Rohr Industries was a company with a positive influence on Chula Vista’s economy with its annual payroll of $29 million. Fred Rohr demonstrated his company’s contribution by paying his employees in silver dollars purchased from the U.S. Mint in San Francisco. The 12 ton delivery took 50 men 675 hours to count the coins after 4 armored trucks delivered them. Throughout the city people saw silver sparkling everywhere.
The Boys Club and Little League were established, providing recreational activities for the community’s youth. The Junior Chamber of Commerce and Junior Woman’s Club took avid roles. And Guava Street became known as Candy Cane Lane.
The elementary school district could barely keep up with the growing student population but quickly adapted and built ten new schools: Rosebank, Hazel Goes Cook, Feaster elementary schools and also Chula Vista High School. Today the Chula Vista Elementary School District has 45 schools, and 25,000 students - the largest K-6 district in California.
100 Centennial Seconds on the 50s were assembled by Haley Alderete, a High Tech High senior.
