Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Legacy of the Exposition

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SPONSORS Page BP2 www.sdbj.com Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal December 21, 2015

Celebrate the Jewel of San Diego Since 1915

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Letter From the Mayor - City of San Diego

My fellow San Diegans, Our city has always been a place of opportunity and innovation. Nowhere is this more on display than Balboa Park. Throughout the year we came together as a city for a Centennial celebration that honored the park’s rich history. The festivities marked the 100th anniversary of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition – an event that drew millions of visitors and put San Diego on the world map as an epicenter of new ideas and endless possibilities. The expo acted as a catalyst for a young city of roughly 40,000 residents and spurred the development of beloved museums and institutions in the park that are still going strong today, including the San Diego Zoo. We’ve spent the past year elevating, celebrating and promoting Balboa Park for 2015 and beyond. Just look at all the investments made into Balboa Park this year with the support of many fantastic organizations that worked hard to make sure 2015 was special. We reopened the California Tower for the rst time in decades. We put in new LED lighting throughout the park to illuminate public spaces with color at night. We expanded the Japanese Friendship Garden. We rehabilitated and reopened the Cabrillo Bridge. We revamped Old Globe Way and installed a Centennial Walkway. And we continued to improve the Plaza de Panama to ensure its stature as a public gathering space like none other in San Diego. We also made the Centennial an inclusive and community-driven celebration with signature events for San Diegans of all walks of life to enjoy. The year was bookended with our December Nights holiday festival which draws 350,000 people each year. In between, the City held two free public events attended by tens of thousands of San Diegans – the “Garden Party of the Century” in May and the inventive “Maker Faire” in October. This special section in the San Diego Business Journal turns back the clock and shows us what Balboa Park looked like a century ago. It also serves as a history lesson for anyone who doesn’t know the park’s history or the 1915 Expo’s importance in helping shape the future of the city we all call home. I want to thank the San Diego Business Journal for creating what will clearly be a collector’s item for all those who hold Balboa Park dear. In closing, I want to express our city’s gratitude to all the wonderful organizations, spirited San Diegans and dedicated City employees for pouring their hearts into Balboa Park throughout the year. The investments we’ve collectively made into Balboa Park will ensure that it remains San Diego’s crown jewel for the next 100 years.

Sincerely, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer

Photos: San Diego History Center Page BP4 www.sdbj.com Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal December 21, 2015

Balboa Park 1915 1

4 8

16 15 9

Map and photos 1-14, San Diego History Center Photos 15-18, Committee of 100 December 21, 2015 Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal www.sdbj.com Page BP5 Balboa Park 2015

10 Balboa Park Visitors Center ...... 1 Florida Canyon Hiking Trails Museums San Diego Zoo Centro Cultural de la Raza ...... 27 Morley Field Marston House and Gardens Morley Field Dr. Sports Complex Marston House and Gardens ...... 28 3525 Seventh Avenue Multi-Sports Field Mingei Balboa International Park Visitors Museum Center ...... 1. 41 Florida Canyon Upas Zoo Place Golf CourseHiking Trails MuseumsMuseum of Photographic Arts ...... 2 San Diego Zoo Fitness Course CentroReuben Cultural H. Fleet de Science la Raza Center...... 273 Boccie CourtsMorley Field Marston House and Gardens Zoo Place Sports Complex MarstonSan Diego House Air & andSpace Gardens Museum...... 22 28 Morley Field Dr.Tennis Courts 3525 Seventh Avenue Kearn’s PoolMulti-Sports Field MingeiSan Diego International Art Institute Museum ...... 14 14 Upas Visitors Center Tram Stop Zoo Place Picnic AreaGolf Course MuseumSan Diego of Automotive Photographic Museum Arts ...... 2 . 12 Fitness Course Tiny Tots Play Area Food Garden

ReubenSan Diego H. FleetHall of Science Champions Center...... 3 VelodromeBoccie Courts Zoo Place

6th Avenue Playground 6th Avenue Tennis Courts SanSports Diego Museum Air & Space ...... Museum...... 24 22 Restroom MTS Bus Stop Soccer Field San Diego Art Institute ...... 14 Kearn’s Pool San Diego History Center...... 2 Visitors Center Tram Stop Picnic Area San Diego Automotive Museum ...... 21 Parking Taxi Stand

Tiny Tots Play Area San Diego Model Railroad Museum ...... 2 Food Garden San Diego Hall of Champions ATM E-Kiosk Velodrome 6th Avenue Playground 6th Avenue Buildings/Museums SportsSan Diego Museum Museum . . . . of. . .Man ...... 13 24 Restroom MTS Bus Stop ParkBlvd. Soccer Field SanThe DiegoSan Diego History Museum Center. of .Art ...... 1 . 12 1 Balboa Park Visitors Center Parking Taxi Stand Village Place SantheNAT11 Diego (San Model Diego Railroad Natural Museum History Museum)...... 4 2 The Prado Restaurant ATM E-Kiosk HouseBuildings/Museums of Hospitality ParkBlvd.

Sixth Ave. Sixth Drive Balboa

San Diego Museum of Man ...... 13 Ave. Fifth Timken Museum of Art ...... 10 2 Museum of Photographic Arts The San Diego Museum of Art ...... 11 12 1 Balboa Park Visitors Center Veterans Museum & Memorial Center...... 25 Village Place San Diego History Center theNAT (San Diego Natural History Museum). . 4 The Prado Restaurant WorldBeat Center ...... 26 San Diego House Model of Hospitality Railroad Museum

Sixth Ave. Sixth Drive Balboa Timken Museum of Art ...... 10 Ave. Fifth 3 Reuben 2 Museum H. Fleet Scienceof Photographic Center Arts Redwood Veterans Museum & Memorial Center...... 25 San Diego History Center Performing Arts Circle 4 theNAT San Diego Model Railroad Museum

WorldBeat Center ...... 26 Bowling Lawn

Founder’s Plaza Founder’s (San Diego Natural History Museum) Civic Dance Arts...... 9 Plaza de 3 Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Redwood 5 Spanish Village Art Center Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre ...... 20 Panama Pedestrian 4 theNAT Performing Arts Circle 6 Carousel

Lawn Bowling Lawn Bridge

Founder’s Plaza Founder’s (San Diego Natural History Museum) CivicSan Diego Dance Civic Arts. Youth . . . . . Ballet...... 9 9 Plaza de El Prado 7 Miniature Railroad Panama 5 Spanish Village Art Center MarieSan Diego Hitchcock Junior Puppet Theatre. Theatre ...... 209 Pedestrian 8 San Diego Zoo El Prado Bridge 6 Carousel San Diego Civic Youth Ballet ...... 9 El Prado San Diego Youth Symphony ...... 9 Cabrillo Bridge* 9 Casa 7 del Miniature Prado Railroad SanSpreckels Diego Organ Junior Pavilion Theatre...... 15 . 9 El Prado Botanical 8 San Foundation Diego Zoo San Diego Youth Symphony ...... 9 Cabrillo Bridge* Civic 9 Dance Casa Artsdel Prado SpreckelsThe Old Globe Organ . . Pavilion...... 12 15 Floral AssociationBotanical Foundation Archery Range San Diego Civic Civic Dance Youth Arts Ballet TheAttractions Old Globe ...... 12 Floral Association Archery Range San Diego San Junior Diego Theatre Civic Youth Ballet AttractionsCarousel ...... 6 San Diego San Youth Diego Symphony Junior Theatre CarouselHouse of . Pacific...... Relations/Cottages...... 18 . 6 10 Timken San Museum Diego of Youth Art Symphony HouseMiniature of Pacific Railroad Relations/Cottages...... 187 11 The 10 San Timken Diego MuseumMuseum ofof ArtArt Kate Sessions Statue and Walk Kate Sessions and Statue dog off-leash park Pointe Nate’s Sixth Ave. Sixth Walk Kate Sessions and Statue Miniature Railroad ...... 7 Ave. Fifth 12 The 11 Old The Globe San Theatre Diego Museum of Art

