Tag: history

Jet fighter on elevator of USS Midway Museum.

fighter jet on uss midway elevator

Usually the huge elevator on the south side of the USS Midway Museum contains a few tables and chairs. When I walked by and took the above photo, it featured an F-4 Phantom II jet fighter that flew during the Vietnam War!

The historic USS Midway, a modern aircraft carrier converted into a museum, has become one of the most popular attractions in San Diego. It’s docked on the old Navy Pier right next to downtown. Over a million people visit the Midway each year!

Over time the museum continues to add refurbished military aircraft exhibits. The flight deck is now crowded with them, and the hangar below is filling up. The old airplanes are fixed up and painted by volunteers at Naval Air Station North Island across San Diego Bay, then brought over to the Midway on a barge and lifted onto the flight deck with a big crane. I saw this happen once years ago and it was a very cool sight!

UPDATE!  I took the next photo on a sunny day the following summer…

This A-4 Skyhawk of the Black Knights attack squadron was once based on USS Oriskany.
This A-4 Skyhawk of the Black Knights attack squadron was once based on USS Oriskany.

ANOTHER UPDATE!  Here come two more pics that I took in late 2014.  It seems the A-4 Skyhawk is now a permanent feature on the elevator…

Small boat passes near USS Midway aircraft carrier on San Diego Bay.
Small boat passes near USS Midway aircraft carrier on San Diego Bay.
USS Ronald Reagan seen docked at Naval Air Station North Island across San Diego Bay.
USS Ronald Reagan seen docked at Naval Air Station North Island across San Diego Bay.

ANOTHER! Why not add another pic? This one was taken in early 2016…

Birds large and small in a photo taken from the edge of San Diego Bay.
Birds large and small in a photo taken from the edge of San Diego Bay.

One more UPDATE!

I stood on the pictured elevator in 2025. The area is now filled with tables. I noticed the following sign…

One of Midway’s three giant aircraft elevators that are capable of moving aircraft between the Flight Deck and Hangar Deck in 15-20 seconds. The hydraulically operated elevators have a lifting capacity of 130,000 lbs…and are large enough to accommodate two F/A-18 aircraft at a time.

The yellow ribbons along the edge of the elevator in the final photo memorialize the approximately 60,000 military personnel killed in action during the Vietnam War. The ribbons during my visit were tied all around the aircraft carrier…

…

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.

Feel free to share!

Iconic “Unconditional Surrender” kiss statue!

Unconditional Surrender statue on San Diego's Embarcadero near the USS Midway Museum.
Unconditional Surrender statue on San Diego’s Embarcadero near the USS Midway Museum.

This large statue is amazingly popular with tourists visiting San Diego’s Embarcadero. Tour buses park in the nearby parking lot and throngs of people stand beneath the kissing sailor and nurse, snapping photos. Many couples joyfully imitate the dramatic pose. Critics say the statue is too kitsch, but I disagree! It perfectly represents a moment in time: the end of the Second World War.

Referred to by many as The Kiss, this huge sculpture was created by the artist Seward Johnson. Its proper name is Unconditional Surrender. It’s based on a photograph taken during V-J day in New York’s Times Square. An American sailor, overjoyed at the news of the war’s end, grabbed a random nurse nearby and gave her a spontaneous kiss. The photograph became world famous.

A temporary Unconditional Surrender statue was originally placed at this site, but it was replaced with a permanent bronze version in 2012. Unlike most other monuments and memorials located on the Greatest Generation Walk, just south of the USS Midway, this statue is so enormous it can be glimpsed from several points on San Diego Bay.

Sailor overjoyed that war is over plants a big kiss!
Sailor overjoyed that war is over plants a big kiss!

Sailor applies The Kiss to a nurse at the end of World War II.
Sailor applies The Kiss to a nurse at the end of World War II.

Sitting on nearby bench on a cloudy day.
Sitting on nearby bench on a cloudy day.

People gather about Seward Johnson's Unconditional Surrender.
People gather about Seward Johnson’s Unconditional Surrender.

Taffy 3 and Battle of Leyte Gulf Memorial.

admiral sprague bust remembers leyte gulf battle

This is the bust of Vice Admiral Clifton Sprague. He commanded Task Unit 77.4.3, also known as Taffy 3, during World War II. The 13 ships and over 7000 men of Taffy 3 fought courageously in the Pacific, repulsing a vastly superior force of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. It was the war’s final and greatest battle between the two opposing fleets.

