Roger Castle - Morro Bay

This is Morro Bay Boulevard and Main Street about 1900. The building on the left is the towns first general store. According to historian Jane Bailey, it was built by William Maston in 1872. At various times, it was also a grocery store and even a post office before being torn down in the 1970s. In 1894, Mathias Schneider built a competing store across Morro Bay Boulevard. By the 1950s that site was a service station, and today it is home to Heritage Oaks Bank. (Then, courtesy Historical Society of Morro Bay.)

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The first floor of this building at Morro Bay Boulevard and Monterey was built in 1927 by George and Lillie Anderson. Lillie Anderson was postmaster, and half of the building became the new post office (see page 27). They added the second story in 1928. The Andersons had several ventures here, including a dry goods store and (according to Vic Hanson) Morro Bays first telephone exchange. In the 1950s, when the post office moved, they opened a five and dime store. (Then, courtesy Rosemary and Kay Thorne; now, courtesy Thom Ream.)

This building at the southwest corner of Morro Bay Boulevard and Main Street began as a hotel in the early 1920s. It soon became the real estate office of Miller and Murphys Morro Bay Vista Company and housed visiting prospective clients. The hotels garage had become the dining room. By the end of the decade, the garage had become Matsons Grocery and Johnsons Bakery used part of the hotel.The bottom floor still exists, housing the Pizza Port restaurant. (Then, courtesy Juanita Tolle.)

The only natural part of todays Embarcadero lies just south of Beach Street. A narrow strip of land below the bluff allowed access except during the highest tides. Note the stairs leading up to Silvas Wharf. The building was a saltwater plunge. According to historian Jane Bailey, it was built around 1925 by HappyWilkens and only operated for a few years. (Then, courtesy Juanita Tolle.)

The towns second business district is the waterfront/Embarcadero area. The narrow strip of land by the bay below the bluff was extended and filled in, with most of the work done during World War II. By the 1950s, business had begun to prosper there. One of the best restaurants (and best employers) was Bud Andersons Galley. It is seen here as it was in 1965 and in its latest incarnation. (Then, courtesy Anderson family.)

The Kline family was typical of many postwar residents. Neil Kline served in the air force during World War II and followed relatives to Morro Bay after the war ended. Like many residents after the Depression and World War II, he worked many jobs, both in and out of the sea. He bought the lot shown below in 1951, and over the next 30 years built a home and raised four children. (Then, courtesy Roy Kline.)

The potential for development of the land north of town was recognized by developers as early as 1920. (See pages 2832.) However, due to the Depression and legal issues, growth of the residential district did not really begin until the mid-1950s, when this picture was taken. Today the area is home to businesses and motels along the highway and heavily built out with single-family homes. (Then, courtesy Roy Kline.)