The Coronado Historical Association invites you to join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the pioneering legacy of Henry G. Fenton, told by local historian Dr. Sandra Bonura. Sandee is the award-winning author of multiple published works. Between writing two of her best-known works on the Del and Spreckels family, a new fascinating story emerged. She began penning the biography of Fenton and came away amazed that it is virtually impossible to go anywhere in Coronado without seeing something connected to this forgotten pioneer. Fenton was a formidable visionary, and his industrial and agricultural enterprises ultimately transformed San Diego and Coronado. Despite the fact that he created much of San Diego’s early-twentieth-century infrastructure, his name is unknown to many contemporary San Diegans. Learn how the concrete “eyesore” on the beach in front of the Del came to be. Learn why, after Fenton built the Zuniga Jetty, the rip-rap sea wall on Ocean Boulevard was necessary, and more. We will even hear how Fenton survived being caught between the feuding of Coronado’s founding fathers, none other than Elisha Babcock and John D. Spreckels.
