McMath, Jim | Balboa Island Museum

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SWIPE RIGHT —-> The Duke & Balboa – A Local Legend 🤠🏝️
Did you know John Wayne was practically a Balboa Island local? From cruising Newport Harbor on his WWII minesweeper yacht, The Wild Goose, to fishing, waterskiing, and soaking in the OC coastline, The Duke made this place home.

Wayne’s love for adventure wasn’t just on the big screen—he was often spotted around Balboa, captaining The Wild Goose, enjoying a cup of coffee on deck, or even waterskiing! His legendary presence shaped Newport’s history, and today, his legacy lives on.

📖 Want to bring a piece of The Duke’s wisdom home?
Explore our exclusive John Wayne book collection at the Balboa Island Museum—from The John Wayne Code to Real American Grilling, these books are perfect for any fan.

💬 Which John Wayne fact surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments & tag a friend who needs to see this!

SHOP online or in the museum store today.

#JohnWayne #TheDuke #BalboaIsland #WildGoose #WesternLegend #OCHistory #BalboaIslandMuseum

SWIPE RIGHT —-> The Duke & Balboa – A Local Legend 🤠🏝️
Did you know John Wayne was practically a Balboa Island local? From cruising Newport Harbor on his WWII minesweeper yacht, The Wild Goose, to fishing, waterskiing, and soaking in the OC coastline, The Duke made this place home.

Wayne’s love for adventure wasn’t just on the big screen—he was often spotted around Balboa, captaining The Wild Goose, enjoying a cup of coffee on deck, or even waterskiing! His legendary presence shaped Newport’s history, and today, his legacy lives on.

📖 Want to bring a piece of The Duke’s wisdom home?
Explore our exclusive John Wayne book collection at the Balboa Island Museum—from The John Wayne Code to Real American Grilling, these books are perfect for any fan.

💬 Which John Wayne fact surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments & tag a friend who needs to see this!

SHOP online or in the museum store today.

#JohnWayne #TheDuke #BalboaIsland #WildGoose #WesternLegend #OCHistory #BalboaIslandMuseum

Paddington Bear at the Balboa Island Museum! 🐻🎉

What a magical day! Over 100 visitors joined us for two hours of fun-filled activities, including coloring pages, cookies, special gifts, and the chance to meet the one and only Paddington Bear!

We loved seeing all the smiles and creativity from the kids and families who made this event unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who came to share in the joy!

Follow us for more events like this and exciting happenings in the heart of Balboa Island!

Paddington Bear at the Balboa Island Museum! 🐻🎉

What a magical day! Over 100 visitors joined us for two hours of fun-filled activities, including coloring pages, cookies, special gifts, and the chance to meet the one and only Paddington Bear!

We loved seeing all the smiles and creativity from the kids and families who made this event unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who came to share in the joy!

Follow us for more events like this and exciting happenings in the heart of Balboa Island!

Guess which aerial photo is from 1920? 🧐
1,2,3,4,5?

#balboaisland #history #newportbeach

Guess which aerial photo is from 1920? 🧐
1,2,3,4,5?

#balboaisland #history #newportbeach

Paddington is coming to Balboa Island!

📍 Where: Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach
🗓️ When: Saturday, January 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Join us for a fun-filled day with everyone’s favorite bear. Here’s what to expect:

Meet and take photos with Paddington
Enjoy delicious treats
Participate in exciting activities for all ages
Shop exclusive Paddington merchandise
Once upon a time, a small bear from Darkest Peru arrived in London with nothing but a suitcase, a jar of marmalade, and a tag that read: “Please look after this bear.” That bear was Paddington, and he’s been bringing joy to families ever since. Now, Paddington is traveling to Balboa Island, ready to create new adventures and meet YOU!

✨ RSVP is required—call 949-675-3952 to save your spot.

Don’t miss this chance to create magical memories with a beloved childhood icon. Bring your family and friends for a day to remember!

#PaddingtonBear #BalboaIslandMuseum #NewportBeachEvents #FamilyFun #MeetPaddington

Paddington is coming to Balboa Island!

📍 Where: Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach
🗓️ When: Saturday, January 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Join us for a fun-filled day with everyone’s favorite bear. Here’s what to expect:

Meet and take photos with Paddington
Enjoy delicious treats
Participate in exciting activities for all ages
Shop exclusive Paddington merchandise
Once upon a time, a small bear from Darkest Peru arrived in London with nothing but a suitcase, a jar of marmalade, and a tag that read: “Please look after this bear.” That bear was Paddington, and he’s been bringing joy to families ever since. Now, Paddington is traveling to Balboa Island, ready to create new adventures and meet YOU!

✨ RSVP is required—call 949-675-3952 to save your spot.

