Vintage Bali Hai Tiki Bar Postcards (2) Floor Show Big Opu San Diego 1960-70s

Description

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Estate sale find, vintage original Bali Hai Tiki bar postcards (2), c. 1960-70's.
Built in 1953 and originally one of several Christian’s Hut locations, the iconic Bali Hai Restaurant on San Diego’s Shelter Island is one of the oldest classic mid-century Tiki establishments still thriving. It became Bali Hai in 1954, with owner Tom Ham eventually gaining total control of the operations, then passing it along to his family after his death in 1973.
A graduate of UCLA, Tom Ham came to San Diego leaving everything he knew to rescue The Hut a bankrupt Shelter Island restaurant. His professional experience was that of a tax accountant. He knew little of the restaurant business, but had that invaluable quality — an intuitive, dramatic flair that would lead him to success.
He renamed the bankrupt restaurant the Bali Hai, which means, “Your own special island”. He was known for his colorful Hawaiian shirts which became an emblem of his informality and friendliness. The Bali Hai became famous for the Polynesian Floor show which performed two shows a night, six nights a week.
Within the first year, the restaurant was packed and Tom Ham started paying back creditors. He would eventually pay off all creditors and be accepted in the tight knit San Diego community.
The postcards measure approximately 3.5" X 5.5",  shipping weight approximately 3 ounces.
PLEASE SEE DESCRIPTION AND PHOTOS FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS - The postcards are in overall Good  unused condition with signs of slight wear, age toning, no writing, no odors, please see images.
(PCCA-106)