Close-up photo of one tile panel in a long mural, which is located on a wall near the Cesar Chavez Park playground in Barrio Logan.
Relatively few people know about a fascinating mural in Barrio Logan. Dedicated art and history lovers can find it at the very edge of San Diego’s beautiful bay, between the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal and the base of the Coronado Bridge.
The mural is located in Cesar Chavez Park, on a long wall just north of the playground. Created by Dale Marsh/Tile Artisans, it consists of eleven ceramic tile panels depicting half a century of local history–from the 1900s to the 1950s–through the use of vintage photographs. Images fondly remember the day-to-day life many San Diegans in this predominantly Mexican American neighborhood experienced while growing up and working on our busy waterfront.
A brief description of each panel is contained in a nearby plaque also composed of tiles. I’ve transcribed most of the words and have used them in my photo captions.
Looking north past the Cesar Chavez Park playground at an interesting public mural that depicts local history.Descriptions of the eleven panels in the mural, which depicts Logan Heights in its Golden Years, 1900 through 1959.Aztec Brewery Art Ensemble adorned the ceiling and walls of the Rathskeller and Beer Tasting Room of the brewery in the early to mid 1900s on Main Street.Hoop skirts, 1932 Model T car with rumble seat and white 1936 Ford, Metro Theater usherette twins, model parents of the era, neighborhood Rhythm and Blues bands and their followers.Papa Chuey founding proprietor of Chuey’s Restaurant cashed checks and provided credit accounts for fishermen and cannery workers in hard times.Nifty Fifties teen scene in “The Heights” spotlights Physical Education class, jitterbug dancing and positive socialization. Friendship was a true binding factor among teenagers.Tuna boats filled with tired fishermen arrived at the tuna canneries bringing work for hopeful dockworkers and cannery workers. Their arrival meant livelihood for countless families.This 1948 Cannery Workers group photo depicts the numbers and spirit of the work force of the various canneries of San Diego’s Cannery Row.The “Leona C – San Diego” fishing crew portray the faces of the hard working men who in turn provided for numerous jobs for entire communities.Logan Heights landmarks include the street car at 5 cents per ride . . . the beautiful earlier architecture of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Las Palmas nightclub . . .Community social groups fostered a healthy and happy neighborhood where age gaps did not exist. Neighbors watched out for each other and provided a safety net for the youth.Teen social clubs such as Los Gallos, Los Chicanos and the Drifters comprised the Southeast Youth Council, which was sponsored by the Old Neighborhood House.Neighborhood House provided many community programs including Rondalla musical groups for women. Lupita, far right first row, is a legend in Logan Heights.
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A traditional Dia de los Muertos altar in Sherman Heights summons ancestors and loved ones who have passed from this world.
I went for a long walk this morning. My feet carried me through Sherman Heights, a neighborhood directly east of downtown San Diego. I was hoping to see some of the community Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altars. These outdoor altars, distributed about a few residential streets, were the focus of yesterday’s popular Sherman Heights Muertos Festival, which I missed.
Heading down 24th Street, I spotted one elaborate altar near the sidewalk and was struck by the rich, heartfelt symbolism.
Loved ones who’ve “passed to the other side” are remembered with reverence on Dia de los Muertos, and their spirits are enticed back among the living. Traditional items featured in the altars can include sugar skulls, samples of the deceased person’s favorite food, pan de muertos (bread with a small human figurine baked inside), seeds, flowers, portraits of the dead, candles, alcohol (to toast the arrival of spirits), and papel picado (decorative perforated paper which represents the fragile nature of life).
I don’t know whose spirits are being summoned by this particular altar. I can tell that precious memories are being kept alive among the living, and that those memories contain whole lifetimes of love.
Powerful symbols of life, love, hope and renewal on display in this colorful outdoor altar.In Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is a joyous celebration of the dead. It is a beloved time in culturally rich San Diego.A beautiful outdoor Dia de los Muertos altar in Sherman Heights. An ordinary family cherishes extraordinary memories.
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Gentleman in period attire tells visitors at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park about the history of the Mason Street School.
The Mason Street School was San Diego’s very first schoolhouse. It was built in 1865. In 2015, 150 years later, it’s one of the most interesting sights in Old Town San Diego Historic State Park.
The one room schoolhouse museum isn’t always open to the public. So whenever I walk through Old Town, I eagerly wander past to see if the front door is swung wide. If it is, I amble inside and look about, trying to absorb what life was like in the early days of San Diego.
I remember how the Mason Street School used to contain numerous desks. But they’ve been replaced by plain benches, to more accurately portray where a small number of students from Spanish, American and other diverse backgrounds, grade one to eight, sat together and learned how to read, write and do arithmetic.
