A Photographic Scavenger Hunt of Catalina Island

Описание: Island history; Holly Hill House; The Pleasure Pier; Wrigley Fountain; The Beach; The Old Steamer; The Bird Park

Welcome to View Master Travels! Join us on a captivating journey to Santa Catalina Island as we recreate vintage View Master reel pictures and discover the island's rich history.

In this episode, we explore reel number 201, featuring Santa Catalina Island around 1948. Developed by William Wrigley Jr., the island has been a beloved tourist destination since the 1920s. Located nearly thirty miles off the southern California coast, we embarked on a ferry from Long Beach, reaching the quaint town of Avalon after an hour-long journey.

We compare the vintage pictures with the present-day scenes, uncovering fascinating landmarks that have withstood the test of time. The oldest standing structure, Holly Hill House, built in 1890 by civil engineer Peter Gano, still graces Avalon's landscape. The pleasure pier, although missing one section, remains a prominent feature. The chimes tower, constructed by William Wrigley Jr. in 1925, continues to enchant with its Westminster chimes.

Our exploration takes us to the Wrigley Fountain, a notable landmark that helped us recreate the Islanders Meeting The Steamer picture. The Casino, originally built in 1929 as a ballroom, movie theater, and museum, offers a glimpse into the island's history. The Green Pleasure Pier, known for its distinct color, remains largely unchanged since 1948.

Glass bottom boat rides, a popular attraction since the early 1900s, provide breathtaking views of the underwater world. The Yacht Club, established in 1924 after a fire destroyed its predecessor, still attracts yachting enthusiasts. While the tropical penguins are no longer present, we discover remnants of the Bird Park, once the world's largest aviary.

Join us on this captivating expedition through Santa Catalina Island as we bridge the gap between past and present, unearthing hidden treasures along the way. Subscribe and hit the notification bell to accompany us on future adventures to enchanting vintage View Master locations. Welcome to View Master Travels, where history comes to life!