Siebel, Ed | Balboa Island Museum

top of page

Call: 949.675.3952

VISIT
SUPPORT
LEARN
EVENTS
VETERANS
More

Use tab to navigate through the menu items.

1/3

Siebel, Ed

Follow Us on
Social Media

Stop Scrolling! These Are a Vibe & They’re Here

Iconic books. Legendary rides. California dreams.
Perfect for your coffee table, your wall, or your next adventure fuel-up.

Shop online now (link in bio):
https://balboa-island-museum.myshopify.com/

Why grab one now?
• Limited stock – once they’re gone, they’re gone
• Instant upgrade to your living room, office, or gift game
• Conversation starters – from surf history to Kobe’s playbook to Disneyland nostalgia

Top Picks in Store & Online
• Surf Rides & Beach Rides – Rad rides + California coast stories
• Kobe Bryant: The Mamba Mentality – Mindset from the legend himself
• Walt Disney’s Disneyland – Magic in book form
• A Man & His Watch / A Man & His Car – Pure design + history
• Big Wave Surfer – The greatest rides of our lives
• Sailing America – For the wind-in-your-hair dreamers

Available in-store at Balboa Island Museum or online: https://balboa-island-museum.myshopify.com/
Phone orders: (949) 675-3952

Stop Scrolling! These Are a Vibe & They’re Here

Iconic books. Legendary rides. California dreams.
Perfect for your coffee table, your wall, or your next adventure fuel-up.

Shop online now (link in bio):
https://balboa-island-museum.myshopify.com/

Why grab one now?
• Limited stock – once they’re gone, they’re gone
• Instant upgrade to your living room, office, or gift game
• Conversation starters – from surf history to Kobe’s playbook to Disneyland nostalgia

Top Picks in Store & Online
• Surf Rides & Beach Rides – Rad rides + California coast stories
• Kobe Bryant: The Mamba Mentality – Mindset from the legend himself
• Walt Disney’s Disneyland – Magic in book form
• A Man & His Watch / A Man & His Car – Pure design + history
• Big Wave Surfer – The greatest rides of our lives
• Sailing America – For the wind-in-your-hair dreamers

Available in-store at Balboa Island Museum or online: https://balboa-island-museum.myshopify.com/
Phone orders: (949) 675-3952

In the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, Newport Harbor became a secret playground for the stars. The docks weren’t crowded yet, and the movie legends Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power, Dick Powell, Ray Milland were all skilled sailors.

📍 Hear more untold stories in the Newport Legends Series at @balboaislandmuseum

In the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, Newport Harbor became a secret playground for the stars. The docks weren’t crowded yet, and the movie legends Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power, Dick Powell, Ray Milland were all skilled sailors.

📍 Hear more untold stories in the Newport Legends Series at @balboaislandmuseum

In this Golden Age of Newport story, Tim Mang recalls Ernie Saftick, TV pioneer, early Channel 11 sports cameraman, and the first to air high school football games from Newport Harbor to Anaheim.

Ernie’s Saint Bernard, Cookie, roamed the yard with a sign: “Please don’t feed me. I’m getting too fat.”

Oh, and when Ernie was out of town? John Wayne house-sat.

📍 Watch more Newport legends with Tim Mang at @balboaislandmuseum

In this Golden Age of Newport story, Tim Mang recalls Ernie Saftick, TV pioneer, early Channel 11 sports cameraman, and the first to air high school football games from Newport Harbor to Anaheim.

Ernie’s Saint Bernard, Cookie, roamed the yard with a sign: “Please don’t feed me. I’m getting too fat.”

Oh, and when Ernie was out of town? John Wayne house-sat.

📍 Watch more Newport legends with Tim Mang at @balboaislandmuseum

After John Wayne passed, the Wild Goose didn’t retire. She adapted. Today, the iconic yacht hosts weddings, cruises, and corporate events, but the legend still lingers on deck.

Thanks to Captain Bert’s years aboard and the stories she carries, she remains arguably the most famous yacht in America.
Guests may come for the view, but they stay for the history.

📍 Explore the legacy of the Wild Goose at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for stories, exhibits, and behind-the-scenes footage

After John Wayne passed, the Wild Goose didn’t retire. She adapted. Today, the iconic yacht hosts weddings, cruises, and corporate events, but the legend still lingers on deck.

Thanks to Captain Bert’s years aboard and the stories she carries, she remains arguably the most famous yacht in America.
Guests may come for the view, but they stay for the history.

📍 Explore the legacy of the Wild Goose at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for stories, exhibits, and behind-the-scenes footage

The Balboa Island Ferry isn’t just transportation. It’s part of the neighborhood. For over a century, locals have counted on it, rain, shine, fog, or film crew.

Even a short closure for dock repairs stirred frustration. Because to Newport Beach, the ferry isn’t a novelty. It’s a tradition.

@newportbeachhistory @newportbeach @newport.in.the.rearview.mirror @visitbalboaisland @visitnewportbeach @visittheoc @visitcalifornia

The Balboa Island Ferry isn’t just transportation. It’s part of the neighborhood. For over a century, locals have counted on it, rain, shine, fog, or film crew.

Even a short closure for dock repairs stirred frustration. Because to Newport Beach, the ferry isn’t a novelty. It’s a tradition.

@newportbeachhistory @newportbeach @newport.in.the.rearview.mirror @visitbalboaisland @visitnewportbeach @visittheoc @visitcalifornia

“It started as a rowboat, and just turned 100 years old.”

The Balboa Island Ferry is the oldest continuous business on Newport Harbor, traveling 900 feet from the island to the peninsula.

