The town of Avalon had been named and surveyed, and construction of the Hotel Metropole was well along toward its completion, but the fall and winter of 1887 saw no community Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration.
Heavy and continued rains, widespread floods, road and rail washouts, virtually prevented the normal flow of Southern California winter tourists. Avalon was soggy and deserted. Even George Shatto, owner of Santa Catalina Island and promoter of the new enterprise was unable to combat this dreary circumstance.
The town of Avalon had been named and surveyed, and construction of the Hotel Metropole was well along toward its completion, but the fall and winter of 1887 saw no community Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration.
Heavy and continued rains, widespread floods, road and rail washouts, virtually prevented the normal flow of Southern California winter tourists. Avalon was soggy and deserted. Even George Shatto, owner of Santa Catalina Island and promoter of the new enterprise was unable to combat this dreary circumstance.
Not until February 1888 was scheduled transportation resumed and travelers and new landowners were able to arrive to commence the building of homes and stores.
For the presidential election of 1888, Avalon was made a voting precinct, with the polls in the Hotel Metropole.
On Tuesday, Nov. 6, 1888 votes were cast, the ballot box sealed and escorted to the schooner “Ruby” for conveyance to Los Angeles.
After the election, plans were made for a first Thanksgiving celebration together.
The town now boasted a population of about 60 people, including children.
Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Wheeler were the owners of the schooner “Ruby,” the Avalon Bakery and the Avalon Home, a hotel with a dining room on the west corner of Sumner and Crescent avenues, (present location of Lloyd’s of Avalon and the Catalina Café).
They extended an invitation to all residents and visitors to come feast and join in gratitude to their Creator for the privilege of their life and good health on this beautiful island.
On Nov. 22, Thanksgiving Day was celebrated in Avalon much like the Pilgrims in America’s first Thanksgiving.
Indeed, these celebrants were also those who founded the Community Church in Congregational discipline and Pilgrim tradition. The food had already been gathered from the hills and the ocean. All helped.
From the hills came goat, mutton and quail; from the sea, crayfish and abalone; and from the town, chickens, eggs and milk. The women prepared the food.
Unfortunately, the morning wind, “a southeast gale,” prevented travel from the mainland.
The steamer “Falcon” had been scheduled to arrive, bringing Peter Gano and others, but the vessel dared not risk the southeast passage. All in Avalon came to dinner at the “Avalon Home,” except Jimmy Cahill, the cobbler and blacksmith, who bore an unwarranted grudge and sulked alone in his tent.
They all gathered around the festive dining tables where with bowed heads they were led in prayer by Edwin J. Whitney, superintendent of the Island.
Thus this little band of pioneers celebrated their first Thanksgiving together isolated by nearly 30 miles of wintry ocean.
It was their first winter, yet their spirits were high and they were united in courage. With faith in a kind Heavenly Guide, and a song in their hearts, they willingly shared one another’s joys and misfortunes in the new life on the lonely, lovely island. Their prayers were answered and God was with them.
