Certain names and families on Catalina Island are so recognizable even most visitors know them. So it is no surprise that hundreds of people attended the Catalina Island Museum’s documentary screening about the island’s beloved barber Lolo Saldana. Nor is it a surprise that folks flocked to the museum to hear from David Renton, grandson of William Wrigley Jr.’s right hand man D. M. Renton during a book signing a few days later.
On July 3, Lolo Saldana turned 90 years old and, in his honor, the museum along with Story Bank Productions created a documentary telling the story of Lolo and the Barbershop. The third in the museum’s Catalina Story Project series, Lolo and the Barbershop’s premiere screening took place that evening in front of a capacity crowd in its outdoor amphitheater. Party goers were treated to appetizers generously provided by Caleb Lins and The Lobster Trap. Many shared stories about their first haircuts, little league, golf and so many other ways Lolo has been a part of their lives. Following the screening, the large crowd sang Happy Birthday to him and enjoyed cake and cupcakes.
The documentary will now be submitted to a number of film festivals in hopes of gaining some additional recognition and possibly a few awards. Once the film festival schedule is complete, the museum will add the documentary to its YouTube channel and share it for all to enjoy.
On July 7, the museum hosted a book signing with members of the Renton family and authors of the recently published book “The Life and Legacy of D.M. Renton: Pasadena and Santa Catalina Island, California, 1902-1936.” The book’s authors, David Renton, grandson of D. M. and Kathryn Renton, David’s daughter and D.M.’s great-granddaughter, gave some insight into D. M. Renton and his close relationship with William Wrigley Jr. They also shared a rare audio clip from 1932 of D.M. and David Blankenhorn reminiscing about Wrigley and how he came to purchase the island. At the time, Blankenhorn was in charge of Wrigley’s financial interests in Southern California.
“The Life and Legacy of D. M. Renton” is available at the museum and online at
CatalinaMuseum.org/shop. The proceeds benefit the museum.
The Catalina Island Museum offers the best in art and history exhibitions, music and dance performances, lectures by guest speakers from all over the world, and the finest in silent, documentary and international film. Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The new Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building is located in the heart of Avalon at 217 Metropole Ave. For more information, call the Museum at 310-510-2414 or visit CatalinaMuseum.org.
