Ocean Beach Historical Society board members, and the community are active in writing, winning awards, sitting on boards of non-profit organizations and much more. Also, many community members past and present have also left their mark on O.B. See what O.B. is all about. Link to the past at The Beach News Archives: https://archive.org/details/oceanbeachhistorical
CONGRATULATION STEVE! The Ocean Beach Merchants Association Awards event on Jan. 26, 2023, awarded a prize to Steve Rowell, famous O.B. photographer and former Ocean Beach Historical Society Board Member.
Just Who Is Eric DuVall, President of the OB Historical Society?
San Diego SOHO helpful restoration tips: http://www.sohosandiego.org/enews/0322diyrestoration.htm
A Page from History: OB’s Wisteria Cottage has kept love on the vine for 115 years
Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but any time is the perfect time for a love story. This is one love story that happens to involve several families, a cozy little beach cottage and a century-old wisteria vine.
The cottage, at 4761 Niagara Ave. in Ocean Beach, was built in 1907, making it one of OB’s oldest homes. Known as Wisteria Cottage in reference to the now-spectacular wisteria vine planted by John Clarke in 1915, the little place has been well-loved over the many seasons by the Clarke, Titlow, Black and James families. Link to full article: https://www.pointloma-obmonthly.com/news/story/2022-03-15/a-page-from-history-obs-wisteria-cottage-has-kept-love-on-the-vine-for-115-years
AUTHOR TALK- at the Point Loma /Hervey Library, March 14, 2022, guest joined Author Kathy Blavatt in-Person or Virtual as she talked about San Diego’s “Sunset Cliffs Park- A History” .
A Page from History: The tales of Duckville still call
The Hotel de Mallard was one of the shacks at Duckville, a tiny community on the salt marsh of False Bay (Mission Bay) that existed from the mid-1880s to the early 1930s. (San Diego Historical Society)
We’d like to take you all out to Duckville this weekend. Be a hoot, wouldn’t it? Nice and quiet, catch some halibut maybe, tell some tall tales around the wood stove.
We’d like to, but no can do. Duckville isn’t there anymore. Where was Duckville? That will be a tricky one to pin down, as it was a destination with no borders and no boundaries. Duckville was a place in time, a state of mind, a fishing line … and, OK fine, a cluster of eclectic shacks and shanties perched precariously on the salt marsh of False Bay way back when.
If you’ve never heard the tales of Duckville, it is small wonder. The little community had dwindled significantly by the early 1920s, and after it literally washed away for the second time … but, hang on, let’s paddle back a ways.
We are going to refer here to False Bay — or Puerto Falso — and Mission Bay interchangeably because that’s how they did it for 40 years between the time the name was changed via a contest in the 1880s until Mission Bay finally came into common parlance. Link to full article: https://www.pointloma-obmonthly.com/news/story/2022-02-16/a-page-from-history
Fond Farewell: Ocean Beach remembers pillar of the community: ‘Shoeshine Willie’ Washington: Link to 8 News
A Page from History: The twisty past of OceanBeach’s holiday tree
BY ERIC DUVALL DEC. 13, 2021, Point Loma and OB Monthly:
Well, that would depend on your vantage point. Or what side of the (chain link) fence you’re on. But all that aside, the Ocean Beach community Christmas tree is greeting its 41st consecutive season this year, and its preposterous, zany and improbable history is certainly something to celebrate. Article LINK: https://www.pointloma-obmonthly.com/news/story/2021-12-13/a-page-from-history-the-twisty-past-of-ocean-beachs-holiday-tree
“Ocean Beach pioneer D.C. “Charlie” Collier bought the parcel at the bottom of “Pacific Avenue” from Carlson and Higgins when he was a teenager. He moved a two-room cabin on to the property in 1888, and so began an almost forgotten story that became part of the mythology of Ocean Beach. Read the story of Charlie Collier and his Famous Shack. Link here: https://www.pointloma-obmonthly.com/news/story/2021-10-18/a-page-from-history-a-look-back-at-charlie-colliers-once-famous-shack
Feedback on the OB Library Expansion Plans!