Don’t miss this chance to create magical memories with a beloved childhood icon. Bring your family and friends for a day to remember!

#PaddingtonBear #BalboaIslandMuseum #NewportBeachEvents #FamilyFun #MeetPaddington

Help LA Wildfire Victims

The wildfires have caused devastating loss, but together, we can make a difference. Here's how:

💔 Donate for Recovery

Red Cross: www.redcross.org/donate
CA Fire Foundation: www.cafirefoundation.org
Community Foundation: www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund
Habitat for Humanity: www.habitatla.org/support-us
LAFD Foundation: supportlafd.org

🐾 Support Animals
Pasadena Humane: www.pasadenahumane.org
Humane Society Ventura County: www.hsvc.org
LA County Animal Care: animalcare.lacounty.gov

🍴 Feed Those in Need
World Central Kitchen: www.wck.org/news/first-alert-ca-fires-jan25
LA Regional Food Bank: www.lafoodbank.org

💪 Volunteer Your Time
Help at shelters, care for animals, or assist with meal prep. Find opportunities at organizations like Red Cross and Pasadena Humane.

💡 Every dollar, supply, or hour of time counts. Let’s show the strength of our community!

#WildfireRelief #HelpLA #CaliforniaStrong #DisasterRecovery #CommunitySupport

Help LA Wildfire Victims

The wildfires have caused devastating loss, but together, we can make a difference. Here's how:

💔 Donate for Recovery

Red Cross: www.redcross.org/donate
CA Fire Foundation: www.cafirefoundation.org
Community Foundation: www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund
Habitat for Humanity: www.habitatla.org/support-us
LAFD Foundation: supportlafd.org

🐾 Support Animals
Pasadena Humane: www.pasadenahumane.org
Humane Society Ventura County: www.hsvc.org
LA County Animal Care: animalcare.lacounty.gov

🍴 Feed Those in Need
World Central Kitchen: www.wck.org/news/first-alert-ca-fires-jan25
LA Regional Food Bank: www.lafoodbank.org

💪 Volunteer Your Time
Help at shelters, care for animals, or assist with meal prep. Find opportunities at organizations like Red Cross and Pasadena Humane.

💡 Every dollar, supply, or hour of time counts. Let’s show the strength of our community!

#WildfireRelief #HelpLA #CaliforniaStrong #DisasterRecovery #CommunitySupport

New exhibits are here in Newport Beach. Don’t miss out—tag a friend to come along and explore. #NewExhibits #MuseumTour #DiscoverNewportBeach

New exhibits are here in Newport Beach. Don’t miss out—tag a friend to come along and explore. #NewExhibits #MuseumTour #DiscoverNewportBeach

Admission is always free—bring the family to Newport Beach and explore Balboa Island’s past. Share with someone who loves adventures. #FreeAdmission #NewportBeachExplorers #ExploreHistory

Admission is always free—bring the family to Newport Beach and explore Balboa Island’s past. Share with someone who loves adventures. #FreeAdmission #NewportBeachExplorers #ExploreHistory

Stay tuned for upcoming museum events in Newport Beach by following us. Share this to spread the word. #MuseumEvents #StayUpdated #NewportBeachNews

Stay tuned for upcoming museum events in Newport Beach by following us. Share this to spread the word. #MuseumEvents #StayUpdated #NewportBeachNews

Interested in volunteering? We’d love to have you on our Newport Beach team. Tag a friend who might be interested. #JoinUs #VolunteerOpportunity #NewportBeachCommunity

Interested in volunteering? We’d love to have you on our Newport Beach team. Tag a friend who might be interested. #JoinUs #VolunteerOpportunity #NewportBeachCommunity

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

Shop our store online or in person for unique Balboa Island and Newport Beach finds. Tag someone who loves coastal treasures. #ShopLocal #CoastalGifts #NewportBeachShopping

Shop our store online or in person for unique Balboa Island and Newport Beach finds. Tag someone who loves coastal treasures. #ShopLocal #CoastalGifts #NewportBeachShopping

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

Admission is always free—bring the family to Newport Beach and explore Balboa Island’s past. Share with someone who loves adventures. #FreeAdmission #NewportBeachExplorers #ExploreHistory

Admission is always free—bring the family to Newport Beach and explore Balboa Island’s past. Share with someone who loves adventures. #FreeAdmission #NewportBeachExplorers #ExploreHistory

Interested in volunteering? We’d love to have you on our Newport Beach team. Tag a friend who might be interested. #JoinUs #VolunteerOpportunity #NewportBeachCommunity

Interested in volunteering? We’d love to have you on our Newport Beach team. Tag a friend who might be interested. #JoinUs #VolunteerOpportunity #NewportBeachCommunity

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

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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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Balboa Island, CA 92662

949.675.3952
info@balboaislandmuseum.org

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