Historic Newport

Think paddleboarding is a new fad? Nope! Back in the 1940s, you could rent a paddleboard from Johnny Weissmuller… aka Tarzan!

Lifeguards have been protecting Newport’s waters for decades and decades. This throwback photo captures lifeguards in either 1940 or 1960, depending on who you ask.  Which one do you think it is?

Enjoy these clips from “Girl Most Likely” from 1956. Do you know any other movies that feature Newport Beach? Copyright to these clips is maintained by the original copyright holder, not Mike Glenn or Save Newport.

Have you ridden on the Balboa Ferry? OF COURSE YOU HAVE! Here’s a look at what the second ferry looked like, the first time they started accepting automobiles (yes, that is a boat pushing a floating dock with a car on it!) Do you have any photos of the historic Balboa Ferry?

Balboa Island beach day, 1947. What year did you arrive in Newport? Are you a native?  (if not, where from originally?)    

In this photo taken just 99 years ago, we see Balboa Island as it was when Collins shaped it, with just a few homes in sight. Do you have any favorite photos of old Balboa Island?        

“Bathing Beach and Bay at Newport Harbor, California.  Balboa Island in the background, 1944” The photo says it all– but do you know the exact location?

Do you know the cool story about how Balboa Island got the Grand Canal? What do you think? Would you prefer Collin’s vision, or the way it is today? The story might be cooler than the canal itself! An excerpt from the book “Newport Beach’s Balboa and Balboa Island“ by Jeff Delaney: “The Grand Canal between Balboa Island and the …

The Reuben E Lee was around a lot longer than us, but in December of 2012, it sank in San Diego harbor. Do you have fond memories of this floating restaurant and entertainment boat? Any guesses as to when it started?

The Newporter Inn and Restaurant. Do you remember where this was? (Photos Circa 1964)