Back in the early years of San Diego, school was held twelve months a year. Hours were 9 to 4, but many students would skip school to watch bull fights, fiestas and other exciting town doings. Many children were held out of school by their parents to help on a ranch or farm, or to work in a family store.
San Diego in 1865 was a small, isolated, somewhat ramshackle town. Mary Chase Walker, Mason Street School’s first teacher, wrote when she arrived in San Diego by steamship: “I arrived in the bay of San Diego on the morning of July 5, 1865. It was a most desolate looking landscape. The hills were brown and barren; not a tree or green thing was to be seen. Of all the dilapidated, miserable looking places I had ever seen, this was the worst. The buildings were nearly all of adobe, one story in height, with no chimneys. Some of the roofs were covered with tile and some with earth…”
Mary Chase Walker originally traveled from Massachusetts to California, in search of greater opportunity. While in San Francisco, she learned of a teaching opening in San Diego. After less than a year at the Mason Street School, however, she became embroiled in a local controversy. One day she made a kind gesture to a lady who was part African-American, but many early San Diegans had arrived from the Confederate South and voiced their disapproval. A number of students were removed from the small school in anger. To allow the scandal to pass over, Mary quit teaching and married the president of the school board, early San Diego settler and prominent merchant Ephraim Morse.
It’s hard in modern times to imagine the life and culture of San Diego long ago. But one can get a flavor of that fascinating history by stepping inside the old Mason Street School.
The Mason Street School was built in 1865, to provide education for the children of a sparsely populated San Diego.The first schoolhouse in San Diego County, the Mason Street School stands in historic Old Town.
The nearby plaque reads:
MASON STREET SCHOOL
FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOLHOUSE IN THIS COUNTY.
ERECTED AT THIS SITE IN 1865 AND KNOWN AS
“MASON STREET SCHOOL – – DISTRICT NO. 1”
WHEN SAN DIEGO COUNTY COVERED AN AREA
LARGER THAN THREE NEW ENGLAND STATES.
RESTORED BY POPULAR SUBSCRIPTION IN 1955.
STATE REGISTERED LANDMARK NO. 538
MARKER PLACED BY SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND THE HISTORICAL MARKERS COMMITTEE
ERECTED 1955
The Mason Street School museum is occasionally open to the public. If you’re lucky and it is, make sure to step inside!Years ago, the museum contained individual student desks. But these benches are a more faithful representation of actual history. Fancy desks were rare in this remote outpost of civilization!Children attending the Mason Street School used slates and chalk, as paper was also scarce and expensive. A wood stove provided heat.Some old Primers and Readers on a wooden table. A water bucket and dipper were used for drink.A ball, broom and doll.Public School Teacher’s State Certificate from the mid 19th century. San Diego’s first teacher was Mary Chase Walker.Old map of California from an era when many immigrants arrived by ship.Rock used as ballast in a ship that sailed from San Diego to Boston. Stones gathered on Ballast Point in Point Loma paved many of Boston’s cobblestone streets, 3000 miles away!Photographic portrait of President Abraham Lincoln on a primitive wall. Mason Street School was San Diego’s first schoolhouse, built in 1865 at the end of the Civil War.Water for washing and drinking was brought in from a well near the schoolhouse.The old well in the schoolhouse yard, beside a clump of prickly pear.The Mason Street School provides visitors to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park a fascinating look at our city’s very unique past.
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Three bronze fishermen on Shelter Island together reel in a large tuna.
A monumental bronze sculpture in Shoreline Park on Shelter Island has become an iconic image. The Tunaman’s Memorial, by artist Franco Vianello, dedicated in 1988, honors the courage and hard work of generations of tuna fishermen in San Diego. The 9,000 pound sculpture depicts three individuals pole fishing from a boat of the once-large tuna fleet out on the Pacific Ocean. The history of San Diego’s tuna fishing industry contains generations of life stories. These unwritten stories involve fishermen who immigrated from many different nations, including Italy, Portugal and Japan.
One polished side of the sculpture contains names of fishermen who were pioneers in our region, and those who were lost at sea. An inscription reads: Tunaman’s Memorial honoring those that built an industry and remembering those that departed this harbor in the sun and did not return. Anthony Mascarenhas.
The Tunaman’s Memorial on Shelter Island is a 9,000 pound bronze sculpture honoring generations of diverse fishermen.Tuna fishing in local waters was once a major industry in San Diego.Polished side of Tunaman’s Memorial contains names of San Diego fishing pioneers, and those who were lost at sea.This iconic sight on Shelter Island provides a glimpse back in history, at those in our community who worked the sea.
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A small parade during 2015 Fiestas Patrias (September 16 is Mexico’s Independence Day) in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Here are some photos of Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Mexico began their war for independence from Spain on September 16, 1810, and the occasion was celebrated today with music, food, games, an equestrian demonstration and traditional Mexican dance. I caught a bit of it!
