BIG BEN CATALINA ISLAND CERAMIC TILES

The True Story of Old Ben In a time far away, one day a Lion came out of the ocean. They say the year was around 1898. This Lion loved fish and was known to beg along the shore, looking for a nice chunk of tuna from anyone who would give it to him. On an island in the Pacific Ocean, in a place called Avalon, he showed his face for the first time. He would bellow and belch until someone brought his some fish. Instead of going out and catching it himself, he much preferred to sit himself around the harbor, find a nice spot and wait for someone to come by and feed him. He must have loved Avalon’s charming harbor and everyone who came by with fish because he decided to stay and make Catalina Island his home. People came from all around to see him and he picked up the nick name, Old Ben. As far as Sea Lions go, Old Ben was a cheerful and playful host who welcomed anyone with a fish in their hand. Even the smallest child could present Old Ben with a fishy morsel and he would gently take it from their hand. Ben’s unique personality made him an applauded friend of Catalina where ever he went. Because of his kind nature and gentle way, Old Ben became one of Catalina Island’s favorite attractions, and to this day, people still talk about his antics and unrelenting pursuit of begging for a chunk of fish. As the legend of Old Ben grew, newspaper reporters traveled to Catalina to see Old Ben for themselves. They would always find Ben and his delightful personality bellowing along the shore or wondering the seaside of Avalon looking for a new friend to give him a nice treat. Old Ben became a movie star in 1914 in a film starring Fatty Arbuckle and Mabel Normand. Fame and all, Old Ben just loved hanging around the shore looking for a good meal. Ben continued to live in Avalon until 1926. Over the years, many photos were taken of Old Ben and to this day, the story of the Lion who begged for fish continues. One day Old Ben simply disappeared. Some people say he was harmed by fisherman; other people think he got caught up in some fishing nets, but no one has ever been able to prove it. Most people think Old Ben simply wondered off into the sea, but to this day, conservations still continue about what actually happened to the most famous Sea Lion to ever swim the oceans of the world. Sometimes, on a cool and crisp evening, as the sun is going down, people say they can still hear Old Ben belching out, looking for his evening meal. Or, on a busy afternoon, Old Ben can be heard chasing small boats, barking and belching with his head above water, as he did in the days of his youth. When you arrive in Avalon and get off the boat, you will turn left and start to walk towards the city, remember to listen for Old Ben. As you get closer to Main Street, you will come across a small park honoring him. Take the time to stop and take a picture at Old Ben Park. There, you will find a bronze statue of Ben when he was just a small Sea Lion. And don’t forget, as tradition goes, to rub his nose. As you begin to leave and enjoy your time in Avalon, take one more look around Old Ben Park and remember to never forget about the Lion who begged for fish. During an afternoon visit, these photographs were taken of the tiles and museum area at Old Ben Park. Some of the photographs were taken at different angles, if you see similar looking shots, look for the slight variances of the camera angles.