Originally launched by Joe Beek as a rowboat, the ferry evolved into a 3-car vessel, still operated by the same family a century later. Joe’s son Seymour carries on the tradition, keeping this iconic link between past and present alive on the water.

📍 Celebrate 100 years of crossings at @balboaislandmuseum

“It started as a rowboat, and just turned 100 years old.”

The Balboa Island Ferry is the oldest continuous business on Newport Harbor, traveling 900 feet from the island to the peninsula.

Originally launched by Joe Beek as a rowboat, the ferry evolved into a 3-car vessel, still operated by the same family a century later. Joe’s son Seymour carries on the tradition, keeping this iconic link between past and present alive on the water.

📍 Celebrate 100 years of crossings at @balboaislandmuseum

“He missed Annapolis by one spot. He might’ve been an admiral instead of a cowboy.”

John Wayne knew more about the sea than most people realized. He ran the Wild Goose like a proper ship, clean, tight, immaculate.

Had he gotten into Annapolis, he may never have become an American icon.

Down on the main deck sits the most famous table in Newport Beach, where The Duke hosted dinners with family and friends. If it could talk, it would whisper legends.

“He missed Annapolis by one spot. He might’ve been an admiral instead of a cowboy.”

John Wayne knew more about the sea than most people realized. He ran the Wild Goose like a proper ship, clean, tight, immaculate.

Had he gotten into Annapolis, he may never have become an American icon.

Down on the main deck sits the most famous table in Newport Beach, where The Duke hosted dinners with family and friends. If it could talk, it would whisper legends.

As the harbor tour rounds the bend, Tim Mang points out the modest one-story home once owned by John Wayne, right here in Newport Beach.

Wayne bought the house from Elgin Gates, a world-renowned big-game hunter who served as technical director on Hatari, the film where Wayne famously lassos a rhinoceros.

The home may be humble, but the legends who lived there were anything but.

📍 Explore more Newport icons in our Newport Legends Series at @balboaislandmuseum

As the harbor tour rounds the bend, Tim Mang points out the modest one-story home once owned by John Wayne, right here in Newport Beach.

Wayne bought the house from Elgin Gates, a world-renowned big-game hunter who served as technical director on Hatari, the film where Wayne famously lassos a rhinoceros.

The home may be humble, but the legends who lived there were anything but.

📍 Explore more Newport icons in our Newport Legends Series at @balboaislandmuseum

It started as a convenience. It became part of the fabric.

The Balboa Island Ferry has been carrying cars, locals, and legends across Newport Harbor since the early 1900s. What began as a one-car ferry evolved over decades into a community cornerstonea

📍 Learn more about Newport’s most beloved boat at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for ferry history, photos, and oral stories

It started as a convenience. It became part of the fabric.

The Balboa Island Ferry has been carrying cars, locals, and legends across Newport Harbor since the early 1900s. What began as a one-car ferry evolved over decades into a community cornerstonea

📍 Learn more about Newport’s most beloved boat at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for ferry history, photos, and oral stories

“Humphrey Bogart got kicked off the dock, for partying too loud.”

In this cruise through the Golden Age of Newport Harbor, Tim Mang shares how actor Humphrey Bogart, a skilled sailor and member of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, found himself unwelcome at the dock of Lido Isle’s first commodore, Thomas Rudder.

📍 Watch more Newport icons in our Newport Legends Series at @balboaislandmuseum

“Humphrey Bogart got kicked off the dock, for partying too loud.”

In this cruise through the Golden Age of Newport Harbor, Tim Mang shares how actor Humphrey Bogart, a skilled sailor and member of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, found himself unwelcome at the dock of Lido Isle’s first commodore, Thomas Rudder.

📍 Watch more Newport icons in our Newport Legends Series at @balboaislandmuseum

From the historic Balboa Island Ferry to John Wayne’s Wild Goose, Huell Howser wrapped up a day on the water in Newport Beach with stories, legends, and laughter.

📍 Rewatch the full episode at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for exhibits, photos, and California’s Gold memories

From the historic Balboa Island Ferry to John Wayne’s Wild Goose, Huell Howser wrapped up a day on the water in Newport Beach with stories, legends, and laughter.

📍 Rewatch the full episode at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for exhibits, photos, and California’s Gold memories

"That was Joan Irvine’s house," he said, pointing toward the cliffside. Carol smiled. She used to have lunch parties there, barefoot by the pool, Rose Bowl crown tucked away like it meant nothing.

Before the yachts and influencers, Newport Beach held quieter royalty. Carol Washburn was the 1962 Rose Queen, daughter of Don Washburn, who bought Joan Irvine’s home after starting a little company called 7UP. Their cliffside estate overlooked the Rose Bowl, and Newport was just the weekend house.

"That was Joan Irvine’s house," he said, pointing toward the cliffside. Carol smiled. She used to have lunch parties there, barefoot by the pool, Rose Bowl crown tucked away like it meant nothing.

Before the yachts and influencers, Newport Beach held quieter royalty. Carol Washburn was the 1962 Rose Queen, daughter of Don Washburn, who bought Joan Irvine’s home after starting a little company called 7UP. Their cliffside estate overlooked the Rose Bowl, and Newport was just the weekend house.

