Mission Cliffs Garden and Bentley Ostrich Farm
Mission Cliff Gardens in San Diego, California, once stood as a botanical gem and a testament to the city's rich horticultural history. Established in the early 20th century, the gardens flourished under the vision of its founder, John D. Spreckles, who transformed the landscape into a lush haven for residents and visitors alike.
In its heyday, Mission Cliff Gardens featured a captivating array of native and exotic plant species, carefully curated to create a harmonious blend of colors and fragrances. The gardens became a popular retreat, offering a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Its pathways meandered through meticulously landscaped areas, adorned with statues, fountains, and seating areas, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Over the years, Mission Cliff Gardens became a cherished part of San Diego's cultural identity, hosting community events, botanical exhibitions, and social gatherings. However, as the city evolved and urban development expanded, the fate of the gardens took a turn.
Regrettably, Mission Cliff Gardens faced the inevitable challenges of progress. The increasing demand for urban space led to the decision to repurpose the land for commercial or residential development. Despite community efforts to preserve this historical green space, the gardens eventually succumbed to the pressures of modernization.
Today, the memory of Mission Cliff Gardens lives on in the hearts of those who experienced its beauty and tranquility. Although the physical space may be gone, the legacy of this once-thriving botanical sanctuary endures through historical records, photographs, and the stories shared by those who had the privilege of wandering through its enchanting paths.
Enjoy these Lee Passmore images of Mission Cliffs Garden from about 1915
In its heyday, Mission Cliff Gardens featured a captivating array of native and exotic plant species, carefully curated to create a harmonious blend of colors and fragrances. The gardens became a popular retreat, offering a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Its pathways meandered through meticulously landscaped areas, adorned with statues, fountains, and seating areas, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Over the years, Mission Cliff Gardens became a cherished part of San Diego's cultural identity, hosting community events, botanical exhibitions, and social gatherings. However, as the city evolved and urban development expanded, the fate of the gardens took a turn.
Regrettably, Mission Cliff Gardens faced the inevitable challenges of progress. The increasing demand for urban space led to the decision to repurpose the land for commercial or residential development. Despite community efforts to preserve this historical green space, the gardens eventually succumbed to the pressures of modernization.
Today, the memory of Mission Cliff Gardens lives on in the hearts of those who experienced its beauty and tranquility. Although the physical space may be gone, the legacy of this once-thriving botanical sanctuary endures through historical records, photographs, and the stories shared by those who had the privilege of wandering through its enchanting paths.
Enjoy these Lee Passmore images of Mission Cliffs Garden from about 1915
Many, but not all, of the postcards below are Lee Passmore photos that were colorized.
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Bentley Ostrich Farm
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the surge in demand for ostrich feathers in the United States fueled the popularity of ostrich farming. These feathers were highly sought after by women for various fashion accessories such as muffs, hats, boas, and fans. Before 1883, acquiring ostrich feathers was a costly affair as they had to be imported from Africa, making them a luxury item. The allure of ostriches extended beyond the fashion industry; their exotic presence became a captivating attraction, contributing to the appeal of various tourist destinations.
Established in 1887, the American Ostrich Company inaugurated an ostrich corral on Coronado Island. Visitors flocked to the site for the unique opportunity to feed these fascinating birds and witness thrilling ostrich races. During the early 1900s, Spreckels extended an invitation to Bentley, the proprietor of the ostrich farm, to transfer his Coronado-based enterprise to the scenic grounds of Mission Cliff Gardens.
The relocation proved to be a triumph, with the farm attaining remarkable success and earning the distinction of being one of the most valuable farms across the nation.
The relocation proved to be a triumph, with the farm attaining remarkable success and earning the distinction of being one of the most valuable farms across the nation.
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Main Entrance to the Bentley Ostrich Farm.
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There appears to have been a Red Car that would take you to enjoy the Mission Cliffs Garden.
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All that remains of Mission Cliffs Garden is the cobble stone wall that surrounded the park and few remaining places that have been saved. Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/ha6zbhrj
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