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My great aunt and her husband, Bob Murphy, owned
and ran the Rendezvous during the years of the big bands. They
also owned the Bamboo Room. I am looking for any photos, memories,
histories of both places. Nothing was kept by my family. I was
always told the Bob Murphy was the first (now i cannot remember the
original title) Balboa Man of the Year. Also, I am looking for
information about using the Bamboo Room to aide in 'rum running'
during prohibition . Anyone who knew him, my Aunt Jay, and memories
and photos of the Rendezvous Ball Room and /or the Bamboo Room
please contact me.
Paige Conrad Boles
pboles@yahoo.com
The old breakfast place in Cannery Village was called Snug Harbor.
It was torn down around 2000 and I think the lot is still bare
today.
Nobody ever developed it. It was on the corner of Villa and
Lafeyette or maybe on the corner of 29th and Lafeyette
The Snug Tradition lives on at Malarky's - you'll see them post an
ad for a "snug" breakfast on their ad board still.
Aaron Batley
Found a copy of Lord Love a Duck -- a movie made in
1966 with Tuesday Weld and Roddie McDowell and Joan Collins-- and
my parents had just bought a house in 1966 on Balboa Peninsula.
They filmed part of that film in the old fun zone and I remember
hanging around that day watching them film a beach scene on the
beach that used to be in front of the Ferris Wheel. In the extra
scenes on the DVD they actually show the filming in Balboa on that
day in the summer of 1966 and you can see the Ferry going by and
the homes on Balboa Island as well. They pulled that old blue
floating whale for a scene in the movie and anchored a Baglietto -
-which was the Rolls Royce of Italian 70' luxury yachts in that era
for some scenes in the movie as well. If anyone wants to see the
old fun zone on film get a copy of this DVD. I bought mine from
EBay-- and Amazon has it as well. I was 14 years old and remember
that day like it was yesterday.
Jeffrey Kilpatrick
jeff@newportsecurities.com
Can anyone confirm the tale I heard involving John Wayne. So the
story goes, John Wayne was playing football at USC and during that
time was hurt while surfing the Wedge. It's said that this injury
ended his ability to continue playing college football???
bcoombs@glendaleaz.com
Hey Jim,
Is there an October pumpkin event of some kind that is held each
year, if so do you know when that event happens?
Steve Dull
nitro.dull@verizon.net
recipe for jolly roger special ice cream dish -
circa mid fifties?
Sterling
lndtrice@yahoo.com
Does anyone remember the name of the local band
that played weekly @ the Cannery for several years in the mid 70's?
Anonymous
I am looking for Neil Mancinelli. I am his
Cousin and I have lost touch with him in the last couple of years.
When I Googled him I got his picture here on this website. If
anyone knows his whereabouts, I would really appreciate it. Besides
the fact that I would just like ro reconnect, I have some medical
question that I need anwsered and I need some info regarding his
Mother, my Aunt.
Juliana Lozze
jtinseltown@aol.com
Hi I am a fan of your Weather Eye. When the
program starts up in the background you have the "Thunder" sound.
Now the sound plays thru the speakers even tho your site is not up
and active probably because it is update itself. Have I got this
right? Are there settings on that page to mute the sound? Your
technical help will be appreciated.
Doug NB and BYC
surfindoug@pacbell.net
Jim - we have temporarily mounted a 20' X 4' mural on a wall
in our office. It is by Rex Brandt and was commissioned in 1965
for the bank that is now Union Bank on Bayside and Jamboree. The
original mural was 80' X 4', painted in acrylic on dried plaster.
The part we have is signed by Rex Brandt. It depicts the area of
the Newport Pier and dory fleet. The bank remodeled in 2006 and
the part of the mural we have was to be demolished. We saved it
for a future donation to a public building. The project has been
submitted to the Newport Beach Arts Commission for review. It would
fit well in a part of the New Civic Center being discussed. As you
may know, Rex is the most well-known painter of scenes in Newport
Beach, from the Jetty, to the Pavilion, to the ferries, to the
piers, to Promontory Point, and many other points of interest.
