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The beautiful isle of Catalina is located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California. It is one of the eight Channel Islands that stretch up and down the coast of California. It is both rich in tradition and heritage, with history dating back more than 5000 years. Native Americans originally inhabited the island and cultivated harmonious lives off the beautiful island.
During the next few centuries, Catalina Island was explored and visited by numerous Spaniards, pirates, smugglers, explorers, developers, and castaways. They came in search of uncharted territories and better fortunes. The Island was sold and resold and continued to search for an owner and destiny until it was bought by George Shatto in 1887. He became the first visionary of Santa Catalina Island, forseeing the great potential for romance on the majestic Island. He began the arduous process of transforming Catalina Island and developing its potential as a tourist getaway.
Unfortunately, his dream was never realized, he was unable to sustain the growth of the Island and it was eventually reclaimed by the trustees. The Island was again sold, in 1892, to William Banning whose father was a developer and founder of stagecoach transportation in Southern California. The Banning family succeeded in doing what Shatto could not. However, they were forced to sell the Island after a devastating fire in 1915, that leveled a third of Avalon. Santa Catalina Island was sold to one of the most successful businessman of his time, William Wrigley Jr. in 1919.
Mr. Wrigley bought the Catalina Island after an extremely successful business career in soap and chewing gum. He was a pioneer in business, advertising, and a true visionary in every sense of the term. He was as philantropic as he was successful and his contributions continue to enchant the lives of people today.
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