Lunch and Learn: Empire Builder

JUNE 11, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Empire Builder: John Spreckels and the Making of San Diego

Dr. Sandra E. Bonura is a historian and award winning author of multiple nonfiction books. Her popular book, “Empire Builder: John D. Spreckels and the Making of San Diego” chronicles the life of a forgotten pioneer who almost single-handedly built San Diego after creating empires in sugar, shipping, transportation, and building development up and down the coast of California and across the Pacific. After “discovering” the bankrupt village of San Diego, in 1887, Spreckels left everything behind to follow his heart. His moves were so decisive and sweeping that within a few years, he controlled most of Coronado and San Diego’s industry. He was at the forefront of innovation and at the top of the 20th century, one in 15 San Diegans worked for a Spreckels-owned company. He was harshly criticized for perceptions of ruthless business tactics and monopolization. To the strenuous charge that our troubles were derived from the city being a “one-man town,” he responded, “If being a one-man town is bad for the town, take it from me, it’s hell for the ‘one man’!”

“Here is the definitive book on John D. Spreckels, a titan who came to San Diego and ended up seeming to own or control everything in town. To read Sandra Bonura’s biography of John D. Spreckels is to understand how many of the very foundations of America’s finest city came to be.”—Ken Kramer, creator and host of Ken Kramer’s About San Diego on KPBS-TV

Ticket price includes lunch.

SDHC Member $25

Non-Member $30