Thursday, February 07, 2008

Huntington Beach, Tent City, and Kevin Kidney

Today's "before and after" isn't an exact match, but it's very close. I should have stood a little further back, but that would have meant tearing down somebody's house. The point is that the Methodist Tabernacle (1906) in Huntington Beach stood at what is now the intersection of Pecan and 12th St. It was the centerpiece of a four-block campground or "Tent City," which was used for Methodist revivals, Grand Army of the Republic encampments, and vacationers who wanted affordable lodging near the beach. Located on what was then the northwestern outskirts of town, this impressive auditorium was one of H.B.'s early claims to fame.
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Fans of early Disneyland will probably enjoy artist Kevin Kidney's new "Miehana" blog. (Hint: Try spelling it backwards.) I've admired his work for years, so I'm looking forward to reading what he has to say.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I live in Pacific Mobile Home Park on Huntington & Atlanta and understand it has been a "trailer park" in some form since the 1920's. I think the oldest trailer still here dates to the late 40's/early 50's. Would love to see any aerial views or pics from days gone by, or any stories anyone may have.