OB Historical Society: ‘Villa Surf – Dan Dixon’s Pleasuredome’ by Barbara Houlton – Thurs., Oct.18

by on October 16, 2018 · 8 comments

in Ocean Beach

Come join the Ocean Beach Historical Society’s monthly presentation on our local history. This Thursday, Oct. 18, the Society presents “Villa Surf – Dan Dixon’s Pleasuredome, 1950-1962”
by local author Barbara Houlton. Villa Surf is the magnificent home of Dan Dixon which overlooks the ocean where Sunset Cliffs Boulevard ends

Barbara Houlton has written two books about Villa Surf – located where Sunset Cliffs Natural Park has obliterated all evidence of its past and history. Beginning with the undeveloped site, its construction, its subsequent coverage in the Sunday edition of the San Diego Union, the books cover the early years.

The third volume is now being written, and the presentation to the Ocean Beach Historical Society includes the photos and news articles that form the basis for the volume not yet published.

Barbara has been a resident of Ocean Beach since 1959. She was one of four women engineers who rented Villa Surf from Dan Dixon when he frequented his other residence in Europe.

The people who lived at Villa Surf and in the Life Estate Cottages have stayed in touch over the years. They have preserved the history, along with the information found in scrapbooks that Dan Dixon kept. These sources have formed the basis for the narrative.

Join Barbara and the OBHS for this fascinating program on Thursday, October 18th.

Thursday, October 18, 7 PM
The Ocean Beach Historical Society Presents:
Villa Surf
Dan Dixon’s Pleasuredome, 1950-1962
Author Barbara Houlton
At Water’s Edge Faith Community, 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., OB

{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }

Patricia C Endweiss January 24, 2022 at 7:56 am

Is it possible to get copies of Barbara Houlton’s books? I am a relative of the Dixons. Thanks Trish Endweiss

Reply

Barbara Houlton January 24, 2022 at 11:38 am

Delighted to hear from you! I reached out to all of the family I could find. Great to hear from you. I’m contacting you via the OB Rag email.

Reply

Jason McClaren June 10, 2022 at 9:22 pm

I’m also a Dixon relative – would love to learn more! Thank you!

Reply

nostalgic June 17, 2022 at 11:33 am

Not sure how to get in touch with you. Are you on Facebook? Contact: Barbara Turner (picture of child). Otherwise, I will try to get an email to you. Happy to give you a book!

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Isabella Martin April 25, 2023 at 7:05 am

Hi I’m a granddaughter of Charles Dixon , Dan’s brother.. would love to buy a copy!

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Barbara Houlton April 25, 2023 at 7:55 am

I do have some books left, and I knew Charles well. Are you in San Diego? Not sure how to get in touch with you.

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Frank Gormlie April 25, 2023 at 11:42 am

You can use the Rag to facilitate this deal. She can send you her address and money via the Rag.

Reply

Isabella Schingle May 3, 2023 at 10:05 am

Hi Barbara,

Email me!

Reply

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