“Growing up here was like living inside a secret theme park. But we didn’t know it.”
Tim Mang remembers childhood in 1950s Newport Beach like it was just another day:
— Body surfing before school
— Sailing to friends’ houses for lunch
— Riding bikes up Pacific Coast Highway so steep you had to zigzag
— Mini golf behind the barbershop after a haircut

They didn’t realize it then—but it was California’s gold, hiding in plain sight.
📍From the archives of @balboaislandmuseum

“Growing up here was like living inside a secret theme park. But we didn’t know it.”
Tim Mang remembers childhood in 1950s Newport Beach like it was just another day:
— Body surfing before school
— Sailing to friends’ houses for lunch
— Riding bikes up Pacific Coast Highway so steep you had to zigzag
— Mini golf behind the barbershop after a haircut

They didn’t realize it then—but it was California’s gold, hiding in plain sight.
📍From the archives of @balboaislandmuseum

Captain Bert stands once again at the wheel of the Wild Goose, just as he did for John Wayne decades ago. The polished brass, the original compass, the memory of The Duke standing tall at the helm, it’s all still here.

What started as a World War II minesweeper became an American legend’s floating retreat. And today, it still carries the weight of those stories.

📍 See more Wild Goose memories at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for history, exhibits, and full video clips

Captain Bert stands once again at the wheel of the Wild Goose, just as he did for John Wayne decades ago. The polished brass, the original compass, the memory of The Duke standing tall at the helm, it’s all still here.

What started as a World War II minesweeper became an American legend’s floating retreat. And today, it still carries the weight of those stories.

📍 See more Wild Goose memories at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for history, exhibits, and full video clips

Over 100 degrees. No AC. Schools closed. Businesses shuttered.

In mid-September of 1939, Balboa Island and much of Southern California were hit with a brutal heatwave. On September 18, the Balboa Fire Station recorded temps well over 100 degrees.

Schools shut back down just days after opening. Even businesses called it quits.
It was the kind of heat people still talk about, and it was only the beginning of a wild September.

📍 Watch the full 1939 documentary at @balboaislandmuseum

Over 100 degrees. No AC. Schools closed. Businesses shuttered.

In mid-September of 1939, Balboa Island and much of Southern California were hit with a brutal heatwave. On September 18, the Balboa Fire Station recorded temps well over 100 degrees.

Schools shut back down just days after opening. Even businesses called it quits.
It was the kind of heat people still talk about, and it was only the beginning of a wild September.

📍 Watch the full 1939 documentary at @balboaislandmuseum

“They lived on Lido, partied on the harbor, and collected Oscars.”

In 1948, Jane Wyman won an Academy Award for Johnny Belinda. That same year, her best friend Claire Trevor won for Key Largo.

They both lived on Lido Isle, partied together, and spent their days with friends like Edgar and Fran Bergen, Dick Powell, and June Allyson.

Hollywood’s Golden Age didn’t just live in Beverly Hills—it anchored right here in Newport.

📍 Discover Newport’s star-studded past at @balboaislandmuseum

“They lived on Lido, partied on the harbor, and collected Oscars.”

In 1948, Jane Wyman won an Academy Award for Johnny Belinda. That same year, her best friend Claire Trevor won for Key Largo.

They both lived on Lido Isle, partied together, and spent their days with friends like Edgar and Fran Bergen, Dick Powell, and June Allyson.

Hollywood’s Golden Age didn’t just live in Beverly Hills—it anchored right here in Newport.

📍 Discover Newport’s star-studded past at @balboaislandmuseum

She always knew she'd be an entrepreneur. Selling anything she could as a kid, organizing everyone around her, and somehow turning chaos into charm.

Balboa Island wasn’t just where her parents were, it fit her rhythm. Her father told her to buy the house near the bench on South Bayfront. She listened. And just like that, her story became part of the island’s.

📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum for stories shaped by family and salt air
🔗 Link in bio for exhibits and past event recordings

She always knew she'd be an entrepreneur. Selling anything she could as a kid, organizing everyone around her, and somehow turning chaos into charm.

Balboa Island wasn’t just where her parents were, it fit her rhythm. Her father told her to buy the house near the bench on South Bayfront. She listened. And just like that, her story became part of the island’s.

📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum for stories shaped by family and salt air
🔗 Link in bio for exhibits and past event recordings

The Wild Goose wasn’t just John Wayne’s yacht, it was his escape. A floating sanctuary from Hollywood where he spent quiet days with his wife and kids, far from the spotlight.

Captain Bert remembers long watches in the wheelhouse, feet propped up, Wayne often by his side.
It may have been a converted minesweeper, but for The Duke, it was always a family boat.

📍 Explore more Wild Goose memories at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for the full exhibit and oral history series

The Wild Goose wasn’t just John Wayne’s yacht, it was his escape. A floating sanctuary from Hollywood where he spent quiet days with his wife and kids, far from the spotlight.

Captain Bert remembers long watches in the wheelhouse, feet propped up, Wayne often by his side.
It may have been a converted minesweeper, but for The Duke, it was always a family boat.

📍 Explore more Wild Goose memories at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for the full exhibit and oral history series

“We used to sail to school. No, really.”

Before it was the Bluewater Grill, it was the real Newport Cannery, and locals remember the smell. Kids riding bikes from Lido to Newport Grammar would pedal faster just to get past it.

Once in a while, they’d sail across the harbor, dock at the American Legion, and walk the rest of the way. It didn’t happen often, but when it did, it felt like magic.

📍 Watch more Newport memories at @balboaislandmuseum

“We used to sail to school. No, really.”

Before it was the Bluewater Grill, it was the real Newport Cannery, and locals remember the smell. Kids riding bikes from Lido to Newport Grammar would pedal faster just to get past it.

Once in a while, they’d sail across the harbor, dock at the American Legion, and walk the rest of the way. It didn’t happen often, but when it did, it felt like magic.