Sixth Ave. Sixth Walk Kate Sessions and Statue dog off-leash park Pointe Nate’s San Diego Zoo ...... 8 Ave. Fifth 12 The Old Globe Theatre San Diego Zoo ...... 8 13 San Diego Museum of Man Spanish Village Art Center ...... 5 14 Mingei 13 SanInternational Diego Museum of Man Spanish Village Art Center ...... 5 14 Mingei International UnitedUnited NationsNations Building/Gift ShopShop ...... 17 17 San Diego San Art Diego Institute Art Institute 13 15 Spreckels 15 Spreckels Organ PavilionOrgan Pavilion BuildingsBuildings 16 Hall 16 of Nations Hall of Nations BalboaBalboa ParkPark Club...... 19 19 17 United 17 UnitedNations Nations Building/Gift Building/Gift Shop Shop 18 House of Pacific Relations Casa del Prado ...... 9 Pepper Grove 18 House of Pacific Relations Casa del Prado ...... 9 Pepper Grove 19 Balboa 19 BalboaPark Club Park Club San Diego Botanical Foundation ...... 9 PlaygroundPlayground San Diego Botanical Foundation ...... 9 20 Marie 20 Hitchcock Marie Hitchcock Puppet PuppetTheater Theater San Diego Floral Association ...... 9 Pan American 21 San Diego Automotive Museum San Diego Floral Association ...... 9 Pan American 21 San Diego Automotive Museum Hall of Nations ...... 16 Plaza 22 San Diego Air & Space Museum Plaza 22 San Diego Air & Space Museum HouseHall of ofNations Hospitality...... 16 . 1 23 Municipal Gym House of Hospitality...... 1 23 Municipal 24 San Gym Diego Hall of Champions Municipal Gym...... 23 24 San 25 Diego Veterans Hall of Museum Champions & Memorial Center

TheMunicipal Prado RestaurantGym...... 23 . 1 P 25 Veterans 26 World Museum Beat &Center Memorial Center r e Park Blvd. Balboa Park 27 Centro Cultural de la Raza The Prado Restaurant ...... 1 P s 26 World Beat Center

i r Gardens/Horticulture d Activity Center 28 Marston House and Gardens e

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Alcazar Garden...... A n i

Gardens/Horticulture d t Activity Center 28 Marston HouseGardens and Gardens

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Botanical Building and Lily Pond...... B n Developed Regional Parks Alcazar Garden...... A W A Alcazar Garden

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Desert Garden ...... D a s B Botanical Building and Lily Pond y Botanical Building and Lily Pond...... B DevelopedCity of Regional San Diego Parks Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden...... E W A Alcazar C Moreton Garden Bay Fig Tree AdministrationPark & Recreation Building Dept. JapaneseDesert Garden Friendship ...... Garden...... D G a B Botanical D Desert Building Garden and Lily Pond Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden...... E y Inspiration Point City of San Diego C Moreton E Inez Bay Grant Fig Tree Parker Memorial Rose Garden Moreton Bay Fig Tree...... C Park & Recreation Dept. 14 D Desert F ZoroGarden Garden OldJapanese Cactus Friendship Garden . . Garden...... G J Central Mesa G Japanese Friendship Garden E Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden PalmMoreton Canyon. Bay Fig . . . Tree...... C H InspirationTram Stop Point H Palm Canyon Veterans Memorial Garden ...... K Bus Parking F Zoro J Garden Old Cactus Garden Old Cactus Garden ...... J Central Mesa G Japanese Friendship Garden Zoro Garden ...... F K Veterans Memorial Garden Palm Canyon...... H Tram Stop H Palm Canyon Veterans Memorial Garden ...... K Bus Parking J Old Cactus Garden K Veterans Memorial Garden Zoro Garden ...... F Map image, Balboa Park Conservancy

Buildings/Museums 10 Timken Museum of Art Gardens 1 Balboa Park Visitors Center 11 The San Diego Museum of Art A Alcazar Garden The Prado Restaurant 12 The Old Globe Theatre B Botanical Building and Lily Pond House of Hospitality 13 San Diego Museum of Man C Moreton Bay Fig Tree 2 Museum of Photographic Arts 14 Mingei International D Desert Garden San Diego History Center San Diego Art Institute E Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose San Diego Model Railroad Museum 15 Spreckels Organ Pavilion Garden 3 Reuben H. Fleet Science Center 16 Hall of Nations F Zoro Garden 4 theNAT 17 United Nations Building/Gift Shop G Japanese Friendship Garden (San Diego Natural History 18 House of Paci c Relations H Palm Canyon Museum) 19 Balboa Park Club J Old Cactus Garden 18 5 Spanish Village Art Center 20 Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater K Veterans Memorial Garden 6 Carousel 21 San Diego Automotive Museum 7 Miniature Railroad 22 San Diego Air & Space Museum 8 San Diego Zoo 23 Municipal Gym 9 Casa del Prado 24 San Diego Hall of Champions Botanical Foundation 25 Veterans Museum & Memorial Civic Dance Arts Center Floral Association 26 World Beat Center San Diego Civic Youth Ballet 27 Centro Cultural de la Raza San Diego Junior Theatre 28 Marston House and Gardens San Diego Youth Symphony Page BP6 www.sdbj.com Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal December 21, 2015

Balboa Park Conservancy - Richard Benton Botanical Building - Balboa Park Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Legacy of the Exposition

The Balboa Park we celebrate today was born at a San Diego Chamber of Commerce meeting in 1909. Although land for our park was set aside in 1868 — little was done with it for the next 41 years. But that early group of entrepreneurial business leaders boldly imagined they could mount a world’s fair in a town with a population smaller than today’s La Jolla. The resulting Panama-California Exposition of 1915, and the legacy of that fair — the beautiful architecture, landscape, performing arts, cultural institutions and tradition of volunteerism that resulted — are a testament to that first visionary group of bankers, developers, merchants, promoters and small business owners. The first Exposition and a second one in 1935, would have effects more far-reaching than most San Diegans realize — affecting the development of this region in uncountable ways.

