Thursday November 16th, Ocean Beach Historical Society welcomed old friend Richard Carrico.  Richard told riveting stories from his new book Monsters on the Loose at Water’s Edge Church. In early 1931 the city of San Diego was terrorized by the murders of three young women. None of the crimes were witnessed, the killings seemed unrelated, and forensic criminology was still in its infancy. Has Richard solved one of these cold cases?  The monthly OBHS lecture series is always FREE and is still held in the sanctuary of Water’s Edge Church, 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd in Ocean Beach.

Oct.19, 2023, The Ocean Beach Historical Society presented: The Isthmus (1915-1916). Balboa Park’s answer to OB’s Wonderland, a very fun and interesting program was held at Water’s Edge Church, 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. OB by Jonnie Wilson as she gave a pictorial paean to the fabulous fun zone of the Panama California Exposition, known as the Isthmus. There had been big fairs with exciting midways before, but nobody had ever seen anything to rival the Isthmus. Jonnie’s program featured dozens of wonderful images from her extensive picture postcard collection. The OBHS lecture series is always FREE.

On SEPT. 21, 2023 at 6 PM, The Ocean Beach Historical Society presented at the foot of Niagara Ave. (Entrance to the O.B. PIER for “THE PIERS OF OCEAN BEACH”. We learned the history of the O.B. Pier, ideas, options, and the future pier while watching the Sunset. Speakers included Ralph Teyssier, Matthew Martinez and Eric DuVall. After the program, some attendees went to the TEMPLETE for open mic night.

The Ocean Beach Historical Society on August 17, 2023, presented the NTC Centennial program, by Eric DuVall. The program was full of information and humor as we learned the history and celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Naval Training Center. OBHS programs are always Free!

The Ocean Beach Historical Society, July 20, 2023, program San Diego Women in World War II , presenter Linda Canada, at Water’s Edge Faith Community, was insightful and covered many personal experiences during WWII . Once the shock of the bombing of Pearl Harbor subsided, the women of San Diego had to deal with a number of issues at home. For most married women, their husbands immediately wanted to join the war effort, which put instant pressure on them to become the heads of household, parent their children, and maybe be the breadwinner all at the same time!  For single women, there was the challenge of losing their social lives as sweethearts and friends joined the service and were sent far away. For all women, there was the challenge of transitioning from a male-dominated world to one where they had to learn to be responsible for their own actions and plan for their own futures. We heard actual stories and the real experiences of San Diego women as they lived through this tumultuous period of history. 

The Ocean Beach Historical Society program paid homage to this incredible O.B. artist on Thurs., June 15, 2023, A Retrospective: Ocean Beach’s Extraordinary Artist Charles Faust, Presented by Kathy Blavatt & Eider Demello, at Water’s Edge Faith Community, O.B.

Charles Faust was a modern-day Renaissance man. He was among the echelons of Ocean Beach’s most famous artists. He was multifaceted in various mediums in the fine art world, commercial art and illustration, design, and structural design.

Faust worked for the San Diego Zoo, Lindbergh Field, and he had a vast number of freelance accounts. Faust also worked out of a studio on Voltaire Street in Ocean Beach, where he created many of his signature sand castings that were displayed at commercial buildings and homes on the peninsula. We saw a presentation and original samples of his incredible art in multiple mediums. All this for FREE!

WOW!!! Randy’s photographic program was marvelous. What talent and what an amazing family with some of the best historic photos we’ve seen.

Thursday, April 20, 2023, Ocean Beach Historical Society presented: Through the Lens, A photographic Family Legacy, featured Ocean Beach Photographer Randy Dible, at Water’s Edge Faith Community, 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Randy Dible’s family have been in the photographic and film industry for decades. They produced movies, photography, and film equipment. Randy showed incredible creative work from generations of his family and himself including his surf photography… a total of 400 images!

All Ocean Beach Historical Society programs are FREE!

The Ocean Beach Historical Society Wisteria Garden Party/Fundraiser on Sunday, March 19, 2023 was glorious. The music wonderful! Billy Lee’s Swing Band were the perfect band for our event. Other featured local guest musicians/singers included Claire Roberts, T.J. (Antonio Johnson) sang It’s a Wonderful World, and harmonica player Craig Klein. The Opportunity Drawing was a hit and the Wisteria was blooming! Thank you to Pat & Susan James, the Titlow family, Ocean Beach Historical Society, volunteers and donors for making the party a great success.

Congress of History San Diego & Imperial Counties invite you to the
Come One, Come All! Community Events that bind us together, Conference 2023
Fri., Feb. 24, 9 am – 4 am & Sat. Feb. 25, 2023, 9 am – 1 am
at S.E.S. Portuguese Hall of San Diego at 2818, Avenida de Portugal, San Diego, CA 92106
“Celebration. Commemoration. Remembering coming together after the past several years of staying apart.”
As people, we are social beings, who gather for many reasons: to share joy, to honor others, to remember good times, or to make our voices heard.
Learn about gatherings that were pivotal in keeping traditions alive. At Come One, Come All! This conference showcases events has inspired us to gather, be they happy or serious. Don’t miss Eric Duval’s talk- The “Tail” of the Ocean Beach Kite Festival at 2:30-3:15, Fri., Feb. 24.
Come to the 2023 conference. Enjoy speakers, meet and mingle with history-loving organizations.
Conference two-day costs: $35 per adult, $25 per Senior (65+), and $15 Student are free
You may mail in your check or pay by check or cash at the door. We look forward to seeing you on February 24 and 25, 2023. More info. at: https://congressofhistory.org/