Princeton by the Sea Memories

From the “Half Moon Bay Review,” late 1950s

“County to Purchase Beach Property Near Reef Point in Moss Beach to Preserve Area for Science Studies”

“A mile-long stretch of beach from along the reef dotted coastline is being acquired by San Mateo county for a marine reserve.

“The reason, explained the county Board of Supervisors in authorizing the acquisition, is to provide a protected area where the marine resources can grow.

“Support for the project has been given by Supervisor Jean Fassler. The original plan for the project was presented by the technical staff of the San Mateo county planning commission some time ago. The commission then presented it to the board of supervisors.

“One point they cited was the fact that the abalone, a choice gourmet seafood, is rapidly disappearing because of lack of protection.

“The area involved covers the frontal surf areas of both Montara and Moss Beach and is actually an expansion of the initial county proposal to provide public access to Nye’s Beach.

“But with 175 petitions urging more public access and greater protection of Reef Point and Nye’s Beach., the supervisors decided to acquire additional lands along the beachfront. Most of the property is in between the southern end of the Montara Sanitary District land and Cypress Avenue in Moss Beach.

“County Acquisition Agent Robert Friday said little land will be taken away from the beach other than to provide access.

“The idea is to leave the area in virtually its natural state while still providing a beach area for the county’s burgeoning population.

“Financing of the plan will be aided by funds from the federal open-space program.

“Development calls for only a marine reserve rather than a park.  Plans call for parking, sanitary facilities and perhaps a marine walkway on the bluff.”

To read John Vonderlin’s story, click here

was “the” place to go when booze was illegal in the 1920s and early 1930s. The Patroni House was torn down in the 1950s. It’s now the location of the popular “Brewery.”

The Sacramento Daily Union reports, “The steamer ‘Pioneer,’ formerly used as a tow-boat on the river, having lost her occupation that line, yesterday went into the grain trade, having as a tender the barge ‘Mary Ellen,’ and will run between Princeton and San Francisco. Captain Lind is in command.”

headland of Pillar Point, the northern part of the crescent that gives to Halfmoon Bay its name, is the only location that should be considered for the purpose of the new life-saving station.

“This was the site of the old whaling station that flourished years ago, and it provides an excellent lookout. In fact, a view of the sea north and south from this promontory is best obtainable for a distance of thirty miles.”

Burt and I went to lunch at Mezza Luna today and the waiter told us that the very special “specials” had been prepared by guest chef Gabriele Carlesso–Gabriele, who owns the Trattoria Tre Fonti restaurant near Venice [Italy] is on vacation and cooking up a storm at our very own Mezza Luna Restaurant [located in the historic Princeton Inn]

(Photo: Chef Gabriele).

We ordered the Veal Scallapino.

To visit Mezza Luna, click here

DEAR JUNE

I WAS TALKING TO ONE OF MY FRIENDS HERE IN MISSOURI(FROM SAN BRUNO) AND TOLD HIM THAT WHEN I WON THE LOTTERY,I WAS MOVING BACK TO THE COAST,BUYING THE GIFT SHOP IN PRINCENTON HARBOR AND RECREATING “GENE’S BEER AND PIZZA”.

I GUESS WHAT TRIGGERED THIS WAS READING THE HMB REVIEW YESTERDAY AND SEEING THE NEW DEVELOPMENT IN PRINCETON.

MY NAME IS GRAY GARDNER. I MOVED TO EL GRANADA IN OCT. 1967,SPENT MY FIRST NIGHT IN GENE’S, WOKE UP WITH A TREMENDOUS HANGOVER,HEARD THE SOUND OF THE WAVES,AND KNEW I WAS HOME.

TWO OF MY FRIENDS FROM MISSOURI WERE LIVING IN THE STUDIOS BEHIND THE HARDWARE STORE. I MOVED IN AND LATER LIVED ON TOP OF THE HARDWARE STORE WHEN REX BUILT THE APARTMENTS.

MY LAST FIVE YEARS I LIVED IN THE BEACH HOUSE BELOW THE “DISTILLERY” IN MOSS BEACH.

JOE DOSHER(“MIRAMAR JOE”). IS STILL A CLOSE FRIEND OF MINE–AS WELL AS DAVID AND PAT ANDREWS,WHO OWNED THE DISTILLERY.

I STILL GET BACK TO THE COAST AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR,BUT MISS THE “MINIATURE CANNERY ROW”.I WISH TODAY,THAT I HAD TAKEN MORE PICTURES OF PEOPLE AND PLACES,AND FEWER SUNSETS.

I’VE TOLD PEOPLE FOR YEARS THAT A LITTLE BIT OF “CANNERY ROW” WAS STILL ALIVE ON THE COAST WHEN I MOVED THERE,AND LASTED A LITTLE WHILE. I WONDER NOW WHERE THE POOR COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN AND COWBOYS GO TO DRINK AND FIGHT.

SOMETIMES, WHEN YOU’RE LIVING HISTORY,YOU ARE TOO MUCH IN THE MIDDLE OF IT TO KNOW.I HAVE THE RAILROAD BOOK,AND “HALF MOON BAY MEMORIES’ AND PLAN TO ADD YOUE “PRINCETON-BY-THE SEA ‘ BOOK.

JUST WANTED TO SAY HI.
REGARDS-GRAY GARDNER
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS,MISSOURI