We thought perhaps your readers might have an interest. We can
provide more information if you need it. Jim Newkirk (NHHS, 1955), Diane Crain
newk@cox.net
In answer to some of the questions on the site:
the blue plastic whales started at Newport Shores by the Newporter
Inn. They were featured being towed down the Bay in "Lord Love a
Duck". The best old movies showing a lot of Newport were Disney's
"The Boatnicks" and "Love in a Goldfish Bowl". There have been many
others, beginning with several silents starring Harold Lloyd. I
looked at the picture of the dory boats, and I think it was more
like 1960; the lifeguard headquarters are there, as is the little
concrete walk. It looks just like it did when I was going to
Newport Harbor High (1961-1965)
Bob Shaw
shaw_305@msn.com
Does anyone remember a kiddie beach that had
huge colorful whales you could wade to and climb on? I seem to
remember this from the late 60's or early 70's. Did I dream this or
did it really exist?
mhermanrn@yahoo.com
Does anyone remember a great breakfast place
down the street from the Cannery near El Ranchito? Been trying to
remember its' name. Thanks
Mike Novak
The picture of the dory fleet is long after
1938...note the lifeguard headquarters building. That was built in
the 60's or later. Also the pier looks to be concrete...don't know
for sure, though. Into the 50's it was wood. Love the "Tales".
Yvonne Millard Mickey
david.d.mickey@verizon.net
Well, we're back to the furnace of Phoenix after
15 wonderful days in Newport. For years we have been regulars at
the Wedge, and now my son and two of his buddies are old enough and
good enough to braves the sets that the Wedge puts out. Well, they
were there in the water at the Wedge the day the Gentlemen died
(Friday July 24th)...What a tragedy! I have never seen waves like
that before. My wife and I were eating Ruby's at the end of the
Balboa Pier that evening and a couple supports from the pier were
torn off by the waves rolling in...it was a little unnerving being
at the end of that pier watching pieces of it floating away in the
water!
On another note, does anyone know if the Birdman is still around.
We usually see him every year, but the past two years he has not
been around McFadden Square like he normally is?
Brent Coombs
bcoombs@glendaleaz.com
I have been trying to reach Bob St. John,
leaving voice mail messages, but have been unsuccessful. He did
work for me in January of this year, and I was extremely pleased
and would like to use him again. He had been referred to me by
Keith at the Light Bulb Store on Newport Blvd where he was their
customer and Bob hasn't been seen by them in the past several
months. Have you any information?
Evelyn Bodden
ejbodden@earthlink.net
Re: the picture of the man standing by the large
fish. He is Joe Beek, not Joe Beak.
Thanks.
Stan Cochran
shc2615@pacbell.net
Hi Jim,
LOVE what you have done with this sight!!!!
So many memories...
I was wondering if you knew or still know a man by the name of
Patrick Calliouette,,that' s as close to the spelling as I can
get..he was a custom Jeweler and he had a little shop in the lobby
...I think..of the arcade..I lived in the Balboa Inn for a
time...we were friends.
Any news would be welcome.
Thank you,
Orlando girl...Robin
rich2424@bellsouth.net
On Saturday 7/11/09 my family and I will return
to Newport Beach for fifteen glorious days out of the Phoenix Sun.
This is my 36th year straight to visit Newport, and I love it more
and more each year. The tradition began when I was ten and has
carried on through my marriage, and now my children who are twenty
and sixteen. I'm nearing the end of my career, and God willing, we
may very well relocate somewhere a few mile from the water. Thank
you so much for your site, which gives my family and I our fix
while we wait each year for our return to the home that we stay in
on 27th near McFadden Square. Charlies Chili, Newport 24 hr
Donuts, Perry's Pizza, Mutt Lynch's, and the Fun Zone here we
come!!
