Doheny Memorial Library, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0189 Public Domain. Release under the CC BY Attribution license--http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--Credit both “University of Southern California. Libraries” and “California Historical Society” as the source. Digitally reproduced by the USC Digital Library; From the California Historical Society Collection at the University of Southern California Send requests to address or e-mail given USC Libraries Special Collections specol@usc.edu
Description
Photograph of a panoramic view of the harbor and Avalon city, Santa Catalina Island, ca.1914. A decline railway car runs from the top of the hill (at right) down to an amphitheater located at a lower elevation within the recess of the hills and forest (at left). Residential and commercial buildings are scattered throughout the land. A majority of them reside near the pier (center left). About several dozen ships in the harbor are cruising or parked near the pier. An extension to the pier is still being constructed. "One of Catalina's most notable transactions took place in 1887 when investors of the Lick estate resold Catalina for $200,000 to George Shatto. Shatto, a businessman and entrepreneur, was perhaps ultimately responsible for the Catalina we know today. He intended to turn the island into a tourist resort, beginning his five-year reign by surveying the land and building a hotel. To expand Avalon's tourist base further, Shatto used steamships he leased from the Bannings to ferry tourists to and from the mainland. Some island tourists arrived to purchase lots in Avalon, which Shatto auctioned off for $150 to $2,000 depending on location and size. Those who purchased one were then free to set up tents or build summer cottages. However, Shatto racked up some hefty bills and defaulted on his mortgage payments. He soon thereafter lost the island. So what happened next? Wrigley's most prized accomplishment was the construction of the famed Casino in 1929, which Wrigley figured would improve his revenues by attracting more tourists. Though the Casino was never used for gambling, it was a place for people to gather and enjoy some camaraderie and entertainment. It held a variety of functions following its grand opening, but the Casino's earmark during this era was ballroom dancing to the live music of a big band." -- unknown author.
Type
image
Format
2 photographs : glass photonegative, photonegative, b&w 21 x 26 cm., 10 x 13 cm. glass plate negatives negatives (photographic) photographs
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