The Ocean Beach Planning Board and community members looked at the long awaited plans for the OB Library Expansion on Wed. Nov. 3, 2021 Water’s Edge. For further info. please visit: Ocean Beach Planning Board Website at: www.oceanbeachplanning.org
or READ: Public Input Not Allowed on New OB Library Design – Is Ocean Beach Getting the Shaft, Again?
https://obrag.org/2021/11/public-input-not-allowed-for-new-ob-library-design-is-ocean-beach-getting-the-shaft-again/
The Story of Warren-Walker School: OB’s long-running institution Warren-Walker School began very quietly in 1932. Tutor Nellie Walker began with two students in an upstairs room in the Kraft Building. The school, serving the community for nearly 90 years, now has four campuses in San Diego. Ocean Beach Historical Society Board Member, and Warren-Walker teacher, Kitty McDaniel tells the story in the Point Loma – OB Monthly. Click link: https://www.pointloma-obmonthly.com/news/story/2021-09-13/a-page-from-history-legacy-spirit-and-promise-the-story-of-warren-walker-school
The Little Co-op that Could. OB People’s Food will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. In half a century of providing quality organic food to the people of San Diego, People’s has become a part of the fiber (get it?) of the Ocean Beach Community, as well as OB’s largest employer. Find the story here: https://www.pointloma-obmonthly.com/news/story/2021-04-13/a-page-from-history-ocean-beachs-little-co-op-that-could
San Diego Floral Association Garden Tour
Vistas and Verandahs: Ocean Beach Gardens
Was Sat., June 26, 2021 at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoyed the beautiful OB hills.
A safe event is our highest priority.
Information: www.sdfloral.org/garden-tour.htm
Keepers of the Flame
In their annual People in Preservation Awards, San Diego’s Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) recognized the great work of OB Historical Society’s Susan and Pat James in the preservation and enhancement of Ned Titlow’s Wisteria Cottage in Ocean Beach. The OB Landmark is graced by the century old Wisteria vine which covers the patio and adorns the front of the cottage. SOHO also noted the couple’s continuing efforts in hosting the biennial Wisteria Garden Party. Congratulations to Pat and Susan! A very well deserved honor.
The James honored for Wisteria Cottage and Garden Party in Ocean Beach
by DAVE SCHWAB Peninsula Beacon – 06/18/21
Excerpt: Among the artifacts preserved at the historic wisteria vine-covered cottage at 4761 Niagara Ave. are a huge Ocean Beach monument sign, nostalgic community business signs, and the old Strand Theatre’s film projector (1925-1998).
“I collect a lot of relics, like this entryway sign to Ocean Beach that was on the highway for 35 years, and business signs from Quiggs Bar & Grill and the Electric Chair,” said Pat James who, along with wife Susan, have been caretakers of the charming OB beach cottage built in 1907 by a couple from New Mexico.
The garden party tradition was started by the late Ned Titlow, past president of OBHS, and Carol Bowers, OBHS co-founder. Now known as the Wisteria Garden Party, the spring event brings local artists and famous OB residents together to play music, showcase art, and bring photos and memorabilia showcasing the beach community’s long history.
Read more: San Diego Community News Group – The James honored for Wisteria Cottage and Garden Party in Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach Historical Society 
Thought you might be interested in this:
http://www.peacerocks.info/
It’s info on the giant stained glass peace sign out at sunset cliffs
The OB MainStreet Association, the OB Community Foundation and the OB Historical Society are working together on the upcoming OB Historic Plaque Project. We are looking for photos that are really clear with good contrast to use on the plaques. We could use photos of the Library, OB Elementary School, Newport Hotel (now OB Hostel), Strand Theater (now Wings), Pier,Silver Spray and the Bank of Italy (now Starbucks). If you have any great photos, please let us know at obbid@nethere.com or call Denny Knox at OBMA 224-4906. We would love to hear from you.
Thanks everyone at OBHS for keeping the spirit of OB alive! How about including us in your blogroll??? you are in ours. How about a trade? We have lots of OB history. Please let us know at obragblog@gmail.com
1940’s Big Band Swing Dance, Saturday, November 14, 2009, 7-11 P.M.
14 piece live band.
Fort Rosecrans Historic District, Naval Base Point Loma, Historic Argonaut Hall, Building 138
Presented by the Fort Guijarros Museum Foundation.
For tickets and reservations go to http://www.fortguijarros.com, or email fort_g@cox.net
I am looking for some information on the Polly Gas station that used to be on Vulcan st. in OB…. my father grew up there, him and his step father ran the station, and he attended Point Loma High, this would have been around 1940 — any info would be great…. he is in his 80’s, and we are trying to find some history……
Thanks!!
Mark Mekenas
His name was Ernie Smid….
