Coronado in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Coronado Rotary Club Christmas Tree

Photographed by Col. James F. Jamison, USMC (Ret)

1. Coronado Rotary Club Christmas Tree Marker

Inscription.
In May, 1936, the Rotary Club planted this starpine for the citizens of Coronado. This tree given by Emily T. Thompson in memory of her husband Charles.

Erected 1936.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1936.

Location. 32° 41.136′ N, 117° 10.812′ W. Marker is in Coronado, California, in San Diego County. It is on Orange Avenue near Isabella, on the right when traveling south. Marker is near the clock in Rotary Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Coronado CA 92118, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker: Naval Aviation Centennial 1911-2011 (within shouting distance of this marker); First Bank Building - 1911 (within shouting distance of this marker); Star Park (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pickford-Boston House (about 600 feet away); The League of Wives (about 600 feet away); Old City Hall (about 700 feet away); J.D. & A.B. Spreckels Building (about 700 feet away); Mann House - 1926 (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coronado.

Also see . . . The Coronado Rotary Club. The Coronado Rotary community project that is probably most dear to all ages is the city's Star Pine Christmas tree. After Coronado Rotary Park was established at the intersection of Orange and Isabella, Coronado Rotarians, with help from Emily T. Thompson, widow of Rotarian Charles Thompson, planted the tree in 1936. Today, the Star Pine stands as Coronado Rotary's commitment to community service.

Serial 003 STAR PINE located in Rotary Plaza was designated a Heritage Tree on 3 April 2008. This Araucaria Heterophylla is native to Norfolk Island in the SW Pacific and was
Photographed by Col. James F. Jamison, USMC (Ret)

2. Clock, Christmas Tree, & Plaques
The plaques are visible under the tree.
transplanted to this location by Supt. Bandel in 1936. The project was funded by the Coronado Rotarians and has since served as the City's living Christmas tree. Star pines can grow to 100 feet in height. (Submitted on May 28, 2018, by Jamie Gallant Jamison of Coronado, California.)

Christmas Tree at sunset. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Col. James F. Jamison, USMC (Ret)

3. Christmas Tree at sunset.

Heritage Tree plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Col. James F. Jamison, USMC (Ret)

4. Heritage Tree plaque

Heritage Tree, Star Pine, Serial # 0003, www.coronado.ca

Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2018, by Col. James F. Jamison, USMC (Ret) of Coronado, California. This page has been viewed 493 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 19, 2018, by Col. James F. Jamison, USMC (Ret) of Coronado, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.