1920's Catalina Island History

A timeline of the history of Catalina Island in the 1920's.

1921
Sugar Loaf Dance Casino was built at Casino Point. Al Bombard founded the Miss Catalina Speedboat Company. A ballpark was built as a Spring training venue for the Chicago Cubs baseball team. The team trained there between 1921 through 1951 except for the war years.

1924
Thompson Reservoir was built near Middle Ranch. Fourteen American bison were transported to Catalina Island to appear in a film about Zane Grey. Today between 100 and 200 bison live on Catalina Island.

1925
. The first buffalo were brought over to Catalina Island to film Zane Grey’s 1925 film "The Vanishing American". After filming was completed the buffalo were left on the island.

1927 William Wrigley, Jr. founded the Wrigley Ocean Marathon and it was held on January 15, 1927. It was a swim from the Isthmus Cove to the San Pedro Breakwater with $25,000 as the first prize and $15,000 to the first woman who finished if the first prize went to a man. Canadian George Young was te only entrant to finish and he won the $25,000.

1927
- Wrigley Ocean MaRathon held (Two Harbors to Palos Verdes)
- Catalina Tile and Pottery was established
- Bird Park was built

1928
Catalina Country Club built as Chicago Cubs Clubhouse

1929
Construction of Catalina Casino was completed and the grand opening ceremony was held on May 29, 1929.

Resources

- Catalina Island Old Survey Map: 1920-1929
- Bison Timeline of Catalina Island (PDF)
- Islapedia "Catalina Channel Swimmers" Article
- Islapedia "George Young" Article
- Wikipedia "History of Catalina Island" Article

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Timeline of Catalina Island History

Catalina Island Travel Guide

California for Visitors

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