📍 Watch more Newport memories at @balboaislandmuseum

Shirley had built a successful business. Selling it brought reward, but building the museum brought meaning.
With every puzzle piece placed, every photo displayed, every child laughing in the sandbox, she was giving back to the community that gave her so much.

This time, the benefit wasn’t just hers. It belonged to everyone who walked through the door.

📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum for more stories of purpose and legacy

Shirley had built a successful business. Selling it brought reward, but building the museum brought meaning.
With every puzzle piece placed, every photo displayed, every child laughing in the sandbox, she was giving back to the community that gave her so much.

This time, the benefit wasn’t just hers. It belonged to everyone who walked through the door.

📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum for more stories of purpose and legacy

During the 1939 hurricane that hit Newport Harbor, a powerboat trying to enter the jetty was caught by a following sea. The boat surged forward, nearly thrown onto the rocks as the helmsman fought to reverse course.
He stopped just in time, seconds before the next wave hit.

Meanwhile, 65-knot winds battered the jetty playground, making it nearly impossible to hold the camera steady.

📍 Watch the full 1939 Hurricane documentary now at @balboaislandmuseum

During the 1939 hurricane that hit Newport Harbor, a powerboat trying to enter the jetty was caught by a following sea. The boat surged forward, nearly thrown onto the rocks as the helmsman fought to reverse course.
He stopped just in time, seconds before the next wave hit.

Meanwhile, 65-knot winds battered the jetty playground, making it nearly impossible to hold the camera steady.

📍 Watch the full 1939 Hurricane documentary now at @balboaislandmuseum

Before condos lined the harbor, this stretch of Newport Beach was home to Christian’s Hut, a legendary restaurant and bar brought over by boat, piece by piece.

Its original star? Clark Gable. The cast of Mutiny on the Bounty made it iconic. But it was the Hollywood regulars who gave it mythic status, signing their names in wood, not ink.

It wasn’t just a bar. It was Old Hollywood on the water.

📍 Watch the full story at @balboaislandmuseum

Before condos lined the harbor, this stretch of Newport Beach was home to Christian’s Hut, a legendary restaurant and bar brought over by boat, piece by piece.

Its original star? Clark Gable. The cast of Mutiny on the Bounty made it iconic. But it was the Hollywood regulars who gave it mythic status, signing their names in wood, not ink.

It wasn’t just a bar. It was Old Hollywood on the water.

📍 Watch the full story at @balboaislandmuseum

Bill bought FDR’s sunken yacht, the USS Potomac, at auction for $25,000 and took a volunteer crew to Barbados to bring her home.
The engine barely ran. The mission was uncertain. But they set out anyway, men from all walks of life ready for the journey of a lifetime.

📍 See the full story in Arts of the Ancient Mariner at @balboaislandmuseum

Bill bought FDR’s sunken yacht, the USS Potomac, at auction for $25,000 and took a volunteer crew to Barbados to bring her home.
The engine barely ran. The mission was uncertain. But they set out anyway, men from all walks of life ready for the journey of a lifetime.

📍 See the full story in Arts of the Ancient Mariner at @balboaislandmuseum

When Shirley first stepped into the “museum,” it was barely more than a dusty upstairs room above South Bayfront. But her sense of service ran deep—shaped by her parents and by growing up alongside her sister with disabilities.
She didn’t just see what it was. She saw what it could become.

📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum

When Shirley first stepped into the “museum,” it was barely more than a dusty upstairs room above South Bayfront. But her sense of service ran deep—shaped by her parents and by growing up alongside her sister with disabilities.
She didn’t just see what it was. She saw what it could become.

📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum

As the 1939 Chubasco hurricane struck Newport Harbor, chaos turned to desperation.

📍 Watch the full 1939 Hurricane documentary at @balboaislandmuseum

As the 1939 Chubasco hurricane struck Newport Harbor, chaos turned to desperation.

📍 Watch the full 1939 Hurricane documentary at @balboaislandmuseum

“We were just little old Orange Coast College, but our parties were legendary.”

In this cruise through Newport Harbor’s golden age, Tim Mang recalls his rebellious college years, president of an illegal fraternity, hosting wild shipwreck parties at “The Shed” in Costa Mesa, a venue owned by his mom.

Every Saturday was a kegger. Girls got in free. SC fraternities showed up. Newport’s calm harbor hid a rowdy undercurrent.

Step back in time to the Golden Age of Newport Harbor DVD! 🎥

✨ Grab your copy in-store or through the link in our bio and relive the magic.

📍 Watch the full oral history at @balboaislandmuseum

“We were just little old Orange Coast College, but our parties were legendary.”

In this cruise through Newport Harbor’s golden age, Tim Mang recalls his rebellious college years, president of an illegal fraternity, hosting wild shipwreck parties at “The Shed” in Costa Mesa, a venue owned by his mom.

Every Saturday was a kegger. Girls got in free. SC fraternities showed up. Newport’s calm harbor hid a rowdy undercurrent.

Step back in time to the Golden Age of Newport Harbor DVD! 🎥

✨ Grab your copy in-store or through the link in our bio and relive the magic.

📍 Watch the full oral history at @balboaislandmuseum

“Some people make a pilgrimage just to see the boat.”

In this special episode of California’s Gold, Huell Howser ends the day reflecting on two legendary vessels in Newport Beach, each with deep roots in American memory.

First, the Balboa Island Ferry, faithfully crossing the harbor since 1919. Then, John Wayne’s Wild Goose, a World War II minesweeper turned Hollywood yacht that still draws visitors to the dock just to catch a glimpse.

