New book explores CSULB's 75-year journey from strawberry stand to standout institution

For more than two decades, CSULB journalism lecturer Barbara Kingsley-Wilsonhas been uncovering and sharing compelling stories - first as a journalist, then as an instructor and, finally, as an author.

Her latest project, "Long Beach State at 75," is a coffee table book that traces the evolution of the university from its scrappy beginnings in 1949 - when students registered at a strawberry stand and classes were held in repurposed apartments - through decades of growth, social movements and academic achievements. Kingsley-Wilson's second book, "Long Beach State at 75," is filled with historic photos, personal stories and alumni reflections - a fitting tribute to 75 yearsat The Beach.

Ahead of her book signing at the University BookstoreNov. 14, Kingsley-Wilson shares her favorite discoveries, memorable moments and some of what makes CSULB such a unique place to learn and grow.

In 1949, the university's first students attended classes in kitchens and dining rooms. Yet they insisted on things like yearbooks and a college newspaper. What do you think made them so determined to create a "real college experience?"

They were returning veterans, housewives and others who couldn't afford UCLA or USC. The new state school meant college was a possibility for many more. For former Long Beach Mayor Beverly (Lewis) O'Neill('52, '56), Long Beach State was the only option. But the first students wanted the college experience they saw elsewhere. They might have gone to the first classes while perched on the edge of bathtubs in the first year, but they threw together a paperback yearbook in 1950. Associated Students got Greek life going and that in turn led to concerts on campus and the 49er Days that united student who all lived off campus and often had families and jobs. Faculty members and students had square dances in the new gym. If they couldn't have a fancy, pretty college right away, they wanted the accouterments of college life - at least some of the things that didn't cost much.

Each decade at The Beach had something different to offer, from the rapid enrollment spike in 1950s to Misty May's domination of the volleyball court in the '90s to becoming one of the country's best-known Hispanic-serving colleges in the 2020s. What was your favorite decade to research?

The '60s were so dynamic. The college was changing from a seat-of-the-pants little operation to a real university. It took the whole decade to finally get a legitimate student union. Meanwhile, you had Jefferson Airplane giving free noontime concerts, and the Doors playing at the Gold Mine gym. The campus was becoming more diverse, and women, Black and Chicano students and others were demanding a place at the table. And the place was growing like crazy.

Did you find any unsung heroes in the university's history? People whose stories deserve more attention?

Jon Regnierwas the campus facilities guy who oversaw tremendous growth in the 1960s, and he wheeled and dealed to get a traffic light here, a building there. He helped make the Walter Pyramid and the business building happen. Professor Joseph White launched the Educational Opportunity Program, which helped bring more minority and low-income students to campus. President Maxson, who was here from the mid-'90s to the mid-2000s, boosted the lagging school spirit, telling everyone, "Go Beach," and getting everyone else to say it, too. He was also a first-rate fundraiser.

What has changed the most in 75 years?

The campus was overwhelmingly white and Christian in the first days. It's much, much more diverse now. In the '50s and '60s, and even '70s, the campus was a treeless expanse. Now it boasts hundreds of trees, brick buildings and some architectural flourishes by Ed Killingsworth and others. It's woody and kind of pretty now. The community helped make that happen.

This campus has so much rich and varied history, which can be seen in our recent list of 49 fun facts about The Beach. Do you have a favorite fact? And what is the one moment from our history that you would have wanted to experience firsthand?

I would love to have been here when students were stepping over rebar and skill saws to get to class. It was frustrating, I'm sure, but it would have been so interesting to talk to people in those early days. I wouldn't mind seeing the Doors perform at the Gold Mine gym, either.

Your book is really beautiful, full of fun tidbits and wonderful photographs. Who will enjoy it the most, do you think? And where can readers pick up a copy?

Thanks! Alums, I guess. History buffs and folks who grew up around the college. It's at the campus bookstore and on Amazon. But you get a $5 discount at the bookstore.