The centerpiece of iconic Marine Avenue on Balboa Island is the main front window of Balboa Island Museum, known as the “Gallery.” Greeting everyone passing by in that window is a very famous statue of a guy named “Bob” who is an indelible part of the pop culture of 20th-century Southern California. His full name is Bob Big Boy!

 

A nostalgic exhibit focused on the history of the Bob’s Big Boy burger chain that lives in the memories of countless locals who recall with great fondness the burgers, fries, and “thick Shakes” that were served to generations long before fast food chains of every kind dominated the landscape.

 

Executive Director of the museum, Tiffany Pepys Hoey, and her team of curators have collected an exhibit of artifacts to delight visitors remembering “the good ole days!” On Balboa Island, Bob’s Big Boy founder Robert “Bob” Wian operated a stand, which was actually simply a window counter in a storefront from which his signature fare was served to all passing by on Marine Avenue. Bob and his wife, June Wian, were longtime residents of Newport Beach in addition to their roots in the Los Angeles area where Bob’s Big Boy stand-alone restaurants became quite famous from Burbank to Bellflower and beyond in all directions.

 

This month a planned “Gallery opening” will welcome museum members and donors to a burger and shake reception to open the exhibit and share memories. The Bob’s Big Boy promotion will run into the early summer months.

 

Also featured at the museum this May is the Book Club with columnist/author Bruce Cook, a regular monthly forum with well-known authors sharing their latest work. Special art classes for all ages, the return of the “Ferry Party” with a dinner cruise aboard one of the Beek Family Newport Ferrys, the annual Memorial Day BBQ, and a very special event dedicating the Mural Plaque honoring the many donors who made the installation of the Park Avenue Mural a reality, created by artist Barbara Abbott.

 

It's all about love of community at the museum. Consider becoming a member and joining in the calendar full of opportunities for the entire family.

 

Balboa Island Museum Membership Benefits

Crystal $50

Pearl $100

Topaz $250

Sapphire $500

Ruby $1,000

Diamond $5,000

Special Recognition as a member in the Balboa Island Museum Newsletter

10% discount at the Museum Store

Membership Card Digitial

Access to Time Travelers*

Priority, early registration to events

Donor Wall Block Annually

Access To NARM Program**

Donor Wall Block Permanent

 

**NARM is a free reciprocal membership program with over 1,200 arts, cultural, and historical institutions.

*Time Travelers is a free reciprocal membership network for historical museums, sites and societies with over 400 participants.