Scott Memorial Baptist Church Taken in February 14, 1976 San Diego, California
This image was brought up in my memories. It was taken at my friend’s wedding at the church we grew up in many years ago. Her and her husband have now been married for Fifty (50) years. Quite remarkable in this day and age. The church holds many memories for me, but the memories that are precious to me are the friendships that we made, the places we camped, the fellowships at Mission Beach & Mission Bay playing Volleyball. Those friendships have stood the test of time.
The Plunge in San Diego, California was originally called The Natatorium. It was constructed in 1925 as the centrepiece of Belmont Park, along with the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.
Closeup of The Plunge’s Front Door
Belmont Park is located at Mission Beach. It was once the world’s largest saltwater pool. In 1940, The Plunge’s pool was converted from a saltwater pool to a freshwater pool. After the conversion, it became Southern California’s largest heated indoor pool. However, in the 1970’s, the pool and the rest of Belmont Park fell into disrepair. [It was during the 70’s when I was able to spend many days, especially in the summer, at Mission Beach enjoying the rides, the ocean, and the pool within The Plunge.]
In 2014, The Plunge was closed due to structural issues. After undergoing a major restoration, it reopened in 2019 as a completely modern, heated facility with a retractable roof and new amenities including floor-to-ceiling windows, while still maintaining its historical character.
The Plunge Belmont Park San Diego. California
The renovation was done in coordination with San Diego’s Historical Resources Board and the Save Our Heritage Organization. Great efforts were made to restore and replicate historic architectural features, including the original-style archways and decorative tilework.
During the mid-twentieth century, The Plunge served as a community gathering spot for swim lessons, school meets, and summer outings. The Plunge has been and continues to be a beloved landmark for Mission Beach residents and the entire city of San Diego.
For this week’s challenge by Dan’s CFFCI decided to search through my archives to see what I could select for his challenge of Wide and Narrow. I believe these from my time in San Diego will work nicely.
El Cortez
The El Cortez was built from 1926-1927. At the time it was built, it was the tallest building in San Diego. It is located on top of a hill at the north end of San Diego.
When it first opened in 1927 and on through the 1950’s it was a renowned apartment-hotel. The large “El Cortez” sign (which is illuminated at night) was added in 1937 and could be seen for miles.
When I was in high school, several groups like the Kiwanis Club of San Diego would hold luncheons with guest speakers at the El Cortez. My American Government teacher allowed a few students during various weeks to attend the Kiwanis luncheon. He had one requirement for those who attended, that was to give a report regarding the speaker messages to the class the next class session. I was fortunate enough to have been given the privilege of attending of the Kiwanis Club luncheons at the El Cortez Hotel.
View of San Diego High-rises from across San Diego Bay. The Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel is one of several High-Rises located near Seaport Village.
The Manchester Grand Hyatt consists of two towers, the 40-story Harbor Tower built in 1992 and the 33-story Seaport Tower which was added in 2003. The taller of the two towers stands as the highest waterfront building on the West Coast. It has 40 floors and 1,628 rooms. It is also considered the largest hotel in Southern California.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 