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I Graduated from Buena Park High School in June
1961. For the Prom that year my steady girlfriend (Judy Mc.) and
I had a great dinner at Berkshires Restaurant. Those were the
days.
VAS
I remember the Tale of the Whale Rest very much
because I worked there between my sophomore ( 1972 ) and my senior
year ( 1974 ) in HS. I went to Costa Mesa HS and worked weekends
there upstairs in the Ball Rooms. I was an BUSBOY and would set up
the rooms, both sides for Weddings, HS Proms, Business meetings,
ect......Also my Mother worked there in the Saloon/Bar as an
Cocktail Waitress downstairs between the 1960's until about 1980 or
so. The owners Bill & Rita were great people and also took real
good care of there employees. For some of you that knew Rita, she
passed away sometime in the late 80's or early 90's. I'm not
exactly sure when........Bill sold the Rest. and retired to Idaho,
I believed to be with his Daughters. Those were great memories and
fun times........
John Cummins
ochoops@sbcglobal.net
Not a memory - well, maybe - but do you know if
there are plans to fix the Ferris Wheel cam?
I miss seeing that view each day
Ricki
rickil@comcast.net
I also found a copy of "Dick's Joint" in my
posession circa 30 years (264/1000) in new condition.......looking
for value? THERE REALLY WAS A CAP'N DICK SHAW Richard Blake Shaw,
master of the famed character tugboat "Michigan," died unexpectedly
while asleep on August 22, 1976. He was sixty years old. A native
of Seattle, Shaw attended the Chicago Art Institute and was a
regular cartoon contributor to Colliers and the Saturday Evening
Post in the thirties. He later was a writer for both Disney Studios
and UPA where he was an Academy Award winner for the near-sighted
Mr. Magoo cartoon series. Shaw began free-lancing in 1950 in
Newport Beach, California, and except for frequent conferences with
his long-suffering banker, enjoyed a lifestyle that was the wonder
and envy of his many pals. He was a founder and Commodore of the
Balboa Island Punting & Sculling Society, an odd assortment of
millionaires and bums, known nationally for their boat trip to Las
Vegas and train ride to Catalina Island, both Shaw-inspired. Shaw's
lodgings, however grand or modest, were always "The Hotel Splendide"
and provided a watering hole which Shaw proclaimed "Open 24 Hours a
Day." Himself a prodigious boozer, but always a gentleman, Shaw
despised drunks. His appetite for, and exploits with the fair sex
were legendary, and provided inspiration for the drawings herewith,
penned by a world-famous contemporary and carefully saved by Shaw
for over two decades. It should be noted that although Shaw
abhorred obscenity, like most of us he thoroughly enjoyed vulgarity
when redeemed by humor. As a friend, who happens also to be
presiding justice of an Appellate Court remarked, "Hell, tnese
cartoons aren't dirty they're funny!" Finally, a comment from
Shaw's best and dearest friend, Virgil (VIP) Partch, "anyone who
would depict my late pal in such fashion must have an evil
imagination ... or else have known him very well."
Harold Nemetz
succor@charter.net
Your link to the Class of 47 doesn't work any
more. Maybe they finally closed it down.
Gail
09gwilson@comcast.net
Are you on Facebook? I am treasurer for Class of
1965 NHHS and we are having our 45th reunion with CDM on October 9,
2010 at the American Legion Post on Balboa Peninsula from 6 to 11
p.m. I wonder if you ever put upcoming events on your wonderful
and informative page? I lived on Miramar a long time ago and rode
my bike up to get donuts on Main Street and my brother delivered
papers. My nephew Mark Underwood works at Davey's Locker. If you
aren't on facebook I think it would be great if you were! Thanks
for letting me comment,
Dale Bremner
ted2dale@gmail.com
Can you please settle a question: What was the
address of Wil Wrights Ice Cream Parlor at Dover Dr. and PCH?
Anonymous
There will be a celebration of Ron Whites life on
Sunday, May 16th, at 11am, on the Ocean Explorer out of Davey's
Locker. All of his friends are welcome. It may be best to be there
a bit early to make sure you don't miss the boat. Captain Sandbar
will be officiating.
Steve White
swhiteconstruction@hotmail.com
So long Ron. I can't believe you are gone.
Bud and I had some wonderful times at your parties with Skip and
Ernie, Ron DeLuz and others. Always a friend. Say hello to Bud
for me on the other side.
Gail & Bud (deceased 2007)
09gwilson@comcast.net
I too graduated from High School in Southern
California in 1965 (La Mirada) and moved to Newport during my
senior year - driving the freeway to the Beach Blvd. turnoff
everyday. I don't see anything about Cruising the Newport
Peninsula. That was really popular between 1965 and 1969. Do you
have any 'historical' information' on this?