I vaguely remember a Polly Gas Station from when I was a kid back in the 40’s and 50’s, but the street name isn’t familiar to me. Are you sure about Vulcan, or could it have been Voltaire Street. Voltaire was and still is a main thoroughfare and down where it crosses Sunset Cliffs Blvd I remember several old gas stations there. I wish my brain was clearer so I could have a better memory of those things. There was a very worn gas station there that had some parrot cages in the sales area. I know, you’re going to think I’m keying on the station name, Polly, but I’m telling the truth. Could that have been your dad’s place?
Pat-
I am a bit dismayed that none of the Park&Rec people that I have spoken to know who Robb Field, Dusty Rhoades, or Bob Kenny Field (OB Elementary) are named after… Zippo on the historio dude…
Perhaps the Beacon should run a story or two on who these (and other) dedications were named after and why ?
Keep Those Marshmellows Flying !!!
-Michael the Sandman
Michael,
As time marches on, less and less is known about our history.
It is our mission as a Historical Society to keep our history alive.
One way we do this is by our monthly programs.
We have had programs on Robb Field and Bob Kenny Field.
Dusty Rhodes is overdue.
I wish Lois and Dusty where around today so I could get there take on whats going on today.
Just this morning I heard there’s going to be a proposal for developing the Camp Holiday (Seaside Cottages) property.
I’m very concerned.
Good idea about articles in the Beacon. I’ll see if I can find someone who might be interested in writing about these folks.
Good hearing from you.
Pat
Hi–article in the UT today about Robb Field. But who was it named for? In my online search I didn’t find any info, except for this line of questions. Is there info on Robb? Thanks! George Brewster sandbrews@aol.com
I would like to see photos. Is there a page of historic photos online?
Francesca, we do not currently have a on-line photo gallery. Our collection is available by appointment. You can make an appointment by calling our archivist Mary @ 619-223-7784. You can see historic photos online at wwwsandiegohistory.org or check out Steve Rowells work at oceanbeachphotos.com .
I am doing research on a Collier Park Hospital that was supposed to be in San Diego (maybe still is) from at least 1954-1960. Searched old phone books and photographs of hospitals at the Museum of Photographic Art in Balboa Park and came up empty. Originally assumed it was located in La Mesa, but appears it was in San Diego. Found 3 references to Collier Park Hospital in San Diego on Google… all happened to be adoptees born at College Park Hospital and looking for their birth parents. Do any of the long time residents of OB happen to know where this hospital was located? It may have been a clinic for destitute or unwed mothers rather than a hospital per se.
Hi Ed! Collier Park Hospital was where I was born, and as I was then adopted shortly thereafter, I also believe the place was a home or ward for destitute mothers. I researched CPH years ago, and think I at least might have found out its location. Let me revisit the subject and get back to you! Greetings from Caroline Simpson Timmerberg
Hello. I was also adopted from Collier Park Hospital. The year was 1960 and I have birth certificate with adoptive parents name but no info about blood relatives. Have had trouble finding out much information about real parents. Both adoptive parents passed away. Would like to find out more info for me and my children. Adopted through Childrens Home Society and they lost information,They said. If you have done any searching about adoption any info would help. Thank you very much for your time.
Hi Caroline
I was born in this hosp/clinic as well. I have began research myself and am wondering if you recall the location? There is no address.listed on my birth certificate. Any info is appreciated! Thank you
Regards, Laura
I was born there, too. The hospital has been replaced by condos at the end of Bolinas St., but Collier Park is there. I’m excited about the event, but live in Northern California. I might try to fly in for the event on the 18th.
Hey Ed,
I may not be correct, but back in the 50’s there was a small hospital on either Midway Drive or perhaps on Frontier Blvd. My worn out brain is telling me it’s name started with a “C”, but not sure about that. I recall some kids on the beach digging a tunnel in the sand and it caved in on one of them and he was asphyxiated. The ambulance rushed him to one of the hospitals in San Diego and in the process, drove past the small hospital where life saving measures might have saved him.
These are vague recollections.
I was born at Collier Park Hospital and my mother was an unwed mother but she kept me with support of my grandparents and aunt. The address on my birth certificate is 2301 Bolinas St. San Diego. No zip code just Zone 7. Googled the address but did not find the address but did find the street. Hope this helps if someone is looking.
What years are you referring to? Midway drive was called Causeway St. There’s Channel St, but that may have come later. Fun stuff!!! Thanks for your post.
What years are you referring to? Midway drive was called Causeway St. There’s Channel St, but that may have come later. Fun stuff!!! Thanks for your post.
