Author: Raymond Blavatt

I joined the Ocean Beach Historical Society in San Diego Ca and now part of Congress of History also.

Thank You from OBHS

Main Street SunsetA very successful “OB Exposed” and we would like to thank all that participated.

C. J.’s Catering & Speciality Baking • European Cake Gallery • Ocean Beach Peoples Food Co-op • Olive Tree Market Place • Pepe’s Whale Tail Tortilla Chips • Shades Oceanfront Bistro  • OB Quik Stop • Newbreak • Noah Tafolla • Claudia Jack •Point Loma Masonic Center Judges:  Tom Shugrue & Steve Rowell and all volunteers!

OB HISTORICAL WALK, JULY 18, 2009

We  started this annual event in front of OB Library. The Tour was given by Ned Titlow and Carol Bowers. Ned, a former OB Elementary alumni, spoke about the “100 Year Anniversary” of the school and his personal accounts. At the foot of Newport Ave., OBHS Pres. Pat James showed our newest addition to our large historical photos. These gave attendees a chance to see what the area use to look  like. Included  was a bonus tour by Louie Williams of the “Hidden Garden” recently featured on “Wonderland  Ocean Beach IV”

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13th OB Exposed

MAY 15, 2008 was the 13th Annual OB Exposed Photo Contest and Exhibit of Photographic Impressions of Ocean Beach & Point Loma. The event was the rage of OB. Lots of great photos and fabulous food (thanks to local establishments for donating the goodies).The Winning Photos will can be seen at the OB Libray over the month. Congratulations winners, and thanks to all that participated and volunteered.OB Exposed!
Here are the OB Exposed! Winners:
Best Vintage: Steve Rowell (Long Branch Ave – Memorial Day)
Best Child: Gianna Gallo (Tropical OB Sunset)
Best Color: George Barnes (OB Pier Sunset w/ Fisherman)
Best Special Effects: Rebecca Saffran
(Self Portrait of Feet hanging over the Cliffs)
Best Black and White: Rebecca Saffran (Couple with their dog on Newport)
People’s Choice: Duane Anderson (Lucia Paz – Beach Ghetto Goddess)
Best in Show: George Barnes (OB Pier Mist

YUMMY, YUMMY YUMMY!
HOSANNAS to all the local OB food and beverage companies who donated so lavishly to our 13th OB Exposed. Thank You:
Darla & Ed Bebrin, Proprietors—Pepe’s (Pizza)
Carol J. Rivers, Proprietor— C.J.’s Catering & Specialty Baking (Cookies)
Nancy Casady, General Manager— O.B. Peaples’ Food Co-op (Sodas)
Ken Coley, Proprietor— San Diego Catering Company (H’orderves & Desserts)
Chef Steve Ruszic, Proprietor— European Cake Gallery (Pastries)
Chris Stavros, Proprietor— Olive Tree Marketplace (Individual Bottles of Water)

Annual Wisteria Tea Party – Smashing Success

“There was a large turnout of locals in OB under a beautiful blue sky and Wisteria canopy on the a Saturday afternoon of March 22.
John Noble of Coastal Sage Gardening, gave a great and humorous talk on the history of Wisteria.
There was good food that included teas, homemade lemonade delectable finger sandwiches and desserts.
Some women were wearing flowery “high tea hats.” One OB man was wearing pink rabbit ears (the following day was Easter). An opportunity drawing topped off the day.
Each year the Wisteria Party Tea Party is held under the oldest trellises of Wisteria in OB, at Ocean Beach Historical Society’s Vice Chair Ned Titlow’s 1907 historical home at 4761 Niagara Ave.
This year rain, combined with sunny days, made for an breathtaking canopy of full blooming Wisteria.

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Battle of San Diego Bay

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On March 16th some OBHS Board Members were guests of the House of Spain for the celebration of “Battle of San Diego Bay.”
The Fuerte Guijarros Museum Foundation & Naval Base Point Loma presented the event.
Master of ceremonies Pedro Catala (President of Casa de Espana) presided over the affair with Captain Mark D. Patton (Commanding Officer Naval Base Point Loma), Ronald May (Chair Fort Guijarros Museum), Michael Aguirre (San Diego City Attorney) & Maria Angeles Olson (Honorary Consul of Spain).
On March 17th, 1803 Captain William Shaler & Captain Richard Cleveland sailed into San Diego Harbor on the American brig “Leila Byrd” to buy sea otter pelts.
The Spanish Commander forbade such trading, but the Americans persisted.
Some crewmen were captured at the beach. Later, they were escaped.
Fort Guijarros fired its nine pound cannons to prevent the American escape.
The Leila Byrd crew mounted six three pound swivel guns on the rail & fired two broadside at the fort.
A hat was waved & both parties ceased firing, bringing the battle to a peaceful ending that lead to a celebration.
The ceremony, the OBHS board members attended, featured “ A taste of Spain” with food, drink, Spanish dancing and a lecture on the history of the battle.