1950-1960
Nick Reynolds (on the right) grew up in Coronado and in his young adult years became a member of the Kingston Trio, along with Dave Guard and John Stewart, who took Bob Shane’s spot when he left. In 1958 the Kingston Trio had a hit with “Tom Dooley,” which launched them into a national spotlight. They continued to travel the country giving concerts and they received three Grammy Awards along with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. The Trio had fourteen albums on the Billboard Top 10 with their first five studio albums all reaching first place. This was something that had not been done before, nor since. The Kingston Trio Legacy Project continues to develop exhibits and information about this group that contributed much for American music.
Photo courtesy of Leslie Reynolds. The Kingston Trio Legacy Project
The 1950 Fall Festival celebrated the last train ride by the Belt Line Railway down the Silver Strand. The attendees are dressed in costumes from the 1890s. There was a train “hold up” for excitement. Fireman Dusty Rhoades in sweat shirt (front-center), son of Kitty Rhoades, was a longtime employee of the Hotel del Coronado.
The State Division of Highways announced in January 1955 that construction would begin on a four lane divided highway on the Silver Strand, replacing the two lane road with no lights and only beach sand for shoulders. This photo from the 1950s shows several boats docked near the shore in Glorietta Bay, several houses in the background, (one being Katherine Carlin’s), and the start of highway 75.
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.
