Del Mar emerged from founder Jacob Taylor’s dream after he built a beautiful resort that was in full swing from 1885 to 1889. The resort, Casa Del Mar, was considered among the most beautiful in San Diego County.
Homes went up quickly in preparation for new residents to work in the hotel or to provide necessary services for its visitors. The streets were 100 feet wide with wooden sidewalks and gas-fired streetlamps. A water system was constructed to new gardens of geraniums and roses. Monterey cypress trees were planted to line the streets. Del Mar was booming.
Then in December of 1889 serious rain came and soaked Southern California. The runoff from the rain destroyed roads and bridges and washed away railroad tracks. Del Mar became isolated.
Then, in January, a fire that started in the kitchen of Casa Del Mar was discovered by Jacob Taylor at 3 a.m., in time to wake and safely evacuate guests. Residents watched as the hotel was turned to ash. A shift in the wind saved much of the town but the boom was over.
Jacob Taylor took the insurance money and returned to Texas – his dream dashed.
If you have photographs, stories, or even books to share, please the Del Mar Historical Society at [email protected].
