During a challenging economic downturn, the nation was facing an unforgettable period of depression. San Diego, in particular, experienced a slower recovery. To uplift the economy, Spreckels presented the groundbreaking idea of establishing a tent city during the renovation of Hotel del Coronado in 1900. It was a large campground of several hundred tents and thatched roof cottages south of the Hotel del Coronado. Tent City combined the allure of the great outdoors with the comforts of a well-organized resort. It featured rows of tents, complete with wooden floors, electricity, and even running water—a luxury unheard of in traditional camping at the time. This innovative concept allowed guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of San Diego's coastline while still enjoying modern amenities and entertainment. It attracted visitors from across the nation for decades until its closure in 1939 to make room for the highway.

Resources:

1. Photographs:

Beachgoers on the promenade of the Coronado Tent City, Circa 1900	Aerial view of the Cornado Tent City, Circa 1910
Aerial view of Coronado Beach, Tent City, 1932

2. Documents:

• 19030131 Doc2866 Communication regarding Application of Coronado Beach Co for Harbor improvements near Tent City
• 19120710 Doc52754 Petition of Coronado Tent City for Runner's License

3. Additional Resources:

• Video: Coronado Tent City (Ocean Beach Historical Society)
• Video: Coronado Tent City -- Ken Kramer's About San Diego (SDpostcards)
• John Diedrich Spreckels

For Elementary School Students:

Tools:

    1.   Analyze a Photograph          2.   Analyze a Document

Lesson Objectives:

• Learn about the historical significance of John D. Spreckels and Tent City in San Diego.
• Understand the concept of entrepreneurship and its impact on their local community.

Lesson Preparation:

• Books, articles, or websites about John D. Spreckels and Tent City
• Documents and Pictures of Tent City
• Maps of San Diego

Lesson Procedure:

• Step 1: Opening Discussion

    - Begin by showing pictures of Tent City and ask students if they've ever been camping. 
    - Discuss camping experiences and what students know about tents.

• Step 2: Introduce John D. Spreckels

    - Provide a brief overview of John D. Spreckels, emphasizing that he was an entrepreneur who played a significant role in San Diego's history. 
    - Show a map of San Diego and point out the waterfront area where Tent City was located.

• Step 3: Group Research

    - Divide students into small groups and provide them with research materials (documents, pictures, and websites) about John D. Spreckels and Tent City.
    - Instruct each group to gather information about what Tent City was like, what John D. Spreckels did, and why Tent City was important.

• Step 4: Group Presentations

    - Allow each group to present their findings to the class.
    - After each presentation, facilitate a short Q&A session for classmates to ask questions.

• Step 5: Class Project

    - Engage the class in a creative project where they can create their own "Tent City" on paper, drawing tents, people, and activities.
    - Display these projects in the classroom to remind students of what they've learned.

• Step 6: Extension Activity

    - Encourage students to interview family members or community members who may have stories or memories related to San Diego's history, including Tent City.
    - Visit Hotel del Coronado to further explore this period in history.

Summary:

This lesson plan aims to introduce students to the history of John D. Spreckels and Tent City in a fun and engaging way, fostering an appreciation for their local history and the concept of entrepreneurship.