Please come to this special event. Bring your Picnic and join us on Thurs. August 18th, 5 pm at Collier Park and Learn About “Door of Hope”. Please feel free talk, share info and and photos.
Bring a PICNIC to this FREE Special Event and Learn About “Door of Hope”, Thurs. Aug, 18, 2022 at 5 pm, at Collier Park West (At Greene St. & Soto St., San Diego, CA 92107) Bring your own picnic Food & gear.
East View of Door of Hope on top of hillside.
Some older Point Loma and Ocean Beach residents may remember the odd buildings which once sat in the middle of Collier Park west. The buildings, which were part of the Salvation Army’s Door of Hope, included a dormitory style home for pregnant unwed mothers, a nursing facility, and the Collier Park Hospital. Collier Park west is still there, but it has been divided into a small park for picnics, a community garden, and a native plant oasis. A condo development has replaced the Door of Hope buildings.
The upcoming OBHS program will be especially relevant to anybody who may have been born in Collier Park Hospital and later adopted from the Door of Hope, or anybody who worked there during its 55-year run. Activists who helped save Collier Park West from further development are also encouraged to come and share their stories.
Because many peninsula residents were born at this Ocean Beach Door of Hope and have expressed an interest in our website to learn more about it, OBHS will be having a “Collier Park Picnic Event”, where people will have an opportunity to share their stories, photos and memories while enjoying a day in the historic Collier Park west. Please bring your picnic and join us on August 18th, 5 pm at Collier Park.
yes my adoption papers say that i was born there. i was adopted, part native american. the doctor listed there Askew is the one that is listed on my birth certificate. something is highly suspicious.
Collier park hospital was operated by the Salvation Army’s Door of Hope. A place for unwed mothers to be cloistered away from society and have their children taken into adoption by coercion and manipulation in a time when being pregnant and single was considered aberrant behavior.
Hi Arlene, what is/are your source(s) that describe Collier Park Hospital as a manipulative, coercive, woman-shaming organization? My sources – my biological mother, who gave birth to me there in 1960 – tells quite a different story. Of course, the girls and women, who resided temporarily at the Booth Home for Unwed Mothers in Ocean Beach, were protected from daily society. Many of them by their own choice. Of course that time period was completely rigid and puritanical as far as accepting single mothers into society. The Booth Home, however, was a safe and protective environment for girls who were scared and unwontedly pregnant. Many of them had horrible family situations that included histories of parental sexual abuse. I can verify that the Booth Home provided care, love, friendship, learning and good medical care, as well as solid obstetrics. The Salvation Army has also kept immaculate records over decades of the residents of the Booth Homes. (I would post a picture here of the Ocean Beach house, but don’t the system will allow it.)
I looked at my birth certificate and spoke to my mom. I was born at Collier Park Hospital. My mom is from a family of immigrants who did the best they could. I was not adopted out and after I was born they helped her with my care. I applaud the resilience and strength she has always had and am grateful for the help they gave her so I could come into the world nourished and loved.
I was also born at Collier in 1953. I was given up for adoption after my birth mother could not care for me.
HI Arlene and others. I apparently started this conversation back in 2012. My wife knew she had been born at Collier Hospital, but did not know where it was located. She knew she had been adopted and just wondered where the hospital was. I took her to the site where the hospital used to be and pointed to the apartments that are now there and showed her where she was born. I should have gotten back and shared that I had found it, but did not. Arlene is correct as is Betty. It was The Door of Hope and was located at 2301 Bolinas Street. My information was found by researching old phone books and going to the assessors office to look up old plot maps ownership records. FYI, one of the phone books showed an additional address for The Door of Hope as being 2271 Soto. My research morphed into my finding my wife’s birth mother! It was interesting research and I thank everyone who replied to my original query. I apologize for not sharing the information back in 2012.
Please come to this special event. Bring your Picnic and join us on Thurs. August 18th, 5 pm at Collier Park and Learn About “Door of Hope”. Please feel free talk, share info and and photos.
Bring a PICNIC to this FREE Special Event and Learn About “Door of Hope”, Thurs. Aug, 18, 2022 at 5 pm, at Collier Park West (At Greene St. & Soto St., San Diego, CA 92107) Bring your own picnic Food & gear.
East View of Door of Hope on top of hillside.
Some older Point Loma and Ocean Beach residents may remember the odd buildings which once sat in the middle of Collier Park west. The buildings, which were part of the Salvation Army’s Door of Hope, included a dormitory style home for pregnant unwed mothers, a nursing facility, and the Collier Park Hospital. Collier Park west is still there, but it has been divided into a small park for picnics, a community garden, and a native plant oasis. A condo development has replaced the Door of Hope buildings.
