Coronado Tent City, California
12 in. x 7.5 in.
A quote from the May 1920 edition of the Coronado Tent City News – “They regret that they cannot stay in Tent City forever.”
Back then, people came to Coronado out of the heated interior of the Southwest, and from the extreme Eastern states and the Mid West. Holiday makers and vacation seekers flocked to Tent City by the hundreds to experience the joys of a home by the sea. And it wasn’t just Americans, people from foreign countries contributed liberally to the long list of visitors.
It was said that Tent City was all seaside and sunshine, the most ideal summer resort to be found anywhere. The climate of Tent City was exceptional even for Southern California and far surpassed the Riviera in climate and comfort. The close proximity of bay and ocean made it delightfully cool during the hot months, yet there was never a day at any time during the season too cool for comfort. more…
Every Wednesday the free Coronado weekly newspaper, The Coronado Eagle & Journal, is delivered throughout the community. Unlike some weekly newspapers in resort type towns, it is filled with more than just real estate and restaurant ads. It truly tells of all of the events that happened in the community during the past week and informs us of the upcoming events.
One of the regular sections is the Letters & Commentary section where letters from members of the community are printed.
This week’s edition included an extremely bittersweet letter from a family whose 14 year old son James had died suddenly. I had heard the story from friends a few weeks ago ~ living in a small town, our joys and sorrows are shared regularly. I don’t know the family, but felt so sad for them just the same.
As would be expected, their letter spoke of their shock and sadness at the loss of their son. But rather than focus on just those feelings, they went on to write a very inspirational thank you to the community of Coronado.
Here is just a part of what the letter said:
“Our family has received over 300 cards, several from strangers. It is amazing to be wrapped in so much love and caring. This community is exceptional in many ways, the exquisite beauty of the area, the perfect climate, but the people are the shining jewel in this town.”
They ended the letter saying:
“We will always miss James and we will always ask why but from this suffering we have seen more love than we knew existed and we thank you all.”
Beyond all the glitz of the Hotel del Coronado, behind the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowd, and away from the day trippers on the beach there lies a community of people with deep spirit. A community that lends a hand, gives a hug, comes together in good times and bad and celebrates its victories and mourns its losses ~ together. This is my Coronado.