In 1948, Americans were flourishing in the newfound postwar economy. The Golden Age of Hollywood marked this period with its exciting live music, immersive entertainment and decadent soirées. And in San Diego, the turn of the decade was the beginning of many iconic city-signed inventions that still have our hearts today. Let’s see if you know all of them…
1. Dr. Seuss’ iconic penmanship
The author who wrote under the pen name of Dr. Seuss lived in La Jolla from 1948 until his death in 1991, and many of his books saw the light in that San Diegan neighborhood! His wife and he were active members of the sea-side community, throwing lavish parties in the house they built surrounding an old observation tower on Mount Soledad’s Encelia Drive. Today, Dr. Seuss is a go-to author in kids books—and we perhaps have to thank San Diego for it!
2. The fame of the electric guitar
The first electric guitar in California was invented in LA in 1931 by Adolph Rickenbacker and George Beauchamp. While the legendary instrument wasn’t born in San Diego, it brought traction to the city’s music scene. They called it the ‘frying pan’, and it set the stage for talented rhythm & blues musicians who would later create rock ‘n’ roll. Think Bing Crosby, Louis Jordan, Amos Milburn… Rock ‘n’ roll didn’t yet exist in the 40s, and the invention of the electric guitar would get the wheels turning!
3. Hot Dog On A Stick
In an age where San Diegans were moving away from rigid structure, Hot Dog On A Stick made its glorious appearance! The iconic chain started in 1946 and has been growing throughout the United States ever since. Hot Dog On A Stick was created in California, originally serving lemonade and corn dogs on a stick to beach visitors. It was an easy way for people to indulge in some food as they relaxed on the San Diegan waterfront. Think of that next time you pick up a hot dog!
4. The rise of the hipster culture
While the word ‘hipster’ has a longstanding history since the 1930s, hipster culture was heavily reflected by the California lifestyle of the 40s: think James Dean jeans, vintage cars, and jazz for the win. In the 40s, the word ‘hipster’ characterized those who were more interested in the jazz and bebop lifestyle rather than the popular Swing music. While the term has greatly evolved, hipster culture still heavily influences current trends, like the “indie sleaze” craze. It might be time to get those American Apparel leggings out of your closet…
5. The popularity of Tiki bars in California
In the 1930s – 1940s, Ernest Gantt (better known as Donn Beach) gave rise to the first tiki bars in California, establishing the fantasy for decades to come. Throughout the decades, he carved out pineapples and coconuts to serve rum cocktails, crafted bamboo gates and searched large and wide for fresh flavors reminiscent of Polynesian culture. Today’s tiki bars are still just that: the opportunity to be whisked away to different horizons.
Want to know more about Tiki bars and the 1940s?
The Acey-Deucey Club plunges you into a fully immersive space designed to look like a submarine. You’ll get to sip on tiki cocktails and dance to 40s-inspired jazzy grooves as you uncover the submarine’s secrets. Indulge in the golden age of Hollywood at the Acey Deucey Club: a submarine-themed tiki bar, now open in San Diego for a limited time!