Celebrating 125 Years



A Fourth of July Parade making its way from the Oceanside Train Depot on Second Street (Mission Avenue) in about 1888



The Oceanside Chamber will produce a Commemorative 125th Anniversary Magazine for the City of Oceanside. For information on advertising, please download our rate sheet or call Scott Ashton at 760-722-1534, ext. 16.


In 2013, the City of Oceanside will celebrate its 125th anniversary since its incorporation on July 3, 1888. Much has happened in those years, but much has stayed the same. Although we’ve grown from a dusty little western town in those very early years, we still celebrate our beach life-style and our name says it all – “Oceanside”. The pier has been a landmark since 1888 and visitors and residents alike still flock to our beautiful beaches. The historic Mission San Luis Rey continues to be the centerpiece in the Valley, celebrating its own 215th anniversary in 2013. The Oceanside Small Craft Harbor will mark its 50th anniversary as well.

With so much to celebrate, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce will publish a 125th Anniversary commemorative magazine which will include historic photos, history timeline of Oceanside, as well as family profiles and businesses who have contributed to making Oceanside the livable city that we know and love today.

We look back at our past with affection and nostalgia, but we are optimistic and excited about the years ahead.  


A caravan from the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce’s “Booster Club” travels east on Mission Avenue towards the intersection of Hill Street (Coast Highway) in 1913. Signs on the cars read “Come to Oceanside” and “All Kinds of Fun in Oceanside”.  


In 1938 these lovely ladies posed on the Oceanside Beach for a “Fishing Derby”. It was actually a publicity stunt and this photo was sent all over the country to bring attention to Oceanside’s natural beauty! Pictured are Norma Ellis, Dee, Eleanor, Bobby, Ruth, Babe, Mary, Maxine, Doris, Norma, Dot, Barb, Jeri, Dot, Marie Frazee.



In 1963 the Oceanside Small Craft Harbor was dedicated. Prior to that, fishing was done off the Oceanside Pier or out on barges. Ray McCullah, pictured on the left, was synonymous with sport fishing in Oceanside. Also in this photo: W. L. Rainbolt and Robert “Bob” Shaffer.


Celebrating our Centennial in 1988 with a variety of events, Oceanside's Fourth of July Parade Float was also featured at Pasadena’s Rose Parade.