1930-1940
Coronado
Horse Show, c1935
At the height of the country’s economic and financial plight, Coronado residents suffered less than most. By the 1930s Coronado had a population of 5,424 including servicemen and their families on North Island. A house rented for $35 and a five-room house would sell for $3000. Governmental municipal work programs, the presence of the military dollar, and the number of recreational activities were factors that helped ease the town through the lean years. The Strand Theatre and movies under the stars at Tent City were prime entertainment. In the late 30’s, the Coronado Yacht Club was called one of finest on the coast. The National Horse Show took place here in 1935 and in 1939.
There were powerboat races on Glorietta Bay, and boxing matches. Swimming was the most popular recreational sport but pitch and punt miniature golf came into vogue. Coronado had a baseball team, a tennis association and the Coronado Country Club sponsored golf tournaments.