t was a lucky day for San Diego when Gilbert setts. A few came from Europe. Some came by Aubrey Davidson stepped off the train here The Balboa Park way of Northern California after heading to the in 1886. But the 18-year old wasn’t so sure Gold Rush. Others came seeking our mild cli- it was lucky for him. In fact, when he got we celebrate today mate for health reasons. Some were brought here his first glimpse of the dusty little burgh he was born at a for the first time by the military. Ialmost boarded the next train out of town. Most had heard about this land of wide-open He and his sister had traveled from a thriving San Diego opportunity in the South- town in Canada at the urging Chamber of Commerce western corner of the United of their parents, who had States. Most weren’t wealthy moved here a few years before. meeting in 1909. when they arrived, although a The Davidsons couldn’t wait few were. But all saw opportu- to show their tall, handsome with it!” And he spent most of his life striving to nity and a chance to make their son around. His mother took build one. mark. What else did they have him to the top of a hill for in common? They fell in love A similar story could be told of other young Wikimedia Commons a good view of the natural with this place, and became Alonzo Horton Committee of 100 and ambitious men and women who arrived here topography. “Yes, it’s a G. Aubrey Davidson great civic boosters. And, in beautiful area,” he’s reported in the late 1800s, from San Francisco, Connecti- one way or another, they helped write the story of to have said. “Too bad there’s not a town to go cut, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois and Massachu- Balboa Park. December 21, 2015 Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal www.sdbj.com Page BP7

San Diego History Center Early landscaping efforts in Balboa Park

next 20 years. Park Site Chosen By 1889, the large vacant tract lonzo Horton arrived here by ship from had become something of an at- San Francisco in 1867. As he disembarked, tractive nuisance; some areas were he discovered the town of about 2,000 scattered with trash, there was A a pound for stray animals, and a residents was located a few miles north, where Old “pest” house for indigent people Town State Park is today. He immediately began with communicable diseases. Res- making inquiries about purchasing land closer to idents around the park were not the waterfront. Less than a month later, he owned happy and initiated small land- 800 acres, and had become friends with several of scaping projects—especially in the the town’s trustees, Ephraim Morse in particular. Golden Hill area, one of the poshest San Diego History Center Just before Horton arrived, Morse had proposed parts of town bordering the south- setting aside 160 acres for a public park, which east corner, where a playground was 1903 Cabrillo Canyon (site of State Highway 163 today) the other trustees approved. But once Horton installed and owering vegetation and purchased his large tract, and others began eyeing trees were planted. On the west side, the Ladies bene cial to both parties, continuing until 1903, the same area, the idea was oated to set aside a Annex (women’s auxiliary) of the Chamber of when more formal e orts to landscape the area came to fruition. much larger area for a public park—1,400 acres. Commerce raised money to plant a strip of trees Sessions’ contribution to the landscape of Morse and Horton were appointed to nd the best along the edge of the park, advised on their se- Balboa Park and San Diego is important for spot for one. lection and planting by a young woman who had arrived in San Diego ve years earlier—Kate another reason. She studied our soil and climate Sessions. and introduced plants and seeds from regions of While San Diego had the the world with a Mediterranean climate similar to ours. These plants thrived in rocky soil with luxury of reserving 1,400 acres low rainfall and, given a good start, grew well Early Development here. Many are still growing today. at no cost, the town didn’t have At the suggestion of grocery wholesaler Julius the resources to develop it, so the ession’s grew up in the Bay Area and grad- Wangenheim, the Chamber of Commerce formed uated from the University of California, a Park Improvement Committee in 1902. Wan- park remained in its natural SBerkeley. She came to genheim was appointed chairman, and among its state, covered with sagebrush, San Diego as a teacher and members were Ulysses S. Grant, Jr., and George vice-principal at the new high Marston. Kate Sessions was invited to be part of cactus and wild owers for school in 1884. But the follow- a special advisory committee on City Park plans. ing year she left her teaching On a business trip to New York, Marston, the next 20 years. job to open a ower shop in whose mercantile business had become very downtown San Diego, and be- pro table, hired landscape architect Samuel The land they chose was virtually free, since fore long a nursery in Corona- Parsons and personally paid him to develop plans the town, when it was recognized as a pueblo by San Diego History Center do. By 1892, she needed more Kate Sessions for City Park. the Mexican Government in 1835, was granted space for her plants and made Parsons was very impressed with San Diego, 48,500 acres for public use. While San Diego had an arrangement with the City of San Diego to and the topography and views in City Park. Soon the luxury of reserving 1,400 acres at no cost, “lease” 32 acres of land in the northwest corner surveys were conducted, contour maps drawn, the town didn’t have the resources to develop it, of City Park in exchange for planting 100 trees a roads laid out and trees planted, often requiring so the park remained in its natural state, covered year in the park and an additional 300 elsewhere explosive charges to dig the holes. with sagebrush, cactus and wild owers for the in the growing town. This arrangement proved Lack of water and money were big problems, Page BP8 www.sdbj.com Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal December 21, 2015

San Diego History Center In 1907, civic leader and philanthropist George Marston (center) hired landscape architect John Nolen (right) to develop a city plan that included Balboa Park. Nolen was re-hired by Marston in 1925 to update the plan. Driving is local developer/ entrepreneur Ed Fletcher, a good friend of Marston’s.

however. Citizens were excited to nally see something happening on this vast tract but A Bold Idea progress was painstakingly slow; Parsons’ vision n July 9, 1909, Davidson, as a respected for a peaceful, tree- lled park with winding roads, member of the business community and picnic areas and playgrounds, was just barely Opresident of the Chamber of Commerce, taking shape. But there was a spirit of optimism captured the attention of everyone at a meeting in the growing town, especially as news was when he suggested San Diego mount a world’s San Diego History Center heard of work on the Panama Canal. San Diego fair in conjunction with the opening of the Seventh Ave. and Date St. entrance to Balboa Park, c. 1906 would be the rst American port north of the Panama Canal — an event which he said would Coronado, two San Diego newspapers, the San Di- Canal on the West Coast. boost the local economy and introduce people from near and far to the city’s great attributes. ego-Coronado Ferry company, a water company, If they succeeded in their ambitious dream, San and electric rail lines in San Diego and Coronado. Diego would be the smallest city ever to host an Also serving as vice presidents were A.G. Spald- exposition. ing, retired baseball star and founder of a sporting Compared to the time it took to get anything goods company, and Davidson. done in City Park prior to 1909, the speed with According to late historian Richard Amero, which things happened after Davidson proposed author of “Balboa Park and the 1915 Exposition,” the his idea is almost breathtaking. smartest decision the board made was selecting Within a few days a commit- D.C. “Charlie” Collier, a local entrepreneur, real- tee was set up to explore the estate developer and civic booster, as the director- idea; by September a Pana- general of the Exposition. Collier chose the ma-California Exposition site (City Park), the original architectural style Company had been created, in- and the theme. Using his own money, he was a San Diego History Center corporation papers led with tireless champion for the cause in Sacramento US Grant hotel, c. 1912 the state, and a board elected San Diego History Center and Washington, D.C., also traveling to Central After a 20-year career with the Santa Fe with U.S. Grant, Jr., as pres- John D. Spreckels and South American countries to encourage their Railroad in Los Angeles, Davidson returned to ident, and John D. Spreck- participation. San Diego in 1907, and founded the Southern els, rst vice-president. Spreckels was the son of Collier wished to break with the neo-classical Commerce and Trust Bank, which quickly Claus Spreckels, a Hawaiian sugar magnate, and design predominantly used in expos of the a wealthy businessman in his own right, who had became quite successful. He became friends with recent past and preferred instead to represent begun investing in San Diego in the late 1880s, the origins of the new American Southwest— Ulysses S. Grant, Jr., son of the former president, moving his family to Coronado after the 1906 the Spanish missions and Mexican rancheros, and helped raise the nancing to complete his earthquake. He owned much of the north and a period heavily romanticized at the time. The landmark US Grant hotel. south islands of Coronado, including the Hotel del overall theme he chose was “human progress.” In September 1909, just two months after On July 9, 1909, Davidson, as a respected member San Diego’s commitment, San Francisco, with of the business community and president of the Chamber of a population of over 400,000, declared they would have a world’s fair and asked San Diego to Commerce, captured the attention of everyone at a meeting abandon their plans. To their credit, San Diego’s organizers refused to back down. Citizens rallied, when he suggested San Diego mount a world’s fair in conjunction and by March had raised $1 million, with a lead with the opening of the Panama Canal. subscription of $100,000 from Spreckels, and a promise of another $100,000 if needed. By the December 21, 2015 Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal www.sdbj.com Page BP9

