Lafitte, Bill | Balboa Island Museum

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Lafitte, Bill

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Every visit, shop purchase, or donation helps preserve Balboa Island and Newport Beach’s story. Like, share, and support our mission. #SupportOurMission #NewportBeachMuseum #PreserveThePast

Every visit, shop purchase, or donation helps preserve Balboa Island and Newport Beach’s story. Like, share, and support our mission. #SupportOurMission #NewportBeachMuseum #PreserveThePast

Your donations keep the museum free for everyone in Newport Beach. Like, share, and help us keep our history alive. #DonateNow #PreserveHistory #NewportBeachSupport

Your donations keep the museum free for everyone in Newport Beach. Like, share, and help us keep our history alive. #DonateNow #PreserveHistory #NewportBeachSupport

Follow us for exclusive behind-the-scenes content about Newport Beach’s past. Like, comment, and share to stay updated. #StayInTheLoop #BehindTheScenes #NewportBeachMuseum

Follow us for exclusive behind-the-scenes content about Newport Beach’s past. Like, comment, and share to stay updated. #StayInTheLoop #BehindTheScenes #NewportBeachMuseum

Seeking a family-friendly outing in Newport Beach? Visit our interactive exhibits. Save this post for weekend plans. #FamilyActivities #NewportBeachFun #ExploreTogether

Seeking a family-friendly outing in Newport Beach? Visit our interactive exhibits. Save this post for weekend plans. #FamilyActivities #NewportBeachFun #ExploreTogether

Love learning about Newport Beach history? Our exhibits are constantly changing. Tag a friend who should visit. #LocalHistory #ExploreNewportBeach #NewExhibits

Love learning about Newport Beach history? Our exhibits are constantly changing. Tag a friend who should visit. #LocalHistory #ExploreNewportBeach #NewExhibits

Support the museum by shopping, donating, or visiting in Newport Beach. Spread the word and help preserve our coastal history. #SupportTheMuseum #NewportBeach #KeepHistoryAlive

Support the museum by shopping, donating, or visiting in Newport Beach. Spread the word and help preserve our coastal history. #SupportTheMuseum #NewportBeach #KeepHistoryAlive

Share your favorite museum memory from Newport Beach with us in the comments. Let’s keep our history alive together. #MuseumMemories #NewportBeachStories #CommunityConnection

Share your favorite museum memory from Newport Beach with us in the comments. Let’s keep our history alive together. #MuseumMemories #NewportBeachStories #CommunityConnection

World Record Swordfish Caught at Balboa, California
Postcard

A colorized photograph postcard of a man and three women beside a huge swordfish caught in 1931 by postmaster Alfonse Hamann, which held a world record at one point.

World Record Swordfish Caught at Balboa, California
Postcard

A colorized photograph postcard of a man and three women beside a huge swordfish caught in 1931 by postmaster Alfonse Hamann, which held a world record at one point.

🛥️💫 Limited quantities available! Stop by the Balboa Island Museum today to get yours.

Support Jackson and Sawyer, two young local business owners who started Iconic Ornaments to celebrate the most iconic landmarks in our community. Each handcrafted ornament tells a story and brings the magic of Balboa Island and Newport Harbor into your home, plus a portion of every sale goes to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, helping save and protect marine life along our coast.

🛥️ Duffy Boat Ornament - Celebrate the electric boats that have cruised through Newport Harbor since the 1970s.

🚢 Balboa Ferry Sign Ornament - Inspired by the historic sign that’s welcomed visitors to Balboa Island since 1919.

🍌 Dad’s Original Frozen Banana Ornament - A tribute to the sweet nostalgia of Balboa’s most famous treat!

🏛️ Balboa Pavilion Ornament - Commemorating the iconic pavilion, a cornerstone of island history since 1906.

🎄 Don’t wait—bring a piece of Balboa Island into your home this holiday season! Shop the Balboa Island Museum exclusively today!

🎄By shopping with us, you’re supporting local, small business owners who are passionate about preserving Balboa Island’s legacy and giving back to our community.

