On Feb. 16, 2019—nearly 100 years to the date—the Catalina Island Museum and close to 150 members and guests celebrated William Wrigley Jr.’s purchase of Santa Catalina Island and his first-ever visit. In addition to opening an exhibition commemorating his lasting impact, the museum also welcomed “Mr. William Wrigley Jr”’ back to the island. Although he was obviusly a lookalike, everyone was in good spirits and played along. Usherettes passed out packs of Wrigley’s Gum, the Boy Scouts of Avalon and the Sea Scouts of Long Beach performed a flag ceremony, root beer floats made with 1919 Root Beer and of course, cake was enjoyed by all. Special guests included descendants of William Wrigley Jr. and members of the museum’s Board of Trustees.
For the remainder of the year, the museum revisits 1919 and the following transformational decade during its special exhibition “Wrigley’s Catalina: A Centennial Celebration.” In just 10 years, the chewing gum magnate transformed Catalina Island into a world-class resort destination. The incredible impact of that decade is still evident today.
This special exhibition commemorates Wrigley and the execution of his vision for the island by highlighting many of his improvement projects, especially during that first year of ownership. From selling parcels of land to residents, building new homes, shops, hotels, infrastructure and utilities, to improving industry such as mining, production of furniture and building supplies, to ocean transportation, the addition of a professional sports team (the Chicago Cubs), the iconic Avalon Casino and more. Wrigley’s achievements can still be experienced by the 1 million visitors to the island today and exemplify his devotion to Santa Catalina Island.
The exhibition is open to the public through Jan. 19, 2020. Admission to the museum is free for its members, $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, military and students with a valid I.D. Children, age 15 and under are free every day with a paid adult admission.
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, July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building is located in the heart of Avalon at 217 Metropole Ave. For more information, the museum may be reached at 310-510-2414 or CatalinaMuseum.org.