Sandee
sandeesolutions@aol.com
When I was a kid I had lots of fun there in
Balboa thanks for the memories dad
Jimmy
Ron white was a very exciting man who always had
a great smile on his face. Even toward the end his doctor said that
he had a zest for life. He was a man of different hobbies and
talents. He was a car salesmen, A fisher and Airplane pilot. He
loved his family, friends and everyone around him. But i believe
that in the last two years of his life he became more intact with
his kids and grandkids. I know from personal exsperience. Every
time i saw my grandfather he was always teaching me some kid of
life leason. Before he passed he was making sure that i knew what i
was going to do with my life. He was a man that always kept you
laughing about something. There was never a time with him that you
felt unloved or lonley. Cause he was alwasy right there. He will me
greatly missed and always loved.... By everyone who kenw him, his
kids Steve, Doug, Louie, Vince and Maria. His three Daughter-in
laws Bonnie, Leanne and Mary as well as the Grandchildren. Kevin,
Chris, Sheldon, Niels and Nathen and me Amber. Oh yeah and one on
the way... But most of all his loving wife Nadine White...
One service will be held at His home on May 15 at 2pm and the other
of course at Max dillmans on May 16 at 2 pm.
Amber Tapia
monkee93@hotmail.com
I also heard there would be something written
about Ron White. I am the Grandaughter of AJ Gibson and grew up my
entire life knowing Ron. He was a wonderful man, always full of
life and had a laugh that I will always remember. He married my
husband and I in 1996 and had many words of wisdom for us. He told
my mother two weeks ago "That was one of my better unions"..always
quick with a joke even at the end of his life. Ron you will be
close in hearts always and missed ~Much Love, Stella
Stella Sanchez
stella@sanchezhousehold.com
Hello.
Interesting, what webcams are used for your website?
Thank you.
P.S.
Saint-Petersburg, Russia:
http://ymap.dyndns.org/cam1/new.jpg?z=0
Pavel
mriadus@gmail.com
I understand you are going to be publishing an
obituary for Ron White who passed away on April 17, 2010. We live
in Colorado and would appreciate it if you could forward a copy of
it to us, or let us know when it is published so we can have access
to it.
Thank you very much.
Frances Lytle
alanandfran@msn.com
Jim:
Many Thanx to you for putting up a website devoted to such a
wonderful place for so many of us with those memories of years
past. I have my own wonderful memories as I was lucky enough to be
born in the 60's at Hoag, and I got to live and visit Balboa for
all my childhood years. I am lucky because I had both sides
of my family (Watts and Bergeron )from Balboa- my parents both
attended Newport, my older brothers starting out their education
where my dad started his, at the elementary school along the beach.
My grandfather has a memorium plaque amongst the palm trees in the
park by the pier.
This e-mail tho is about my grandmother who has been mention before
in your mails. Hazel along with my grandfather Coy spent most of
their adult lives helping with the development of Balboa since the
30's. They owned Liqour stores (one shown in your 1951 map/across
from Theater), as well doing other businesses. (Remember the
bowling/pool playing in the Pavillion?) As a child I got to be
around all the "good old boys" who met daily at Dillmans where I no
doubt had my first "Shirley Temple" as I sat and listened to their
stories and learned to play cards. They were good teachers!
My father Frank worked the store also and I got to visit my
grandparents house which was across the street from the Wedge.
Can't pick a nicer place to visit. I spent many pennies at the Fun
Zone and my brothers learned fishing from the greats around
there-including my Uncle Bob Watts and Great Grandpa Brader-who
always had on his suspenders and a smile.
Anyways as I could go on and on-I really just wanted to let your
readers know my wonderful grandmother Hazel is turning 98 at the
end of this month and she is still in the area. She was always a
cheerful store owner/worker and I remember all the people that
would drop by just to say hello, if not to buy something. In those
times not many places were down there and definitly not open late
like they were. I marveled at the fact of them knowing almost
anyone that came in. They treated everyone the same-John Wayne to
the families that just came for the summers. I had wonderful role
models for how to run your business. They extended credit to those
that needed it and I was always amazed at how trusting they were.
The stories they and my parents have for that area is priceless to
me.
Grandma isn't now in good health but she has ALWAYS remained
positive and upbeat. I have never heard her speak a bad word about
anyone. She spent many years volunteering with both Newport and
Costa Mesa Senior Centers, along with helping with St. Andrews and
Hoag. Thank you for letting me say thanx to any of your families
that may have enjoyed my families business and thanx to all those
that helped raise generations of good people coming from the area.