#BalboaIsland #NewportBeach
#ShopLocal #SupportSmallBusiness
#ChristmasOrnaments #CoastalHolidays
#HolidayMagic #BalboaHistory

🛥️💫 Limited quantities available! Stop by the Balboa Island Museum today to get yours.

Support Jackson and Sawyer, two young local business owners who started Iconic Ornaments to celebrate the most iconic landmarks in our community. Each handcrafted ornament tells a story and brings the magic of Balboa Island and Newport Harbor into your home, plus a portion of every sale goes to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, helping save and protect marine life along our coast.

🛥️ Duffy Boat Ornament - Celebrate the electric boats that have cruised through Newport Harbor since the 1970s.

🚢 Balboa Ferry Sign Ornament - Inspired by the historic sign that’s welcomed visitors to Balboa Island since 1919.

🍌 Dad’s Original Frozen Banana Ornament - A tribute to the sweet nostalgia of Balboa’s most famous treat!

🏛️ Balboa Pavilion Ornament - Commemorating the iconic pavilion, a cornerstone of island history since 1906.

🎄 Don’t wait—bring a piece of Balboa Island into your home this holiday season! Shop the Balboa Island Museum exclusively today!

🎄By shopping with us, you’re supporting local, small business owners who are passionate about preserving Balboa Island’s legacy and giving back to our community.

#BalboaIsland #NewportBeach
#ShopLocal #SupportSmallBusiness
#ChristmasOrnaments #CoastalHolidays
#HolidayMagic #BalboaHistory

Waiting for my Pals here at the Beach. Balboa Beach, California.
Sent on September 21, 1949 from Balboa.

Waiting for my Pals here at the Beach. Balboa Beach, California.
Sent on September 21, 1949 from Balboa.

Love learning about Newport Beach history? Our exhibits are constantly changing. Tag a friend who should visit. #LocalHistory #ExploreNewportBeach #NewExhibits

Love learning about Newport Beach history? Our exhibits are constantly changing. Tag a friend who should visit. #LocalHistory #ExploreNewportBeach #NewExhibits

View from Collins Island, Balboa, California

Printed by Curt Teich Co. in Chicago. The sent postcard was sent on July 26, 1946 to Susan Coulter in Evansville, Indiana.

View from Collins Island, Balboa, California

Printed by Curt Teich Co. in Chicago. The sent postcard was sent on July 26, 1946 to Susan Coulter in Evansville, Indiana.

The Gang Balboa Summer 1934. Balboa Beach.

The Gang Balboa Summer 1934. Balboa Beach.

Upcoming events in Newport Beach are perfect for families. Tag your event buddy and plan a fun day together. #FamilyFun #MuseumEvents #NewportBeachActivities

Upcoming events in Newport Beach are perfect for families. Tag your event buddy and plan a fun day together. #FamilyFun #MuseumEvents #NewportBeachActivities

First Albacore Catch, 1935

Scanned negative photo of a man (possibly Harold Caldwell) catching albacore on Balboa in 1935 and a print photo.

First Albacore Catch, 1935

Scanned negative photo of a man (possibly Harold Caldwell) catching albacore on Balboa in 1935 and a print photo.

🇺🇸 Today, we remember and honor the incredible life of William J. Hoofe III, a WWII Coast Guard Seaman First Class, an inventive genius, and a beloved member of the Balboa Island community.

Bill’s journey began with his family’s emigration from England to the U.S., and his remarkable path took him from the Coast Guard to earning a degree from the University of Miami. His passion for innovation resulted in 15-16 patents, including the lucrative vinyl roofing panel that became a staple in his career.

In 1990, Bill renovated the iconic building at 223 Marine Avenue, turning it into what is now CIAO Italian Restaurant—an island favorite. His love for creating and improving lives was felt across the community.

Bill continued dreaming and inventing into his 90s, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, service, and dedication. Rest peacefully, Bill. Your contributions to Balboa Island and beyond will never be forgotten.

