All photos courtesy Ocean Beach Historical Society
OCEAN BEACH may be known for its sandy and sunny coastline, but this neighborhood has a comprehensive historic past. Throughout the years, many pieces of OB history have been lost to development. While physical historic resources may be gone, the memories and their lasting impact on the community remain alive. As important members of the Ocean Beach Historical Society, our winners play a great role in keeping and sharing the memories of historic OB buildings and culture. The couple resides in a 1907 classic beach cottage located on Niagara Avenue in the heart of OB. The cottage was built and owned by Mr. and Mrs. John Clarke, was passed on to prior OBHS President Ned Titlow, and eventually became the home of our winners upon Mr. Titlow's passing. The property originally included the home, a small barn, and shack towards the back of the site. There was also once a brackish well on the property.
Perhaps the most notable feature of the home is the beautiful wisteria vines that flood the site each year with purple flowers. These flowers and their signature look resulted in the fitting name for the home, the Wisteria Cottage. The wisteria vines were planted soon after the cottage was built, and the original vine has expanded to a base circumference of more than two feet. It frames the front of the house by weaving through a porch trellis, to join with another vine to cover much of the garden area.
The wisteria inspired Mr. Titlow and co-founder of the OBHS, Carol Bowers, to start a yearly tradition of a garden party where community, history, and OB culture could be shared and celebrated. The annual spring event is called the Wisteria Garden Party, and is attended by members of the Ocean Beach Historical Society, including our winners, and Obecians of all ages. Local artists and famous OB residents play music, display art, and share stories of the community from both first-hand experience, and stories passed down through generations. Residents bring photos and memorabilia that offer a glimpse of how the landscape and neighborhood has developed over time. The yard itself has become makeshift museum, displaying many old signs that previously resided on the front of OB businesses and walls.
As the newest residents of the cottage, our winners continue the tradition of opening their home each year for this cherished party They recognize the importance of community heritage, and how valuable events like these are to preserving local history. For their dedication to preserving the tradition of the Wisteria Garden Party, and maintaining a wonderful historic site, SOHO congratulates Susan and Pat James of the Ocean Beach Historical Society with the Keeper of the Flame Award.
