Catalina History

Santa Catalina has been home to Russian otter hunters, Spanish smugglers, Chinese pirates, Franciscan monks, gold and silver miners, Union troops, cattle and sheep herders…the Chicago Cubs, World War II military, fishermen, vacationers, movie stars, millionaires and more. In 1887, George Shatto, a real estate investor purchased Catalina for $200,000 and became the first owner of the island to create a settlement called Avalon. The Banning Brothers bought the island in 1891 and started the Santa Catalina Island Company to develop Catalina as a resort. In 1919, William Wrigley, Jr. gained controlling interest in the Santa Catalina Island Company and devoted his time to preserving and promoting it. In 1921, Wrigley sold lots for building in Avalon town. He had the Catalina Casino created in 1929 for 2.5 million dollars to serve as a “Palace of Pleasure”. In 1975, Philip Wrigley deeded the Wrigley shares in the Santa Catalina Island Company to the Catalina Island Conservancy that he helped to establish. To date, the Catalina Conservancy continues the mission of balancing conservation, education and recreation on 86% of the island.

 The Edgewater is built on one of those lots originally purchased from William Wrigley, Jr. in the 1920’s. Vincent Petrich purchased the lot from Wrigley and built the Vincent Apartments on it in 1922. Later, the apartments were converted into hotel rooms and it became The Edgewater Hotel. Vince then married Louise Taylor and they opened and operated a variety of businesses within The Edgewater Building. It has been home to The Silver Dollar, Brazil Club, a tobacco store, an ice cream parlor, John’s Cafe, a Pool Hall, Weezies’ Basket Bazaar, Weezies’, and one of the oldest souvenir shops in Avalon, The Catalina Souvenir Shop which her son Bill opened in 1947 and his wife Beverly continued to run for over 60 years. Four generations have owned and operated businesses within The Edgewater Building. The Edgewater Team welcomes you to enjoy your stay at The Edgewater.