EDWINA GODDARD, gave a wonderful presentation with many historical photos on Jan. 15th, 2009
Edwina Goddard and Dog Pepsi on Boat off La Playa
Some people watch history, others make history. Native San Diegan Edwina Goddard and her family have been an active part of history on our Peninsula for generations. Her family started the first book bindery business in San Diego.
Edwina holds a Geography Degree from SDSU and she’s been involved in many organizations: Cabrillo Monument Historical Association, South Western and La Playa Yacht Clubs, and is a third generation member in the Point Loma Assembly.
In her eighties, Edwina won a seat on the Point Loma Community Planning Board (PCPB), to which she brought her knowledge of local history. These topics included the Naval Training Center, the desalination plant the Navy used on the Point, the old trollies, the airport, and other issues that relate to our current planning.
The OB Historical Library celebrated its 80th Birthday in Oct. Ironically, within two weeks of the its 80th Celebration event (that included a representative of the Mayor giving the library an award), the OB Library was on Mayor Sander’s closure list!
NOBODY in Ocean Beach wanted the library to close, so in historical OB style large rallies were launched. Obecians opposed the closing at city counci meetings, and flooded the Mayor and council offices with calls and emails.
The City Council found funds to keep the 7 libraries open for part of the year and will revisit the issue starting in February.
OB residents need to remain vigilant in keeping the pressure on, so we can keep our beloved library.Our OB Library is the Heart of OUR Community Facts on Why the OB Library should stay open:
It’s a City Historically Designated Building and we just celebrated its 80th Anniversary.
(A historical landmark plaque is being made by the OB MainStreet Association & Ocean Beach Historical Society to go on building.)
Land next to the library was already purchased for the library’s expansion …
The new addition has been designed and in the works since 2000.
Mayor/City Council recently approved an Infrastructure Bond for new roofing for the OB Library.
Ocean Beach is an example of a “Walkable Village” with our library located between two schools.
It’s costly to maintain an empty library building, very costly to repurchase land, build a new library and re-buy books
(especially customized for the community) & library equipment.
Our library is a vital resource and helps educate members of our community
The Ocean Beach Historical Society board members were joined in the parade by talented local guitarist John Tafolla (father of Noah, this years OB Citizen of the Year), mandolinist Paul Yancey, mandolinist Kenny James, “The Dog Beach Santa”, a dancing elf and other friends. They were riding aboard a red and white classic 1965 Chevy truck belonging to Todd Partridge.
OBHS President Pat James and his family lead the parade in a tribute to his brother Rich in the “Dolphin Mobile.”
Thanks to all that helped with the OBHS entry, those that put the parade on and those that participated.
SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL, Nov. 24, 2008, 6:00 PM, Balboa Park Club in Balboa Park Ask Council NOT to approve the Mayors gutting of the Mills Act that keeps our Ocean Beach community unique with its Historical Cottage Program.
Noon Rally at OB Library Nov. 22nd. Come Join us and bring a sign.
Closures have to be approved by the City Council. Budget Cutting Decision will again be at City Council
Mon., Nov. 24th, 1 PM., 202 C St. 12th flr. (No public will be heard)
Friends of Historic Preservation, Please visit our new website <http://www.fortguijarros.com/> and announcement for the 1940s Reenactment World War II Dance the Fort Guijarros Museum Foundation is throwing on November 15, 2008 to raise money for scientific research on the history of Point Loma. Ron May, Fort Guijarros Museum Foundation, San Diego, California
Featuring Photographer Steve Rowell
Ocean Beach photographer Steve Rowell has not only lived OB’s history, but also recorded it through his extensive photography collection. It includes the good, the bad and the weird, depending on your perspective.
Steve Rowell
Steve’s presentation of 100 photos embodies an indelible visual history of OB in the mid-60s — mid-90s. His images include memorable characters such as Jazz Musician Bob Oaks and the famous OB Spaceman.
Other photos show historical events such as the opening of the OB Pier with the Insights band playing and the construction of the Dog Beach Jetty.
Steve has taken pictures of many of our historical buildings from the past, such as the former D.C. Collier Cliff House above Alligator Rock at the foot of Coronado and Bacon, and the White House apartments with some of the original “Wonderland” facade incorporated into the entrance. He has also photographed Newport Ave. and many of its previous businesses during this time period between 1960s & 1990s.
Steve Rowell’s photos can currently be seen on
exhibit at People’s Food (top floor), through Dec. 31, 2008
Mignon Scherer our featured guest at the Oct. 16, 2008, at 7 p.m meeting is “the 30 ft. Woman”,
Just how does one become “The 30 Foot Woman”?
The answer is a lifetime of character building and knowing the right things to do.
In the case of Mignon Scherer, she became every icon of womanhood throughout her life.
Mignon Modeling
As a teen, she started with a modeling career. Then, she threw in more glam by moving to New York and becoming a “Cigarette Girl.”
She followed that up with becoming the American icon of the time… a “Rosie the Riveter”.
Mignon then married a form military pilot that she met in college.
In traditional Americana fashion she became a teacher and mother.
Never slowing down, Mignon went back to school and got her PHD
at age 62, and then started her own business as a Marriage, Family &
Child therapist. Mignon moved to San Diego in 1956, and lives in a historical 1912 barn house in Point Loma. Besides multiple careers and family, activism and environmental issues play a major role in Mignon’s life. Her causes included water issues, over development, protecting public land, and many others. Mignon’s nickname (The 30 Foot Woman) came from her work on the Coastal 30 Foot Coastal Height Limit,” a people’s initiative that passed and became law in 1972.
Because of Mignon and her associates, local beach communities, especially Ocean Beach, have maintained their unique small town beach character, instead of become Miamiadized.
Mignon has continued her activism as a senior. She sat for two terms on the Peninsula Community Planning Board. She continues to voice her concerns on global warming, the water crisis, airport expansion, and other issues at City Council and public forums.
Asked, “Why do you do all this in your retirement years”?
Her response is “Because it is the right thing to do”. Join us Oct. 16th to hear this inspirational presenter.
The Removal of the Los Conejos and Capitan Grande Indians
and the Construction of Capitan Grande Reservoir Our guest speaker for Sept. 18th OBHS meeting will be Richard L. Carrico who will talk about the history of San Diego’s water supply.
Since the time of the Franciscan priests, and construction of Padre Dam in what is now Mission Gorge, settlers sought to impound water in the semi-arid environment to slake the thirst of a growing population. Needing more water to serve the city of San Diego, officials began a search in 1915 to find a location for a new large dam. Copies of this award winning book will be available for purchase at the OBHS General Meeting.
Ocean Beach Historical Society 