Historic San Diego Sign Leaves Bayfront for New Home

Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Contact: CJ Lucke (619) 471-8730, Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

An iconic sign along San Diego Bay's waterfront, is gone, but not forgotten. The Port of San Diego dismantled what was once a bright, neon sign, located on the corner of Broadway and Pacific Highway, on September 30. For decades, the sign pointed the way to three of the Big Bay's popular venues: Anthony's Fish Grotto, which opened its doors 61 years ago as one of the first places to eat along the waterfront; the sailing ship Star of India; and the Star of the Sea room.

Now in disrepair, the sign could possibly have been overlooked when the Port of San Diego breaks ground on the planned Lane Field development project, scheduled for the corner property where it stood.  But Port staff, interested in preserving San Diego history, arranged to have it donated to the San Diego Historical Society.

Crews with the Port's General Services Department cut the sign down, and lifted it via crane, onto a truck, where it was delivered to the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. There, it will be cleaned and cut into three parts. Next week, it will be delivered to the historical society museum in Balboa Park.

According to the Star of the Sea Room website, "...the Star of the Sea was the premier destination for Presidents and prom dates alike. If you had something special to celebrate you did it at the Star."

Rick Ghio, President/CEO of Anthony's said the signs predate him, but he's pleased that they will be treasured and cared for by historians.

“I’m very pleased that it’s finding a suitable place in history. I can’t think of a better place for the sign to reside than in the San Diego Historical Society," said Ghio. "The cause is also making way for progress and development there."

The sign also directed visitors to the Star of India, the world’s oldest active ship. The tall ship has been on the waterfront since 1927, when it was bought for $9,000 by a small band of concerned San Diegans. It then sat is disrepair until 1957. Finally refurbished in 1976, the Star set sail and continues to do so every year to maintain its title as oldest active sailing ship. It just recently underwent dry-dock maintenance at BAE Systems Ship Repair.

"The sign is a part of San Diego’s history," said Ray Ashley, President/CEO of the Maritime Museum of San Diego. "It’s more of a city artifact than it is a maritime artifact per se. I think when people see the sign, it triggers memories - takes them back to various times in their lives. I think it’s a good thing to preserve it."

The San Diego Historical Museum is in need of electricians and sign repair people interested in working to restore this sign. Volunteers should contact Victoria Cranner at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 619-232-6203 x164. The historical society plans to restore the sign and eventually display it at the museum in a yet-to-be determined exhibit.

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