ISLAS CORONADOS THROUGH TIME
In the News~
May 21, 1870 [SD Weekly Bulletin]: “Excursion.—The favorite Steamer Vaquero, Captain Dunnells, left last Saturday morning for an excursion to "Los Coronados," returning Sunday. The trip was an exceedingly pleasant one—every one seemed bent o having a good time, and we believe their hopes were fully realized. Some of the "softer sex" paid their usual tribute to old Neptune, and their graceful and devout attitudes would make the most unrelenting old "batch" in the world, wish himself __ of the Sea, if he could but receive like devotion. The Islands were reached about 2 o'clock, when a "split" was made in some of the party, and all those who had a "hankerin" after dry land were sent ashore, to enjoy a clamber over rocks and cliffs, and a hunt after gull eggs, and in which they were "gulled" to their heart's content. It was said by some of the "old inhabitants" to be not a very good day for eggs. Those who had a taste for piscatorial sports remained on board and were taken to the other end of the Island, the said-to-be fishing grounds, but the waves were running so high they were obliged to return without being rewarded with any great quantity of the finny tribe. Supper was announced, and all partook with a hearty good will. Fishing was again indulged in, and this time their efforts were crowned with success, and Jew fish, Red fish, mackerel, and seals were hauled in by the dozen, and all was excitement as one by one in rapid succession they came flopping over the rail. Night came on, and not having "a hundred thousand gas lights thus turning day into night," they were obliged to suspend their labors. Dancing was now announced, and kept up some two or three hours, Mr. Martin, acting in the capacity of full band, which he sustained with admirable skill. After dancing, sleep was announced, but didn't take well, as the excursionists considered this lost time, and jokes, songs and sea stories kept the company in good spirits until the wee small hours. About three o'clock a heavy wind sprang up, and the ever watchful and careful Captain considered it the better part of valor to put to sea and steer for the protecting harbor of San Diego. This excursion will long be remembered by the participants as one one of the genuine enjoyments of San Diego, and when the Vaquero makes her second trip, may we be there to participate.”
August 24, 1881 [SD Union and Daily Bee] “The Coronados Stone Quarry. Col. M.A. Ferrer returned from Lower California the other day, and informs us that he has secured from the Federal Government the title to his stone quarry property on the Coronados Islands opposite this bay. This stone has been subjected to both fire and water test, and is, we are informed, considered valuable by the Railroad Company, and other parties requiring a durable material for construction. ”