If anyone reading this cares to send her good wishes, I hope you
do. She would be delighted people remember. To all those who have
been lucky, like myself in watching Balboa grow and prosper- I hope
the charm of the honest hard working people who helped form the
area stays around forever. It will always be in her heart as well
as mine...Born April 30, 1912 she loves to chat and will still tell
you she has been one Lucky Lady blessed with loving family and
friends!! Just being a good person with a good heart and doing
life in moderation is her best advice to being happy. Think I for
one will stick with that advice.
Hazel Watts c/o 697 Plumer St. Costa Mesa,Calif. 92627 or
email to me-
keep up the great work Jim!
susan watts
kayakgide10@aol.com
we lived in balboa for many years on 11st. what a
wonderful place to go up groceries were delivered from the balboa
market life was slower then you could walk every where shopped at
the bay store Is sarah richardson around? lots of kind people fry's
market on 15st. crab
cooker @ the pier rexall drug
store blackies rendevrous ball room newport harbor elem newport
harbor high lots of good memories brother john surfed all the time
swam across the bay to the island foggy mornings our lady of mount
carmel mass on sundays dillmans for dinner where did the last 40
years go fond memories
dokie hamilton
kcorrigan1@cfl.rr.com
Hi Jim,
Do you know the name and contact info for the trolley style cab
that operates on the peninsula?
Thanks!
pat douglass
patdouglass@verizon.net
where did the faces of balboa page go? we had just
won a 200 pound pumpkin at the balboa market and there was a
picture of me sitting on top of it. i wanted to show someone that
Ian
ddoffroadracing@yahoo.com
When I was a kid in the 60's and 70's, there was a
restaurant called the Blue Dolphin....I think it was near
Lido....does anyone else remember it.
My uncle would take us there all the time
Sally
sally.clark@sbcglobal.net
At around 3pm on April 7, 2010 I was on my boat
which is on a private pier just down from the Caribe on E.
Edgewater and just about 10 feet from the stern of my boat two
large Dolphin swim by slowly - then circle around between the
piers and the moorings and then head off in the direction of the
Ferry and the jetty. I have spent a lot of time on this pier for
the last forty years and this is the first time I have ever seen
Dolphin. Perhaps this is Bay warming!
Jeff Kilpatrick
Jeff@newportsecurities.com
" SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL " An art show of over 75
small paintings done in the California "Plein Air" style. Now
showing at the new SOCALPAPA GALLERY in partnership with the
NEWPORT HARBOR HARBOR NAUTICAL MUSEUM. This exhibit and sale will
run through June 10 at 600 East Bay Ave. ( on the bay front board
walk.) Part of the sales proceeds go to support the museum. For
more information call (949) 675-8915 for days and hours.
Albert Stanchfield, Artist member socalpapa
albert.designs@yahoo.com
Hi Jim.
Thanks for the great Web cams of Balboa. We enjoy the opportunity
to revisit Balboa vicariously via the cams.
Please note, however -- in case you were not already aware of this
-- that the Ferry cam has stopped updating. Additionally, the date
is set incorrectly (it's one day behind) on the Boat Rentals cam.
Otherwise, everything looks okay.
Regards,
Mike Frandsen
Hi Jim -
Did you know that your ferry webcam has been down since the
earthquake yesterday?
Anonymous
There was a message in April of 04 I believe from
someone who said they have the last name of Dever and lived at my
Grandma Bobbie Dees address 510 ocean front. Just wondering if you
could put me in touch with this person who is probably one of my
second cousins. Thanks
Tess
lookout@rconnects.com
Jim, my Mom owned the clothing store, Surf &
Sand from '64-'70's in the exact location where you had your own
fantastic store and gallery. We've had our home down on Seville a
the end of the Peninsula since '64. I am writing to you regarding
the 'razing' of The Balboa Market where I worked from the age of
14-18 as everything from a box boy (bagger) to checker to produce
man to butcher. I would like to know, does so-called progress
always have to be insane? Sadly, Balboa is currently a 'drive
through' town where people who live here don't always stop and
patronize the local businesses. When Eugene Smith and family owned
the Balboa Market, they used to have credit accounts at the market
allowing local customers to simply pick up groceries and sign a
receipt, then they would be billed at the end of the month which
was great for families who sent their kids in to pick up
necessities. The Balboa Market also had a delivery service for
groceries which really came in handy for the elderly and in the
traffic of the summer. The Balboa Market also had the best meat
department in Southern California with fresh swordfish I used to
off-load from fishing boats every summer as well. These were all
services that enhanced the lifestyle of local residents of Balboa.
