ocean Beach made him an integral part in teaching Ocean Beach history.
Nov. 2011, Ned was going to present an OBHS program “tales of intrigue.” instead with  his passing we presented “A Tribute to Ned Titlow–Tales of Ned!” We showed Ned clips, photos, and had “Ned stories and witticisms!” to tell.
With our friend’s passing we have lost a great deal of firsthand O.B. history. But, the good thing is, many of us knew Ned, and learned O.B.’s history from him, so we are able to pass-on the colorful history he left us.
Because of Ned, many people appreciate our history, and love our Ocean Beach community.

Oct. 20, 2011— A really fun night was had with Wonderland Documentarian, and Local Obecian Noah Tafolla, who presented “The History of San Diego Neighborhoods”. Noah has dedicated years to teaching people SD history through his Wonderland Series. He stressed that people learn their family community  histories so future generations will have this vital information.

Sept. 15, 2011, OBHS Presented Richard  Carrico: Then They Turn Into Stones Again: San Diego’s Neglected Naturalist Author: Judy Van Der Veer of Ramona

Born in 1912, Judy Van Der Veer spent her early teenage years in a house just below Banker’s Hill in San Diego, rode horses from Mission Valley to Ocean Beach, snuck into a hangar to see one of Lindberg’s new planes, dropped out of high school after her junior year, and lived most of her adult life as a rancher-writer in Ramona, CA. She won her first poetry contest when she was sixteen with the poem Little Woodland God, which has been continuously reprinted in poetry collections and anthologies. She published her first book when she was twenty-four and went on to write more than 5 adult books including My Valley in the Sky and 6 very popular children’s books including Hold the Rein Free.
Before her death in 1982, Van Der Veer wrote more than 500 articles that appeared in publications including Westways, the christian Science Monitor, the San Diego Union, Poetry Magazine, and San diego Magazine. In her time, Judy Van Der Veer was noted for her advocacy of animal rights, fought to preserve habitats, was sympathetic to marginalized Indian and Mexican people, and was known as an ecologist before the term came into common usage. Often compared to John Steinbeck and Willa Cather, Van Der Veer’s minimalist, naturalistic works are largely forgotten in the twenty-first century.

Aug. 18. 2011, Ocean Beach Historical Society presented Kathy Blavatt— “O.B.’s Weird, Wild and Wonderful”, program and book premiere. Kathy’s showed photos and told stories of the beach town of Ocean Beach, San Diego.
In describing the unusual things or events in Ocean Beach you commonly hear the classic response, “That’s O.B.”. Kathy’s photos are “That’s O.B. moments” which include: Humorous subjects; local characters and celebrities; interesting scenery; animals and oddities… basically the weird, wild and wonderful of make-up of our unique community.
Kathy is an O.B. local and the Creative Director for the Ocean Beach Historical Society.
The O.B.’s Weird, Wild and Wonderful book is the 2nd in the Espresso Diaries Series, and Kathy’s 4th book. It is available at Newbreak Coffee and Olive Tree Market in O.B.

 Enjoyed the tour by Ned Titlow, Pat James and others with personal tales and lots of history.  “Hidden Garden” following the Historical Walk… The Garden still looks great thanks to Kathi and those helping keep it up.
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The Ocean Beach Historical Society Program Charles  Curtis’ Adventures in Lomaland on July 21, 2011 brought lots of laughs and enthusiaum from a large crowd!
Charles  “Chuck” Curtis found paradise at age 4 when he moved to the  Theosophist community at Lomaland in Point Loma. He attended Madame  Tingley’s school, later joined the navy and married a woman from a  prominent Point Loma family. As a student, Charles would finish  his school work so he could  go play at Lomaland. It was his giant  playground… with trees, beaches, animals, and other wonders of  nature. Also, the campus’ beautiful white buildings and purple glass  domes provided him constant entertainment and adventure.
The  school gave Charles a strong basic education: An introduction to the  arts and woodworking, and a horticultural background. The farming and  sustainable workings of the Theosophists’ community helped him in  creating his own wooded paradise (including Torrey Pines) on his  picturesque property in Ramona, California.

It was a night of stand-up with little-known interesting history as the OBHS Presented on June 16, 2011 Charlie & Tonii… The Boys from the Other Side of the Hill! As boys Charlie Carlos Charlie LeGretti) and Tonii (Larry Tonnii DeGarcia) lived in Sunset Cliffs Azure Vistas project housing, which is now considered prime ocean front property. Also, they had both lived in the Frontier projects where the old Frontier Drive-in was located in the Midway area (now called North Bay). Charlies’ (nick-named Taco), family owned the first Mexican restaurant in Ocean Beach. Wonderland fascinated Tonii DeGarcia (Gar) and played a major role in his life. The original Wonderland Offices, which were moved and converted into apartments, were his first home. Many years later when the building was condemned, he bought it and restored it. He also commissioned several Wonderland paintings he showed at our program.

Tonii DeGarcia as baby in front of Wonderland Apartments.

May 13, 2011 OB Exposed! Was a great evening of fun with a hug crowd and lots of great entries of photographic impressions of Ocean Beach & Point Loma. Special Thanks to Wonderland Series host Noah Tafolla,  OB Business Center, the Masonic Hall and the great refreshments donated by European Cake Gallery, Azucar, Pepe’s, C.J.s Catering and Specialty Baking, Subway, Olive Tree Market Place, People’s Food Co-op and Shades. Also, thanks to the OBHS Board and volunteers.

The winning photos can be seen at the OB Library for a month.

Photos that were not donated may be picked up at OB Business Center.

Author Linda Pequegnat Presented “This Day in San Diego “
April 21, 2011,  Linda opened our eyes to the may events that happened on a variety of dates in San Diego. Linda Pequegnat,  is a retired research scientist, in the field of Marine  Biology, who got her Masters from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This book was her first endeavor in historical research about her favorite place—San  Diego.

The Ocean Beach Historical Society Presented: The Annual WISTERIA TEA PARTY
March 19, 2011 at 4761 Niagara Ave., 92107 (Ocean Beach)
We celebrated our OBHS Annual Wisteria Tea Party held at Board Member Ned Titlow’s early 1900’s home, under the full bloomed largest Wisteria canopy in O.B. Everyone enjoy a variety of teas, fresh homemade lemonade, scrumptious delectables while listening FEATURED VIOLINIST ALICIA PREVIN, CELLIST MARK SANDER and KEYBOARDIST MARK SAVERINO . Actor/Singer Antony Johnson (T.J.)  joined in on a couple lovely songs. It was a day to remember!