Seal Beach, marking its centennial, was once a wild place

Seal Beach may seem like "Mayberry by the sea," with its quaint Main Street and small-town feel.

But as the city of 24,000 celebrates its centennial this year, history will reflect that Seal Beach was once anything but sedate.

Founded on Oct. 27, 1915, by Philip Stanton, the town then known as Bay City was promoted as a tourist destination. At the Joy Zone — what is now downtown — people could spend time at the Jewel Cafe to eat and dance. They also could ride the wooden roller coaster purchased by the city from San Francisco.
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