San Diego’s fascinating history includes a Mexican period, which followed the early years of settlement and rule by Spain. Mexico and San Diego share a common border and a great deal of history. A blending of culture and friendly people adds to the richness of our city.
Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego included many cool events flavored with Mexican culture and history.Young musicians from Chula Vista High School Mariachi band smile for the camera!Many event participants carried photos and images of important Mexicans in history. This gentleman holds a tribute to activist Cesar Chavez.Tables contained interesting info and exhibits. This one featured sketches from the Battle of San Pasqual and some cattle brands from historic Mission San Diego de Alcalá.Here are many colorful, often spicy ingredients used in Mexican cuisine. Yum!A super nice lady demonstrates grinding corn with a stone metate, a common practice long ago.Someone paints during the lively festival. Historic Old Town is a picturesque place that inspires artists, at any time!The award-winning Chula Vista High School Mariachi performers warm up before going on stage.Everyone is ready for some traditional Mexican music!These student musicians were incredibly talented. Voices and instruments conveyed stirring emotion. They all received big applause!Beautifully costumed riders of the female equestrian group Escaramuza Las Golondrinas warm up behind Seeley Stable Museum in Old Town San Diego.One rider prepares her horse for a sidesaddle riding demonstration in the afternoon.This rider was nice enough to smile! It’s a perfect, sunny day for a fiesta!A smiling California State Park employee throws a rope over a tree branch, getting ready to hang a piñata. She’s got an awesome job!Fiestas Patrias in Old Town celebrates a rich Mexican heritage and the unique, diverse history of San Diego.
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Artist creates live street art during 2015 CityFest in Hillcrest.
This afternoon I walked with my camera through CityFest. The annual street festival attracts an enthusiastic crowd of about 150,000 people to Hillcrest, a community directly north of downtown San Diego. Hillcrest might be considered one of San Diego’s bohemian neighborhoods, where free-spirited artists mingle with happy-go-lucky youth and a sizable LGBT population. Everybody I saw was just out enjoying a good time.
CityFest is a very popular summer festival held in Hillcrest along Fifth Avenue, south of University.Main stage at CityFest features live music from noon until almost midnight.Lots of artwork was being created while the public watched.Another big canvas brought to life by urban artists.Cans of paint in many colors.Funky art could be spotted all around CityFest, as well as the usual street festival stuff, including lots of food.I don’t know the name of this tall guy with the rainbow wings and multiple carnival mask faces. Lots of people were posing for photographs.The most crowded tent seemed to belong to the Rad Hatter, where young and old could craft unique paper hats for free.Many local artists had their work on display and for sale at CityFest in Hillcrest.Colorful pop art seems to be a favorite at this annual street festival.I see Batman and Marilyn Monroe, among other boldly painted faces.
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Mural being painted for the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
I saw a variety of cool sights during my morning walk today. While soaking up some San Diego sunshine, I checked out this weekend’s Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration. The annual Filipino cultural event is bigger and better than ever!
The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the setting for many top notch performances, including a concert tonight by American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez! The festival also enlivens the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, with lots of art, history, food and fun.
I learned that the House of the Philippines has received the green light to build their own cottage in Balboa Park. I’ll be sure to follow that project’s progress on my blog!
House of the Philippines participated in the event. They will soon have a home among the nearby House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.A crowd is gathering on Saturday morning to watch Filipino entertainment at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.Tents around the perimeter of the pavilion contained interesting cultural information.Poster shows many important Filipinos throughout San Diego’s rich, diverse history.Marie Zhivago wrote a cool children’s book titled The Sakura. I learned sakura in Japanese means cherry blossom.
Marie Zhivago is a super nice person who is also an author and cartoonist. I enjoyed talking with her and learning new stuff! Please check out her website!
Numerous interesting displays were on the lawn in the International Cottages area.This poster documents Heroes and Presidents of the Philippines.Another poster shows how hip hop culture has been influenced by Filipino artists.Beautiful costumes and dresses were being worn by many at the festival.Kids check out fun exhibits at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.Philippine American organizations contributed to Balboa Park’s historic centennial with this great event.
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The New Americans Museum at NTC Liberty Station opens an important exhibit titled Becoming All-American: Diversity, Inclusion, and Breaking Barriers in Major League Baseball.
Today I experienced something undeniably cool. The New Americans Museum, located at NTC Liberty Station, held Becoming All-American Family Day. The fun event celebrated the opening of the museum’s new exhibit, Becoming All-American: Diversity, Inclusion & Breaking Barriers in Major League Baseball.
In keeping with the small museum’s American immigration and diversity theme, this inspiring exhibit showcases Major League Baseball players who broke through racial barriers during the long history of the quintessentially American sport.
