The Ocean Beach Historical Society Presents:
Visit OB Historical YouTube Channel For Our Full Collection
Some of Ocean Beach Historical Society Past Online Programs and Videos:
Mouse Memorial Paddle Out- Filmed by Pat James
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKO9IvHQG9I
Jim Robb, (April 23, 1933 – April 22, 2021) known to one and all as “Mouse,” was a mentor to many, and a friend to many more, during his long career as a waterman in Ocean Beach. A memorial Paddle-Out in his honor was held on July 17, 2021. Pat James of Ocean Beach Historical Society was on hand to film the event.
History Center talk “Archive and Resources of the San Diego History Center” by Bill Lawrence, SDHC Pres. & CEO, is posted on the OBHS Youtube Channel, Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmZlOJ3pzts
The Lost and Found Balboa Park Gardens of Kate Sessions
Ocean Beach Historical Society was excited to welcome back author and historian Nancy Carol Carter to our lecture series, in a program recorded on September 16, 2021. Nancy takes an in depth look at three unique and little-known Kate Sessions gardens in Balboa Park. One of them lost, one rehabilitated, and one waiting to be rediscovered. The music excerpted in this video is the Jimmy Van Heusen tune, Here’s That Rainy Day, as performed by Wes Montgomery and his quartet, live in London on ABC television, May 7, 1965.
Postcards from the Past Part 1
Postcards from the Past is a look at the Golden Age of postcards and the niche that this popular medium plays in the historical record. The program was recorded live on August 19, 2021 and features Ocean Beach Historical Society board members, Jonnie Wilson and Eric DuVall. The music excerpted in this video is “Them Things Got Me,” by the great Clarence Williams and his Jazz Kings, on Columbia Records from 1929.
The Short & Perilous Career of U.S. Naval Airships
In a lecture presented by La Playa Trail Association, historian Karen Scanlon details the brief but fascinating saga of the US Navy’s gigantic Airships. Recorded February 2, 2021.
Trolley to the Beach
Trolley to the Beach is a survey of suburban public transportation in the first half of the 20th Century in San Diego, California, and a multi-media presentation written and produced by Eric DuVall. Originally recorded December, 2020.
Florence Chadwick, Record-Smashing Distance Swimmer
Ocean Beach Historical Society presents a talk by author and historian Jonnie Wilson on the life and times of another Ocean Beach girl, Record-Smashing Distance Swimmer, Florence Chadwick. Recorded March 31, 2021.
Women of the Presidio with Richard Carrico
Women of the Presidio – Stories Seldom Told of Colonial and Indigenous Women on the Frontier, is a presentation delivered via teleconference for an Ocean Beach Historical Society Audience on April 28, 2021. Our presenter is San Diego author and historian Richard Carrico,
Winifred Davidson and San Diego’s Lost History
Thanks for joining us for Alex Bevil’s talk about pioneering San Diego Historian Winifred Davidson. Recorded May 20, 2021 in a Zoom lecture for Ocean Beach Historical Society. obhistory.org
One Lap Around San Diego Bay with Don Lake
One Lap around San Diego Bay is a lecture by San Diego author Don Lake, and presented by La Playa Trail Association, in a Zoom setting, June 15, 2021. Don’s book of the same title, as well as his other books may be found on Amazon.
Dible / Thompson’s Family 1928-1938 Silent Movie
Randy Dible brings you clips of Sunset Cliffs, O.B., P.L., and popular San Diego sites, shot by his grandfather, that includes a wonderful 1920s period music track. The film stars generations of the Thompson/Dible family and their friends at Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla, Ocean Beach, Point Loma, Mission Beach, San Diego Bay, Coronado, Balboa Park, Julian, Downtown SD, Catalina, Tijuana, and other locales. It is a fun and captivating film that sends you back into San Diego’s rich history.
Respect OB Rally
The Respect OB Rally took place on April 25, 2020. Featured speakers included Pat James, president of Ocean Beach Historical Society, Mike “Bossman” Hardin, owner of Hodads, Noah Tafolla, producer of the Wonderland video series and Andy Taubaman organizer of the event. The rally opened with actor Antonio “TJ” Johnson reading a poem by Kathy Blavatt.
Ocean Beach Historical Society 
Re: The Bird Lady of Ocean Beach, my cousin, Eulah Mima Holt. (1896-1983) Do you have any info on her? Thank you.