Coombs Family
bcoombs@glendaleaz.com
I have been trying to find the schedule for the
open air trolley's that have signs posted on the regular bus
stops-- do you know the link to their website -- I have never been
able to catch one of these trolleys when it is stopped so far--
Thanks
Jeff
jeff@newportsecurities.com
Back in the late forties and early fifties my
aunt Nanabelle ran the little hotel, the Bay View, across from the
arcade and the ferry landing. In the evenings we, my little
brother and I would sit on the veranda overlooking the boardwalk
and listen to the sounds of the tourists walking by below. At high
tide the water would come all the way up to the walk way and the
lights of the docks shining on the surface of inky black water made
the water appear bottomless. My little brother, only around 5 or 6
years old at the time was so engaging the boat rental guys on the
dock directly in front of the hotel and to the left of the ferry
would give him the keys to one of the old mahogany Chris Crafts and
we would tool all around the bay as long as we wanted.
I always thought Christians Hut was the most romantic place in the
world. With its palm fronds and dusty delapitation it certainly
conjured up visions of south sea islands and half naked native
girls. My recollection was Humphrey Bogart had carved his initials
in the bar.
rudy
Hi Jim,
I love your site, I come to it often to look at the webcams of
the beach and the boardwalk. I just had a quick question I know I
have heard people say there movies that have been filmed down in
the Balboa area and wanted to know if you knew what the names of
any of them are? If could let me know of any that would be great.
Thanks So Much! :)
Jaci
jacidbedont@hotmail.com
Hi Jim,
My husband and I are working on a documentary-- the centerpiece
being the '60s surf scene in Newport Beach. We are trying to find
photos from '50s '60s era of Balweek--parties, groups of people
having a good time, the traffic and such. Do you, by chance, have
any we could purchase? (we could scan and return)
Thanks!
Ann Chatillon
annchat@sbcglobal.net
Hi Jim,
I have a real good question this time. A very good friend of mine
tells me she saw railroad cars on the campus of Newport Harbor high
when she was a kid. She graduated from high school in 1968 so no
later than early 60s for the rr cars. Do you recall this at all?
We have an idea that one of the cars might be the one some well off
fun loving guys took to Catalina on a barge so they could claim to
have ridden the train to Catalina. Any possibility in that?
And one for me as I am running out of ideas and I may just have to
write the ex-wife who knows all and sees all! Does anyone recall a
restaurant in the Airport area that was designed to look like we
were all dining in a New York tenement house alley with laundry
hanging from clothes lines well above the diners? It sounds weird
but I swear it existed. I can find no references to it at all.
I am still always looking for anything on the old Rendezvous as
well. From the surf music days 1960-1966 only, not the grand old
big band era.
I went to school with guys from Dave Myers and the Surftones and
The Centurions…it was a fun time to be a high schooler! Thank so
much,
Barry Kazmer CMHS 1965
bkazmer39@aim.com
Just read an article in Sunset about Balboa and
so many memories came back to me. I spent many Easter week
vacations as a kid in Newport and on the Island. I am now back in
California; high desert and would love to stay a couple of night
somewhere near the ferry. Everything has really changed!!!! Any
ideas??? B&B maybe? I am 62 now, and haven't been there since I
was 17! thanks!
Annie
Brqanne@aol.com
Jim
My name is Beau Boise, I live in Boise Idaho .I am looking for my
cousins, Gennie and Jimmy Jones. They are the children of Evan
Jones the ferry man. Evan was my grandmothers brother. Anyway I
have not seen or heard from them sense there Mom died. If you could
give Jeannie, Gennies my email or email me back an address I would
appreciate it. Any INFO would be greatly welcomed.
Thanks
Beau Boise,421 So. Walnut St. Boise Idaho
reuben4beau@yahoo.com
what was the restaurant named that was where the
shore house cafe is now? they used to serve exotic fare.
the good life in virginia
in2vintagecloths@ntelos.net
We are going to Balboa for father's Day. We
like to be on the graay area by "A" street. Can we bring our puppy
if we keep him off the sand?
