W.S. Collins: Balboa Island Visionary, Con Man or Both?

The Newport Beach Historical Society had a dinner lecture with Bill Lobdell on March 24, 2025 at the Balboa Pavilion. The presentation of W.S. Collins: Balboa Island Visionary, Con Man or Both? was a sold-out event. Mayor Joe Stapleton and Councilwoman Robyn Grant were present to provide opening remarks to share about their dedication to history. The thirteen-member board of directors were present to host the event and share local stories with attendees. We thank the city of Newport Beach and our event sponsors for their support.

Mayor Joe Stapleton, Councilwoman Robyn Grant, & Bernie Svalstad

Guests enjoyed the opportunity drawings from local businesses that included A’s Restaurant, Balboa Fun Zone’s Ferris Wheel, Billy’s At The Beach, Coterie & Cie, El Cholo, Harborside Restaurant & Ballroom, Royal Hen, The Bungalow, Rusy Pelican, Olive Oil & Beyond, McLaren Racing, Pavilions, and The Quiet Woman.

W.S. Collins was a farsighted land speculator who is best known for buying the entire Newport Beach townsite in 1902 from James McFadden, then called Snipe Island. Collins created Balboa Island out of a tiny, mosquito-ridden mudflat. The island was named the area after Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the Spanish explorer. Collins also had a darker side that’s been rarely explored: shady deals, broken promises, five wives, bankruptcy, and endless controversies. Despite only spending little more than a decade in Newport Beach, W.S. Collins may be the most interesting person in city history.

Bill Lobell is a local historian who created a popular podcast called "Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror." Bill’s love for Newport Beach history began during his decade-long stint as the award-winning editor of the Daily Pilot. He also worked as an award-winning investigative reporter and editor for the Los Angeles Times for many years. Bill lives in Corona del Mar.