Now I heard the current owner also owns the Catalina Flyer or
whatever it's called and wanted to knock down the building so his
customers could have long-term parking right in the middle of
town. WHAT AN EYESORE! If that's been his plan I doubt he's
really had his heart in getting another long-term tenant in the
Market. However, I don't see why the City should buy the building
then do the exact same thing, especially if they took issue with
his plan. I understand times change but let's look at this on a
brass tacks level; We have an empty building with 10-15 of it's own
parking spaces currently, the location is central, the building is
virtually a landmark with a beautiful mural which enhances Balboa's
character and greets those entering town, and this via
orson41@yahoo.com
Hey Jim! Long time no typy. Hadn't been on
your site for quite some time. How's biz? So, the Market is
going. Too bad somebody couldn't pick it back up. I see you
must have more than one camera being repaired: the Main Street
one? A friend of mine will be going to Balboa and I wanted to show
her some photos before she got there.
I know this will sound morbid but...who's died lately? I was
thinking about Max Dillman and the wonderful prime rib they always
had and it dawned on me he's got to be "up there". Just wondering.
Is Chucky still at the Post Office? I can always phone or stop by
but time is of the essence these days.
Hope all is well with you.
Blinky
Jim,
Saw your article on Christian's Hut, I was told it was first built
as a bar and sleeping qts. for the crew of the film Mutiny on the
Bounty with Clark Gable in 1935. Do you know the location on
Balboa, was it on the island or peninsula, before it was moved to
3121 W PCH and when?
Ed Solter
edsolter3@hotmail.com
Does anyone remember Dan Wark, or the Wark
family who resided on the Island? Dan was born in 1947, and died
in Vietnam in 1968, at the age of 21, after only 3 months of
service. I went to Orange Coast Jr. College with Dan in 1966-1967
and we became best friends. We restored my 1923 Ford Model T
together, sitting on the beach, watching the bikini clad girls, and
sanding on the wood spokes.
Does life get better than that? Red headed, freckle faced Dan Wark.
What a good time we had, before that dark day... August 18, 1968.
Shot in the back of the head during an ambush, defending a rubber
plantation.
There will always be more questions than answers.
We were young. I wrote a verse for my Balboa girl friend, to music
in 1967 for an album I produced entitled, "Something in the Night."
It said: "Sometimes, I take you with me to the Cliffs of Newport
Beach. We stand and watch the lights of the Peninsula tease the
waters of the Back Bay.
And sometimes, yellow balloons soar high from your fingertips, like
smiling faces in the sky.
And sometimes, we stay at home, and like a child having found a new
piece to a jig saw puzzle, I fall in love all over."
I was an announcer at KOCM FM 103.1 back then. Playing Danny Davis
trumpets while over looking the ocean out the studio windows from
atop the cliffs created a romantic dimension in my life that only I
am eternally greatful for.
Only this unique 1960's setting could touch this 20 year old heart
so profoundly. It could never be duplicated again. Viva Balboa,
and the great times we baby boomers had in this romantic age of
Orange County.
William H. Belter
kruzerone@hotmail.com
Hello webmaster, would like to know if you offer
ad space on your website. If so what is your yearly fee for a small
text link.
Thanks
Richard
info@semadvisory.com
Hi.. love the webcams.. Did you know that
the one facing the merry go round refreshes every 20 seconds.. not
every 10.. It counts down from 10 and then counts down again then
refreshes.. .. Just a heads up..
thanks,
Diane
Hi, Jim. We're coming down there this coming
December for Christmas and we didn't want to miss the harbor light
parade. Do they have the dates set for that yet?
Thanks.
Brian Helsing
brian.helsing@yahoo.com
I am outraged that the city of Newport Beach
would buy and tear down the Balboa Market. That building is a
landmark in Balboa. If it was for some useful purpose that would be
one thing but to turn it into a parking lot is horrible. It
continues to show the greed of city officials. I can't ever
remember being in Balboa when the Market wasn't there, it was there
at least ten years before I was born. By the way what was the year
of the photo taken of the Market in its heyday? Balboa is a
charming community loved by many, why does the City feel the need
to destroy that charm? It reminds me of the incident where the City
came in by night and removed the trees from Main Street. They
should be ashamed and the people responsible for this action
concerning the Market should be removed from office. I am sure
others feel the same way I do and we need to let the City know our
outrage, I will make my call today.
Steve
nitro.dull@verizon.net
I really enjoy your site. I cannot believe how
many years have flown by -- it seems like I was watching the Flight
of the Snowbirds (anyone remember that?) just last year. Has anyone
visited the new and improved Harbor High? How is it? NHHS '76
Gordon Wagner
office@spaceways.net
Hi Jim,
Pam Kling in Denver here (Mark Ward's sister). just stopping by to
say hi, and I hope you are doing well!. Am still in Denver, and
still working hard with not enough time for play. happily single.
still think of Balboa...and wonder if you know a way to either
forward this to Shelia...or give her my phone number? would love to
track her down and catch up!