“Some people make a pilgrimage just to see the boat.”

In this special episode of California’s Gold, Huell Howser ends the day reflecting on two legendary vessels in Newport Beach, each with deep roots in American memory.

First, the Balboa Island Ferry, faithfully crossing the harbor since 1919. Then, John Wayne’s Wild Goose, a World War II minesweeper turned Hollywood yacht that still draws visitors to the dock just to catch a glimpse.

What started as a casual agreement became something far bigger. They signed the lease in August and opened the museum that December. It was an instant success—born of creative energy, community spirit, and one woman’s need to stay out of trouble.

Behind it all stood a great board and one man in particular whose support still echoes, though he’s no longer with us

What started as a casual agreement became something far bigger. They signed the lease in August and opened the museum that December. It was an instant success—born of creative energy, community spirit, and one woman’s need to stay out of trouble.

Behind it all stood a great board and one man in particular whose support still echoes, though he’s no longer with us

After raising the USS Potomac and beginning repairs, Bill’s crew discovered a brass telescope tucked away in a secret compartment.

Engraved with McAllister and Brother, it traced back to a Philadelphia hardware store in the 1850s. One search later, Bill found the exact model, leather casing, boxed, and listed in an original catalog from 1850.

It wasn’t just a rescue. It was a resurrection.

📚 This is Part 3.

📍 See the telescope and more at @balboaislandmuseum

After raising the USS Potomac and beginning repairs, Bill’s crew discovered a brass telescope tucked away in a secret compartment.

Engraved with McAllister and Brother, it traced back to a Philadelphia hardware store in the 1850s. One search later, Bill found the exact model, leather casing, boxed, and listed in an original catalog from 1850.

It wasn’t just a rescue. It was a resurrection.

📚 This is Part 3.

📍 See the telescope and more at @balboaislandmuseum

The Balboa Island Ferry has carried people, cars, and love stories across Newport Harbor since the early 1900s. Less than 1,000 feet each way, but for generations, it’s been a rite of passage.

Locals ride it weekly. Tourists discover it like a secret. One man brought his wife on their first date. Now he’s back with his grandson.

📍 Explore the full ferry story at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for exhibits, footage, and oral history

The Balboa Island Ferry has carried people, cars, and love stories across Newport Harbor since the early 1900s. Less than 1,000 feet each way, but for generations, it’s been a rite of passage.

Locals ride it weekly. Tourists discover it like a secret. One man brought his wife on their first date. Now he’s back with his grandson.

📍 Explore the full ferry story at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for exhibits, footage, and oral history

With a skeleton crew made of college hitchhikers and faith, Bill prepared to prove them wrong. The local economy had grown attached to the sunken ship, jobs, repairs, hope. But Bill’s crew was leaving. It was July 3rd.
He told them, “Tomorrow’s the Fourth of July. We’re going to sea.”
One engine. A harbor full of resistance. And history in the making.

📍 Explore more at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for full story

With a skeleton crew made of college hitchhikers and faith, Bill prepared to prove them wrong. The local economy had grown attached to the sunken ship, jobs, repairs, hope. But Bill’s crew was leaving. It was July 3rd.
He told them, “Tomorrow’s the Fourth of July. We’re going to sea.”
One engine. A harbor full of resistance. And history in the making.

📍 Explore more at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for full story

In this episode of California’s Gold, Huell Howser visits Newport Beach to ride two legendary vessels.

The Balboa Island Ferry, family-owned since 1919, still makes its short crossing, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Then it’s aboard John Wayne’s Wild Goose, a World War II minesweeper turned Hollywood yacht.

The last captain still remembers where “The Duke” sat, drink in hand, watching the harbor roll by.

📍 Watch clips and behind-the-scenes stories at @balboaislandmuseum

In this episode of California’s Gold, Huell Howser visits Newport Beach to ride two legendary vessels.

The Balboa Island Ferry, family-owned since 1919, still makes its short crossing, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Then it’s aboard John Wayne’s Wild Goose, a World War II minesweeper turned Hollywood yacht.

The last captain still remembers where “The Duke” sat, drink in hand, watching the harbor roll by.

📍 Watch clips and behind-the-scenes stories at @balboaislandmuseum

As chaos unfolds in the harbor, a vessel believed to be the Blue Water, skippered by Pat Dunn, rushes in to help. A sailboat nearly crashes into the rescue attempt, tossed sideways by the following sea.
No sirens. No radios. Just instinct, adrenaline, and courage.

📍 Watch the original 1939 hurricane footage now at @balboaislandmuseum

As chaos unfolds in the harbor, a vessel believed to be the Blue Water, skippered by Pat Dunn, rushes in to help. A sailboat nearly crashes into the rescue attempt, tossed sideways by the following sea.
No sirens. No radios. Just instinct, adrenaline, and courage.

📍 Watch the original 1939 hurricane footage now at @balboaislandmuseum

In the eye of the 1939 Newport hurricane, the 140-foot Paragon charged toward the harbor entrance with 16 guests and 8 crew aboard.
The captain refused. The owner took the wheel. She struck the jetty, rolled back, and barely made it through. They say she passed so close, the crew looked down on the lighthouse.

📍 Watch rare footage in our 1939 Hurricane film at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio to view the full documentary and visit the exhibit

In the eye of the 1939 Newport hurricane, the 140-foot Paragon charged toward the harbor entrance with 16 guests and 8 crew aboard.
The captain refused. The owner took the wheel. She struck the jetty, rolled back, and barely made it through. They say she passed so close, the crew looked down on the lighthouse.

