Casino San Clemente
Like its inspiration, the Catalina Casino in Avalon, Casino San Clemente was a dance hall. It was designed by Charles A. Hunter and built by the Strang Brothers purportedly in just six weeks. On July 31, 1937, some 5,000 dancers turned out for the much-anticipated grand opening, complete with Hollywood-style search lights. The Casino soon became a popular social and cultural destination, frequented by celebrities including Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Cesar Romeo and Dorothy Lamour. As the Jazz Age faded, so did the dance hall scene. The building was used as a dinner theater and an alternative medicine practice before closing entirely. Linda and Shaheen Sadeghi, who repurposed the Anaheim Packing House, bought and restored the building as an event venue. It is a contributing structure in the North Beach Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
San Clemente, Orange County
Photographer: John Bare