Orange County Almanac
Seal Beach is a quiet bedroom community today. But early in the century, the city was a lively vacation mecca, home to a giant ocean-side amusement park.
The park, known as the Joy Zone, was near the city’s historic pier. It featured a giant roller coaster brought to the city in 1915 from the San Francisco Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
Two scintillator lamps were placed at the end of the pier. At night, they produced a colorful light show that reflected in the water.
A massive bathhouse and ballroom complex was located near the pier on Ocean Avenue.
The boardwalk became known as the “Coney Island of the Pacific.”
Today
Antique hunters should have a blast at the opening of the Antique & Collectible Show at the Huntington Beach Mall.
Thousands of items, including glassware, books, magazines, silver and furniture are for sale.
Dealers from around the West will be on hand with their wares. Some will offer furniture restoration demonstrations.
Residents can also have their own antiques assessed. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the mall. For information, call (714) 894-7686.
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