About

The Ocean Beach Historical Society is a non profit organization dedicated to documenting and preserving the unique history of Ocean Beach.

43 thoughts on “About”

  2. Sharron Voorhees says:

    I am wondering if you have historical photos (reproductions) for sale? I saw some in a laundromat a few years ago showing the very spot on Dreamland Beach where my property now sits. I would like to buy a copy to frame. Sharron Voorhees

    Reply
  3. Nita says:

    I am interested in finding out more about the 1930′s mail fraud that was perpetrated on Sunset Cliffs Park real estate and how they defrauded San Diego. Some of the persons involved were Alexander Pantages, John P. Mills, Jesse Shreve. Some spent time in prison and one committed suicide to avoid prison. I would like to find out more details of this crime; can anyone help me with this?

    Reply
    • Mary says:

      Suggest you go to the California Room at the Central Library where they have a detailed index to the SD Union. There is probably material there. Call first to give them time to research it for you. The California Room is in the Special Collections Section.
      Mary

      Reply
  4. Robert Burns says:

    A client’s husband, Jack Lounsberry, is probably an octogenarian and told me recently that he used to be the OB Lifeguard just before Bob Baxley. Have you already interviewed him? Would you like to do so?

    (619) 223-0441

    Reply
  5. Teena says:

    I was wondering if anyone knows of an estate that might be rented for an afternoon picnic on the grass in OB area – preferably in a beautiful environment as it is for a wedding next year. Thanks for any suggestions.

    Reply
  6. Duff E. McFadden says:

    When we lived in OB during the late ’70s, there was an oriental guy with long, black hair who used to play the guitar behind the counter in The Black.

    We came back for a visit last year and the same guy was still there playing behind the counter, only now, his hair was very grey.

    My question is, who is he? Is he the owner, a partner? It’s cool that the dude’s still there playing.

    Reply
    • Warren Westmoreland says:

      Dear Duff

      If it is the same guy, that would be John Yamauchi. I believe he is the owner of the Black. I could be wrong.

      Reply
  9. Bart Chadwick says:

    I am trying to remember the name of the bicycle shop that used to be on Newport Ave, I think near Homers, during ~1960-1980. Thanks!

    Reply
  10. Judy Taylor says:

    Recently saw a series, I think on PBS not sure, on OB. It has been in the last 3-4 weeks. It was history of OB. Does anybody know about this and where I can get copies? Thanks.

    Reply
  11. obhistory says:

    Wonderland series on San Diego local PBS can be purchased at several locations throughout town or at “http://www.wonderlandsd.com/”.

    Reply
  13. Warren Westmoreland says:

    I remember seeing maps and books about Ocean Beach at the Paris (sp) Book Store on Newport Ave.

    Does anyone sell those books still? Or photos of old (1972 and before) Ocean Beach ?

    Please let me know.

    Reply
  15. Kelly says:

    I’ve been taking a historic preservation class and am looking into the Ocean Beach Cottages Emerging Historic District. Is a formal survey being done of OB, or is one planned in the future? I was curious to know the status of preservation in our town. Thanks.

    Reply
  16. Pat says:

    Kelly,
    Yes there is one planned for the near future.
    One of our board members Tom Gawronski could probably tell you more. He’s been involved with OB planning board for many years. The late Priscilla McCoy also one of our board members was responsible for creating our historic cottage program.
    . I’ve also been involved with the Neighborhood Historic Preservation Coalition.
    Feel feel free to contact me any time. I would be interested in hearing more about your class.
    Pat @ jamesganggraphics@sbcglobal.net or 619-225-1753.

    Reply
  17. Ashlee Tsukushi says:

    Hi, I’m a student at USD and on Monday I’m doing a speech for my public speaking class on the hidden treasures of San Diego. I’m going to talk about places in San Diego most USD students don’t know about because they are so focussed on Misson Beach, Pacific Beach, and Fashion Valley. I was wondering if anyone could give me some information on Ocean Beach that would appeal to college students. Thanks

    Reply
      • Ashlee Tsukushi says:

        Sorry, I totally didn’t get the notification about the response and I just checked the thread right now. I also had class and a sorority meeting from 6-9:30. Is there any other way I could get information before Sunday?
        Thanks,
        Ashlee

  18. Pat says:

    Ashlee,
    If it’s historic information your looking for you could check-out Beach Town Early Days in Ocean Beach from the library. Or check out the San Diego History Centers web site and search the Journal of San Diego
    History .Or feel free to call me @ 619- 225-1753.
    Pat James.

    Reply
  19. sunshine says:

    wondering if the OBHS has any photographs of 2200 block of Sunset Cliffs from 1916-17? looking for historical info on a house built on that block.
    thanx,
    Sunshine

    Reply
      • Pat says:

        Hey, Sunshine & Buffy,
        I’ll check with our archivist Mary.
        As far as I know we don’t, but you never know. Most shots I’ve seen from that era are down closer to the beach. If you would like to reach her for an appointment her # is 619-223-7784.
        In the mean time I’ll keep looking.
        Thanks,
        Pat
        PS you might check out what the San Diego History Center has, they have been collecting for much longer, and have many good shots from earlier on.
        @ sandiegohistory.org

  21. Elizabeth Sinkovitz says:

    I have two of Spaceman’s paintings I would like to give or donate to a museum or anyone interested. Is there anyone out there?

    Reply
  22. Marie True Evans says:

    My Mother was born July 2, 1916 and attended school at Ocean Beach Grammar School, as I believe it was called then. I would like to know if you have any records of exactly when she entered school and if there are any photo’s of her classes. Her name was Mary Jane Beeler, and she most likely would have entered school in 1921 or 1922.. Thanks so much for your help,
    Marie True Evans
    marie@mtevans.net

    Reply
    • Pat James says:

      Hi Marie, The school does have some records I’m not sure how far back they go. I’ll see if I could find something out. We have a board meeting this coming monday I’ll ask around. It must have been a wonderful time to be in Ocean Beach. Did she talk about it much?
      Pat James

      Reply
  23. Alison Huitt says:

    Hi My grandfather was raised in Point Loma. I have many photo’s of him with his family from 1918 to 1928. He graduated Point Loma High class of 1926. The pictures are him and his family on Sunset Cliffs Bridge. Down at the beach. I have many. If interested my name is Alison. My email is alhuitt@gmail.com or 619-715-0293

    Reply
  24. April says:

    Hi, Does the OBHS have photos and documents the public can go through in order to find information? If so, where? I am trying to get more information on Joseph Hilliard of Sunset Grove Lemon Plantation of Brighton Ave?? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Thank you,
    April

    Reply
  26. obhistory says:

    Jim, Check with the Mission Valley Library as they had much info including photos of Mission Valley before the freeway.

    Reply
  28. John Asher says:

    Hi,

    Does anyone have any old photos of the Pearl Hotel that they would like to share? How about the Newport Hotel?

    The owner of the Ocean Beach Hostel is looking for old, historic photos to scan and return, stories or articles about the hotel, or any other memorabilia that you or your friends might have.

    Please contact John Asher either at the hostel (4961 Newport Ave.; 92107), email: obihostel@gmail.com, or call him at: 858 729 3980

    Thank you,

    John Asher

    Reply
  29. Jen says:

    Hi! I am a lead investigator foe Paranormal California Spirit Investigations. I also live in OB. I am curious if there are any known spots in OB that have been rumored to be haunted? I would imagine as it has such a rich history. I would be very interested in learning more and to possibly set up an investigation with my team. We investigate both residential and business locations.

    Thank you!

    Jen

    Reply

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