Pam Kling
pam.kling@gmail.com
going out there to be with Mark changed the course of my life
bigtime. spent the last 3 years hosipcing my step-mom and dad.
they are both gone now. time for me!...
i still see you with your hat, on your bike..and the beautiful
flowers you had...i wonder what mischief you are up to now?...what
crazy people live in the apartments now?...oh the stories you could
tell!!!
take care, my friend,
Pam
Hi there,
Hey I just wanted to thank you guys again for getting the funzone
webcam back up and running...
It's winter here in Windsor right now and checking you guys out is
a breath of fresh (read: warm) air. I'm moving to Newport beach
this summer and I can't wait to stop in and see that firsthand
instead of on the cam.
Thanks again!
John Mizerek
pinkyfloyd@gmail.com
at the expense of sounding a little selfish,
could you please check on the Fun Zone webcam? ;)
I'm planning on moving to Newport Beach this Spring and I check out
your cams all the time! The Fun Zone one has been down for about
two days now....thanks!
John Mizerek
pinkyfloyd@gmail.com
Do you have picture I can buy of Snug Harbor Bar ?
tcromo@lasd.org
I too want to know what happened to Breeze
(bartender at the Class of 47), and also what happened to Ron
White, Ernie and Skipper, and Ron DeLuz and where they are now. I
lived most summers in Balboa from 1940 to 1961 and then again lived
there from 1978-1984.
Gail
09gwilson@comcast.net
I live in Newport beach as a kid, lived by the
fun zone,, went to Newport beach elementary school in kindergarten
in 1972 Mr.. Elliot's class, anybody in that class,, love you
website,
Greg Graves
gboysgirls@yahoo.com
Hey Jim,
Its been a family tradition for many many years now to visit
Newport Beach and stay out on the Peninsula. In the past we have
been renting a beach house from cannery rentals and staying 219
East Balboa Blvd. We love being able to walk on the boardwalk down
to the ferry and Bay Arcade and out to the peir and Rubys. Anyway
we called up this year and it is booked for August So I have been
looking into finding a new place to stay but since I can only see
photos of a beach house would look like I thought I would ask a
local if you knew of some beach houses or beach house company's on
beach side doesn't have to be beach front but something just off
the beach and within walking distance to the fun zone. In the past
we have paid between $1,500 and $1,700 a week. So if you know of
any places you recommend that would be awesome. Thanks so Much for
your time.
Love your website! Keeps me updated all year long!
Jaci
jacidbedont@hotmail.com
I was just wondering if anyone kept a schedule for
the New (Old) Balboa Cinema. I think it was a bi-monthly schedule
with great double and triple features changing every 2 to 3 days.
I would love to see one and recreate some of those double features
for my family. If someone has one and could post a .jpg somewhere
I would love to see it.
Wonkadoo@yahoo.com
Hey there, I am looking for a job on the ferry
over the weekends or in the afternoons during the week. I'm not
sure if your the right guy to talk to and if not would you be able
to point me in the right direction? Thank you very much and hope to
hear from you soon.
Dean Hayland
11HylandD@sagehillschool.org
Hi Jim,
Could have read it in the blab or just local gossip... but been
hearing about a Polar Bear Plunge at the Balboa Pier...
Fact or Fiction... If so, let us know what time... Can't think of
a better way to start the 2010!
Cheers!
Carole
nwpcarole@aol.com
Is there going to be a polar bear plunge on New
Year's Day at the Balboa Pier? If so what time? thanks
Anonymous
Dear Jim,
Merry Christmas to all the people at Balboa.
Greetings from Lima, Peru
Carlos Gálvez
skynet@terra.com.pe
Jim,
It is that time of year again, Christmas Boat Parade. Looks like
you have had some major changes in webcam locations since this
summer. 2 on the Fun Zone, lost the one in front of the Pavilion
and the one in the Bay Arcade has gone away. So just the 4 cameras
now? only the Ferry crossing cam to view the parade, and none to
view the Pavilion and the Flyer boarding area?
Tom Scriven
tiscriven@comcast.net
It was nice meeting you on the boat for the
Tina's Holiday Cruise last weekend. Your gallery shots are
wonderful and I really like your website. Hope to see you at
another event!
~Marcia
mescobosa@fullerton.edu
Jim,
I came across your site while poking around on Google Earth. Tales
of Balboa is a fun visit.
Attached are three photos that may interest you for your "Photo of
the Month" section.
The Bumper Car image was shot at the fun zone in the early 70's,
probably "73, as were all of these images.
