This week for Throwback Thursday, we’re diving into the rich history of San Clemente during the 1930s, a time when the city was still in its formative years. Thanks to these nostalgic photographs, we can step back in time to witness Ole Hanson’s vision of San Clemente as the "Spanish Village by the Sea" coming to life.
A Quick History of San Clemente’s Founding
Ole Hanson, the visionary behind San Clemente, officially named the town on November 23, 1925. His dream was to create a coastal haven where residents could enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean while living in homes that reflected the charm of Spanish-style architecture. San Clemente was officially founded on December 6, 1925, and incorporated just a few years later on February 28, 1928. Hanson’s passion for Spanish tile roofs, white stucco buildings, and a cohesive design aesthetic set the tone for the town’s growth during the 1930s.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the key places that were part of San Clemente’s early development, captured beautifully in these photos.
Avenida Del Mar Parade
The first photograph captures a lively parade on Avenida Del Mar, with crowds gathered to celebrate and vintage cars taking center stage. This event, likely from the early 1930s, shows us a community that was coming together to celebrate its early identity. At this time, San Clemente was still a small town, but its residents were proud of their growing community and actively participated in local events. The backdrop of this image reflects the open, rolling hills of the area before major development, creating a picturesque setting for gatherings.
The Spanish-style architecture of the buildings lining the street, featuring red-tile roofs and stucco, highlights Ole Hanson’s design vision. This architectural style was intended to give the town a cohesive, timeless look—one that we still see reflected in many of San Clemente’s historical buildings today.
An Aerial View of Avenida Del Mar
The second image offers a rare aerial view of Avenida Del Mar during the 1930s. Here, we see how sparse the town’s development was in its early years, with just a handful of structures near the ocean and a scattering of lots waiting to be built upon. Yet, even in this early phase, the distinct Spanish architecture is already present, creating the framework for Hanson’s dream of a Spanish-inspired coastal town.
In the distance, you can catch a glimpse of the ocean and the nearby pier, both of which played central roles in San Clemente’s identity. Hanson envisioned San Clemente as a place where residents could enjoy a relaxed coastal lifestyle, with easy access to both the beach and the surrounding natural beauty. This aerial view gives us a glimpse of a town still in the process of becoming the vibrant community it is today.
Del Mar Avenue in 1933
The third photo, taken in 1933, shows Del Mar Avenue as a quiet street with parked cars and early Spanish-style buildings lining its sides. The simplicity of this scene belies the rich history behind each structure, many of which are now known as "Ole Hansons"—historical landmarks named after the town’s founder. These original buildings are characterized by their Spanish tile roofs, stucco exteriors, and arched windows—design elements that have become synonymous with San Clemente’s charm.
At the end of the street, we see a marquee advertising a local theater, which was likely a central hub for entertainment during this time. The architecture, the calm streets, and the burgeoning culture all contributed to the town’s identity as a peaceful yet vibrant coastal community.
San Clemente Pier
The final photo captures the iconic San Clemente pier and beachfront during the 1930s. The pier, with its wooden planks and the railroad running parallel to the beach, highlights how connected the town was to the ocean. This scene exemplifies the simple, beachside lifestyle that Ole Hanson wanted to cultivate for residents and visitors alike.
The small beach structures and lifeguard stands, nestled against the shoreline, show that even in its early days, the beach was a central part of life in San Clemente. The pier, which has since been modernized, remains a beloved landmark and a reminder of the town’s deep connection to the sea.
Conclusion
The 1930s was a defining decade for San Clemente, as Ole Hanson’s vision of the "Spanish Village by the Sea" began to take root. From the lively parades on Avenida Del Mar to the serene scenes of the pier and beach, these photographs offer a rare glimpse into the early years of a town that was just beginning to bloom. Hanson’s dedication to Spanish-style architecture, community events, and the coastal lifestyle is still evident in San Clemente’s enduring charm today.
As we look back on these moments, we are reminded of how far San Clemente has come while continuing to embrace its roots as a coastal town with a unique, timeless identity.
Photos from San Clemente Historical Society archives.