PC-000-807

Picture postcard with advertising message and two small photographs of the Hotel Balboa, Pacific Beach, San Diego

 

1900s

 

 

The Hotel Balboa, shown here in one of two small photographs on the picture side of a picture postcard, was established in around 1890 in the "principal building" of the failed San Diego College of Letters at Pacific Beach. It is mentioned in the book "History of San Diego" by William E. Smythe (online from the San Diego History Center) as part of a "settlement" that "will soon have two electric lines" as of 1908. The same history is given by Richard Pourade in "The History of San Diego," also online from the History Center. The "undivided back" of this postcard (no line or space to separate a message from the address) and the words Post Card--reserved until 1901 for the use of the US Post Office--date this card between 1901 and 1907. What appears to be a handwritten message on the picture side of the card next to the two small photographs is clearly a printed advertising message, neither addressed nor signed. The card remains untraveled. In this collection, on PC-000-808A, is a hand-tinted photograph of the hotel that takes up the whole card.

Hotel Balboa; Balboa Hotel; Hotels; San Diego; Pacific Beach

 

California - San Diego

 

 

MS-0008

English

Hotel Balboa, San Diego, Calilfornia

Postcard

3.5 inches x 5.5 inches

No

"History of San Diego" by William E. Smythe (online from the San Diego History Center); Richard Pourade, "The History of San Diego," also online from the San Diego History Center; photograph on PC-000-808A

[printed under top photograph]
Hotel Balboa

[printed under bottom photograph]
Guests Automobiling on the Strand

[printing looking like handwriting next to photographs]
Arrived safely in beautiful San Diego. Wonderful climate here, great commercial possibilities. Am stopping at Hotel Balboa--a dainty, quiet homelike place in the midst of orange and lemon groves, with splendid bay, sea and mountain views and close by the famous ocean strand. The Balboa is at Pacific Beach, a short ride from the business center. Everything high class and rates very reasonable. By all means, shop here when you come. Take street cars from depot to the hotel's city agency at 1015 - 5th street or write for reservations. All well and happy.

 

Image

TIFF

24.55 MB