Art's Landing. . , well is the old Art's Landing. The Boats in the
Fog was shot somewhere close by, as I recall slightly to the south
of the Fun Zone.
Photo
Photo
Photo
I wish you much success with your site.
Sincerely,
Gordon
hispeed@cox.net
Hello there... your link for the question about
the red nose reindeer is not hot. Yes, he has budding antlers.
I love your site....its wonderful and delightful....keep up the
great work.
kitty
namaste11@ymail.com
Love this place during christmas time, bummer
about the lights not being at Harborside anymore, say it isn't
true!. I am a 40 year CA Native born right at Hoag Hospital in
fact. Work for Balboa Bay Club Resort and have enjoyed the
Christmas Boat Parade for years! I love everything there is about
Balboa and Balboa Island, never ever pass up a Balboa Bar!
aun1@hotmail.com
It is really sad that the harbor side pavilion
does not put there xmas lights up any more hum bug Mr scrooge
Anonymous
Your month of December web page is very well
done : )
Kitty Fitzgerald
kfitzgerald@swirlingsilks.com
Does anyone else remember the Christmas Tree
Bonfires down by the Newport pier on NewYears Eve? The teenagers
in the neighborhood would go from house to house collecting all the
christmas trees they could. They would pile them into a mountain
of trees down by the pier and set the whole thing on fire. The
whole town came out to watch. I was a kid in Newport in the 60's
and 70's. I remember being amazed by this.
Sally
sally.clark@sbcglobal.net
Love your web site! My family used to vacation
on Balboa Island 1955 - 56. We loved to go to the Jolly Roger and
have tacos, ride the ferry to the fun zone and just enjoy that
beautiful setting. My love was sailing and racing the boats that I
built while in high school. My sister and I would get up in the
morning and prepare to go sailing. I would carry the sail and she
would carry the rudder and we would walk down to where the boat was
buoyed. I would sail all day up and down the bay in awe of the
beautiful yachts moored along bay. I sailed all over the bay, even
out the jetty into the ocean when I felt brave. Those times sailing
in my 12 foot sail boat, and racing my B Utility racing boat in the
back bay were the most exhilarating times of my life.
Photo
Photo
Ron Marchetti
Sterling@mind.net
I was a waitress at The Tale of The Whale in the
early 80's. I really enjoyed the people that lived there at the
time. Bill and Rita (Caouette) were especially good to the
employees of the restaurant at that time. I remember Evelyn and her
little candy shop, our favorite breakfast regular's; Helen, who
would always leave a quarter, and Betty, who would always leave a
dollar, a dollar was a lot at that time! My girlfriends and I loved
to go dancing. I dated a few guys that lived in the area, Tim, who
worked at Malarky's and that preppy store next to The Pavilion and
Jeff, a cute blond surfer boy. I'd love to find some of these
people and thank them for the lessons they taught me.
jacqueline_lagunahills@hotmail.com
I was wondering if the Tale of the Whale was still
in business. I used to love to eat there at night as it was lovely
with all the lights outside. I have not lived in Orange County
since 1995 and have regretted it almost daily.
John
jmdennis@dslextreme.com
Hi Jim,
Sorry I've been out of touch for so long. I lost my parents and
have spent most of this decade in a very nasty divorce with my
estranged attorney wife. I still find time to enjoy your e-mails
and website. Thank you! I noticed the e-mail from Edward Hill
inquiring about the "casino" sign and thought I should crawl out
from under my pile and respond with a little history.
The Casino was never actually a casino. It was just a bar.
Originally the name was Workman's Casino and was owned by Dad
Workman. The name was a carryover from a gambling joint he operated
on the other side of Main St. (in the 100 block) in the 1920s.
During Prohibition, his was one of the many places in town you
could buy alcohol. You would ask for a carton of cigarettes, wink,
and he would put a bottle in the box. By the time he moved into the
Storey Building, Prohibition had been repealed and gambling had
been clamped down on, so he went legitimate. He sold the bar to two
guys whose names I can't remember. They may have been brothers.
They never cared much for Mr. Workman (few people in town did) and
promptly changed the name to Fisherman's Casino, as the sign still
reads. The bar days are marked in old pictures by blacked out
windows and stainless steel doors in what are now the open arches
on the corner, as they were originally. The interior was
highlighted by a semicircular bar against the back wall, which was
a partition, marked now by a post in the middle of the Mithrush
store. At one point they knocked two openings through the partition
on either side of the bar and had a dining room in what would,
years later, become Hidi's Cafe. When we did the seismic retrofit
we pulled up layers of flooring and found the scars where the
semicircular bar had been.