Michelle
michelle@cutsfitnessoc.com
Hi Jim, what has happened to the site? I miss seeing my
beautiful Balboa, especially when it is 96 degrees and 83%
humidity here in Tampa Bay. Hope to see June issue soon.
Ann
zanetta@juno.com
Hey Jim! Last month you had an article on Shannon Wellborn and Bay
Front Cafe. Do you still have the article? I would love a copy.
Jann Rowe
jann@clever-mktg.com
did breeze die? how?
jeff coyle
jikml@yahoo.com
My husband Bill and I lived in Balboa in 1968-69
and I worked on Balboa Island at Dad's Donut's for Dad Anderson,
the original owner (I think) who was from Sweden, a wonderful man
to work for. He made delicious fruit cakes and donuts, and I stood
up there in the window and sold hundreds of frozen bananas,which I
can prove because I have a picture of me standing in that window
and one of Dad and I taken standing in that shop in 1968. I would
dearly love to have a recipe for their frozen bananas. I would send
them a picture of their shop in 1968 if they would send me a recipe
for a frozen banana. I can tell you that John Wayne 'The Duke'
loved Dad's donuts as he stopped by many times for donuts to take
to the studio with him, and his wife Pilar did business at the shop
next door at times. Also I rode my bicycle past Buddy Epsen's house
twice a day going to and from work, as I rode the ferry back across
to Balboa. I loved the Newport Beach area very much and have many
happy memories of it.
Barbara Wills
Cityslicker8956@yahoo.com
Are you still looking for pictures of Joe Beek?
He developed realestte in Northern California and my parents worked
for him. I have lots!
Anita
inliiibld@sbcglobal.net
This from Bruce Elliott (Ret US Marines) who
used to live in Balboa.
I didn't know Kieth but maybe you folks did. I knew they moved from
Balboa to the desert.
In case you run into anybody that knows Kieth Caroselli..
he died of cancer on 5/6/09
The Celebration of Life is this Saturday... 5 June @ PDCC @ 5PM
18 July there will be a burial at sea... NBYC 11AM Bay & Jamboree
fyi
Kieth's wife name is Dawn..
Kieth's sister's name is Lee
Jim, thanks for the article about Rich. We
really appreciate it! I just wanted to let you know that the phone
number for us at the bottom of the article is incorrect. To reach
us, you would call 949 677 3134 Is it possible to change it?
Thanks again,
Carrie
cbaranoski@att.net
Jim, I enjoyed your web page. I am the son of Frank Kiech who built
and operated the Leading Lady out of the Balboa Pavilion. If you
would like some photos of the boat, let me know. I have my dad's
photo album of The Leading Lady. I live in Costa Mesa.
Jim Kiech
jjkiech@gmail.com
Thanks Jim
I often direct people to your site because they don't know the
difference between the Island and the Peninsula. Yours is the
best Peninsula information.
Carolyn Carr
www.balboa-island.com
Hi Jim:
Bonnie and I are relatively new residents on the Peninsula, owned
for
5 years...full time residents since January 2008. Our daughters
preceeded
us.
I am trying to find the starting time of the Balboa Parade this
Sunday...
on
www.talesofbalboa.com
it seems unspecified.
If anyone should know...it would be you.
Don Gerber
flowblueman@aol.com
OMG! I just came across this website. Standing
at my kitchen sink in Tucson, Arizona I had a thought of Balboa and
when I lived there on the peninsula as a child in the '60's,
pre-Beatles era. I lived and played over by the Morgan House. Next
to the Morgan house lived a family with their grandfather who sat
out in front watching the children play in the street. He gave us
pennies that we took over to the Fun Zone Penny Arcades. A penny
bought so much then.
I attended third and fourth grades at the Newport Elementary school
on the beach. My third grade teacher, whose name I don't remember,
was a tall slender thin lipped and heavy eye lidded French looking
woman who wore her hair pulled back tight in a bun. Her favorite
phrase when making a point was "it should behoove you". My fourth
grade teacher was Mr. Katnip...not sure about the spelling, he
would perform 'The Soupy Shuffle' in class from time to time.