Learn more about Bill’s extraordinary life and legacy at the Balboa Island Museum. ❤️🕊️

#WWIIVeteran #BalboaIsland #HonoringBillHoofe #IslandInventor #LegacyOfExcellence

🇺🇸 Today, we remember and honor the incredible life of William J. Hoofe III, a WWII Coast Guard Seaman First Class, an inventive genius, and a beloved member of the Balboa Island community.

Bill’s journey began with his family’s emigration from England to the U.S., and his remarkable path took him from the Coast Guard to earning a degree from the University of Miami. His passion for innovation resulted in 15-16 patents, including the lucrative vinyl roofing panel that became a staple in his career.

In 1990, Bill renovated the iconic building at 223 Marine Avenue, turning it into what is now CIAO Italian Restaurant—an island favorite. His love for creating and improving lives was felt across the community.

Bill continued dreaming and inventing into his 90s, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, service, and dedication. Rest peacefully, Bill. Your contributions to Balboa Island and beyond will never be forgotten.

Learn more about Bill’s extraordinary life and legacy at the Balboa Island Museum. ❤️🕊️

#WWIIVeteran #BalboaIsland #HonoringBillHoofe #IslandInventor #LegacyOfExcellence

🛥️💫 Limited quantities available! Stop by the Balboa Island Museum today to get yours.

Support Jackson and Sawyer, two young local business owners who started Iconic Ornaments to celebrate the most iconic landmarks in our community. Each handcrafted ornament tells a story and brings the magic of Balboa Island and Newport Harbor into your home, plus a portion of every sale goes to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, helping save and protect marine life along our coast.

🛥️ Duffy Boat Ornament - Celebrate the electric boats that have cruised through Newport Harbor since the 1970s.

🚢 Balboa Ferry Sign Ornament - Inspired by the historic sign that’s welcomed visitors to Balboa Island since 1919.

🍌 Dad’s Original Frozen Banana Ornament - A tribute to the sweet nostalgia of Balboa’s most famous treat!

🏛️ Balboa Pavilion Ornament - Commemorating the iconic pavilion, a cornerstone of island history since 1906.

🎄 Don’t wait—bring a piece of Balboa Island into your home this holiday season! Shop the Balboa Island Museum exclusively today!

🎄By shopping with us, you’re supporting local, small business owners who are passionate about preserving Balboa Island’s legacy and giving back to our community.

#BalboaIsland #NewportBeach
#ShopLocal #SupportSmallBusiness
#ChristmasOrnaments #CoastalHolidays
#HolidayMagic #BalboaHistory

🛥️💫 Limited quantities available! Stop by the Balboa Island Museum today to get yours.

Support Jackson and Sawyer, two young local business owners who started Iconic Ornaments to celebrate the most iconic landmarks in our community. Each handcrafted ornament tells a story and brings the magic of Balboa Island and Newport Harbor into your home, plus a portion of every sale goes to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, helping save and protect marine life along our coast.

🛥️ Duffy Boat Ornament - Celebrate the electric boats that have cruised through Newport Harbor since the 1970s.

🚢 Balboa Ferry Sign Ornament - Inspired by the historic sign that’s welcomed visitors to Balboa Island since 1919.

🍌 Dad’s Original Frozen Banana Ornament - A tribute to the sweet nostalgia of Balboa’s most famous treat!

🏛️ Balboa Pavilion Ornament - Commemorating the iconic pavilion, a cornerstone of island history since 1906.

🎄 Don’t wait—bring a piece of Balboa Island into your home this holiday season! Shop the Balboa Island Museum exclusively today!

🎄By shopping with us, you’re supporting local, small business owners who are passionate about preserving Balboa Island’s legacy and giving back to our community.

#BalboaIsland #NewportBeach
#ShopLocal #SupportSmallBusiness
#ChristmasOrnaments #CoastalHolidays
#HolidayMagic #BalboaHistory

The envelope holding the negative says " The Gang at Balboa Taken 1934 Summer"

The envelope holding the negative says " The Gang at Balboa Taken 1934 Summer"

Arborns Harbor Market

At this time the market was where Shanghai is to today but in the 1942 directory it was at 319 Onyx Ave. Paul Arborn was the son of the original owner.

