Manhattan Beach Pier's 100 Years Captured By Historical Society

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The landmark Manhattan Beach Pier that stands now isn't the only MB Pier ever built. But it is the one that was completed in 1920 — and it is the iconic MB Pier seen in photos across the world. Now, as its 100 anniversary is being celebrated by the City of Manhattan Beach's "Pierspective" art exhibit, the Manhattan Beach Historical Society has released an online slide show of text and photos that gives insight into the area's pier experiences from the late 1800s on.

The first pier was 100-feet long and made of iron. It was built to test a wave motor that would help harness ocean energy and turn it into electricity. Because the initial test appeared successful, they added length to the pier, making it 350-feet over the ocean below it, according to the MB Historical Society's online slide show.

In January 1899, a storm cleared out 30-feet of the pier. In 1904, a developer promised to add 200 feet to the pier. The online slide show showcases photos from the time. A photo taken in 1910 shows men with their catches standing on the iron pier.

But that pier wouldn't be the only one built in the area. Another developer in the area built a 900-foot long "pleasure" pier at the base of 34th Street.

The City of Manhattan Beach incorporated December 7, 1912, and found itself without one of its two piers when the first iron pier broke up after a storm hit in February 1913. By 1916, the pier at 34th Street was gone, too.

This is just the beginning of a pier history in what we now know as Manhattan Beach. Historical Society President Gary McAulay, a Manhattan Beach resident for nearly 45 years, put the online slide show together with the help of Kristin Long, who did some editing and proofing, and Rachael Flatt, who donated her time and assembled the presentation in its slideshow "virtual museum" format, said McAulay.

The Manhattan Beach Historical Society began as a City committee formed by City Council in late 1970. The committee held its first meeting in early 1971, said McAulay. In 1977, the committee reformed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Society has about 100 members who are all volunteers.

McAulay, who told Manhattan Beach Patch he spent weeks working on the Historical Society's pier retrospective, also assisted with the City's "Pierspective" exhibit, which called for submissions form the public. Read more about that art exhibit here: 'Pierspective' Exhibit Covers Manhattan Beach Pier's 100 Years.

PREVIOUSLY: What's Your 'Pierspective'? Iconic MB Pier Celebrates 100 Years