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Beek's Place
These
ruins are what's left of a weekend getaway place of a Mr. Joseph A. Beek, who served as the Newport Harbor Master for a short
time. In 1919 he obtained the franchise for the Balboa Island Ferry which remains in the family to this day. He also served
as secretary of the CA State Senate for a few years, until his death in 1968.
The main cabin was built during the 30's, and the smaller one shortly thereafter.
They were one room each. The smaller one was built for a caretaker. Although the family only used it on weekends, sometimes
a caretaker would live there for up to a few months at a time. The family still goes up there occasionally, but due to constant
vandalism and theft, it became impossible to maintain.
All the coniferous trees were planted by the family. A system of cisterns
can be seen around the area for water storage which made it possible to grow the trees. One cistern a little ways down from
the main cabin was used as a swimming pool.
Click to see a photo of what's left of the main house.
Ralph Nordstrom
Posted 8/29/2006
Return to Southern California.
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