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Beneath the eucalyptus trees, Descanso Ave., Avalon, Catalina Island, California

 
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Title
Beneath the eucalyptus trees, Descanso Ave., Avalon, Catalina Island, California
Description
A view looking down Descanso Ave., with eucalyptus trees planted in a line down the middle of the street. On either side are rows of bunaglows.
Physical description
1 postcard : Color ; 9 x 14 cm.
Subject
Seaside resorts--California--Santa Catalina Island; Bungalows--California--Santa Catalina Island;
Note
Santa Catalina Island is located approximately 26 miles off the coast of Southern California, near Long Beach. In 1887, entrepreneur George Shatto purchased the Island with the intention of turning it into a major tourist destination. He began developing the island, but amassed debts and sold the property in 1892 to Joseph and Hancock Banning. The Banning brothers continued to develop the area, adding an aquarium, incline railway, amphitheater, and glass bottom boat tours to the island's natural attractions, until a devastating fire swept through Avalon in 1915, destroying much of their real estate. In 1919, William Wrigley participated in a group investment purchase of Catalina, but soon bought out his other partners to become the sole owner. He and his son Philip continued to develop the island, and in the mid-1970s created the Catalina Island Conservancy, which was given 88% of the island to protect native species and prevent over-development. Built in the 1890s, Catalina's tent cities offered economical accomodations for visitors to the island. At Mr. Wrigley's request, the original tent structures were upgraded to 10'x12' wooden bungalettes and 700 additional structures were built. During World War I, these structures were used to house troops. These bungalows stood until 1957, when the Santa Catalina Island Company demolished them.
Collection Location
Werner von Boltenstern Postcard Collection
Type
Geographic Location
Santa Catalina Island (Calif.); Avalon (Calif.); Descanso Ave. (Santa Catalina Island, Calif.)
Language
eng
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