The iconic Huntington Beach Pier, a prominent feature of the Southern California coastline, was originally constructed of wood and was already a celebrated location by 1904 when Henry Huntington's Red Car Line first rolled into the city. In 1914, a second pier was opened. Built of concrete, it was widely touted as the "longest and highest pleasure pier‚" in the country. Damaged by storms and the 1933 Earthquake, the pier was variously extended, repaired and resurfaced for the following 60 years. The pier was particularly badly damaged by a storm in 1983 and although repairs were completed, the effects of a subsequent storm in 1988 proved so severe, the pier was ordered closed. Through the fundraising efforts of a grassroots organization entitled People Interested in an Expedited Reconstruction (P.I.E.R) and others including a significant contribution by Sister City Anjo, Japan, the pier was rebuilt and reopened in 1992.
Its history includes an early surfing demonstration at its opening in 1914 followed by many other surfing related events over the years, military use as lookout post during WWII, and has been a long-time film and television location. It is listed on both the California Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places.
It is an international and local tourist destination, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. It is also home to numerous noteworthy events including the annual U.S. Open of Surfing.
The demolition of the pier following the catastrophic storm was the subject of much interest to the local community, visitors and tourists alike. Every stage of work was closely witnessed and much discussed. This film documents the power brake shear demolition project of 1991.
This film was professionally produced for the then-active Huntington Beach TV.
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1991 CAT: Pier Power Brake Shear Demolition of the Old pier '91