📍 Watch rare footage in our 1939 Hurricane film at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio to view the full documentary and visit the exhibit

On a calm Sunday in 1939, a rare Mexican Chubasco swept into Newport Harbor with winds over 65 knots.
Sailors in the Catalina Channel had no warning. Large ground swells collided with outgoing tides, turning the harbor entrance into a death trap. Boats capsized. Buildings crumbled. The storm reached as far as Los Angeles, lifting yachts and smashing lighthouses.

📍 Watch Part 1 of the 1939 Hurricane film at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio to see the full documentary and visit the exhibit

On a calm Sunday in 1939, a rare Mexican Chubasco swept into Newport Harbor with winds over 65 knots.
Sailors in the Catalina Channel had no warning. Large ground swells collided with outgoing tides, turning the harbor entrance into a death trap. Boats capsized. Buildings crumbled. The storm reached as far as Los Angeles, lifting yachts and smashing lighthouses.

📍 Watch Part 1 of the 1939 Hurricane film at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio to see the full documentary and visit the exhibit

Bill helped rescue the USS Potomac, Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidential yacht, long believed lost to history. It wasn’t until decades later that the truth was finally acknowledged.
Four of the Americans who raised her are still alive. And Bill’s story is now part of our own harbor’s lore.

📍 Explore more at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for visiting hours, events, and full exhibit details

Bill helped rescue the USS Potomac, Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidential yacht, long believed lost to history. It wasn’t until decades later that the truth was finally acknowledged.
Four of the Americans who raised her are still alive. And Bill’s story is now part of our own harbor’s lore.

📍 Explore more at @balboaislandmuseum
🔗 Link in bio for visiting hours, events, and full exhibit details

In 1939, a rare hurricane slammed into Newport Harbor. Boats capsized. Chaos ruled the water. But two young surfers paddled straight into the storm and rescued eight people from the wreckage of the Jolly Tom, a 34-foot Wheeler cabin cruiser.
One life was lost. But without them, it would have been many more.

📍 Watch the original 1939 footage now at @balboaislandmuseum

In 1939, a rare hurricane slammed into Newport Harbor. Boats capsized. Chaos ruled the water. But two young surfers paddled straight into the storm and rescued eight people from the wreckage of the Jolly Tom, a 34-foot Wheeler cabin cruiser.
One life was lost. But without them, it would have been many more.

📍 Watch the original 1939 footage now at @balboaislandmuseum

The Wild Goose, a 136-foot yacht once owned by John Wayne, still glides through Newport Bay. It’s now operated by Hornblower Cruises, but her legacy runs deep.

Captain Bert Menchal first boarded the vessel as first mate. Years later, he became Wayne’s captain for the final three years of the star’s life.

He remembers meeting the Duke in La Paz, Mexico, and never forgetting the moment he was asked to greet an icon.

📍 Visit @balboaislandmuseum for rare stories from the Wild Goose

The Wild Goose, a 136-foot yacht once owned by John Wayne, still glides through Newport Bay. It’s now operated by Hornblower Cruises, but her legacy runs deep.

Captain Bert Menchal first boarded the vessel as first mate. Years later, he became Wayne’s captain for the final three years of the star’s life.

He remembers meeting the Duke in La Paz, Mexico, and never forgetting the moment he was asked to greet an icon.

📍 Visit @balboaislandmuseum for rare stories from the Wild Goose

When Bill got the call, it wasn’t just any old vessel. It was FDR’s presidential yacht, the USS Potomac, rotting in a harbor in Barbados.

They bought it at auction for $25,000. The engine room was flooded but the soul of the ship was intact. What came next was the start of a historic rescue.

➡️ This is Part 1. Follow @balboaislandmuseum for Parts 2 and 3
🔗 Link in bio for exhibit details

When Bill got the call, it wasn’t just any old vessel. It was FDR’s presidential yacht, the USS Potomac, rotting in a harbor in Barbados.

They bought it at auction for $25,000. The engine room was flooded but the soul of the ship was intact. What came next was the start of a historic rescue.

➡️ This is Part 1. Follow @balboaislandmuseum for Parts 2 and 3
🔗 Link in bio for exhibit details

In this episode of California’s Gold, Huell Howser takes us deep into the heart of Newport Beach’s nautical history, starting with a ride across the harbor on the Balboa Island Ferry.

With over a century of crossings, the ferry is more than just a boat. It's a moving piece of history, a local tradition, and the perfect place to begin an unforgettable day exploring two of Newport’s most iconic vessels.

📍 Relive the journey at @balboaislandmuseum

In this episode of California’s Gold, Huell Howser takes us deep into the heart of Newport Beach’s nautical history, starting with a ride across the harbor on the Balboa Island Ferry.

With over a century of crossings, the ferry is more than just a boat. It's a moving piece of history, a local tradition, and the perfect place to begin an unforgettable day exploring two of Newport’s most iconic vessels.

📍 Relive the journey at @balboaislandmuseum

The dream behind Balboa Island Museum was never just a building.

It was a puzzle table, a sandbox, a quiet place where history meets neighbors and stories are passed without ceremony.

"If he said it once, he said it twenty times. He just wanted it to feel like home."

What began as a vision became a living room for the community, one welcome smile at a time.

📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum to keep the story going
🔗 Visit the link in bio for events, exhibits, and memories in motion

@newportbeachhistory @newportbeach @newport.in.the.rearview.mirror @visitbalboaisland @visitnewportbeach @visittheoc @visitcalifornia

The dream behind Balboa Island Museum was never just a building.

