During a recent fundraising appeal, several supporters shared some of their special stories and memories of Catalina with us.  We wanted to share a few with you.
Click Here to share your story with us!

“I spent my summers on the island either with my grandmother in her apartment on the 3rd floor of the Hermosa Hotel (which my grandfather had built in 1919) or in a rented house in the flats with my parents and two little brothers.  One of my happiest and most vivid memories is of my frequent visits with the rosy-cheeked little woman—Mrs. Parker—a taxidermist who mounted the prize catches of the fishermen.  Her studio always smelled terrible, but she was a delightful and warm personality whose friendship I treasured.  She always welcomed her young visitors, a rare experience for a “little girl.”
      – Jon L., Pacific Palisades, CA

“When we were kids in the 1960s, the Big White Steamer docked at the steamer pier in town.  The passengers arriving mid-day were greeted by a big crowd as they exited onto Crescent Avenue.  To be part of this excitement, we would drag empty suitcases from our house on Sumner, wait on the pier for the ship to arrive and be welcomed every day, along with the passengers, as we emerged onto the street.” 
      – Susan G., Berkeley, CA

“My fondest memory of Catalina was Duke greeting arriving passengers at the steamer entrance.  From the time I was a child until he finally left Catalina, I looked forward every year to the fun songs and cheers to visitors.  In 1949 when I honeymooned in Catalina, I finally received the energy and laughs he led when “just marrieds” got off the boat.  We now have a vacation home, but we still miss our greatest greeter—Duke!”
      – Frances P., Newport Beach, CA