I also remember a boyfriend, tall, tanned and cute, who befriended
me when I needed a friend. I'm sorry to say I don't remember his
name. He gave me a pair of cut-off jeans to wear because I didn't
have much in the way of play clothes. I loved those cut-off's. Some
mornings before catching the bus for school, we would run over to
the bakery at the south end of the Fun Zone filling up on jelly
filled donuts. His mother worked at the Balboa Market.
He and I would sit on top of the bait store roof at the end of
Balboa pier watching the sun set. I can still feel the cool early
evening breeze coming off the salty water brushing my face and how
it felt to have his hand holding mine. Ah, young love.
I would love to hear about from others about the Morgan House, the
Balboa Market, and my young boyfriend.
Thank you for your response. I did have fun recalling those
old childhood memories....writing them even brought a few tears to
my eyes.
I'm so glad I found your site. I will be a regular visitor.
Virginia
info@zebradezign.com
Do you have any pictures of Marine Avenue
Businesses? We are making a postcard for the Marine Avenue Business
Improvement District, but we need pictures of the Marine Avenue.
Nancy Burroughs is making us a postcard but we need pictures. Can
you help?
Kathy Wales
marthasbookstore@roadrunner.com
Hi Jim..
Lived and ran around Balboa Peninsula late 70's, early 80's. Saw
your article which mentioned Ron White and Max Dillman. Happened to
know them both. Just wondered what happened to other people that
were there in that time frame. Some names that come to mind are
"Tree Top", Breeze (bartender at Class of 47), Patti Culvyhous,
Daryl (Ron White's roommate at one time). I know that Ron Ballard,
Pat Riley and Jim Cherry are gone. Not looking to contact anyone.
Just curious to see who's around. What happened to Dillman's?
Micasa?
Thanks Jim. Appreciate the info, as gruesome as it
is... but hey, age is getting to us all. Breeze was
fairly young.. do you know what he died of? It's hard
to be believe that anyone got fired from the NC..
Again, thanks.
Debbie Cherry
debcherry@msn.com
Hi, I am doing research on the old Snug Harbor
Bar, and I haven't had a whole lot of luck. Could you possibly
point me in the right direction? I am looking for old pics, bios,
stories, anything!!!!!
Thanks
Frank McNaughton
FrankMc9999@aol.com
Jim- I love your site....WOW-lot's of great
info! I do not think you are missing a thing! I appreciate your
support of local business's and have a request: would it be
possible to change the photo of Island Marine Fuel on your site. It
stills shows the Ol' "76" Ball which has been gone for almost 6
years now. We are an official "Valvtect Marine Fuel" Marina which
pumps only "Premium Valvtect Marine Diesel Fuel and Gasolines".
Also we have a web site:
www.Islandmarinefuel.com Thanks in advance Jim and
thanks again for your support!
David Beek
davidbeek@earthlink.net
Jim: I am a mate with the Oasis Sailing Club,
and I use the Tide website for each time that I sail. Yesterday,
when I checked the site, it was down. The wind site went down about
six months ago and never did come back. Is the Tide website fated
for the same demise? Please let me know as I use it a lot. Thanks a
lot. Out sailing today.
Later,
Linda Ignatius
lignatius@ca.rr.com
I was thinking about Newport Beach when I was in
high school and Mearle's Drive-in and googled, got this site. Ran
across a name I have not thought of in years, Dick Stahler and if
he is the same guy I knew he grew up on the peninsula, B Street and
his dad was a dentist. We were also pals with Jack Stoneback who
lived across the street from me on Seville? Me and wife and
daughter live in Grass Valley, Calif. in the Sierra Foothills, 60
miles north of Sacramento. Traded surf boards and Hobie Cats for
Mustangs (wild horses), donkeys and mules on 5 acres.