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San Diego History Center An elaborate groundbreaking celebration for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition took place in July 1911.

following August, citizens also had voted by an site, due to steep changes in elevation. He lobbied overwhelming majority to support an additional for building on a large, level mesa in the center $1 million in park improvement bonds. of the park instead. At the same time, Collier had been working tirelessly to bring in exhibits from Central and South America and decided they would need more space than the Olmsted site Designers Hired would allow. and Park Gets a New Name Competition and n 1910, as plans were progressing for a world’s fair in City Park, park commissioners Controversy Idecided to give the site a more tting name. an Francisco advanced their plans, seeking They chose to call it “Balboa Park,” after Vasquez the support of President Taft and Congress Núñez de Balboa, the rst European to see the Sin inviting foreign countries to participate in Paci c Ocean in 1513 — from Panama. their fair. Undaunted, Collier persuaded the House Brothers and partners in a landscape of Representatives to pass a resolution urging architectural rm on the East Coast, John C. President Taft to invite Mexico and other Latin Though San Francisco and San DiegoSan hadDiego competing History Center Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. were American countries to participate in San Diego’s fairs, joint promotions enticed visitors to visit both locales. chosen to plan the layout of the San Diego fair, exposition. The Senate turned down San Diego’s having done the same for the 1905 Lewis and resolution; San Francisco got the nod instead (to July 1911. President Taft did send an emissary Clark Exposition in Portland and the 1909 invite foreign countries—not limited to Latin to the ground-breaking, held in the area the Ol- Alaska-Yukon-Paci c Expo in Seattle. They America—to exhibit at their fair). San Diego would msteds had chosen. John Barrett, who turned the chose a section of the park near where San Diego not be able to call their fair an “international” rst shovel-full of sod, also delivered a speech on High School is today. exposition. Politics may have played a role as there the importance of relations between the U.S. and In 1911, the board hired Frank P. Allen, Jr., of was a presidential election the following year, and Latin America, and was honored with a banquet at Seattle, who had managed the 1909 Expo. Also San Francisco had a much larger electorate. the US Grant hotel. in 1911, Bertram Goodhue, Meanwhile, in 1911, without any assurance As supervising architect, Goodhue developed a nationally prominent ar- of backing from the federal government, San Di- an alternate plan for the central mesa which chitect recommended by the ego went ahead with plans for a massive four-day would involve a bridge across Cabrillo canyon Olmsteds, was hired as super- groundbreaking celebration for their exposition in to bring fair-goers to the grounds from the west vising architect, a decision the side of the park. A second entrance was possible Olmsteds probably later re- They chose to call it on the east side. gretted. San Diego architect Goodhue sent a sketch and letters to the Irving Gill had been chosen Committee of 100 “Balboa Park,” after Olmsteds, imploring them to support the change to design the buildings with Bertram Goodhue Vasquez Núñez de Balboa, of location. They were appalled and declined, a Mission/Pueblo theme, but feeling the permanent buildings would ruin the Goodhue was an authority on Spanish Colonial the rst European to see the pastoral uses and views in the heart of the park architecture, which he strongly recommended for Paci c Ocean in 1513 — in the future. Collier agreed with Goodhue, and San Diego’s fair. Spreckels saw an opportunity to run his electric Allen was concerned about the building from Panama. rail line through the park to the east entrance of challenges presented by the Olmsted’s favored the exposition.

continued on page 6 December 21, 2015 Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal www.sdbj.com Page BP11 THE LORE BEHIND THE R AR! 100 YEARS OF THE SAN DIEGO ZOO Page BP12 www.sdbj.com Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal December 21, 2015

San Diego History Center Puente Cabrillo Bridge

The Olmsteds resigned from the project into o ce (also elected by a strong majority in September 1911. Goodhue, who had been of San Diegans). Kettner would prove to be an recommended by the Olmsteds, o ered to resign invaluable ally for San Diego causes throughout instead, but they could not be persuaded to his time in o ce. He worked behind the scenes on resume their work. Within a few months, Gill behalf of the Exposition e ort, and later helped also withdrew from the project. Marston who pave the way for use of the park by the military had supported the Olmsteds, resigned from the during World War I, and establishment of major Building and Grounds Committee. military bases in San Diego. The Panama- Allen and Goodhue brought in other California Exposition Board would not receive professionals and nished the plans that were authorization to invite foreign participation until ultimately used in building the 1915 Panama- May, 1913, when President Wilson signed a bill, California Exposition on the central mesa in carried by Kettner, on their behalf. Balboa Park. The park today would look very When the Cabrillo Bridge was completed in di erent had there been another outcome to this 1914, the rst two people to drive across it were monumental disagreement. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and Davidson, who took the opportunity to speak with Roosevelt about San Diego’s great Ofﬁ cial seal of the 1915 Panama-CaliforniaCommittee of 100 natural harbor and interest in having naval Exposition installations here. Roosevelt was impressed with the area’s potential and would return several times over the next 20 years. First Exposition The Panama-California Opens Exposition o cially began efore a huge crowd in Balboa Park on Dec. 31, 1914, John D. and his brother Adolph San Diego History Center at midnight when President Huge trees were brought in and planted in preparation for Spreckels dedicated their gift to the City— the exposition. B Woodrow Wilson touched a the magni cent Spreckels Organ, for which Allen supervised construction of streets and telegraph key in Washington, they had contributed $100,000—and invited Dr. grounds on the 640 acre site, working with Humphrey Stewart, a talented organist, to play it. Paul Thiene, a San Diego horticulturist. Allen D.C., turning on all the The Panama-California Exposition o cially is credited with the engineering of the Cabrillo began at midnight when President Woodrow Bridge, the rst cantilevered, arched bridge of its lights at the fair. Wilson touched a telegraph key in Washington, size on the West Coast. Hundreds of workers were D.C., turning on all the lights at the fair. A great employed, and the bridge and buildings began to Signi cantly, in early December of 1914, the cheer went up and an animated reworks display take on the shapes we recognize today. San Diegans Second Battalion of the Fourth Regiment of the above the arch at the Organ Pavilion showed a eagerly awaited the formal opening of the fairytale U.S. Marines, under the command of Colonel ship going through the Panama Canal. The show city beginning to rise in the heart of Balboa Park. Joseph Pendleton, received permission to move was on! San Diego voted for Democrat Woodrow his unit, including a eld hospital, from a base On New Year’s Day 1915, Davidson, president Wilson for president by a large margin in 1912, on Coronado’s north island to Balboa Park, as of the Exposition gave a stirring speech praising which probably also helped sweep rst-time part of the upcoming exposition. This move was the optimism and civic pride exhibited by the Congressman William Kettner, a Democrat, facilitated by Davidson and Congressman Kettner. community in making the Exposition a reality.

continued on page 6 December 21, 2015 Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal www.sdbj.com Page BP13

©FluxPhotography (Lorenzo Menendez) Here’s to ambition.