It was a puzzle table, a sandbox, a quiet place where history meets neighbors and stories are passed without ceremony.

"If he said it once, he said it twenty times. He just wanted it to feel like home."

What began as a vision became a living room for the community, one welcome smile at a time.

📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum to keep the story going
🔗 Visit the link in bio for events, exhibits, and memories in motion

@newportbeachhistory @newportbeach @newport.in.the.rearview.mirror @visitbalboaisland @visitnewportbeach @visittheoc @visitcalifornia

Long before parades and beach bonfires, Newport was a quiet military outpost and in the years after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, this coast became American soil.
By the time the first Independence Day was celebrated here, Balboa Island was still sandbars and dreams, before the bridge, before the ferry, before frozen bananas.

🇺🇸 The museum will be closed July 4th, but the stories never stop.

📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum for more untold history.
🔗 Link in bio for upcoming exhibits + walking tours.

Long before parades and beach bonfires, Newport was a quiet military outpost and in the years after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, this coast became American soil.
By the time the first Independence Day was celebrated here, Balboa Island was still sandbars and dreams, before the bridge, before the ferry, before frozen bananas.

🇺🇸 The museum will be closed July 4th, but the stories never stop.

📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum for more untold history.
🔗 Link in bio for upcoming exhibits + walking tours.

You just sit still long enough in Newport and the stories come to you.

Ron Salisbury did more than tell tales, he lived them. The night he joined us at Balboa Island Museum to share his new book was a rare blend of memory, laughter, and living history.

From Mexican fare to legacy restaurateur, his story is part of the coast’s soul.

📸 Swipe through for highlights from the evening.
📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum for more local legends
🔗 Full photo album now live at the link in bio under “Past Events” and https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCkide

You just sit still long enough in Newport and the stories come to you.

Ron Salisbury did more than tell tales, he lived them. The night he joined us at Balboa Island Museum to share his new book was a rare blend of memory, laughter, and living history.

From Mexican fare to legacy restaurateur, his story is part of the coast’s soul.

📸 Swipe through for highlights from the evening.
📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum for more local legends
🔗 Full photo album now live at the link in bio under “Past Events” and https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCkide

The Wild Goose, John Wayne’s iconic converted minesweeper, still floats through Newport’s waters like a memory in motion. Her original helm, engine telegraph, and binnacle remain—updated only where the Coast Guard insisted.

And the captain? He still feels like a kid living a dream—driving the boat he once prayed just to stand on.

⚓ History doesn't just live in museums. Sometimes it cruises the bay.

📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum for more untold local legends.
🔗 Link in bio for walking tours, exhibits, and stories from the dock.

The Wild Goose, John Wayne’s iconic converted minesweeper, still floats through Newport’s waters like a memory in motion. Her original helm, engine telegraph, and binnacle remain—updated only where the Coast Guard insisted.

And the captain? He still feels like a kid living a dream—driving the boat he once prayed just to stand on.

⚓ History doesn't just live in museums. Sometimes it cruises the bay.

📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum for more untold local legends.
🔗 Link in bio for walking tours, exhibits, and stories from the dock.

The softest souvenirs on the island.

Not all treasures are vintage. Our Jellycat plush toys are now available at the Balboa Island Museum, snuggly sea creatures, cuddly classics, and quirky keepsakes for kids (or the young at heart).

Perfect for gifting after a ferry ride, or bringing a little Balboa charm home with you.

🛍️ Available in-store or online while they last!

📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum for more local finds.
🔗 Tap our bio to shop or plan your visit.

The softest souvenirs on the island.

Not all treasures are vintage. Our Jellycat plush toys are now available at the Balboa Island Museum, snuggly sea creatures, cuddly classics, and quirky keepsakes for kids (or the young at heart).

Perfect for gifting after a ferry ride, or bringing a little Balboa charm home with you.

🛍️ Available in-store or online while they last!

📍 Follow @balboaislandmuseum for more local finds.
🔗 Tap our bio to shop or plan your visit.

Newport life in the late ‘50s meant sandlot baseball, window-breaking line drives, and 6am surf meetups at the ferry landing.
Boards from Hobie. Wheels on racks. Kids from Corona Del Mar.
Freedom, friendship, and the early days of SoCal surf culture before leashes, before crowds, just stoke.

📍Follow @balboaislandmuseum for more untold Newport stories.
🔗 Tap our bio for events + exhibits.

@Newportbeachhistory @newportbeach @newport.in.the.rearview.mirror @visitbalboaisland @visitnewportbeach @visittheoc @visitcalifornia

Newport life in the late ‘50s meant sandlot baseball, window-breaking line drives, and 6am surf meetups at the ferry landing.
Boards from Hobie. Wheels on racks. Kids from Corona Del Mar.
Freedom, friendship, and the early days of SoCal surf culture before leashes, before crowds, just stoke.

📍Follow @balboaislandmuseum for more untold Newport stories.
🔗 Tap our bio for events + exhibits.

@Newportbeachhistory @newportbeach @newport.in.the.rearview.mirror @visitbalboaisland @visitnewportbeach @visittheoc @visitcalifornia

From icy water and bamboo swim lessons to paddleboard races and prepping the beach for rentals, John Vallely’s childhood was shaped by the spirit of Balboa Island and B-I-Y-C.

John and Karen Vallely reflect on life at 508, island competition, and the enduring community that defined their youth.

🎧 Now part of the Balboa Island Museum Oral History collection.