Behind the bust, the monument features thirteen black polished granite panels. Each one contains historical information about the American naval ships that participated.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf Memorial is located in the middle of the Greatest Generation Walk, just south of the USS Midway. It’s not far from the huge, iconic Unconditional Surrender statue, which people often dub The Kiss. You can see it there in the first photo’s background!

Republic of the Philippines Presidential Unit Citation.
Republic of the Philippines Presidential Unit Citation.

Admiral Clifton A. F. Sprague won many awards.
Admiral Clifton A. F. Sprague won many awards.

Few can compare with the courage, coolness and tactical genius.
Few can compare with the courage, coolness and tactical genius.

Looking at the memorial with Navy Broadway Complex in background.
Looking at the memorial with Navy Broadway Complex in background.

Tourist poses near bust of Vice Admiral Clifton Sprague.
Tourist poses near bust of Vice Admiral Clifton Sprague.

Keating Building in downtown San Diego.

keating building in downtown san diego

Here are some photographs of the historic Keating Building, which over a century ago was the most prominent high-rise building in downtown San Diego!

The five-story Romanesque Revival style office building, located in the Gaslamp, was built in 1890. Back in those days, its wire cage elevator and steam heating were amazing new modern conveniences. The elevator was the very first in San Diego, and remains the longest running elevator downtown!

This visually pleasing landmark was designed by the Reid Brothers, the architects responsible for the incredible Hotel Del Coronado.

For several decades the Keating Building has been home to Croce’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar, established by singer Jim Croce’s surviving wife, Ingrid. At year’s end, Croce’s will be moving to a new, more intimate location on Banker’s Hill.

Keating Building seen from across Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Keating Building seen from across Fifth Avenue, after Croce’s moved to a new location.

A plaque on the historic building provides a little more description…

This office building in the 1890’s contained San Diego Savings Bank, the Public Library and the Humane Society!
This office building in the 1890’s contained the San Diego Savings Bank, the Public Library and the Humane Society!

Keating Building is an important landmark in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.
Keating Building is an important landmark in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.

UPDATE!

I revisited the Keating Building during the San Diego Architectural Foundation’s OPEN HOUSE 2017. Here are some photos I took just outside and inside the building’s front entrance.

432 F Street is the address of the Gaslamp Quarter's historic Keating Building, today the location of a 35-room luxury hotel.
432 F Street is the address of the Gaslamp Quarter’s beautiful Keating Building, today the location of a 35-room luxury hotel.

Elevator in the small lobby to what is now a boutique hotel.
Elevator in the small lobby to what is now a boutique hotel.

The original wooden banister leads up from the entrance of the Keating Building.
The original wooden banister leads up from the entrance of the Keating Building.

Historical photos on wall beside the lobby's staircase.
Historical photos on wall beside the lobby’s stairs.

A segment of a timeline that shows San Diego history around the time of the Keating Building's construction.
A segment of a timeline that shows San Diego history around the time of the Keating Building’s construction.

Entrance to The Keating hotel.
Entrance to The Keating hotel, seen from F Street.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

San Diego Maritime Museum’s Pilot Boat.

San Diego Maritime Museum's historic pilot boat.
San Diego Maritime Museum’s historic pilot boat.

Another really cool boat on San Diego Bay is the Maritime Museum’s 1914 wooden pilot boat. Appropriately named Pilot, she served as San Diego’s main pilot boat for 82 years! Over the decades, thousands of commercial ships entered and departed the bay with her navigational assistance.

During World War II, she was used as a patrol boat by the Coast Guard. She was (and remains) decorated with 6 six-month service chevrons.

When you purchase admission to the Maritime Museum (home of the Star of India and other historic ships), you can pay a little extra and ride the Pilot for a short harbor tour. It’s a lot of fun and definitely well worth it!

Pilot boat cruises near USS Midway on Memorial Day weekend.
Pilot boat cruises near USS Midway on Memorial Day weekend.

The Pilot with sightseeing tourists cruises past a pier on San Diego Bay.
The Pilot with sightseeing tourists cruises past a pier on San Diego Bay.

Here are three more photos I took in 2016!

The first few shots were taken when this blog was relatively new.  I had no idea my blog would grow to the extent is has.  You might notice I now spend a little more time and effort with my photographs!

The 1914 Pilot Boat, with 82 years of service, has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The 1914 Pilot Boat, with 82 years of service, has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pilot docked at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Pilot docked at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

The small Pilot sets out across San Diego Bay on a tour of the harbor.
The small Pilot sets out across San Diego Bay on a tour of the harbor.

