Once upon a time we were competing with San Francisco for our name?
March 31, 2010 by Wilm
Filed under Events, Local News
photo by Stephanie Lees
Yes were only celebrating the City’s 95th Anniversary and we know it’s older than that…but that’s not the entire story.
In 1915 people were debating the issue of a new name and city incorporation for Bay City.
Philip Stanton, was the developer of “Bay City” . The California State Assemblyman was busy pushing for city
incorporation under a new name to avoid confusion with San Francisco’s nickname which was also Bay City.
incorporation under a new name to avoid confusion with San Francisco’s nickname which was also Bay City.
He had also convinced Orange County to give us sewers, water lines and electricity if we did not annex to Long Beach. After the vote was counted, it was 86 -14 for Bay City to become Seal Beach and also to become a city. It was made official October 27, 1915.
A crowd of 500 people celebrated by sitting down to “a banquet from the sea” including local fresh fish, speeches, entertainment and dancing all night at the Dance Pavilion that included fireworks at the end of the pier.
95 years later in 2010, Seal Beach will commemorate its 95th birthday durint all of the month of October. Our population has grown far beyond, the original 250 but today’s locals will have a chance to celebrate with the same excitement as in 1915….and keep the “Baghdad by the Bay” citizens from trying to steal our name again.
The Seal Beach Founders Day Committee is currently planning the festivities and we’re open to all the suggestions you have.
Here is a preview:
On Saturday, October 2, the Founders Day Committee will host a banquet and dancing. A tennis tournament at Seal Beach Tennis Center and a golf tournament at the Bixby Village Golf Course with awards presented at a buffet in the Senior Center are in the plans. A Taste of Seal Beach event is also scheduled with cards for various restaurants selling for $25 sold during the summer and September to be used for the month of October. Free Meals will be given to residents who were in attendance at the original dedication in 1915, however, you will have to present your birthcertificate and driver’s licenense
On Sunday, October 10, a Founders Day parade will march around the greenbelt that will have booths and
activities for children . Food will be available and live entertainment from two stages. The yearly sidewalk sale
on Main Street will be in full swing.Of course, the refurbished Red Car Museum will also be open on Festival Day, allowing Founders Day celebrants and revelers a fascinating glimpse at the city’s intriguing history.
on Main Street will be in full swing.Of course, the refurbished Red Car Museum will also be open on Festival Day, allowing Founders Day celebrants and revelers a fascinating glimpse at the city’s intriguing history.
At this early date we don’t have all the dates and times decided but you can keep checking back to our website http://www.sealbeachfoundersday.com as we gather more information. We will also have articles and
coverage in local newspapers as the celebration draws closer.
coverage in local newspapers as the celebration draws closer.
T-shirts and sweatshirts will be sold on the Pier every Saturday and Sunday and elsewhere for 5 months prior
to the events. The money raised will be given to supplement the Seal Beach Parks and Recreation programs
to the events. The money raised will be given to supplement the Seal Beach Parks and Recreation programs
with the emphasis on teen fitness.Any and all ideas are welcome. Please sign up to be a volunteer for YOUR website. This is going to be a lot of fun and…….95 years from now your great, grandchildren will see how you memorialized the town’s birthday in 2010.
We need YOU!
Libby Appelgate – Founders Day Committee correspondent Applelib@aol.com
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