In 1909, San Diegans dreamed up a park grand enough to host the world’s fair. So grand, in fact, that today—more than a century later—it still inspires visitors from across the globe.

That spirit is what makes us proud to serve San Diego’s businesses and our community. Here’s to still looking forward.

4747 Executive Drive, Suite 1300 | San Diego, CA 92121 (858) 627-1400 | WWW.MOSSADAMS.COM

continued on page 6 Page BP14 www.sdbj.com Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal December 21, 2015

San Diego History Center Many Washington dignitaries visited the fair in 1915, escorted by members of the exposition board. Here Speaker of the House Joseph Cannon has his photo taken in an electriquette with John D. Spreckels.

Besides the elegant buildings and beautifully landscaped grounds, there were exhibits from seven states and 28 California counties. No foreign countries o cially exhibited in 1915, but people could taste Brazilian co ee or visit a Japanese Tea Pavilion. Rather than just viewing static displays, visitors were engaged by exhibits showing how things were grown or made. These included a working lm studio, an anthropology exhibit revealing how excavations were conducted, small versions of an actual citrus farm and a Lipton- sponsored tea plantation, and Southwest Indians in the Painted Desert demonstrating their native crafts.

Former President Theodore Roosevelt (4th from the right) was among the distinguished guests to visit the fair.

San Diego History Center Shumann-Heink, a world-famous contralto, performed several times drawing huge crowds. Washington legislators around the fairgrounds. The music program that year was organized by They were duly impressed by what San Diego Gertrude Gilbert; art exhibits were curated by was able to accomplish. Alice Klauber, who also chaired the Women’s More than two million people visited by the end Committee of the Exposition. of 1915. The event was widely promoted through The expo also had a distinctly patriotic a clever post card campaign and travel brochures avor with regular military parades and distributed in train stations nationwide. Signage demonstrations. The Army (cavalry division), even appeared on railroad cars traveling through Navy and Marines had model camps on site. The the middle of the country. And in the end, former Liberty Bell was brought out from Philadelphia rivals San Francisco and San Diego co-promoted and put on display for a time. San Diego History Center their events with a successful “see-both-fairs-in- The Liberty Bell was brought from Philadelphia and displayed at the 1915 Expo. one-California-visit” campaign. More than two million people A decision was made to extend for a second A stunning open-lath botanical building and visited by the end of 1915. year through 1916—as the Panama-California re ecting pond conveyed the subtle message International Exposition. Exhibits from several that most anything could be grown year-round foreign nations were now included, many of in San Diego. Among other things, The Isthmus Many dignitaries were welcomed and escorted which simply moved to San Diego when San (amusement zone) contained a giant roller by Davidson and other exposition board members, Francisco’s fair closed. While some of the original coaster, House of Mirth, working model of the including former Presidents Teddy Roosevelt exhibits and building names changed, and the Panama Canal, and an ostrich farm. and William H. Taft, and Speaker of the House Isthmus increased in size, the general appearance Music was an important aspect of a day at the Joseph Cannon. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford and character of “The Garden Fair,” remained fair, with daily pipe organ concerts, and other visited on the same day. Congressman Kettner the same. By the close of the fair in March 2017, performances by noted talent of the day. Madame enthusiastically invited and showed many another 1.7 million attendees had visited.

continued on page 6 December 21, 2015 Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal www.sdbj.com Page BP15

San Diego History Center In 1915, a Japanese Tea Pavilion was located where the Children’s Zoo is today. It remained a ﬁ xture in Balboa Park for many years.

things done. Also in San Diego’s corner were Congressman Kettner, who served as an able emissary in Washington for negotiations that followed, and the citizens of San Diego, who appreciated representation of the armed forces at the exposition. In November 1916, voters overwhelming- San Diego History Center ly approved transfer of a Thousands of promotional postcards were sent around the country to drum up interest in the San Diego fair. marshy area near Point Loma, called “Dutch Flats,” for use by the Navy De- partment for a permanent Unanticipated Bene t U.S. Marine Corps base. But it would require several San Diego History Center he local Chamber of Commerce had cer- years of site preparation, in- tainly achieved what they hoped to when cluding much dredging and Huge crowds attended concerts at the newly dedicated Spreckels Organ Pavilion in 1915. Tthey embraced the idea of hosting a depositing of soil from the involved with the exposition, had fallen in love world’s fair nine years before. Economically the bay before today’s Marine Corps Recruit Depot with the lovely Spanish Colonial buildings, and enterprise had been a boon and “put San Diego (MCRD) could be built. The Marines remained noted the e ect they had on visitors. They couldn’t on the map”-- people around the country were in Balboa Park until 1921. bear the thought of tearing them down. now aware of the great living conditions and Almost as soon as the 1916 fair closed, there An important San Diego institution got its business climate that existed in San Diego. But was discussion of removing the temporary build- start with exhibits left over from the exposition. there was an additional bene t they may not have ings. But almost everyone in San Diego had been anticipated. They had drawn the attention of the Wild animals had been displayed in several ar- nation’s military establishment to opportunities eas of the fairgrounds. In September 1916, a few that existed here for substantial training and months before the expo closed, Dr. Harry We- port facilities. geforth was driving with his brother Paul, when Although some Army and Navy facilities, pri- he heard the roar of a caged lion. Turning to his marily ight–related, already existed across the brother, he exclaimed, “Wouldn’t it be splendid bay on the north island of Coronado (coinciden- if San Diego had a zoo?” And then declared, “I tally on land owned by John Spreckels), and on think I’ll start one!” A board was formed two Point Loma, Davidson and other board members weeks later and letters of incorporation forward- got to know powerful people like Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels, Franklin Roosevelt ed to Sacramento by November. Soon animal ex- and Colonel Joseph Pendleton, who appreciated hibits from the expo were combined with others the city’s keen interest in the military, and were from an amusement park in Ocean Beach to form San Diego History Center impressed with the ability of its leaders to get 1915 Panama Canal Exhibit - Balboa Park Exposition the basis of the edgling zoo. Page BP16 www.sdbj.com Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal December 21, 2015

San Diego History Center Sailors learned to row boats on the Lily Pond in 1917, when the Naval Training Center was located in the park during World War I. Over 5,000 servicemen were trained there.