Always thought I would miss the ocean view, how great September in
Newport was when the tourists went home, Blackie's, the Snug (Snug
Harbor) etc.
Passed thru Newport in April last year on the way to Hotel Del and
cruised the pier and the peninsula. Not much different then in 1959
/ 1960's when Skip Crane and I sailed around the bay in a Rhodes 33
his dad let us use for cleaning docks, etc. at South Coast Boat
Company by the Crab Cooker. If any of you guys remember me feel
free to contact me. I had a 54 chevy, white with a small block
vette motor and running gear, cruised Mearle's all the time.
Tim Gore
ctgore@msn.ccom
Hi, Jim, it's Annabelle.
I'm the blind young woman who once went sailing on the M.V. Phoenix
when it was on Catalina Island. Now, when I click on that link to
hear the whistle, I hear nothing! Same thing goes with those other
sound links. Is there a possibility that you could at least send
the Phoenix whistle to me in an MP3 attachment via Email? I would
kindly appreciate it.
Annabelle Morison
foristnights@comcast.net
This is the most wonderful place to visit (your
Tales of Balboa). As a child, I lived in Balboa on Miramar Drive
from 1941-1946. My father was in the army and my mother worked for
Southern County Gas Company. Although it was a difficult time
(WWII) for adults, for the children it was a marvelous fun place to
live. I remember swimming out about half way in the bay to a boat
called Four Winds which was kept there. I also knew a little girl
named Donna Fournier and wondered if she is a relative of your. I
was able to visit about five years ago and it was like "coming
home" even though I have spent the rest of my life in Northern
California.
jancastro36@yahoo.com
Hi Jim,
I was on Balboa the other day and did not see your store. Are you
still located there? I remember when you moved out of the fun zone
area.....
Thanks, I'd love to come down and look at your work again. I just
found your card!
Jon B. Patton
jon.patton@pacificnewport.com
hi, wanted to know about parking at the peer. is
it metered or do you pay as you enter and how much. also what time
does the peer open and close. it has been many years since i was
down there, just want to be prepared.
thanks pat
patrick mcconnell
dadixie@msn.com
Hey Jim,
It was very nice meeting another Fine Arts professional
photographer in action at the start of the 2009 Newport to Ensenada
race just the other day. I appreciate the exchange of business
cards which allowed me to log onto this sight and enjoy your
wonderful photo gallery. You have a great artistic style that I
hope the Locals at Balboa appreciate. I got my one shot of the Race
start that I was looking for. You can see it at my Website:
www.ILovePacificPiers.com
I think a lot of your admirers may also enjoy my website, also. I
would have liked to have chatted more at the Race, but it was work
for me. I'll give you a call when I'm in Town for a leisurely
visit. Thanks!
Larry Brambles, Agoura Hills
PacificPiers@aol.com
Hi There!
I'm new to the area. Wondering if anyone knows who I can contact
about bringing a weekly Farmer's Market to the Peninsula.
Thank you!
bkrparis@yahoo.com
Dear Jim:
Thanks so much for your portal to Balboa. I lived on the peninsula
from 1993 to 1996. A place on I Street and Balboa Blvd, and another
on Bay Street. Got to taste both flavors - the ocean front, and the
bay side.
I had grown up on the east coast, but took a marketing job in Santa
Ana. Young single lad I was. I flew into John Wayne for my
interview, and was offered the job on the spot. The president of
the company asked where I was thinking of living. I wasn't familiar
with NB, so I said I wasn't sure. He recommended getting a studio
apartment in a place called Balboa. Said I'd love it. He was so
right. I actually ended up getting a three bedroom house with a
couple of other guys who had been advertising for a room mate in
the Pilot. We had great fun. Professional by day and cocktails on
the beach at night. I think they enjoyed showing the newbie around.
Used to love coming home after a long day. My wife and I went on
our first date on Balboa. It was a blind date. She came over to my
place. We hung out and tanned on the beach, BBQ'ed, went to Studio
for an Adios. Got married three years later.
