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RLS' Old Pacific Capital Quote | Pacific Grove People
The First Pledge of Allegiance | Pacific Grove on Track | C.K. Tuttle

Much debate surrounds the origin of the name for this rocky granite headland.

While some insist that the name is shortened from "Lovers of Jesus Point," from the outdoor services held in the Retreat, others point out the services were held at present-day Jewell Park.

Whatever its etymology, Lovers Point had a much different character during the Chautauqua years than it has today. A myriad of amusements were on hand to please tourist and resident.


In foreground, the glass-bottom swan boat shows passengers the wonders of the marine gardens.
From left, buildings include Bathhouse Smith's home, windmill, Japanese tea house, and the Lookout.
c. 1907. #16.1-529-LB, from the Museum's Tuttle Collection.
In the 1890s, Nathaniel Roscoe "Dad" Sprague ran a boat concession (including the famous glass-bottom swan boats) at the end of a wooden pier in the middle of the narrow cove.


Looking in at Lovers Point from land's end, merry-go-round, "Bathhouse" Smith's house, Hopkins.
From the Museum's collection.


The wooden pier juts out from the bathing beach.
Hopkins Seaside Lab's two buildings dominate the horizon line in this image.
c. 1895. From the Museum's collection.


"Big Hat Show," August 6, 1911, from the Museum's collection.
In 1904, William "Bathhouse" Smith purchased the land around the cove and blasted out the inlet with dynamite-resulting in more beachfront. Smith also elicited much speculation when he built a multi-story tower out of concrete--eventually knocking it over and using it as the foundation of the concrete pier.


C.K. Tuttle photo shows crowded bathing beach below municipal bathhouse.
Arched door was axed down by Julia Platt in 1932.
c. 1912. #16.1-528-PB, from the Museum's Tuttle Collection.
"Bathhouse" Smith earned his moniker when he built a saltwater bathhouse at the point. He acquired a fleet of boats, which in time were taken over by the Spragues, who continued to run the concession for a good part of the 20th century.


The beach scene is set against houses along the waterfront.
c. 1895, from the Museum's collection.


Beachgoers in full dress congregate at the beach in the mid-1880s.
Photo by C.W.J. Johnson, from the Museum's collection.
Other landmarks at Lovers Point included a Japanese tea garden, merry-go-round, photographer's studio, dahlia gardens, windmill, lookout, Bathhouse Smith's barn-like house (now at 130 Grand Ave.), and Hopkins Seaside Lab.


This Japanese tea garden opened in 1904 and remained in business until 1918.
Photo from a postcard published by C.K. Tuttle, #6/145 from the Museum's collection.


Pleasure boat Sea-Bird takes passengers near Greenwood Park.
c. 1910. From the Museum's collection.
Page created August 24, 2005. Last updated September 7, 2005.
Page copyright 2005 by the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.
Photos from this online exhibit may not be used without permission of the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.