Tricentennial Time Capsule - Carlsbad, CA, USA

A time capsule containing ordinary everyday items was placed in the Bicentennial Garden in front of the Magee House and dedicated on July 4, 1976.  It is scheduled to be opened on the nation's Tricentennial in 2076.  The Magee House currently houses the Carlsbad Historical Society and is located in Magee Park.

THE

CARLSBAD HISTORICAL

SOCIETY DEDICATES THIS TIME

CAPSULE OF MEMORABILIA TO

THE TRICENTENNIAL.

TO BE OPENED

JULY FOURTH,

TWENTY  SEVENTY SIX.

Located at 258 Beech Avenue.



El Corral Pottery - Carlsbad, CA, USA

El Corral Pottery has been in business at this location for decades.  They specialize in fountains, pottery and dinnerware and always have a selection of Fiestaware on hand.  I remember going here with my parents in the 1950s and it appears pretty much unchanged since then.

Located at 3040 Carlsbad Boulevard.


Update January 25, 2015:  This business has closed.  Empty and boarded up on January 24, 2015.
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2014/jan/07/stringers-carlsbad-pottery-store-closing-66-years/#

Beach Scene Mural - Carlsbad, CA, USA

This mural of a beach scene was painted by artist Shawn David Baker in 2012 and is located on the south exterior wall of Royal Palms Spirits, aka "Pig Liquor."

Located at 305 Carlsbad Village Drive.

Surfing Pig Mural - Carlsbad, CA, USA

This mural of a surfing pig wearing a crown was painted by Aaron Kimball in 2013.  It is located on the north exterior wall of Royal Palms Spirits, called  "Pig Liquor" by locals because of a pig statue that used to be at the door and a neon pig sign in the window.

Located at 305 Carlsbad Village Drive.

Carlsbad Pipelines Mural - Carlsbad, CA, USA

The Carlsbad Pipelines mural is located on the south exterior wall of the surf shop of the same name.

Located at 2975 Carlsbad Boulevard.

Marmalade Dragonflies - Carlsbad, CA, USA

This sculpture, consisting of three individual pieces, was sculpted by artist Benbow Bullock in 1995 and is part of Carlsbad's Art in Public Places Program.  It has been on display in front of the Georgina Cole Library since 2009.

Located at 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive.

Tree For Elijah - Carlsbad, CA, USA

This approximately 10 ft tall steel sculpture by the late artist, Italo Scanga, is part of Carlsbad's Art in Public Places Program.  Originally called Tree With Bird, it is one of a series of sculptures called Trees For Elijah dedicated to the biblical character, Elijah.  It is constructed of flat panels of steel mesh/grid, painted green, and features a bluebird bringing a piece of bread at the top.  Sculpted in 1998, it was gifted to the Carlsbad Arts Commission in May 2009.

Located in front of the Cultural Arts Office at 2955 Elmwood Avenue.

Harold E. Smerdu Community Garden - Carlsbad, CA, USA

One of several community gardens located within Carlsbad.  Formerly known as Carlsbad Community Garden it was renamed in November 2006 to honor the late Harold E. Smerdu, a retired local gladioli grower and avid gardener.  After his retirement Mr. Smerdu maintained several plots at the community garden where he gardened full-time, five-and-a-half days a week.  He helped other gardeners with their plots and shared his harvest with the community.

The garden consists of 52 plots, 20' by 30', with an annual use fee of  $90/year.  Priority is given to Carlsbad residents and there is a lengthy waiting list.  The property is owned by the City of Carlsbad who provides water for irrigation. 

Located at 1250 Laguna Drive, just north of the Georgina Cole Library.

Borders Books - Carlsbad, CA, USA

The Borders Group once operated a a chain of brick and mortar bookstores across the United States and several other countries, as well as maintaining an online presence.  Due to declining profit and increasing debt the company filed for bankruptcy and liquidated all assets.  All Borders bookstores have closed.

This small Borders Express store was in operation in the Plaza Camino Real Mall in 2008.  It was located at 2525 El Camino Real, Suite 161, on the lower level of the mall.

This Borders was located in The Forum at Carlsbad Shopping Center at 1905 Calle Barcelona, Suite 120.  It closed in December of 2010.

Charles Ledgerwood Residence and Seed Store - Carlsbad, CA, USA

This Spanish Revival style house is situated on a bluff facing the Pacific Ocean.  It was the home of Charles B. Ledgerwood, Carlsbad's famous "seed man."  He operated a seed store here for decades out of a room at the front of the house.

This plaque is located in the retaining wall at the front corner of the property.
"Charles Ledgerwood
Carlsbad's Seed Man (1906-1999)
Charles Ledgerwood came to Carlsbad in 1933 and built his home on this site.  His home was a store from which he dispensed seeds and gardening wisdom for 67 years.  He served this community on the Board of Directors of the Sanitation District; on the City Planning Commission; on the City Council from 1956-58; and was Carlsbad's 7th Mayor from 1958-60.  Charles Ledgerwood was loved and respected for his community service, integrity, and caring for others."

 
For additional information and photos on Charles Ledgerwood's seed store, see this article from the February 1981 issue of San Diego Home/Garden Magazine:
A visit with Charles Legerwood The Seed Man of Carlsbad by Kathy Griffith
http://www.agriserviceinc.citymax.com/f/The_Seed_Man.pdf

I have a memory of visiting this seed store once with my parents, probably about the time Mr. Ledgerwood was Carlsbad's Mayor.  My mother purchased seeds from him and sought his advice on garden pest control.

Located at 3862 Carlsbad Boulevard, one block north of Tamarack Avenue.

Carlsbad Village Theatre - Carlsbad, CA, USA

Construction began in 1926 on the Spanish Eclectic style Carlsbad Theatre at an original cost of $40,000.  Among its features were a full stage, orchestra pit and pipe organ and it opened with a showing of the Clara Bow film, It, on February 8, 1927.  Several upgrades have taken place since a major renovation was completed in 2000, and the Theatre is available for event rental for live stage performances, film and special events.

Located at 2822 State Street.

Santa Fe Depot - Carlsbad, CA, USA

Built in 1887 in the Queen Anne style and in service from 1888 until 1959.  The building was acquired by the City of Carlsbad in 1960 and has housed the Chamber of Commerce and most recently the Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was the first commercial building in Carlsbad and remains in its original location.

 

Located on the east side of the railroad tracks between Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand Avenue.

Old St. Michael's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church - Carlsbad, CA, USA

Built in 1894 and originally located at Lincoln Street and Oak Street, the gothic-style church was once the only church in Carlsbad and is one of the four oldest buildings in the village.  It was moved to it's present location in January of 1959 where it serves as the Chapel on the grounds of the present St. Michael's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church.

Located at 2775 Carlsbad Boulevard.

Maxton Brown Park - Carlsbad, CA, USA

Carlsbad resident and avid birdwatcher Maxton Brown was responsible for organizing opposition to shooting in the Buena Vista Lagoon.  An Army Lt. with the 515th Squadron during WWII, he was killed after completing a B-24 bombing raid on July 8, 1943 at the age of 28.  The Maxton Brown Bird Sanctuary and Maxton Brown Park were named in his honor.  One-acre Maxton Brown Park provides a breathtaking view of the 260-acre Buena Vista Lagoon separating Oceanside and Carlsbad, which remains a bird sanctuary today.



This park with picnic tables, bbq and benches is located at the NE corner of State Street and Laguna Drive.