…

This blog has grown tremendously over three years and now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Public art shows Coronado’s Tent City.

public art shows history of coronado island

“Imagine Tent City” is a cool bit of public art I discovered while walking along Coronado’s Glorietta Bay. The artwork is composed of photographic images arranged like a mosaic, embedded in ceramic tiles. It depicts the historic Tent City, which was a popular tourist destination for many years just south of the Hotel Del Coronado.

Established in 1900 by entrepreneur John D. Spreckels, the beach tents could be reached by Coronado Belt Line trains operated by the Coronado Railroad Company, running from San Diego around the bay and up the narrow Silver Strand. (Coronado is technically a peninsula, not an island.) The tracks have since been replaced by a very popular bike and pedestrian pathway.

mosaic of old photos shows coronado history

Here’s a pic taken from the south side, walking toward the Hotel Del Coronado’s old Boathouse. The building you see is part of the Coronado Shores condo complex.

And here’s a bunch more cool pics I took at the beginning of 2015…

Imagine Tent City was created by artist Todd Stands.
Imagine Tent City was created by artist Todd Stands.

Water skiing in the past, and present-day boats in Glorietta Bay Marina.
Water skiing in the past, and present-day boats in Glorietta Bay Marina.

Two ladies row a pleasure boat.
Two ladies row a pleasure boat.

Kids prepare to jump into the water!
Kids prepare to jump into the water!

Sailor and sweetheart beside a beach tent.
Sailor and sweetheart beside a beach tent.

Old photographic portrait and postcard of Tent City.
Old photographic portrait and postcard of Tent City.

Coronado Tent City News was a popular newspaper.
Coronado Tent City News was a popular newspaper.

One image in this amazing mosaic of Tent City history.
One image in this amazing mosaic of Tent City history.

A postcard shows a crowd around Pavilion at Tent City.
A postcard shows a crowd around Pavilion at Tent City.

Small child and mom have fun in the sand.
Small child and mom have fun in the sand.

More nostalgic postcards from historic vacation spot.
More nostalgic postcards from historic vacation spot.

Illustration of people playing and relaxing on Coronado Beach.
Illustration of people playing and relaxing on Coronado Beach.

Just hanging out at Tent City and enjoying life.
Just hanging out at Tent City and enjoying life.

Postcard image shows layout of Coronado's Tent City.
Postcard image shows layout of Coronado’s Tent City.

Photo of Victorian-style Boathouse, which resembles nearby Hotel del Coronado.
Photo of Victorian-style Boathouse, which resembles nearby Hotel del Coronado.

Historic 1887 boathouse on bay side of island near Hotel del Coronado.
Historic 1887 boathouse on bay side of island near Hotel del Coronado.

(This is a photo of the Boathouse as it appears today, a bit to the north up a sunny walkway.)

Another part of cool Imagine Tent City public artwork.
Another small part of Imagine Tent City public artwork.

Lady hangs sign on tent: Our Tenth Season 1909
Lady hangs sign on tent: Our Tenth Season 1909

Swimmers enjoy the huge sandy-bottomed Plunge.
Swimmers enjoy the huge sandy-bottomed Plunge.

Lots of vacationers out in the ocean water.
Lots of vacationers out in calm water–possibly San Diego Bay.

Bicyclist pauses to admire wonderful public art in Coronado.
Bicyclist pauses to admire wonderful public art in Coronado.

Big movie stars seen at Hotel Del Coronado!

photo of clark gable at hotel del coronado

Over the decades, many of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars have stayed at the world famous Hotel Del Coronado. Most checked in for personal pleasure; others were working. The Hotel Del Coronado has been used in the filming of over a dozen movies.

Outside the hotel, a few steps from the sidewalk, you’ll find a glass display containing photos of movie superstar guests. I tried to take a bunch of photos, but most didn’t come out so great.

In my first decent pic, you see a photo with the caption: Screen legend Clark Gable stayed at the Del during the filming of Hell Divers, shot in 1931.

tony curtis, jack lemmon and marilyn monroe at hotel del coronado

I also recorded a photograph from 1958 of the acting trio starring in Some Like It Hot. The caption reads: Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe proved to be a winning combination for Billy Wilder’s romantic comedy.

And here’s a third photo (which I took on a later date) with the caption: Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe’s steamy love scenes still heat up the screen more than fifty years after the 1959 film was released.

Photo of Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe movie love scene.
Photo of Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe movie love scene.

Here come even more pics!

Esther Williams and sons on the beach.
Esther Williams and sons on the beach.

