Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

WINTER 2017/2018 DREAMSCAPES 27 Vanishing American (1924), roam free and thrive in a natural environment. Only 800 cars are allowed on the island at any given time. One lifelong resident con- fided he'd been on the waiting list since he turned eight. Now in his 30s, he was still waiting for permission to import a car. Elec- tric golf carts are the primary form of motorized transportation in or around Avalon. To venture into the interior, all must apply for a permit whether they are hiking or taking a sightseeing tour. As we stepped off the ferry, it quickly became evident why the island is a popular escape from the hustle and bustle of Southern California. The atmosphere is laid-back, the air is refreshing and the surrounding waters are as clear as any I have seen anywhere, thanks to the Conservancy's environmental program. And, as we were about to find out, the island history is certainly intriguing. ONE MAN'S DREAM In 1919, William Wrigley, Jr. (of Wrigley's Dou- blemint gum fame) purchased the island, sight unseen, from the Banning Brothers for somewhere in the range of US$2 to 3 million. His dream was to create a vacation getaway for the "rank and file" where all entertain- ment was free. He spent another $2 million building a Casino (Italian for "a gathering place for fun and entertainment") only to dis- mantle it six years later in 1927 and rebuild a larger version to accommodate the throngs who travelled by steamship, which he owned, from the mainland to dance in the grand ball- room to the sounds of the popular big bands and jazz bands of the era. From 1934 into the 1950s, North American audiences huddled in their living rooms to listen to the music of Glenn Miller, Jan Garber, Jimmy Dorsey, Kay Kyser and others broadcast live from here over the airwaves on CBS radio. On the Casino's lower level, the elegant, acoustically perfect Avalon Theatre was the first ever built for the "talkies." Dominating the Avalon land- scape, the iconic building remains the focal point of island entertainment and culture and a behind-the-scenes tour down memory lane is highly recommended. Catalina Island is also the birthplace of sport fishing. Founded in 1898 by Dr. Charles Fred- erick Holder, who thought the oceans were overfished then, the Tuna Club of Avalon is the oldest sport-fishing club in the world and a strict catch-and-release program is enforced. Island tourism was curtailed for a time when, for three years following the Japanese attack on Hawaii, the island was closed off and used by the military to engage in OSS (a precursor to the CIA) secret training. PLAYGROUND OF THE STARS An exhibit at the Catalina Island Museum captures the island's strong connection to Hollywood. Since most of Catalina is OPPOSITE TOP: A panoramic view of Avalon on Catalina Island. Chris Grant/Shutterstock OPPOSITE BOTTOM: The bell tower overlooking Avalon on Catalina Island. Atomazul/Shutterstock ABOVE: Hotel Villa Portofino in Avalon. V&V Hospitality & Media Services BELOW: Just one of many colourful shops that line the main street in Avalon. V&V Hospitality & Media Services BOTTOM: Plenty of opportunities for water-based activities. V&V Hospitality & Media Services

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