Surfing Shack U.S.A.
El Nino pounded the La Jolla beach, collapsing the roof of a solitary Polynesian-style shack, snapping its four support poles and splintering the remains across the beach. Distraught, Hans Newman, Melinda Merryweather and 10 others rushed to replace the four eucalyptus poles and Canary Island palm frond roof. When completed, they felt blessed when a beautiful rainbow stretched across the heavens.
What did it mean?
For more than 50 years, this shack has been the heart of the La Jolla surfing community. Originally built to protect surfboards from the sun, it has evolved into a temple-like edifice. At surfer weddings, the shack becomes a chapel. Christenings occur there too. Merryweather baptized her baby Sun Merryweather Hynson when she filled a silver cup with seawater and poured it over his head. Surfer funerals begin at the shelter with final words, then mourners solemnly ride their boards beyond the breakers, form a circle and perform “Paddle Out” ceremonies.
Recently, in a unanimous vote, the San Diego Historical Site Board declared the Surf Shack an official site. Board member Vonn Marie May called the shack an “endearing icon.”
Friends of the Surf Shack are now seeking recognition from the National Register.
Syndicated columnist Norine Dresser is the author of “Multicultural Manners” (Wiley, 1996). E-mail: norined@earthlink.net.
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