Rosalind Russell out in the water.
Rosalind Russell out in the water.

Kirk Douglas seems to have quite an appetite!
Kirk Douglas seems to have quite an appetite!

Another sunny day at the Hotel Del Coronado.

view of hotel del coronado on a sunny day

The Hotel Del Coronado is one of my favorite places for a stroll. The beautiful architecture, the white sandy beach, the rich history, the sunshine and leisurely vibe, all combine for a wonderful experience.

The Del’s unique appearance makes it an unmistakeable landmark in San Diego. It’s a classic Victorian beach resort, and one of the largest wooden structures in California. In 1888, when it opened, it was the largest resort hotel in the world!

Today, the spacious beach that it overlooks is routinely considered a top beach in the United States.

Sixteen different American presidents have been guests at the Del, as well as numerous celebrities. These include royalty from many nations, Thomas Edison, Babe Ruth, and loads of Hollywood movie stars: Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Vincent Price, James Stewart, Bette Davis and Katharine Hepburn, to name just a few.

L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, did much of his writing at the Hotel Del Coronado.

Numerous movies have been filmed at the hotel, most notably Some Like It Hot, which starred Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis.

Many photos and signs throughout the amazing hotel remind visitors of its rich past history!

Walkway winds past elegant cottages north of the Del.
Walkway winds past elegant cottages north of the Del.

People enjoy the grassy area in front of the famous beach resort.
People enjoy the grassy area in front of the famous beach resort.

Just relaxing and talking near the beach.
Just relaxing and talking near the beach.

Pushing strollers past some outdoor dining.
Pushing strollers past some outdoor dining.

This herb garden is used for the hotel restaurant.
This herb garden is used for the hotel restaurant.

The immense hotel has all sort of angles and contours.
The immense hotel has all sort of angles and contours.

Chandeliers in Crown Room were designed by Wizard of Oz author.
Chandeliers in the famous Crown Room were designed by Wizard of Oz author.

An interesting study in complex architecture.
An interesting study in complex architecture.

Clock stands on sidewalk among palm trees in front of hotel.
Old clock stands on sidewalk among palm trees in front of hotel.

The iconic Hotel del Coronado is unbelievably gorgeous.
The iconic Hotel del Coronado is unbelievably gorgeous.

Here are three more pics that I took on a somewhat more cloudy day!

View of Hotel del Coronado near the front entrance.
View of Hotel del Coronado near the front entrance.

The Hotel del Coronado is a California historical landmark.
The Hotel del Coronado is a California registered historical landmark.

During the summer facilities are set up for guests on the beach!
During the summer facilities are set up for guests right on the beach!

Jerry Coleman memorial statue at Petco Park.

jerry coleman statue at petco park

Another very well-liked person in San Diego is Padres radio announcer Jerry Coleman. His accomplishments have been so impressive, he’s got a statue and memorial at Petco Park, just inside the east entrance to the Park at the Park.

I remembering listening to Jerry when I was a kid. At the time he did the Padres radio play-by-play, and was teamed with Dave Campbell who provided color commentary. Today, at the lively age of 89, he takes part in the broadcast during day games.

Jerry, also known as “The Colonel”, was named major league baseball Rookie of the Year in 1949 as Yankees second baseman. In 1950 his defensive plays made him most valuable player in the World Series.

As a Marine aviator, Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Coleman interrupted his baseball career to serve in the Korean War. He flew 120 combat missions and received two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He also flew during World War II, making him the only major league baseball player to serve in two wars.

Jerry, famous for his enthusiastic phrases “Oh, Doctor!” and “You can hang a star on that baby!” was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2007.

The face of a true American hero.
The face of a true American hero.

Cowboys have gunfight on a San Diego street!

Cowboys have a gun battle in San Diego's Old Town.
Cowboys have a gun battle in San Diego’s Old Town.

Look at these larger-than-life cowboys! They’re shooting it out in Old Town!

This whimsical art can be found on San Diego Avenue, in a courtyard among shops and restaurants catering largely to tourists. I’m not sure whether it represents the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral or just an Old West scene from a typical Western movie.

Is one of the cowboys Wyatt Earp? After his famous gunfight, Wyatt moved to San Diego to participate in a land boom, running saloons, gambling halls and a brothel!

cowboys have gunfight on san diego street

Like the plant beside him, this guy might soon get planted.
Like the plant beside him, this guy might soon get planted.

Wyatt Earp was here.
Wyatt Earp was here.

Stern lawman patrols San Diego Avenue.
Stern lawman patrols San Diego Avenue.