Vintage Beach Photos —Tent City 1900-1939

by Rhonda Renée

History of Tent City in Coronado, California

"Each tent consisted of wooden floors and furnishings. They each had one bedstand or more, a three legged "spider" for a wash bowl and pitcher, a dresser and a chair. If a visitor needed cooking facilities a kerosene stove was set up in a "cook tent" in the back of the tent for an extra $5.00 a month, it came with a few pots, some crockery, and flatware. Most of the tents rented for $4.50 per week at that time."

America's Greatest Resort - Tent City Vintage Postcard



Tent City by Moonlight



Actual photograph of vacationers

"Every year Tent City opened with new attractions and improvements. Eventually electricity from the hotel generators provided power for the lights that hung from the ceiling in each tent."

1919 Advertisement for Tent City
(front and back)



The trolley was an easy way to get around



Watermelon Feast on the Beach at Tent City

The Coronado Tent City News served as a type of newspaper carrying programs about the band concerts, water sports events, hours of Sunday church services, news of visitors, and some advertisements.

Panoramic of Tent City and the Hotel 1908
(from the Library of Congress)
[click to enlarge]

"By 1921, Tent City had its own police force (watch the video to learn more about the one-man police force) and fire department. In 1923, the thatch roofs were stripped off and the cottages were given permanent roofs. Wooden sides on the houses were built three quarters of the way up with canvas drops that could be rolled up or down. These improvements made it possible for a permanent winter population in Tent City."

From 1923-1933 Tent City had become a year round resort. To everyone's surprise, in June 1936, the Spreckels Company announced the abandonment of the Tent City as a resort and in its place the State Highway would be straightened. Tent City was dismantled in 1939 and in its place now is a parking lot.

Tent City Fees and Information 1919


Children Wanted

The little fellows will ever be honored guests at Coronado Tent City. They are our best friends because they never forget the good times that have at the beach. Seldom do they go far from tents without grownups accompanying them to their pleasure on the sand, the playground, the concerts, or the alluring Merry-Go-Round. And how study, tanned and healthy are those youngsters, who spend the Summer barefooted or in bathing suits during the day and in dreamless sleep between the blankets in cool, cozy tents at night.

Apparel for the Beach

The bathing suit is the essential part of one's wardrobe. Tent City is the most democratic resort in the universe. One wears just what he or she is most comfortable in, regardless of style. Simple sport clothes are desirable, with a sweater or warm wrap for evening wear, especially when boating. Furs are only needed as an adornment.

Climate

The balmy climate of Coronado Beach is among its chief assets. Bright, sunshiny days, tempered by soft, ocean breezes prevail throughout the year, with the Spring, Summer and early Autumn days especially delightful for enjoying out-of-door recreation features. Nights are invariably cool, bringing restful, refreshing sleep after the day's pleasures.

Tariff—1919

Palm Tents One Person:

Per Day $1.00, Per Week $5.50, Per Month $15.00

Cooking Same Tent: Per Day $1.75, Per Week $6.75, Per Month $18.00

With Kitchen and Cooking: Per Day $2.50, Per Week $8.25, Per Month $23.00


Palm Cottages

With sanitary arrangements, kitchen and cooking rent for $23.25 per week and $69.50 per month and up depending on number of persons in party and accommodations. Without Kitchen—two or three people—$18.00 per week; $57.00 per month.

Postcard from 1906



The Pavillion at Tent City
(Note tents in background)



Postcard sent from Tent City in 1908

Source: "Welcome to Shellbelle's Tiki Hut" is a blog about beaches written by Ronda Renée of Tampa Bay, Florida. [I thought that I had hit the mother lode when I found all these wonderful pictures of Tent City, many that I have never laid eyes on before.]

Comments

[Bruin]

A delightful story. Thanks.

[annie]

Thanks for finding this Susan. I don't know where you find the time to do what you do. Most of these photos are new to me. I really enjoyed looking at and reading this one.

[Jean Martin]

I've looked at this one several times. It's very alluring.