If you live in San Diego and you’re a fan of history or baseball, make sure to check it out! You might also visit the many other interesting museums nearby! Liberty Station, the redeveloped site of the old Naval Training Center, is brimming with flowers, sunshine, fountains, shops, culture and history.
Becoming All-American: Diversity, Inclusion, and Breaking Barriers in Major League Baseball runs April 24 to July 5.
The New Americans Museum is located at the beautifully redeveloped old Naval Training Center in Point Loma.Becoming All-American Family Day was held to celebrate a fascinating new exhibit.Cool displays in a unique immigrant-themed museum showcase diverse players through the history of professional American baseball.Colorful painting of Gene Locklear, Native American of Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. He played for several teams, including the San Diego Padres.A quote from Gene Locklear. “Education, that’s the only way it’s going to change…”Black, white…and shades of gray. In American society, Jews, Irish, Latinos and Asians were sometimes considered white…and sometimes not.Museum display honors the legacy of Roberto Clemente with his quote. “My greatest satisfaction comes from helping to erase the old opinion about Latin Americans and Blacks.”Timeline on wall shows notable baseball players through history, eventually shattering racial stereotypes and barriers.Harry Kingman in 1914, the only Major League player to have been born in China.Putting on a baseball uniform was like wearing the American flag. Japanese baseball player and manager Kenichi Zenimura, placed in internment camp during WWII, organized a league.Museum visitor reads display about Ted Williams, American baseball legend who grew up in San Diego. He had Welsh, Irish, Mexican, Basque, Russian and Native American roots!Padres baseball mascot the Swinging Friar plays with kids at the batting inflatable outside during the museum’s family event.The wisdom of courageous hero Jackie Robinson. “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
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Panda with star on belly is lifted by colorful balloons, and floats away into the blue sky.
No matter how different people might appear, we all live among the same bright stars.
Perhaps that’s a bit of wisdom inferred from a book by one of my favorite authors, Dr. Seuss.
That also seems to be the elevating message of this cool street art in Bankers Hill.
While words and art might eventually fade (as these photos prove), the stars buried within us do not.
These three transformer boxes in Bankers Hill are painted with unbounded imagination.Jazzy guy plays keyboard in a boat that soars above the surf and a star-bellied bird.Flowers in hair, on shoulders. A golden star on a dress joins the sun and sunflower in symbolic street art.Part of slowly fading Dr. Seuss verse: “That day, all the Sneetches forgot about stars and whether they had one, or not, upon thars.”Winged angel dog in heaven plays a drum.Happy, unique green alien frolics on red planet.Musician plays his guitar where he stands in the cosmos.A zany peek over Mars, under stars.
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One of several friendly guys in a traditional costume worn by ancient warriors.
Here are pics of the 2015 Lunar New Year Tết Festival. The annual event is put on by San Diego’s Little Saigon, and is being held this weekend in a large section of the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot. These photos were taken shortly after the gates opened, and workers were applying some final touches in preparation for later crowds. Because I was so early, I missed afternoon attractions like the traditional Lion Dances and firecrackers. But there was plenty of cool stuff to see!
Tết, or Vietnamese New Year, is celebrated at the same time as Chinese New Year. The event marks the arrival of spring based on the Vietnamese variation of the Chinese lunisolar calendar.
Ticket booths at Lunar New Year Festival in Qualcomm Stadium parking lot.People check out colorful displays after entering the annual festival on a sunny weekend.In 2015 the Chinese New Year begins the latest Year of the Goat.Model of Chua Mot Cot, or the One Pillar Pagoda, symbol of Vietnam’s rich culture and history. It was built in the reign of king Ly Thai Tong almost a thousand years ago.Model of Bến Thành Market, which was established by French colonial powers in 1859, and developed from early 17th century street vendors near Saigon River.Bridge over pond at Little Saigon’s Tết Festival.Models of two thatch-roofed houses elevated on wood columns at Mai Chau. These are excellent examples of highland village house construction.Art on display near entrance includes water buffalo and flowers.Getting a bamboo cottage house ready for a throng of festival visitors.Decoration near a stage at the Lunar New Year Tết Festival.Guys work to get everything ready shortly after the gates open on Saturday.One of many interesting booths. This one encourages hosting exchange students.There were delectable edibles of all types in a huge food court area.Young man selling treats pumps up a balloon.Lots of tasty barbeque was getting ready on this big grill.Lady demonstrates Chi Gong stretches on a large stage.Many colorful tables contained delights of every sort.A big carnival area includes a Ferris wheel.Just walking along in the morning as the fun event begins.These guys are doing their best to promote the event on Instagram.Adjusting a flag, one final touch at the 2015 Lunar New Year Festival in San Diego.
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Cool San Diego Sights! 