From the Ashes -The Descanso Beach Club Surrounded by Island History By Steve Tabor
From the Ashes -The Descanso Beach Club Surrounded by Island History
By Steve Tabor
In 1892, William, Joseph, and Hancock Banning, sons of Phineas Banning, “The Father of the Port of Los Angeles”, purchased Santa Catalina Island from George Shatto. Although Shatto established the City of Avalon, the Banning brothers were determined to create a sustainable resort destination. In 1894, the Bannings established the Santa Catalina Island Company (later known as the Catalina Island Company) and set out their plans to build roads, hotels, and tourist attractions.
Their vision was going as planned until, in 1915, a fire burned a large portion of Avalon including the Metropole and other hotels, the Tuna Club, Pilgrim Club, main bathhouse, waterfront shops and other city structures. Following the fire, the Bannings were forced to sell a large number of shares in their company to a real estate development firm in order to secure $850,000 to repay debts and construct the St. Catherine Hotel (Hotel) in Descanso Canyon. The Hotel opened for visitors on June 28, 1918.
In 1919, William Wrigley, Jr., who was one of the investors in the real estate development firm, purchased the entire interest in the island without ever have seen the island. Wrigley took little time and extended the Hotel by adding accommodations on the west side of the Hotel as well as expanding the Hotel grounds and adding a swimming pool. The dining room could seat up to 1,200 people per seating. Tables were set with Catalina Pottery and meals often featured fruits and vegetables grown on the island.
Descanso Bay featured a private dock and moorings that allowed many Hollywood stars and other dignitaries to arrive and depart with a certain amount of privacy.
During World War II many of the Hotel’s furnishings were removed, and 53 guest rooms were converted into 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments for Merchant Marines who were housed at the Hotel while they were engaged in training activities on the island.
Following the war, the Hotel reopened to guests. In 1947, the back kitchen was removed. In 1953, the need for accommodations grew. The Santa Catalina Island Company decided to lease the property to various individuals to operate the Hotel. However, as time passed, its outdated accommodations such as limited in room bathroom facilities, led to its decline in popularity. On February 12, 1966, the Hotel was demolished.
The former Hotel property, which is a short stroll from the Casino, has given rise to the Descanso Beach Club and is operated by the Catalina Island Company. Although the property no longer provides hotel accommodations, this beach front resort provides visitors with panoramic ocean views, a restaurant and bar and access to a variety of ocean activities.
The visitors can choose to rent chaise lounges under an umbrella or opt for a more private experience by renting one of the beach cabanas. Chaise lounge rentals include food and beverage service, bottled water and beach towels. Cabanas host up to 6 guests. The rental fee includes a pair of chaise lounges, food and beverage service, bottle water and beach towels.
Besides a going for a dip in the ocean, other water activities are available. Stand up Paddle Boards (SUP), kayaks and other water activity equipment is available for rent. An outside restaurant and bar featuring a wooden deck with tables and tables on the beach all are situated under large umbrellas.
The Beach Club is a prime location for weddings and other gatherings. Outside there is a large grass area behind the cabanas that annually hosts the Catalina Wine Mixer, concerts, and other events. The Catherine’s Terrace can host cocktail parties, social gatherings and dinner parties.
For a complete list of rental rates and availability visit www.visitcatalinaisland.com.
Resources:
Catalina Island Company
Santa Cruz Island Foundation- www.ISLAPEDIA.com
Wikipedia
Steve Tabor Bio
This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics. Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.
Watch for Steve Tabor Images on the worldwide web.
