Rachel Lieu, Registrar/Archivist


It is hard to imagine the bustling little town of Coronado without the sound of fighter jets, traffic on Orange Avenue or even children riding their bicycles up and down the tree-lined, well-manicured residential streets. This fall marks the 125th anniversary of the original lot sale, held on November 13, 1886, by the Coronado Beach Company. Thousands came across the bay that day for the auction, and among them was a woman whose name is familiar to many San Diegans—Kate Sessions. In partnership with S.G. Blaisdell, Sessions purchased lots 1-40 on block number 151. The actual deeds were granted several months later in 1887. This block is currently located between Second Street and C Avenue. Shortly thereafter, Blaisdell erected a home on that corner, and within a few years, he and Sessions had each created nurseries to serve the island, planting gardens at a number of private homes in Coronado. Sessions also landscaped the courtyard of the Hotel del Coronado. Her knowledge and skill in the field of horticulture is legendary on both sides of the Bay.


RECENT DONATIONS


Thank you to those who remembered Elizabeth Behm with a donation to the Coronado Historical Association: Lois Lewis, Carrie Huber, Marilyn Lindsay, Marilyn Burchill and the Starlight Society. In a conversation with her family, it was decided these funds will go towards our 2012 exhibit about the challenges and sacrifices of Coronado residents during World War II.


Thank you to Michel and Patricia Dabbar and Robert and Barbara Haines who donated funds to CHA in honor of Phyllis Kraus. Phyllis was very active in many projects, as well as having served as President of the Board of Directors. These funds will help carry out CHA’s mission.


Donald Willamson of Antioch, California, divided up a part of his estate and gave donations to 84 historical associations in California. The Coronado Historical Association received $2,000 as a result of this donor’s generosity.


The trust of Ann Pennoyer very generously donated $3,337 to the Coronado Historical Association.


Becci Rocco and Robert Campbell opened their beautiful home to CHA and donated the costs of a membership party, thanking new members of the Star Park Circle and other higher-level membership categories.


Susan Keith and Mary Ann Chapple underwrote the cost and co-hosted a party for many Arizona summer residents, some of whom became members since. Thank you Susan and Mary Ann!


4 www.coronadohistory.org And recently added to our collections…


Robert Gunthorp: One issue of Proceedings Magazine from April 1986. The issue celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Naval Aviation, known as the “Diamond Jubilee.”


Dennis Dorman: A collection of photographs and memorabilia from the mayoral history of RH Dorman, Coronado’s mayor (dates).


Rita Sarich & Coronado MainStreet: One VIP ticket from the Grand Re-opening of the Village Theatre.


Shirley Stark: Books and video cassettes regarding the life of her husband, POW Admiral Stark, donated to the Museum’s library.


Thomas Sisson: Oral history interview about his childhood in Coronado and career as a submariner in the Navy.


Lauris Boyer: Two scrapbooks from the Bridge & Bay Garden Club chronicling the years 1981 and 1983.


Bea LaFontaine: Ten scrapbooks from the Republican Women’s Club in Coronado chronicling the years 1974- 1996.


Anita Outlaw: One photograph, one map, one book and two collections of letters.


Tom Shine: Oral history interview about his childhood in Coronado during World War II.


Catherine L. Brennan: One piece of sheet music by George B. Adams who lived in Coronado on Glorietta Boulevard.


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