Fig Trees
Fig Trees: San Clemente Island
1913 [USNIP March 1944]: “Lieutenant Commander S. E. Flynn, (M. C.), U.S. Navy, described Mosquito Harbor on the east coast as "the most picturesque spot on the island." In 1913, as a boy, the author visited Mosquito Harbor soon after Al Shade, a veteran boatman, had established a small fish camp there for use of sportsmen. Today the fig trees which Shade planted more than 30 years ago are among the largest to be found in California. There is just enough water from a near-by spring to support these two trees,” notes Lieutenant Commander Stanley A. Wheeler.
Fig Trees: Santa Catalina Island
1865: The big fig tree on F street was planted by Mrs. Howland to commemorate the re-election of Abraham Lincoln. The election was in November, 1864, but the tree planting was deferred until February, 1865. (Williamson, Mrs. M. Burton History of Santa Catalina Island, 1903)
Fig Trees: Santa Cruz Island
Fig trees were planted in the island's ranching era at various locations, including Christy Ranch, Pelican Bay (Eaton era), and Scorpion Ranch. Foxes and ravens particularly liked to forage on the fruit.