Arborns Harbor Market

At this time the market was where Shanghai is to today but in the 1942 directory it was at 319 Onyx Ave. Paul Arborn was the son of the original owner.

Share your favorite museum memory from Newport Beach with us in the comments. Let’s keep our history alive together. #MuseumMemories #NewportBeachStories #CommunityConnection

Share your favorite museum memory from Newport Beach with us in the comments. Let’s keep our history alive together. #MuseumMemories #NewportBeachStories #CommunityConnection

The corner of Park Avenue and Marine. The image showes Allen's Pharmacy to the left and Wallie's across the street. The photo was taken from Park Avenue, looking forward from just passed the corner. The bridge to the Little Island cane partially be seen on the right.

The corner of Park Avenue and Marine. The image showes Allen's Pharmacy to the left and Wallie's across the street. The photo was taken from Park Avenue, looking forward from just passed the corner. The bridge to the Little Island cane partially be seen on the right.

Admission is free—stop by the Balboa Island Museum to explore Newport Beach history. Share with a friend who loves learning about our local heritage. #BalboaIsland #NewportBeachHistory #FreeAdmission

Admission is free—stop by the Balboa Island Museum to explore Newport Beach history. Share with a friend who loves learning about our local heritage. #BalboaIsland #NewportBeachHistory #FreeAdmission

Wayne On top of the world!

Ethan Wayne and John Wayne on top of John's boat, the Wild Goose, in 1965.

Wayne On top of the world!

Ethan Wayne and John Wayne on top of John's boat, the Wild Goose, in 1965.

Memberships now available—support the Newport Beach museum and enjoy special perks. Share this with your community. #MuseumMembership #SupportLocal #NewportBeachMuseum

Memberships now available—support the Newport Beach museum and enjoy special perks. Share this with your community. #MuseumMembership #SupportLocal #NewportBeachMuseum

This building now houses Dad's, but originally appears to have been a residental location like many buildings on Marine.

318 Marine Avenue, Balboa Island

This building now houses Dad's, but originally appears to have been a residental location like many buildings on Marine.

318 Marine Avenue, Balboa Island

Bring the kids for a hands-on experience at our Newport Beach museum. Save this post for family outing ideas. #KidsActivities #FamilyFunDay #NewportBeachLearning

Bring the kids for a hands-on experience at our Newport Beach museum. Save this post for family outing ideas. #KidsActivities #FamilyFunDay #NewportBeachLearning

Dechamps Fashion Show, 1935

One of three photograph negatives from the Marine Avenue Dechamps fashion show. Occurred in front of or near Hal Smith's reality office.

Dechamps Fashion Show, 1935

One of three photograph negatives from the Marine Avenue Dechamps fashion show. Occurred in front of or near Hal Smith's reality office.

Upcoming events in Newport Beach are perfect for families. Tag your event buddy and plan a fun day together. #FamilyFun #MuseumEvents #NewportBeachActivities

Upcoming events in Newport Beach are perfect for families. Tag your event buddy and plan a fun day together. #FamilyFun #MuseumEvents #NewportBeachActivities

SANTA AT THE MUSEUM

Join us for a festive morning with Santa and Joy, donuts, hot chocolate, and photos with Santa.

JAMMA JINGLES PAJAMA & BOOOK DRIVE: Help spread warm this season bring you and wrap pajamas and books to support children in need in Orange County. Drop off box available at the Balboa island museum through December 23.

Dec 14, 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Newport Beach, 210 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662, USA

SANTA AT THE MUSEUM

Join us for a festive morning with Santa and Joy, donuts, hot chocolate, and photos with Santa.

JAMMA JINGLES PAJAMA & BOOOK DRIVE: Help spread warm this season bring you and wrap pajamas and books to support children in need in Orange County. Drop off box available at the Balboa island museum through December 23.

Dec 14, 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Newport Beach, 210 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662, USA

1930 Aerial of Balboa Island

1930 Aerial of Balboa Island

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Balboa Island's rich charm lies in its upscale homes, scenic views, and iconic frozen bananas, making it a coastal gem.

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