Located in a small park in Avalon, Catalina is this World War I German machine gun which was donated to the city of Avalon in 1925. Notice the helmet mounted at the base of the gun.
This picture shows the plaque at the base. CATALINA ISLAND POST NO. 137 AMERICAN LEGION.
Today's focus is on a great little phone booth I saw while visiting Catalina. The design was so cool that I just had to take a couple pictures. There's not a lot to say about it. Just thought I'd share it.
Front view of the booth. I like the yellow lettering, and the worn termite eaten wood.
Today's focus is on the Catalina Island Yacht Club. Located on the Via Casino, the Yacht Club showcases wonderful 1920's architecture. Unlike most of Catalina's famous buildings, the Yacht Club doesn't use concrete and tile in its design. Instead, a classic nautical theme highlights this great structure.
I Feel like I'm in New England. Although this is a snobby members only establishment, the building does look good.
Whoa, all of a sudden it got foggy! As if this picture was taken on a different day than the others. I wonder why. It really seems like New England now.
You know a building is important when there's a plaque on its wall. Actually, the building being used during the second great war is a really interesting part of its, and Catalina's, history.
Just a few more shots of the memorial to end this series. This fountain was off during my trip. It would have been nice to see the water coming out of the lion's mouth (If that's what it does). Again, nice tile work.
This is the back of the courtyard at the top of the memorial.
As you can see, the structure really looks like an ancient temple. It hardly seems like Southern California.
One final view of the memorial. This is a must see when visiting Santa Catalina Island. Don't miss the Casino building either.
Today's focus is on the tower of the memorial. This is the coolest section of the structure, as it has the most complex design features. The tile work is just superb.
A rather dizzying view of the ceiling. This shot is taken directly in the middle of the tower. Catalina tile is just so beautiful. I am glad that they have maintained this building for all to see.
This is a shot of the ceiling from the side. It shows more of the marble and stone work that makes this place so unique. For only five or so dollars, you can spend as much time in the memorial and gardens as you'd like (At least during operating hours).
Here is a close up of one of the Gargoyles alone the wall of the Wrigley Memorial. The memorial has several of these figures, and they create a dramatic element to the temple like features of the building.
A shot of a bronze door in the memorial. It gives the impression of being in an old castle
A close up of the sign next to the door.
Here is a section of wall with marble and geometric shapes. It is really cool to stand there looking at the various patterns of marble and tile.
A sign with a little more information on the memorial.
The Wrigley Memorial, completed in 1934, stands high in the hills of Santa Catalina island. On the outskirts of Avalon, the structure is part of the island's botanical gardens. It looks like a massive temple, but in reality is a lookout point that houses a great view of the sky, ocean and hills.
A dedication plaque for William Wrigley Jr. Catalina island is all about William Wrigley Jr. From the Casino building, to the bird park, and of course his memorial.
This is the view from the top of the memorial. The gardens and memorial are fairly isolated from the rest of Avalon.
A close up of the stairs leading up to the top.
Several signs provide information about the building.
Here is a shot of the really cool and historic Via Casino entrance. It begins a nice walkway to the Casino building in Avalon on Catalina Island. The building marks the beginning of the way, and all of the hustle and bustle of the city fade away as the ocean and and scenery take over.
I'm not a big fan of Spanish Colonial revival architecture (or whatever it's called), but seeing how historic some of the buildings on the Island are, I really can appreciate these examples. The Island is filled with many old buildings that take people back to the golden age of Avalon.
Catalina Island, although no longer in its heyday, still provides Southern California residents with a wonderfully quaint get away spot. Spend a day, weekend, or a whole week on the island and experience everything from a bicycle ride to a submarine voyage. With its blend of old and new, Catalina Island has something for everyone.
These photographs were taken of the Catalina Stables, a business that offers horseback riding excursions into the wilderness of the island. The old west theme of the buildings, along with the artifacts around them gave the feeling of being in another time and place (even if not completely authentic). I highly recommend a trip to Catalina for anyone wanting to escape for a couple of days. The sign on the carriage says "Keep Out" instead of "Keep Off".