The most important event in Coronado to affect our nation was the birth of Naval Aviation, in 1911 due to the trials, experience, and persistence of Glenn Curtiss, who pioneered the first aircraft with capacity to land and take off from both land and sea. The first pilot instruction course on the Triad began and continued for many years on North Island, which John D. Spreckels of the Coronado Beach Company leased to Curtiss for a very low fee.
Although there were schools for younger students Central Elementary and the Hotels Beach school, during this decade population doubled and the town needed a High School, but the previously proposed school bond didn’t pass. However, eventually one would open in 1915. We have been celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Coronado High School. Perhaps some of the first graduating class at CHS would have maticulated from the Hotel del’s Beach School.
Many reasons including the new pilot training school and vacationers at Tent City could have attracted new residents buying land for residences or businesses. This was a busy decade for those involved in construction. The first 3 months of 1912 building permits increased 160%!
The 125th year anniversary of the incorporation of Coronado as a city is an opportunity to learn more about our history as a community. We will post a few interesting moments of the past 125 years along with some interesting historical photographs from the archives of the Coronado Historical Association, the Coronado Public Library, and the Kingston Trio Legacy Project. Thanks to these organizations and to Susan Enowitz, coordinator of this project, along with Mary Beth Dodson.
