A Brief History of Balboa Island

Prior to 1906, much of what is now Balboa Island, Harbor Island, Colins Island and Little Island were underwater at high tide. In 1906, W.S. Collins, an early day developer, brought a small steam dredge into the Harbor and began dreging up sand to build what was to be called Balboa Island.

In 1907, inside lots on Balboa Island were sold for $300, and waterfront lots for $600. Many of those signing contracts to buy were spec buyers, which led to trouble later on as "few" homes were built. The predicted Real Estate boom was long in coming, which resulted in many lots being sold for taxes. A few waterfront lots were sold for $50 at a "tax sale".Also in 1907 W.S. Collins built a concrete castle on Collins Island for his 4th wife Apolena.

Balboa Island was a summer vacation place. Most homes had no heaters, and were closed up in the winter. Families came down for the entire summer. Cooking was done on a gasoline stove as there was no gas or electricity. Coal oil lanterns and candles were used. The first "seawall", a wooden bulkhead that protected part of the Island, was built in 1909. This was partially replaced by a cement barrier (cheap German cement) in 1912. Water lines to the Island were first laid in 1914.

Also in 1914, Collins gave property on Little Island to a Masonic Camp for children, which lasted until 1944.

In 1912, the first bridge to Balboa Island was built.; a 12 foot wide wooden structure. It was 1914 before it carried anything but foot traffic and a few horses. No real street existed on the Island. In 1913, the Grand Canal, separating Little Island, was dug, and the dreging to complete Balboa Island was completed.

Also, in 1913, the "Illuminated Boat Parade" was started, and was then replaced by the famous "Tournament of Lights", which lasted until 1949, the same year snow fell on the Island. The "Christmas Boat Parade" was started in 1946.

In 1916 Balboa Island was annexed to the City of Newport Beach. In 1918 the Balboa Island Improvement Association was started (and is still going strong). The BIIA was a strong motivating force in working with the City on bulkhead repair, ferry service, a sewer system, water, gas, electricity, paved streets and sidewalks, and street lighting.

In 1919, Joe Beek got the first contract for a ferry between the Island and Balboa Pennisula. In 1920, the first car was pushed across the bay (for 10 cents). In 1922, Joe Beek got a 15 year franchise, using the ferry boat "Joker", which could hold two cars. That franchise has continued until this day, with three 64 ft. boats that can carry three cars.

In those early days (1919), water for the Island came from the famous "Wooden Water Tower" built on Agate St. (removed in 1929). In 1920, Park Ave. was the only road paved on the Island. People had outhouses behind their house as there was no sewer. They buried trash in big holes dug in vacant lots. In 1920, a gas utility came to the Island (heating, cooking, lights).

In 1922, the Southland Sailing Club ws formed on the Island. This became the Balboa Yacht Club, which moved off the Island in 1940.

In 1924, the narrow bridge to Balboa Island was replaced with two lanes of wood. That bridge existed until 1928, when it was demolished to make way for a Concrete Bridge. Some of the wood from the old bridge was used to construct the building next to the "Jolly Roger" restaurant on Marine Ave. (now Wilma's). In 1929, a new Concrete Bridge was built and served for 51 years. Population grew from a little over 100 in 1929 to today's 4,500 in winter and close to 10,000 summer renters. In 1981, the Bridge was replaced with a modern concrete structure with 9' wide walks.

In the 20's and 30's, many movies were shot on Balboa Island. James Cagney bought Collins Island in 1938. The Coast Guard used Collins Island during WWII and Cagney sold the Island in 1948.

The seawall was rebuilt in 1922. The Grand Canal wooden bulkhead and walk were rebuilt in concrete in 1929. The present day Bay Front bulkhead, walks and public piers were completed in 1938.