Local History

Seventy-nine years ago today, the Ellwood Oil Field in Goleta was fired on by a Japanese submarine during World War II.

Charlie Chaplin first appeared on movie screens in Santa Barbara back in 1914, and by March of 1916, his famous duck-footed walk was seen both on the screen and on the dance floors in Santa Barbara!

The last large open space in Goleta, the parcel now known as Bishop Ranch has been the object of man's desire throughout Goleta's history. And it still is today!

This expression generally refers to an actor behaving melodramatically, but in this case, the scenery was actually chewed — by a goat!

During the month of February, Santa Barbara Public Library will be exploring a painful period in American history with a series of events for the Day of Remembrance. 

Lots of movies have been filmed in and around Santa Barbara. But did you ever wonder what was the first movie ever filmed in Santa Barbara?

Tom details the history of the San Marcos Dairy in Goleta from the 1930s.

In 1918, Edward Wales, a one-time actor at the “Flying A,” was now a volunteer in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I. 

Back when movie makers did not have the budgets to stage their own natural disasters, they took advantage of real-life disaster scenes, such as the devastating fire in Ojai, California in 1917.

Neal Graffy details the history of the Potter Hotel when it broke ground 119 years ago.

The silent movies with their one-sentence subtitles (intertitles) were having a bad in­fluence on written communication, ac­cording to an opinion piece in the local paper penned by Santa Barbara writer Sarah Redington in January 1917.

An edhat reader shares a historical photo of the Bank of America that was burned down in Isla Vista in 1970.

Sansum Clinic, one of the oldest non-profit outpatient clinics in California, announced the start of its 100th year.

In January 1916, the Santa Barbara Post Office building (now the Santa Barbara Museum of Art) was used for a scene in “Peanuts and Powder."

In January of 1916, the Flying A Studio hosted their first goodwill dance for the community of Santa Barbara.

Back in December 1916, Santa Barbara residents were witnessing movie technology on the ground floor in scenes such as this one which was probably shot on a nearby road.

Betsy shares the top holiday ads for Christmas gifts in Santa Barbara in the year 1919.

Ever since 1909 when the first Christmas saving club was started in Pennsylvania, they were popular with millions of Americans.

Devereux Point, also known as Coal Oil Point, is a popular surf spot and a great place for a nice walk on the beach. But, like most places in Goleta, there’s a lot of interesting history here.

Betsy shares the rules for motor vehicles in Santa Barbara in 1916 including a speed limit of 30 miles per hour.

Betsy shares historical feelings about the movie "War Brides" that was made over 100 years ago.

Betsy details what $1.25 would buy for Thanksgiving at the Splendid Cafe in Santa Barbara 100 years ago in 1920.

Sansum Diabetes Research Institute marks the 100th anniversary of Dr. William Sansum’s arrival in Santa Barbara where he would make American medical history and improve the lives of people living with diabetes.  

In 1915, the Palace Theatre in Santa Barbara became the proud owner of a $5,000 photoplayer.

Back in 1914, a couple of kids in Santa Barbara gave a collie to Vivian Rich, one of the leading ladies of the “Flying A” Film Company here.

The streets in Santa Barbara were devoid of little demons and witches on Halloween in 1918 while the so-called Spanish Flu floated around the city.

Local actress Blanche Payson appeared in 158 movies with stars Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, and the Three Stooges.

In the 1915 Flying A film “The Lonely Heart,” the heroine, who must be lonely (or perverted?), caresses a toad.

“The Diamond From the Sky,” a 30-part serial movie produced by our very own “Flying A” movie studio in 1915.

Stearns Wharf celebrates its 148th anniversary during the month of October.