The building was built by Fred Storey in 1930. Balboa Marine
Hardware was where the kite store is now. Soto Nishikawa had Soto's
Curio Shop on the corner across Main from where the post office is
now. He was the first tenant in the space that would later be
Hidi's, operating two businesses across from each other. He was
very successful until WWII, when he was sent to an internment camp
in the Arizona desert. He lost everything and died without a penny
to his name after the war. The first tenant in the corner was the
Balboa Sport Shop which sold bathing suits and sportswear. Upstairs
in the middle unit was the town dentist, Harold Stahler. Above
Soto's was the Raymond Beauty Shop. Also upstairs, over the corner,
Roland Thompson (the City Attorney for Newport Beach) had his
private practice office. In 1936 Judge Robert Gardner spent his
first year as an attorney up there. He told me he only made ten
dollars the whole year. At the far end of the upstairs, Fred Storey
had his office. It doubled as a summer apartment for Rowland
Hodgkinson (Hodge) who was the Police Chief. He stayed there when
he rented his home out to make extra money.
As a side note, few people realize as they're walking down Main
Street, that Yucca Valley was born there. It was a venture of ten
downtown businessmen. Among them were Fred Storey, Roland Thompson,
Al Anderson (Balboa Fun Zone), Tommy Boucher (Harbor Master) and my
grandfather, John Vogel. They drilled for water, slapped together
some buildings, subdivided it and the rest is history.
I guess that's a bit of a long winded way to answer the Casino
question.
Thanks again,
Dick Vogel
dickvogel@hotmail.com
I sit all day long in cubical land, surrounded by gray, brown, and
icky dark green walls, illuminated by harsh fluorescent lights.
Even though it's winter the air conditioning is on all the time.
Your wonderful Balboa cams provide a glimpse of the world beyond.
Hopefully one day I will escape from cubical land and visit your
wonderful city and travel across the river on the car ferry. Maybe
I'll even rent Booboo and take him for a walk. From the millions
of unknown cubical workers - thank you!
Nobody
just happened on this web site sorry to hear about breeze played
many nights of cards with him and allways bugged @ work i used to
work @ old studio cafe with bruce bradly kerley kyle joe jonsey and
terry lots of good memories long time since ive been back also big
chuck or down stairs donny would like to hear fom you joe p
joe p
jmpruz@yahoo.com
my parents came to Balboa in 1953 from Georgia my
mother wanted to see the beach and fish off the pier. My father was
in the Marines an went over seas. I attended school there and
graduated from New Port Harbor High School there. My mother worked
at the Hula Hut and I played on the beach out front and spent many
happy hours at the Fun Zone as a teen I danced at the ballroom to
the music of Dick Dale I met my husband there .we moved away but
good memories were made there .My parents divorced remarried and
stayed on for many years .If anyone knows where Linda Hardy and
Isabell Wright are. I'd love to here from them Isabell's parents
owned the pet store
Betty Shea
cpt_pegleg@yahoo.com
Hello
I am looking for Jeannie Jones, Her Dad Evan Jones ran the Ferry's
in the 60's and 70's. She has a brother named Jimmy Jones. They
lived at the end of Pearl St. I believe .I am trying to contact
them. If you know how to contact them, Please give them my Email
and name.....
Thanks Beau Boise
reuben4beau@yahoo.com
What is with the image you have on your November
calendar? Its white?
Kathleen
kaf416@verizon.net
Jim,
Thanks for the website and webcams. I've had fun with my nephews in
New York when I talk with them on the phone as they view me on the
internet fun zone webcam.
I have a question about the building in front of the Main St.
webcam that was active. It's the building on the corner where the
Mirbeth store is located. When you look on the back of the building
there is an old logo/sign of a Casino that is faded. We were trying
to determine the name of the Casino, but some of the letters were
to difficult to read. There is no history about this Casino online.
Any history you have on this would be greatly appreciated. Thank
you.
Edward Hill
cali_artist@yahoo.com
I cannot get the calendar to come up on any of my
three computers
HELP
Former Newport Beach Girl, first job was as a barker for the Harbor
Cruise at the Fun Zone!
Cindy Hulford
Las Vegas
cindy.hulford@gmail.com
In response to Bill's email about the Buster Keaton flick:
Today for a college film class I watched another one of Buster
Keaton's movies, "The Cameraman," which also shows him boating
around the bay with the Balboa Pavilion in the background. I was
pretty surprised to see it and found my way here to mention it.
Perhaps he or the production company was a fan of the area!
