More old-timey photos from Jeff Delaney’s book Newport Beach! These are pier pictures from the 1920s:
The Pier, Balboa, c. 1924
Years before the Fun Zone appeared on the bay side, visitors enjoyed a Ferris wheel on the ocean side of the peninsula.
Main Street from the Pier, Balboa, c. 1921
On June 7, 1921, a bond issue for the sum of $25,000 for a new Balboa Pier was carried by a vote of 155 to 41. The William Ledbettor Company won the contract. Initial plans overlooked a lighting system, which was added later at an additional cost.
Newport Pier, c. 1921
By 1922, the pier was badly in need of repair and a liability to the Southern Pacific. When approached by city officials, the SP sold the pier and its land approach to the city for $5,000. In January 1923, the William Ledbettor Company added a T-end to the pier, and generally rebuilt the structure for the sum of $30,650.
Beach and Pier, Balboa, c. 1924
In 1939, the pier was destroyed by a storm. It was rebuilt the following year.
All photos and historical descriptions are from Jeff Delaney’s book Newport Beach. His website is www.newportbeachpostcards.com.
Want to view more of Newport Beach’s past history and photos? Browse my “Local History” section.