In my early teens (early 60’s) I was hired by Mrs. Holt to clean her aviaries. She had blue masked lovebirds outside (amongst other birds) and a Mynah bird in her house that belonged to her mother. She was very kind to me….
My name is Russell Chapin I am a Junior at Saint Augustine High School, I am doing a project for my history class on the cultural impact of OB, past and present. If you have any sources that I could use for my project, mainly general information, possibly major players in the early development of the community, any information on the wonerland theme park, pictures or other medium, it would be greatly appreciated. It is due in the next couple of weeks so if you could reply soon it would be greatly appreciated. you can reach me through the provided email address. thank you
Hi Russell,
Profuse apologies for not contacting you in time to be useful for your paper. I hope you were able to find information elsewhere. If you want to try another topic or expand on this one later, I hope to be more helpful.
M
A family member was with the Army Corp of Engineers at Point Loma in the 1920’s-1930’s. His
immediate family found a couple of pictures of the
Ballast Point Area. One is a panorama of 6 photos pieced together dated 1905 by Photographer Lee Passmore. It is framed, and in good condition, in my opinion. The other is a photo referencing construction at the sub base wharf noted as about 1909.
Would your group be interested in these? The San Diego Historical Society returned them because they
apparently had similar photos in their collection.
I am hopeful they can find a home. I hate to put 100-year old history in the trash!
Please let me know via e-mail. Thank you.
Just move to OB and noticed an interesting poem on the wall at the post office . . . does anyone know where I might obtain a copy of that?
Thanks.
Hey OB Historicals – we’re looking for old OB Rags and would like to meet with someone from the group – the archivist – and see which issues you have. We know you have some, as our friends have turned their copies over to you over the years. Please contact me.
Hello,
I am currently doing research for a book about the darker side of San diego history. My father in law, in OB since 1956 told me of a double homicide at an OB hotel during the 1960’s still unsolved. Does anyone have any information on this? You may also call me at 619-917-1627. Thank you!
Thanks for the great info. Mike! It is appreciated.
Are you doing your annual OB Historical Walk this month (July 2009)? Thanks!
The picture at the top of the home page–early days on Newport, I believe. My sister has a framed copy of that photo. I would like to purchase one–does anyone know where it might be available to buy? I love the photo (I grew up in Ocean Beach).
Debra
These are available through the society.
They are $35 plus shipping.
The size is approx. 8″ + 30″.
You can e – mail me at jamesganggraphics@sbcglobal.net
Can you tell me what the date of that picture is. My great grandfather and grandmother may be in it depending on the year.
Hey William, This photo was estimated to be taken in the mid-twenties.
If I could go back in OB History this would be the time.
Pat,
Very nice to meet you last night, as was the conversation. I would really like to become involved with yours and other Histerical Societies in San Diego. Not only to network for work, but because I do really care about preservation. I urge you to visit my web site as well as the Maryland Historical Trust. There is a link for qualified consultants and we are #1 on the list, as well as the most knowledgeable in the field. The federal government sets the rules for restorations, then state and local groups can add to it. My family is VERY WELL versed in the Historical Tax Credit Program, as am I. We need to work on getting OB on a national register so those great folks I met last night can qualify for the federal tax incentive. Too bad California doesn’t match it like many other states. If this message does go to you, could you please respond to my email address, I have some questions and thoughts for you. Be Well.
Regards,
Mat Azola
Azola Building Co., Inc.
I am looking for historical pictures of houses on Homer Street in the Loma Portal area. Some folks said to check with OB Historical Society. Specifically for 3221 Homer St (our house) before 1950 when it had a porch we are trying to recaputure for a historical designation and we want to do it like David O. Dryden intended. PLease let me know if you might have any or know of anyone that might. We graciously appreciate any advisement. Sincerely, Cindy
Hope someone gets this as there is no ph. # for the OBHS ( not that I can find anyway ). My name is Mark Hurlock. A former local. I’m looking for Merton “Mert” Ahlquist. He was a SDFD Capt. on “A” shift at fire station 15 on Voltaire St. This dates back some time ago as I new him from 1969-1975. I was a kid then and they ( Battallion Chief and Engine Co. 15 crew used to let me hang around all the time. I saw a clip of film from “Mert” that was donated to the OBHS and shown on Noaa’s KPBS show Wonderland. I’m wondering if Mert is still around. I was told recently this may be possible. These guys were the greatest to me – ever! There’s so much that I would love to talk about. So many stories from hanging around there years ago. Memories of those and how they treated me, I’ll always cherish and remember forever.