World War I nly a few months later, in April 1917, the U.S. entered World War I, and the City Oimmediately o ered use of the buildings to the U.S. government, which took them up on their o er. Most of the buildings east of the Plaza de Panama were retro tted and converted into a training center for the Navy. Some 5,000 naval recruits were trained there the rst year, many learning to swim and row boats in the Lily Pond, and sleeping in hammocks in former exhibit halls. A medical dispensary was set up in a building south of the Plaza de Balboa, previously used by the park police (where the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is today). Tents were set up as hospital wards. During the war, the public continued to use Colonel Joseph Pendleton (far left) got to know G. Aubrey Davidson and Congressman William Kettner (l. and r. in second row), when he led a regiment of Marines stationed in Balboa Park during the exposition; together they successfully other park facilities for events, including regular promoted the idea of a permanent training base for Marines in San Diego — today’s MCRD. San Diego History Center Organ Pavilion concerts. A branch of the public library was opened in the Indian Arts Building (House of Charm), and a San Diego Museum When peace was declared in was organized in the California Quadrangle with November 1918, proposals surfaced for tearing art and anthropology exhibits which remained down or using the exposition buildings for other after the fair closed. (That institution would later purposes, and even for selling o parts of the park. become two museums—the Fine Arts Gallery Fortunately calmer voices prevailed, and the only and the Museum of Man.) areas given up were for Roosevelt Junior High School and for a permanent Navy medical facility at Inspiration Point. By end of World War I, the Navy’s camp hospital had 800 beds. In 1919, Davidson and Congressman Kettner (on behalf of the City) were negotiating with Navy Secretary Josephus Daniels who wanted to obtain land in Balboa Park for a San Diego History Center Sailors slept in a former exposition building during permanent Navy hospital. Telegrams were ying World War I. fast and furiously between Davidson and Kettner, government for a permanent naval hospital; the who assured the secretary of a favorable deal if the following year, voters overwhelmingly rati ed Navy would move their training center from Goat that decision. In the same deal, the Navy received Island in San Francisco to San Diego. If this could land on the harbor at the foot of 22nd Street, be done, the City would donate the land needed another parcel at the foot of Broadway, and a in the park for a hospital, as well as another large huge tract of tidelands property at the base parcel by the bay for a training center. of Point Loma (near the site allocated for the In September 1919, 17.73 acres of Inspiration San Diego History Center Marines’ training base), for use as a permanent 1917 - An Army camp was located in Balboa Park. Point in Balboa Park were deeded to the naval training facility (Liberty Station today). December 21, 2015 Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal www.sdbj.com Page BP17 PROUD

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San Diego History Center Animal exhibits left over from the ﬁ rst exposition formed the basis of today’s highly acclaimed San Diego Zoo — realization of an idea of former exposition surgeon, Dr. Harry Wegeforth in 1916.

Changes after Ardent park defenders voiced the War loud opposition, wanting to fter the war, Boy Scouts began using put an end to giving away the Painted Desert exhibit area, while Athe former Southern Counties building pieces of the park. became a Civic Auditorium. A public golf course was constructed on the East Mesa, and the But San Diegans were determined, rais- landscaped walkways, arched porticos and ornate ing $140,000 to restore 17 of them. Two oth- exposition buildings provided a backdrop for ers were replaced with new structures—the several lms made in the park. Sacramento Valley Building was replaced by Only a few of the original buildings were a new Fine Arts Gallery (today’s Museum of intended to be permanent xtures—primarily Art building, added in 1926), and the Southern the California Quadrangle buildings, Botani- Counties Building with a Natural History Mu- 1920 Dr. Harry Wegeforth riding an elephantSan Diego History Center cal Building and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. seum in 1933. Both were designed by William The temporary buildings, without permanent Templeton Johnson (Robert Snyder participated 5.46 acres for a hospital annex in Balboa Park, foundations, and ornamentation constructed in the design of the Art Gallery). The Southern plus additional land on the harbor at 32nd Street, of lightweight material, were only designed to Counties Building had been serving as a Civic for a repair station and dry dock. last a few years. Goodhue was consulted and Auditorium until the evening of Nov. 25, 1925, declared the temporary buildings “ imsy” and when a furnace caused a blaze that destroyed the “crumbling.” building—on the night of the annual Fireman’s Ball taking place there! Money for the Art Gallery was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Appleton Bridges (daughter of in- dustrialist Henry Timken); Ellen Browning Scripps, sister of publisher E.W. Scripps and a journalist in her own right, gave $125,000 towards construction of a new building to house the collections of

San Diego History Center the San Diego Society of Nat- San Diego History Center Ellen Browning ural History, founded in 1874. Zoological building, c. 1920 Scripps, c. 1915 She also generously donated Around this time, a proposal surfaced to move funds over the years to the Zoological Society. The Zoo sought control over their park the State Teachers College from its location in property in 1925, but that idea was rejected in University Heights to Balboa Park. Ardent park a public vote. While not willing to cede park defenders voiced loud opposition, wanting to put property to the Zoo, voters did approve an annual an end to giving away pieces of the park. The property tax assessment for Zoo maintenance a small college moved to its present location, later became San Diego State University, and now San Diego Zoo few years later. First gorilla birth at the Zoo, c. 1930 Voters approved giving the Navy an additional serves 30,000 students each year. December 21, 2015 Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal www.sdbj.com Page BP19

San Diego History Center The original expo buildings still standing were re-used for the California Paciﬁ c International Exposition in 1935, including the Botanical Building and Lily Pond.

In 1925, landscape architect John Nolen was hired by George Marston to update a previous City Plan done by Nolen in 1908 (also paid for by Marston), including Balboa Park. He recommended placing recreational facilities in the northeast corner, which became the Morley Field Sports Complex, named for a longtime park superintendent. By the early 1930s, the park we know today had begun to take shape. In addition to three museums, the Zoo, Organ Pavilion, and Botanical Building, there were now regular live theater performances, ower shows, a golf course, tennis courts, lawn bowling and shu eboard courts. In 1930, Archer M. and Anna Hyatt Huntington, donated “El Cid,” the large statue in the Plaza de Panama of the legendary Aerial view of the Prado and Balboa Park, c. 1935 Spanish warrior on a horse (the original was sculpted by Anna Huntington for the Hispanic San Diego History Center Institute in New York City), to complement the Fine Arts Gallery across the plaza, designed by Richard Requa and building contractor Walter their friend William Templeton Johnson. Trepte, who determined it would cost nearly as Park buildings still standing from the Panama- much to demolish and re-landscape as to refurbish California Exposition, and suggested holding a the buildings. The City Council waited to see if second exposition. When the Chicago fair closed, citizens would chip in to save the buildings from many of its exhibits could easily be shipped to San A Second Exposition demolition. Residents and businesses immediate- Diego. The Chamber of Commerce supported ly responded, contributing funds and materials; the concept and Frank Belcher, a young banker, y 1932, the City was feeling the e ects state and federal funds became available for labor. took up the cause. Funding didn’t materialize of the Great Depression. The exposition Buildings were temporarily shored up once again. right away, but Drugan and Belcher persisted buildings were rapidly deteriorating, with B In 1933, L.A. businessman Frank Drugan in promoting the idea, and by July 1934, the no money to x them. Because they didn’t meet moved to San Diego, the same year he visited the California Paci c International Exposition was current building codes, there highly successful Century of Progress Exposition o cially incorporated. By September, $700,000 was an additional worry in Chicago. He saw potential in the Balboa had been raised. about earthquakes. The park board voted to demolish the temporary buildings and In 1933, L.A. businessman Frank Drugan moved to San Diego, replace them with gardens the same year he visited the highly successful Century of Progress and fountains. San Diego History Center The public resound- Exposition in Chicago. He saw potential in the Balboa Park Gertrude Gilbert, ingly said, “NO!” Gertrude c. 1923 Gilbert urged the city to save buildings still standing from the Panama-California Exposition, the buildings, and went to the Chamber of Com- and suggested holding a second exposition. merce for help. They brought in local architect Page BP20 www.sdbj.com Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal December 21, 2015

San Diego History Center The 1935 Exposition included a popular midway.

