Catalina Island Firsts

Catalina Island has a long history of firsts, dating back to the 1850's. The Banning Brothers and the Wm. Wrigley, Jr. were pioneering entrepreneurs in transportation and hospitality, among other enterprises. It's not surprising that Catalina was the first to use and create several forms of…

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The Chicago Cubs on Catalina Island

These days, the signs of spring on Catalina Island can be subtle: greener hillsides, intricate wildflowers and warmer temperatures signify the gentle transition that marks the change of seasons. In the early part of the 20th century, however, the transition to spring in Avalon was trumpeted with the…

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Wrigley Ocean Marathon

In the summer of 1926, Gertrude Ederle, a young woman from New York had become the first woman to swim the English Channel. Her accomplishment set off a major American craze for long distance swimming. In the winter of 1927, William Wrigley Jr., owner of Catalina Island, decided to sponsor a swim…

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William Wrigley, Jr.

A century ago, a man fell in love with an island. That love affair lasted for the rest of his life and became a legacy he passed on to his descendants. Thanks to that enduring passion, a community was fostered, a unique ecosystem was protected and a seaside resort was promoted to the entire country…

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