Date of Award

1979

Document Type

Thesis: Open Access

Degree Name

MA History

Department

History

Committee Chair

Professor James Robert Moriarty III

Committee Co-Chair

Professor Raymond S. Brandes

Committee Member

Professor Iris Wilson Engstrand

Abstract

The presence and financial impact of the United States Navy upon the city and county of San Diego cannot be disputed. The person responsible in large part for this impact was Congressman William Kettner, whose vision, foresight, and singleminded devotion to the city was legendary in his time. Little is known today of this outstanding citizen save a main thoroughfare, Kettner Boulevard, named in the Congressman's honor in 1921. Yet this man, among other accomplishments, brought the Navy to San Diego, which today claims one out of every three county residents as either active duty, retired, a member of the reserve, a dependent, or civilian employee.

At his side, always giving gentle support, stood Kettner's second wife, Marion. Unique because of her marriages to two prominent San Diegans during her lifetime, Marion Kettner's story has merit in itself. This quiet, unassuming yet brilliant woman served often as the source of Kettner's inspiration.

William and Marion Kettner moved to San Diego in 1907 from the small town of Visalia in central California. Kettner established an insurance agency and soon, by virtue of his magnetic personality, became everyone's friend. San Diego of 1907 consisted of 38,000 people. The local scene was dominated by such figures as John D. Spreckels, D. C. Collier, Alonzo E. Horton, George White Marston, and Colonel Ed Fletcher.

Kettner became obsessed with the idea of promoting San Diego's virtues. His election to Congress, in what could be called a fluke of politics, and after only five years' residence in the city, triggered the career which was to absorb him to the end of his life in 1930. For the next eighteen years Kettner's every waking thought was of the city he loved, of expanding its harbor, its economy, and "putting San Diego on the map."

Kettner's phenomenal record as a congressman, in a district composed of seven counties comprising 49,000 square miles, his unique method of approaching politics as a businessman, had great impact upon the growth of San Diego. Kettner's popularity grew until some talked of the possibility of his becoming a senator, perhaps even president of the United States. His fame spread, and with it, San Diego's as well.

William Kettner's life was one of ambition, determination, and the fulfillment of the American dream. Marion's role, although less well known, is equally important. Their story, as a team, deserves to be remembered in the history of San Diego.

Download

Included in

History Commons

Share

COinS