Arrangements for a number of the Chicago were designed to replicate a typical Spanish exhibits were made, and the U.S. government Village north of the Natural History Museum paid $350,000 for construction of the Federal and to represent 15 di erent countries in the Building. Davidson served as the chairman of House of Paci c (Peaceful) Relations compound, the board of the Exposition; Belcher, president, a north of the Palisades area. position held 20 years earlier by Davidson. The challenge was to refurbish existing buildings along El Prado, add the required new ones, and create several new garden areas, in The challenge was to refurbish only nine months! Large, plain exhibit halls were existing buildings along disguised with clever decorative elements on the exterior to convey the desired theme. Hollywood El Prado, add the required new set designer Juan Larrinaga was brought in to The Old Globe ones, and create several new help accomplish this. Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park, c. 1935 Extensive landscaping framed all the buildings Some of the most unusual attractions in 1935 garden areas, and decorative lighting painted all the buildings included a live beaver dam exhibit within the with soft colors at night. Two Moorish-style Canadian Building, a Midget Village, Gold Gulch in only nine months! gardens were designed by Requa, the Casa del Rey Moro Gardens (behind the House of (replica of a gold-mining town), Alpha the Robot, Richard Requa was designated the primary Hospitality), and Alcazar Gardens (behind the and a nudist colony. But the most popular exhibit architect for the exposition. As a theme for the House of Charm). Today, the huge Palisades turned out to be the Ford Building where one could large, new buildings in the Plaza de America parking lot that fronts the Air & Space Museum see how cars were assembled before test-driving (Palisades) area (south of the Organ Pavilion), (Ford Building), Gymnasium (Varied Industries one over a special, winding road with di erent Requa chose a loose interpretation of architecture & Electricity), Automotive Museum (California surfaces in the canyons behind the building. Next from early Mesoamerican cultures to the modern State Building), and Hall of Champions (Federal door in an outdoor amphitheater, Ford Bowl, era. The Federal Building was reminiscent of a Building) was one of the beauty spots during the regular concerts by the San Diego Symphony Mayan palace; the tall, round Ford Building at 1935 Exposition. There were lawn areas, singing and performances by famous groups, such as the the far end of the plaza re ected the latest in fountains and owering shrubs running the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, were given. industrial design. Simple hacienda-style cottages length of that plaza — from the Ford Building to North of the California Tower, a replica of the Standard Oil Tower opposite. the Old Globe Theatre in London o ered short More than 2,500 construction workers versions of several of Shakespeare’s most popular were employed to prepare the buildings and plays. Refreshments could be had next door grounds for an opening of the California Paci c at Falsta ’s Tavern. Performances of another International Exposition in May 1935. People variety were presented by fan dancer Sally worked feverishly, 24 hours a day, to nish on Rand over one two-week period. On the midway time. They miraculously pulled it o . (amusement zone), Ripley’s Believe It Not drew Some of the most unusual attractions in 1935 included a live beaver dam exhibit within the Canadian Building, a Midget Village, Gold Gulch (replica of a gold-mining town),

San Diego History Center Alpha the Robot, and a nudist colony. Ford Building, c. 1935 CoxB_Balboa_ad1.pdf 1 11/19/15 8:11 AM December 21, 2015 Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal www.sdbj.com Page BP21

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San Diego History Center During World War II, Balboa Park was taken over by the Navy as an annex for the Naval Hospital, already in Balboa Park by that time. Several exposition buildings were used as hospital wards; over 600 Navy nurses were housed in the House of Hospitality.

crowds. A model home, designed by Sam Hamill, and constructed in the main plaza was given When the Japanese attacked away in a drawing on the last day of the fair, to be moved out of the park and into a residential Pearl Harbor on neighborhood nearby. December 7, 1941, the park The 1935 fair drew close to 4.8 million visitors and a decision was made to hold the underwent a tremendous exposition over for a second year. It re-opened transformation, as the military in February, featuring a number of new exhibits, and a full schedule of entertainers, but a few again took over the park, favorites were missing. Ford’s exhibits had been this time to serve as an annex to replaced by a Hall of Transportation, Indian San Diego Zoo Village and Gold Gulch had all closed, but the the Naval Hospital. Military members line up at Zoo entrance. Nudist Colony remained, despite a concerted e ort by some to close it. Attendance the second Balboa Park. Some of them, especially in the World War II and year was disappointing, and the 1936 exposition Palisades area, were adapted for other uses. But closed on Sept. 9. But the two years together had two facilities much beloved today, were only Its Impact attracted nearly 7 million visitors, infusing the saved by organizations who lobbied to use them. hen the Japanese attacked Pearl local economy with badly needed dollars and A group of local artists petitioned for the use Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, the park employing thousands of San Diegans. of the charming Spanish Village cottages as an underwent a tremendous transforma- And by the end of the 1935-36 California W tion, as the military again took over the park, this Paci c International Exposition, a number of art colony (now Spanish Village Art Center). Frank Belcher’s sister, Mary Belcher Trapnell time to serve as an annex to the Naval Hospital. new facilities had been added in the heart of The California Building, Fine Arts Gallery and represented a group of local theater enthusiasts Natural History Museum were used as hospital who lobbied to save the replica of Shakespeare’s wards, the House of Hospitality provided a dor- London open-air theater that also had been mitory for nurses, and the Lily Pond served as targeted for removal. They literally saved it from a therapy pool for recovering sailors. Cottages the wrecking ball, refurbished it with a roof, of the House of Paci c Relations became bach- organized a community theatre group and in 1937 elor o cers’ quarters and the former Palace of began putting on year-round performances there Education (Balboa Park Club today), an o cers’ — the genesis of today’s nationally recognized, club. The Army utilized Spanish Village, while award-winning theater company known as San the Palisades area became a training facility for Diego’s Old Globe Theatre. hospital corpsmen called “Camp Kidd.” A few other changes occurred. Streets and During World War II, 172,000 patients were treated at the Naval Hospital and its annex in plazas reverted to their original Panama-Califor- the former fair grounds. After the war ended, the nia Exposition names, and the main thorough- heavily used facilities in the annex were gradually fare, El Prado, was opened to cars, which could returned to the City. The federal government now drive from Sixth Avenue to Park Boulevard. provided almost $800,000 for repairs, which was Approval was granted by a public vote for con- intended for rehabilitation of the 1915 and 1935 struction of a freeway down the center of Cabril- buildings. Committee of 100 Firestone Plaza, 1935; today, the Palisades parking lot lo Canyon, and underneath the Cabrillo Bridge. There were renewed calls for several of the December 21, 2015 Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal www.sdbj.com Page BP23

San Diego History Center An innovative open enclosure for polar bears was a popular stop for mid-century sightseeing buses at the San Diego Zoo.