C. Morgan
My Mom used to live down in Balboa during the 70's. My parents were
separated at the time and I lived in Northern California. I would
always come down to visit her. My aunt also lived down there and
met her husband, Robbie Robins. He was the bartender at Dillman's
during the 70's. I remember going to visit and we would always go
to Dillman's for dinner. I remember the daughter, Diane. I remember
her having a daughter. I also remember "Uncle Herbert's Royal
Caboose" I'm pretty sure that was the name. It was right across the
street from Dillman's. They had the train that would go around at
the top of the circular bar and if it stopped over you, you would
get a free drink. My uncle is still around. They now live by
Bullhead City, AZ. My fondest memory is when for Christmas one year
he got me an autographed picture of John Wayne. He was my idol
growing up and that was the best present I have ever gotten. He
wrote "To Mike, my best. John Wayne 1978" It was his last
Christmas. I was supposed to go and visit him, but he got ill and
passed away. But I have always cherished that picture and even got
to see him once while riding the Balboa Queen and passing by his
house. He was standing outside and waved to all of us. Memories are
awesome.
Michael Williams
mikew480@aol.com
Hello - do you know where I can find any oil
paintings FOR SALE by artist Shirley Piha of Balboa? She passed
away 3 years ago and lived in Balboa
Vicki
victory898@aol.com
The web cams are very cool. Is the CdM Xmas walk
on Monday or Sunday this year? (per your home page)
Jenecca
jenecca@cox.net
The two new updated web cams are awesome!!! So
clear. Keep up the good work.
Bob in Phoenix
Bob Borg
rborg@cox.net
This is great site. Makes me relive my childhood.
I was born at Hoag Hospital the first year it opened and lived at
the end of the peninsula until graduating from Newport Harbor High
in 1971. The memories of walking to town with the quarter to go to
the Sat. matinee and making sure we hit Gundersons beforehand to
get candy. Having the beach and basically the town to yourself in
the winter since most of the homes were summer beach houses.
Sneaking down to the Fun Zone, since we weren't suppose to go
there. Stopping in at the 5 and dime (I forget the name), the
dory fleet coming in at the Newport Pier. The memories are really
alive and Balboa was a wonderful place to grow up - the beach and
the bay.
krohn@bresnan.net
Hi, I used to go to the "Prison of Socrates" to
hear a folk singer there. I can't recall his name for sure, but I
do believe, after reading a couple of e-mails on your Balboa site,
that it might well have been Tim Morgan. If so, he did the best
version of "Viva La Quinta Brigada" that I have ever heard. Would
it be possible to contact him? It looks like he has continued to
record and I'm interested in seeing if he has and, if so, if I
might be able to get some of those recordings. Appreciate any help
you could give. By the way, my memories of Balboa are just
wonderful. And sipping coffee and listening to folk music at the
"Prison of Socrates", simple pleasure that it was, highlights my
memories.
Thanks,
Mike Suarez
mangotea@frontiernet.net
Hi Jim! We have named the showcase rooms at the
upcoming
Folk Alliance Region - West conference in Irvine after OC folk
clubs,
including The Prison of Socrates. Do you happen to have a photo of
this? I'd love to be able to use it on our signage and/or program
book?
Steve Dulson
tinkersown@ca.rr.com
How can I get on the link exchange?
Renee
rgiraldy@msn.com
Wow - nice site. I grew up on Balboa Island (moved
to BI in 3rd grade @ Corona del Mar Elementary onto Lincoln Middle
School and through high school in '79 from Corona Del Mar HS and a
couple of years at O.C. Jr. College before I moved away!). Worked
at the Orange Julius on the peninsula down from the pier in high
school for a bit (never could get a job on the ferry - but had
friends who did - so I got to cross to work at OJ for free
sometimes! :) Spent many a found nickels, dimes and quarters at
the fun zone! Seemingly spent whole summers in the ocean at ...
was it Big and Little Corona beaches (coast guard side of the
jetty) (is that "cave" accessible - last time I was through there
with my son years ago, it had bars across the entrances and we
couldn't get through it). Lots of fun memories...if I could only
afford to live there now :(
KB
Hi Jim,
I received the book and really love it.
Considering my roots are there, I was surprised at the amount of
history I didn't know about Balboa. I sure will look through my
photos to see if there's any that might be of interest. I'll ask my
sister Claire & my brother in law. His name is Dean Cordell, and he
ran the paddleboard stand right by you in the 50's, also worked the
Ferris Wheel. My father was Howard Williams, and he was President of
the "then" Central Newport Beach Community Association and was
responsible in a large part for keeping the beaches public in the area
between Alvarado and Island Avenues, and also for the Las Arenas
Tennis Courts & Park up by the Girl Scout House. We lived on Island
Avenue, went to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church and my sister and I both
went to Newport Elementary in the 50's. Ayway, I'll see what I can
find and will be in touch.
Maureen (Williams) Hewitt
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
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