Laguna Beach Historical Society Program Monday November 30th “Peanuts” George Larson by author Craig Lockwood

The next Laguna Beach Historical Society program will be Monday, November 30th “Peanuts” George Larson” by author and Laguna Beach local Craig Lockwood. The program is from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and will be held at the Laguna Beach City Hall Council Chambers which is at 505 Forest Avenue. The public is invited and there is no charge.

Craig Lockwood was surfer kid who was lucky enough to grow up in Laguna Beach, loved the ocean, became a Laguna Beach lifeguard, and had his first newspaper job for the old Laguna Beach Post when Betsy Rose was the editor and Bud Dessenberg the publisher. Craig has written for many publications including the Daily Pilot, and Surfing Magazine.

In his book “Peanuts”, Lockwood explores legend, myth and archetype in Southern Orange County’s surfing subculture. What made George “Peanuts” Larson compelling was his elusiveness as a subject. Hear stories why “Peanuts” was a Laguna original. Did he ride “the biggest wave ever ridden in California”?

George Saunders Zimmerman Larson “Peanuts” (1916-1986) was first of all the quintessential Laguna Beach waterman. He’d been if not San Clemente’s first lifeguard, certainly among the very first. He became a subject of great admiration and respect in his 20s when he surfed a wave larger than anyone had ever seen ridden in California. This single wave was witnessed by several other surfers whose reputations cast them as wholly reliable and believable observers.

The Laguna Beach Historical Society has a new web site to view historic photographs at www.Laguna-Historical-Society.smugmug.com. For those having treasured historic photographs or printed material, the Historical Society is happy to scan them electronically and return them to the owners. This way there will be a record preserved for future generations without the necessity for the owners to relinquish the item. Viewers are invited to leave comments to help the Society better identify or date the photographs. At the web site, prints can also be purchase; for example an 8” by 10” glossy for $6.97 plus tax and shipping.

Questions on photographs or Laguna Beach history are invited to be sent to info@LagunaHistory.org.

Step back into 1920s Laguna by visiting the Laguna Beach Historical Society Murphy-Smith Bungalow which located at 278 Ocean Avenue and which is opened to the public at no-charge every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to greet visitors to the Murphy-Smith Bungalow and should call 939-7257.

Those interested in supporting and joining the Laguna Beach Historical Society should send $15 per individual, $25 per household or $50 per business/organization to 278 Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach CA 92651. The Laguna Beach Historical Society is a section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID #33-0519882.