Oh, how times change. We moved inland to buy a house and start a
family in Temecula. Which is a nice place, but it surely ain't
Balboa. Couple of years ago we had to move to West Lafayette,
Indiana for family reasons. From palm trees to corn... It's OK
here. MISS MY BALBOA!! Maybe one day we'll move back. Would so love
to buy a place on the peninsula and live ocean life. Become a local
again. Unfortunately, I cannot afford a house on the Peninsula. So,
I thank you for the Portal. I write this after looking at the 6:38
AM web cam images. A tear of longing running down my cheek. Enjoy
Balboa for me. I will always feel Balboa is my true home.
Jon Light
ifpm@comcast.net
Jim,
i have enjoyed visiting your pages often, as i have friends that
are frequently in the area, and it keeps me abreast with what is
going on there.
I have watched your web cams from time to time and have even
downloaded some archived pictures. Question, is there anyplace to
get pictures older than 24 hours? I missed some that I wanted on
Sunday, i was not home and wanted ones of the pavillion from about
15:45 to about 17:00. Is there any place to find them? or do you
know of someone that may have downloaded them and would be willing
to share them?
thanks Jim,
I kinda of figured that was the truth of it. i didn't find out
untill late Monday that I wanted pictures from arround 4-5PM. I do
have several up untill 3:45. Oh well, my patients gave out. I also
had most of Saturdays, but have deleted them too. Thanks again and
keep up the good work. BTW any chance that the Arcade camera will
come back? Sorry if you have already answered that, i didn't look
too deep into comments
Tom Scriven
tscriven@kvoa.com
loving the site!!!
Shelia Aubrey
Hi Jim,
I run a printing company at the base of the Balboa Pier above the
Cannery VIllage real estate building (no production on site). As a
new guy in town I have NO CLUE where anything is, and I was looking
into creating a business directory/map of Balboa peninsula/island
businesses that could be left in stores for people to easily
navigate the area. It sounds like you've been around the area for
a long time. Have you seen anything like this before? Do you have
any kind of business listing or arial map of the area that I could
use as a starting point for my design? I would really appreciate
the help in this, I'd like to do it more as a way to get to know
other businesses locally but also I really need to figure out where
to eat!!! haha.
Zack Gaskins
Zack@Vividcolor.com
Hey Jim,
What happened to the Main Street camera it was my favorite?
Steve Dull
nitro.dull@verizon.net
Hi, this is a long shot...
Wondering if you know the folks who operate the live cameras
viewing the pavilion?
I have included a link so you will know which camera sets I am
referencing.
http://www.croul.com/newportharbor/gallery.html
Love the angle, was hoping to convince the folks to sharpen the
image by adjusting focus?
If you know how I can find them or contact that would be great.
Thank you,
Wayne Powell
wpowell7@cox.net
Hi Jim:
Thanks for the webcam on Balboa Island Ferry. I''ll watch it every
evening (i.e. your morning). Coming back to Newport Beach for a
month at the end of April for the third time.
Harri Oittinen Kuopio
Hi, Jim:
Any hope of restoring the old or installing a new camera on the
Pavillion so we can see the true center of Balboa once again?
Loved being able to see part of the sign of my dad's Balboa
Pharmacy, Balboa Inn and sometimes glimpsing Catalina in the
background.
I check out your site every day to give me a feeling of still being
anchored to my home town.
Regards,
Tita (Vincent) Yost
gramcrakr@comcast.net
Lived and worked in the Newport Beach area off
and on for many years but moved away for good in 1984. Was a good
buddy of Art Larson and did a lot of sailing with him on his black
hulled schooner the "Wanderlure' Heard that Art died in 1994 but
would love to know about his final years in Balboa.
Bill Wagner
Jim. Thanks for your reply regarding Art Larson.I could relate
many
tales regarding Art as he was a one of a kind character. I did not
know you had a book. Where and how can I purchase a copy?