Battalion Chief – Gordon E. Browne
Captain – Merton Ahlquist
Engineer – Angelo Rea
Fireman – Don Jeans
Fireman – Geoff Polancic
Check with St. Peter’s Lutheran on Sunset Cliffs Blvd. I know that’s were Mert went to church and they would know if he’s still around.
…I am looking for o/a 1955 ventage photos of the Strand Theater and side bussiness’s on each side, located Newport Ave. OB- Can you help me?
HI, OBHS,
In the 1950s my husband’s Uncle Joe, after a stint in the Navy owned a bar on Newport called “Joe and Mom’s” or “Mom and Joe’s.” I’m wondering if the OBHS has any photos of and/or other information about it. I’m happy to come down and sift through the possibilities if you think there are any. Would you kindly let me know? Many thanks.
Hello Leslie,
I’ll ask around and see if I can find anything out. We do have our archives at the Point Loma Methodist Church. We have some old directories there. Access to archives are by appointment. Feel free to contact me. pjinob@gmail.com 619-226-8125
I would like to make an appointment to access the archives. My great gandfather owned property on Newport Street and I would love to see if there are any pictures or other information about him. Thanks.
My name is Phyllis Achuff and I lived in Ocean Beach in the 1950’s. We lived on Del Monte street and my parents frequently went to the bar on Newport (I think it’s called The Strand??) I also went to school in OB as a young child. I have lots of pictures from the 1950’s that I would love to share with somebody from the OB Historical Society. My goal is to figure out where the exact location is in present day since I am sure alot of the cliffs are gone in the last 60 years. I also lived on Saratoga in 1970. If you can help, please contact me @ phyllis.achuff@gmail.com.
Thank you very much,
Phyllis Achuff
Looking to find information on the levee that runs along
dog beach (the river channel); when and who built it? who maintains it?etc. Anybody know anything? sharron V. (619) 223-1400 voor123@cox.net
I believe it was built in the 20’s by the Army Corps of Engineers. If you remember the story about Hatifled the rain maker, I believe it was built shortly after that fiasco. Here is a wikipedia citation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Hatfield
I am looking for historical pictures of Ocean Beach and Point Loma covering the past 70 years. Do you have any links or references? Jim Carlyle (830) 822 7088 or (619) 223 2423 turbocelt@engineer.com
Hi Jim, San Diego History Center sandiegohistory.org has many good early shots on-line available for purchase. They have some of the best since they have been collecting for so long. Our photo archives are constantly growing and can be seen by appointment with our archivist Mary. She can be reached at 619-224-7784. Pat
Does anyone have a photo of Edna’s Leilani Club? I believe it was near the corner of Abbot and Muir in 1967-68. I need a picture of it for a story I’m writing. I lived at 5137 Muir Avenue back then. cmprovince@gmail.com
I moved from OB and lost contact with our dear friend Carol Bowers. The last time I saw her was at Ned’s Wisteria party. I’m afraid to ask but is Carol still with us? Thanks Clare Portland OR
Clare, Yes she is. She lives in Portland with her daughter. Send me an email and I’ll give you more details. Pat @ pjinob@gmail.com
Please help keep the Rosecroft Estate a historical site not an Event Center, nor a sub divided property! Both are in the works! The house is zoned for single family, not
parties, events or a hotel( VRBO) It has recently been lease for this purpose and according to the city, it is not zoned or permitted as an event space.
This might be the best place to find out what happened to my best friend my name is Lynda Myers and I lived in Ocean Beach rope and ocean beach left around 10 years old I believe I think it was 1965 or 66 my Best friends name was Tracy Glover her older sister was Teri she went to catechism they lived in a big nice house with a big tropical bird they were very well to do in those days I move to Alaska along the way I lived in Coosbay Oregon and several parts for Washington but I ended up in Alaska 1969 about three years after we left she was my best friend and I want to find her maybe you can help
I knew Mima Holt the last 7 years of her life. I have stories to tell of my friend also known as the “Bird Lady” of O.B.
This is exciting news, Scott. I would be happy to speak with you. My email is eyesoftheworld2000@yahoo.com
Thanks very much. —Gina
Very nice postt