#BalboaIslandMuseum #OralHistory #BIYC #IslandLife #JohnVallely #KarenVallely #NewportBeachHistory

From icy water and bamboo swim lessons to paddleboard races and prepping the beach for rentals, John Vallely’s childhood was shaped by the spirit of Balboa Island and B-I-Y-C.

John and Karen Vallely reflect on life at 508, island competition, and the enduring community that defined their youth.

🎧 Now part of the Balboa Island Museum Oral History collection.

#BalboaIslandMuseum #OralHistory #BIYC #IslandLife #JohnVallely #KarenVallely #NewportBeachHistory

Join us for a special evening with legendary restaurateur Ron Salisbury at the Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach.

📅 Thursday, June 19 at 5:30pm
🎟 $20 for Members | $25 for Non-Members
📍 210 B Marine Ave, Balboa Island, CA 92662
📞 RSVP: 949.675.3952
🌐 BalboaIslandMuseum.org

Ron has spent over 70 years in the restaurant business—most notably behind the iconic El Cholo. He’ll share stories from his remarkable journey, based on his book “What They Don’t Teach You at the C.I.A.”.

He’s opened restaurants all across Southern California, won lifetime achievement awards, and appeared on national TV.

Light refreshments will be served.

Join us for a special evening with legendary restaurateur Ron Salisbury at the Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach.

📅 Thursday, June 19 at 5:30pm
🎟 $20 for Members | $25 for Non-Members
📍 210 B Marine Ave, Balboa Island, CA 92662
📞 RSVP: 949.675.3952
🌐 BalboaIslandMuseum.org

Ron has spent over 70 years in the restaurant business—most notably behind the iconic El Cholo. He’ll share stories from his remarkable journey, based on his book “What They Don’t Teach You at the C.I.A.”.

He’s opened restaurants all across Southern California, won lifetime achievement awards, and appeared on national TV.

Light refreshments will be served.

Step back in time to the Golden Age of Newport Harbor film! 🎥✨ Grab your copy in-store or through the link in our bio and relive the magic.

Did you know one of the greatest love stories in cinema history was filmed right here on these Newport cliffs?

🎥 The White Cliffs of Dover used this very spot to stand in for England after WWI—an iconic backdrop for a timeless romance.

Back then, the Castaways Club sat at the top of the cliff, hosting Hollywood royalty like Humphrey Bogart. Legend has it that after a few too many cocktails, those narrow roads back down to Coast Highway made for some wild rides… but hey, they knew the police chief. 😉

🎞️ Local film history lives here.
📍 Newport’s Castaways: where love stories and late-night legends were made.

Follow @balboaislandmuseum for more.
Tap our bio for events + exhibits.

#BalboaIslandMuseum #NewportHistory #WhiteCliffsOfDover #CastawaysClub #OldHollywood #LocalLegends #NewportBeach

Step back in time to the Golden Age of Newport Harbor film! 🎥✨ Grab your copy in-store or through the link in our bio and relive the magic.

Did you know one of the greatest love stories in cinema history was filmed right here on these Newport cliffs?

🎥 The White Cliffs of Dover used this very spot to stand in for England after WWI—an iconic backdrop for a timeless romance.

Back then, the Castaways Club sat at the top of the cliff, hosting Hollywood royalty like Humphrey Bogart. Legend has it that after a few too many cocktails, those narrow roads back down to Coast Highway made for some wild rides… but hey, they knew the police chief. 😉

🎞️ Local film history lives here.
📍 Newport’s Castaways: where love stories and late-night legends were made.

Follow @balboaislandmuseum for more.
Tap our bio for events + exhibits.

#BalboaIslandMuseum #NewportHistory #WhiteCliffsOfDover #CastawaysClub #OldHollywood #LocalLegends #NewportBeach

Wine in one hand, paintbrush in the other... Tomorrow night, we’re making art and memories — and you’re invited.

Join us for Sip & Paint with TamsArt, the fabulous mother-daughter duo known for turning even the “I’m-not-creative” types into artists by the end of the night.
No pressure. No perfection.

Just a relaxed evening on Balboa Island with: • Flowing wine 🍷 • Feel-good music • Good laughs • And your own canvas to take home

🗓 Thursday, June 12 | 5–8 PM 📍 Balboa Island Museum 🎟 $50 per guest 📞 RSVP: 949-675-3952 🔗 Save your spot at the link in bio

Trust us — this isn’t your average paint night. It’s classy, a little sassy, and the perfect midweek reset.

Wine in one hand, paintbrush in the other... Tomorrow night, we’re making art and memories — and you’re invited.

Join us for Sip & Paint with TamsArt, the fabulous mother-daughter duo known for turning even the “I’m-not-creative” types into artists by the end of the night.
No pressure. No perfection.

Just a relaxed evening on Balboa Island with: • Flowing wine 🍷 • Feel-good music • Good laughs • And your own canvas to take home

🗓 Thursday, June 12 | 5–8 PM 📍 Balboa Island Museum 🎟 $50 per guest 📞 RSVP: 949-675-3952 🔗 Save your spot at the link in bio

Trust us — this isn’t your average paint night. It’s classy, a little sassy, and the perfect midweek reset.

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Newsletter Sign Up

Visit

BALBOA ISLAND HISTORY

HISTORY OF 210 MARINE AVE.

VISITOR RESOURCES

Support

VOLUNTEER/DOCENT

BECOME A MEMBER

HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

Learn

10 MINUTE TALKS

Events

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

210 B Marine Avenue

Balboa Island, CA 92662

949.675.3952
info@balboaislandmuseum.org

Balboa Island Musem © 2025 All Rights Reserved.

bottom of page