The upcoming OBHS program will be especially relevant to anybody who may have been born in Collier Park Hospital and later adopted from the Door of Hope, or anybody who worked there during its 55-year run. Activists who helped save Collier Park West from further development are also encouraged to come and share their stories.
Because many peninsula residents were born at this Ocean Beach Door of Hope and have expressed an interest in our website to learn more about it, OBHS will be having a “Collier Park Picnic Event”, where people will have an opportunity to share their stories, photos and memories while enjoying a day in the historic Collier Park west. Please bring your picnic and join us on August 18th, 5 pm at Collier Park.
Yes, Ed, you started this thread and then never replied! Unfortunate, because in 2015, I ended up getting in contact with the Missing Persons dept. at the Salvation Army, and they set me up with a contact person, who not only shared old photos of the Collier Park house, but also located my biological mother. Had you replied, I could have shared some great material with you. My biological mother insists that Collier Park was a caring and protective shelter from a cruel and judgemental outside world. No stories of manipulation and coercion in her memory. I asked one of the other posters to back up her claims of coercion and manipulation, but as with you, received no response. There is still no way to post photos here, otherwise I would post my stills of the old Collier house.
The moral of the story is: Next time, answer sooner!
I was born at Collier Park Hospital and would like to see photos. Are you on FB?
Maria
I have been properly chastised, Caroline. I found my information shortly having made my post and, shortly thereafter, got on with more specific research into my wife’s birth family. I did not add it to the conversation then as there WAS no conversation until a year later. At that point I had already moved on and had even contacted her mother other who, by the way, wanted nothing to do with it!
My only quest at the time was simply to find the physical location where my wife was born. She had lamented that, although I was also adopted, I KNEW where I was born. I was not trying to find her mother at that time, that came later. I never stopped to think that others might have been able to use my information for the more serious research into finding their own family…my bad.
Ed, hi! No, no don’t feel chastised, all is well! It was so long ago, and adoption-related subjects can become complicated very quickly. I think it was that article about the Hippie Riots of 1971 in Collier Park that gave me a clue as to the Collier Park “Hospital” and how to find out more about it, which entailed contacting the Salvation Army. It was always such a mystery, having grown up in Ocean Beach, why there was no record of CPH and why no one had ever heard of it. Yet, there the name was, right on the birth certificate. Anyway, don’t feel bad, please! I still have some cool, old photos of the “Hospital”, if you’re interested. Hit me up on my website! Best wishes, Caroline
Wow! Unbelievable that we stumbled upon this. It is a Sunday afternoon and I was filing some documents and I came across my birth certificate.
My husband happened to be on google maps looking up sites to visit and I asked him to look up my birthplace listed as 2301 Bolinas St. San Diego. We couldn’t find any pictures just street names. Then we found this blog/Ocean Beach Historical Society. I too, was born at Collier Park Hospital in the 50’s to a unwed mother. I was always told I was born at a “girls school for unwed mothers”.
I was supposed to be adopted but it turned out my Grandmother and Aunt came to get me after I was born. My mother never talked of it sadly. She is now deceased.
I would love any pictures, or other stories and information you might share. How can I get them?
Thankful and grateful,
Deborah Golden
P.S. I appreciated the back and forth from Caroline Timmerberg and Ed Hayman…good stuff!
I was born there in 1949.
I work for the San Diego Public Library as the Exhibit Assistant for the annual San Diego Local Authors Exhibit. I noticed you had a book at your booth at this year’s OB Street Fair and we would like to include it in the upcoming exhibit next year. I am interested in obtaining your contact information, particularly an e-mail address, to add to our database. You may contact either me or the Library Programming Director, Marc Chery, at 619.236.5817 or mchery@sandiego.gov. Also, please visit the San Diego Public Library’s Local Authors webpage at http://sandiego.communityguides.com/localauthors – thanks so much!
Yes, Ed Hayman, Collier Park hospital was located in Ocean Beach. I was a child that was born there
At what time are the monthly meetings?
i AM STILL WORKING ON THIS FLYER FOR THE KIDS
https://www.facebook.com/events/396658587333656/
ANY QA PLEASE TEXT ME 619 578 9910
Hello,
We’d love to include your events. You can submit an event here:
sdreader.com/events/submit
Please include an image if you have one.
You’ll then be in consideration for the highlights section:
sdreader.com/news/your-week
Thank you!
