LOOKING BACK

CORONADO PUBLIC LIBRARY This aerial photo of the Coronado Golf course was taken in 1960.

THIS MONTH IN CORONADO HISTORY

Dec. 1, 1915

Coronado Beach Co. requested the Army vacate North Island because the Army didn’t have a contract to be on the land. The Army had been operating under the umbrella contract of Glenn Curtiss, an early aviator who started a flight school on the land. Coronado Beach Co. had plans to sell the acreage as high-end properties.

Dec. 2, 1960

Demolition of the 38-year-old Coronado High School began. The original cornerstone, laid Feb. 22, 1922, was retrieved and a time capsule in the form of a copper box was opened. High school Principal Wilfrid C. Seaman found a variety of mementos including photographs, copies of The San Diego Union and the Coronado Strand weekly, approximately 115 cards inscribed by students, a pamphlet with the school curriculum and a 1922 silver dollar.

Dec. 7, 1887

As the Hotel del Coronado neared completion, the first dinner was held for the 250 staff members hired for the hotel. The next night, a dance was held at the pavilion so everyone could get acquainted.

Dec. 10, 1942

The desperate housing shortage in Coronado saw some relief when

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS / DETROIT PUBLISHING CO. COLLECTION

Coronado Homes, Inc., was issued a permit to build 40 apartment units on G Avenue, between 4th and 5th streets at a cost of $120,000. The apartments were designed as 10 buildings with four units each.

Dec. 11, 1941

The first official blackout was declared by the Coronado City Council following the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor. A blackout signal of three short blasts and one long blast repeated three times from the gas company whistle in San Diego ordering the extinguishing of lights in all buildings and cars. Streetlights were also turned off. The ordinance also called for a maximum fine of $300 for violators.

Dec. 15, 1919

The Navy fish patrol began as aviators flew missions to sight schools of sardines so fishermen could be directed to them. In two weeks, 100 tons of sardines were caught.

Dec. 19, 1957

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on the first tee of the new Coronado Golf Course occurred at noon. Mayor Coleman Gray cut the ribbon and the resident pro, Don Collett, hit the first drive down the first fairway. An exhibition match played by Collett, Gene Littler, Billy Casper and Paul Runyan followed. The golf course was constructed at a cost of $100,000 on land that was 90 percent fill dredged from Glorietta Bay. Coronado resident and golf architect Jack Daray came out of retirement to design the course.

Dec. 24, 1942

The new Coronado hospital officially opened its doors to the public at noon when seven patients were transferred from the old hospital on Orange Avenue. The new building had facilities for handling 35 patients and was designed to permit the addition of several wings once additional hospital space was needed. The hospital was financed by private donors in Coronado. The City of Coronado contributed $200 a month to cover the fees for those who couldn’t afford their care.

Dec. 25, 1951

Hopalong Cassidy, played by William Boyd, spent Christmas Day at North Island with the children of deceased aviators. As he stepped from the plane, kids yelled “Hi Hoppy!” Cassidy was joined by cowboy singer Smokey Rogers, Dodo the Clown, child skating star Janet Champion and, of course, Santa Claus. Cassidy donated his time and gifts were bought with money given by North Island servicemen. The party was hosted by the Coronado chapter of Gold Star Wives of America. ■