BillCWagner@gmail.com
Hi Jim-
I wrote to you a few years back about my short time living in
Balboa- on the Penninsula- during 1967-68. I was one of the girls
working at Dale and Irene's ice cream stand making frozen bananas
in my bikini at age 14 and swimming across the bay on my breaks
(illegal then and now!). I wondered if anyone remembered Daisy- the
woman who would ride her bike around during that time- wore a straw
hat with flowers around it- lots of make-up- almost the local
version of Mini Pearls without the price tag? Also, the owner of
the gas station not sure of his name- who was married to a
beautiful woman-and the locals called them Beauty and the Beast? I
wondered what year Bal Week came to an end- I had heard it was
1969. Those were the days of music on the sand played by visiting
and idealistic college kids who were filled with a vision of peace
instead of war- and I am not sure- but I believe that was also the
summer of love, wasn't it?
Yes, thank you- it was George who owned the gas station- my
brother, Richard, actually worked for George for about six months
until getting sick (heart condition)- and sadly, passed away a
couple of months later.
The times were very exciting- I remember so much about the area- so
many good memories from that time- such a special place. It is
difficult to describe what it was like to those not having spent
that particular period of time there. In part, it was the 60's and
too, it was my age at the time, It was also the area itself. Where
else would you find teenagers who know how to sail a 30 foot boat,
for example? Where else might you be able to work selling
hamburgers at the end of a pier as I did when the Phoenix family
held leases on it during that time? I don't think there could be a
better place for teenagers to be- but not sure what it is like now.
Parts of the Fun Zone seems the same (I live in Newport Heights
now), but there are so many bits that have really changed. I
appreciate the arcade- and took my children and now my grandsons
there. I love that one can still spend that huge roll of tickets
and get some weird little trinket- but it's all part of the magic.
I love the look in my youngest grandson's eyes when his roll won't
fit in his pocket any more- he is so proud of his achievements!
Such simple pleasure (though expensive for his Nana!).
Anyway, it is good to have a place to talk about it again.
Thanks for remembering me!~
Elizabeth Gellatly
egellatl@earthlink.net
Hi Jim!
Ted and I are enjoying using your wonderful pelican photo on my
Balboa Island Fudge label!
I am going to publish an online newsletter about Balboa Island
soon, and am hoping it will be okay with you if I use the copy
ability on my computer and feature some of your small photos in the
article--with credit to you, of course. Please say yes.
All the best!
Diana von Welanetz Wentworth
Diana@dianawentworth.com
Jim:
Were there any other Glass Bottom Boats in Balboa other than the
Phoenix? If so do you know their names? This isn't a quiz. I don't
know. :)
Stephen
scs@shacomm.com
I have many fond memories of Balboa. My aunt and
uncle lived there in the 70's. They used to have Christmas parties
every year. I remember the wonderfully decorated boats sailing by
and that really got me in the Christmas spirit. Sailing around the
harbor in their small sail boat was a blast. Eventually they moved
away but the memories remained. Several years ago I met a woman
who lives in Balboa and dated her for a time. It was not a match
made in heaven but my time with her allowed me to rediscover the
area. I have lived in California all my life (Pasadena foothills)
and feel that Balboa is one of the best spots there is. Perhaps I
will live there some day. I really appreciate your site as it
gives me a chance to experience that fantastic little corner of our
state. Thank you!
Eric
I love your site, especially the webcams, but when I click on the
calendar to print it, it still shows the photo for January, and
says JANUARY at the top. Can you please fix this?
Anonymous
Hello,
My husband and I spent many Sunday mornings listening to jazz and
having brunch and "Adios Mother's" at a lovely cafe/bar on Balboa
Island in the late 1970s. Sometimes we would park our car and
roller skate around the island.
Does anyone remember the name of the cafe/bar? It's driving us
nuts. Good memories...
Thank you,
Laura López
Laura.LOPEZ@cepal.org
The name of the bar you are thinking of is The Studio Cafe.
Miss that place every day
Marco Torre
marco@compu-tor.org
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