San Diego Reader
Thank you!
Barb
>
I’m attempting to find Summer any information on Collier Park Hospital in San Diego California. I’m doing this as a favor for a friend to find out about her past. She was adopted and the only information she has is a mother’s name and that she was born at Collier Park Hospital. Any information you can give me is greatly appreciated.
I too was born at Collier Park Hospital. I found the information from you all very helpful. Now I can continue my search. I want to know more about the hospital. I was born there in 1957. My Grandmother came and got me and took me home with her. I think I was 5 when my mother came and brought me to live with her and her husband, not my father. I would love to find him though. thanks again
Debra, you are one of the CPH kids! I wonder how many kids were born at that hospital over it’s years of service. I have also wondered where they kept/keep the records of each birth and adoption. I still have not been able to find a picture of the home. I recently drove by where I thought the home was in Ocean Beach but all the street names have changed.
I found great pictures here at the historical society site. And some great information too. The “hospital ” was a place for unwed mothers. Run by the Salvation Army. The pictures I saw showed a very clean and well maintained facility. I want to know more. I wish I could find more of us that were born there I feel a connection with them. Thank u for reaching out. Keep in touch. Email me anytime
Caroline has sent fantastic pictures of Collier Park Hospital/Door of Hope.
Great to finally see it! Thank you Caroline!
Deborah! My sheer pleasure, really. I’ve gotten contacted by several nice ladies this past week, all as a result of this thread that was started by Ed back in 2012, I think? Maybe we can start a WhatsApp group to continue sharing stories and gathering information on the still somewhat mysterious Collier Park Hospital? I would love that. Anyone interested?
Hi Deborah, please contact me via my website: http://www.caroline-up.com – there is a contact form you can quickly fill out – and I will send you the photos that I have of the old Door of Hope on Bolinas Street. Yes, the City of San Diego clearly did some re-zoning and renaming of streets in the 60s and 70s. I think there is an apartment complex in place of the old Door of Hope house now. The Door of Hope’s birth and adoption records are still maintained by the Salvation Army Missing Persons Dept., I think. I can try to get a name of a contact person there for you. Caroline
Thanks, I just filled out the contact form. I appreciate you!
Thank you so much I appreciate everything. I will download the pictures. And would really like the contact name. Thanks again
The Salvation Army has a “Museum of the West” website with myriad old photos and archives. There are several photos of the Door of Hope’s Kearny Mesa location, which looks pretty new in 1960 already – I would guess in 1962 it was ready to house people, and the Bolinas St. location was levelled to make way for progress and rezoning of streets. The Door of Hope on Bolinas in Ocean Beach, though, is unmistakable with it’s big, fat palm trees and two stories. Here is a link to a photo I found of it using the above-mentioned website: https://sawest.pastperfectonline.com/photo/D70740E1-16EC-47FF-A10A-227464883796
For all those who are connected to or might be interested in The Door of Hope/Collier Park Hospital, here is a message about a great social event from Kathy Blavatt of the OBHS:
“Please come to this special event. Bring your Picnic and join us on Thurs. August 18th, 5 pm at Collier Park and Learn About “Door of Hope”. Please feel free talk, share info and and photos.
Bring a PICNIC to this FREE Special Event and Learn About “Door of Hope”, Thurs. Aug, 18, 2022 at 5 pm, at Collier Park West (At Greene St. & Soto St., San Diego, CA 92107) Bring your own picnic Food & gear.
East View of Door of Hope on top of hillside.
Some older Point Loma and Ocean Beach residents may remember the odd buildings which once sat in the middle of Collier Park west. The buildings, which were part of the Salvation Army’s Door of Hope, included a dormitory style home for pregnant unwed mothers, a nursing facility, and the Collier Park Hospital. Collier Park west is still there, but it has been divided into a small park for picnics, a community garden, and a native plant oasis. A condo development has replaced the Door of Hope buildings.
The upcoming OBHS program will be especially relevant to anybody who may have been born in Collier Park Hospital and later adopted from the Door of Hope, or anybody who worked there during its 55-year run. Activists who helped save Collier Park West from further development are also encouraged to come and share their stories.
Because many peninsula residents were born at this Ocean Beach Door of Hope and have expressed an interest in our website to learn more about it, OBHS will be having a “Collier Park Picnic Event”, where people will have an opportunity to share their stories, photos and memories while enjoying a day in the historic Collier Park west. Please bring your picnic and join us on August 18th, 5 pm at Collier Park.”