Gradually museums and The Torch Is Passed other facilities reopened and y 1957, two of the park’s most ardent champions, George Marston and G. Au- free concerts resumed at the Bbrey Davidson had passed away. Their contributions to Balboa Park and San Diego are Spreckels Organ Pavilion, too numerous to be listed here. But it is worth which received a facelift. noting that in 1956, the year before Davidson died, he was presented with the Navy’s highest ci- San Diegans in big numbers vilian honor — the Distinguished Public Service returned to enjoy their park. Award — for his e orts on behalf of the military in San Diego. A grateful city acknowledged their passing, and the torch they carried to preserve old buildings to be demolished instead, but by Balboa Park was passed to the next generation. 1947, a group called the Balboa Park Protective By the late 1950s, many more museums and Association was organized to prevent destruction dozens of nonpro t organizations were operating of the buildings and further chipping away of park in the former exposition buildings. The San land. Davidson, “Father of the 1915 Exposition” Diego Zoo was becoming internationally famous and chairman of the 1935 fair board, was one of San Diego Zoo for its conservation e orts and extensive use of the founding members, who spoke eloquently on Belle Benchley, affectionately known as “The Zoo Lady”, more humane, open animal enclosures begun behalf of the park’s resources. The only exposition was the ﬁ rst woman in the world to fulﬁ ll a zoo director role, which she did with enthusiasm until her retirement in buildings razed were the Indian Village. 1953. Gradually museums and other facilities part by the major military installations here by The San Diego Zoo was reopened and free concerts resumed at the that time. During World War II, Consolidat- becoming internationally Spreckels Organ Pavilion, which received a facelift. ed’s manufacturing operation on Harbor Drive San Diegans in big numbers ramped up to produce thousands of planes famous for its conservation returned to enjoy their park. critical to the war e ort. Among them were e orts and extensive use of more A miniature train ride opened the workhorse PBYs and the B-24 Liberator for toddlers, the Boy Scouts bombers — the most numerous American mil- humane, open animal enclosures moved into a new campsite, itary aircraft of all time. and Starlight Musical Theater By the time the war ended, Consolidated begun by Dr. Wegeforth. began presenting light opera Aircraft (later Convair, a division of Gener- performances in the outdoor Wikipedia al Dynamics), was one of the region’s largest by Dr. Wegeforth. After his death in 1941, Belle amphitheater formerly known Maj. Reuben H. Fleet, c. 1917 employers. During the 1950s and ‘60s, at the Benchley, followed by Dr. Charles Schroeder, as Ford Bowl. Chimes now height of the Cold War and the “Space Race” directed the Zoological Society’s development of rang out from the California Tower. The Cabrillo with the Soviet Union, Consolidated continued exhibits and use of lush, beautiful landscaping to freeway (Highway 163) opened in 1948. to supply strategically important aircraft for frame them. A popular Children’s Zoo was added San Diego experienced tremendous growth the U.S., including the rst intercontinental in 1957, on park space formerly occupied by the during the war and in the decades following. nuclear bomber and the rst intercontinental 1915 Japanese Tea Garden, a Skyfari ride arrived Major Reuben H. Fleet, who had trained as a ballistic missile — the Atlas. (The Atlas was in 1969. Under Dr. Schroeder’s leadership, the pilot in the Army Air Signal Corps on Corona- later used to carry Mercury astronauts into Zoological Society expanded to include the Wild do in 1917, moved Consolidated Aircraft Corp. space; the current version remains a workhorse Animal Park in Escondido in 1972. from Bu alo to San Diego in 1935, attracted in of space ight more than 50 years later.) Back in the park, big changes were taking place Page BP24 www.sdbj.com Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal December 21, 2015

RH Fleet Science Center Preston M. “Sandy” Fleet (3rd from left, bottom row) surrounded by supporting business men, engineers and scientists at the groundbreaking for the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater & Science Center in 1970. 1935 Balboa Park Exposition Crowd along El Prado. In the early 1960s, two sisters, architecture in Bal- Anne and Amy Putnam, wished to donate their boa Park. The group extensive collection of art, including several old had already begun masters, to a museum in Balboa Park. Plans were raising funds to have made to construct a new facility speci cally to molds taken of the house the important collection; funds were raised ornamentation on from the Timken family. the remaining 1915 Architect Frank Hope was hired and plans buildings, when an drawn for an elegant, but very modern art earthquake in 1968 gallery, to replace the original 1915 Home caused major dam- Economy building, which was still standing, age to the Casa in a much-deteriorated state on the Plaza de del Prado building. Panama. Plans were presented, and the Balboa Citizens rallied to Park Protective Association lobbied strongly their cause over against them. But when an attorney representing the next few de- the sisters informed the Council that if their cades, and in a se- 1972 Reuben H. Fleet exterior under construction plans were not approved, the collection would be ries of bond issues, RH Fleet Science Center donated elsewhere, possibly to Los Angeles, the authorized funds City caved. In 1965, the Timken Museum of Art opened its doors on the Plaza de Panama. Since the Committee of 100 tee of 100 was formed, not a single exposition Just two years later a modern wing of the Fine building has been lost, and in 1977 the exposition Arts Gallery designed by Robert Mosher, opened was formed, not a single areas along El Prado and in the Palisades area across the Plaza. The Timken Museum was a were designated a National Historic Landmark prestigious addition to the expanding number exposition building has been District. of museums in the park, but the loss of the lost, and in 1977 the exposition In 1973, a, state-of-the-art museum with original buildings and introduction of modern the world’s rst giant tilted-dome theater/ architecture in the heart of the park caused a areas along El Prado and planetarium opened on a newly designed Plaza huge outcry. in the Palisades area were de Balboa — the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center, named for the aerospace designated a National Historic pioneer who brought Consolidated Aircraft Landmark District. to San Diego. Engineers and scientists from Committee of 100 Convair’s astronautics division, Chem-tronics, A new organization called the Commit- and General Atomics Corp. were involved in to demolish and replicate the beloved structures tee of 100 was formed in 1967 by fear- development of the state-of-the-art facility, (additional funds for these projects were contrib- less park advocate, which received national publicity when it opened. A uted by the Committee of 100 and others). The Mrs. Frank (Bea) Evenson. But the modi ed Spanish Colonial design of the reconstructed Casa del Prado reopened in 1971; Taking on the mantle of the building’s exterior re ects the in uence of the Casa de Balboa in 1981 (just three years after an Balboa Park Protective As- Committee of 100. arson re destroyed the original building); the sociation along with many In the late 1970s, the government sought land House of Charm in 1996; and nally the House other San Diegans concerned for a new medical facility in Florida Canyon, of Hospitality in 1997. A re also destroyed the about their park, the mission which they proposed swapping for the land they Old Globe Theatre in 1978, but it also was re- of the organization was to already held on Inspiration Point. The voters Committee of 100 built and reopened in 1982. Since the Commit- preserve the Spanish Colonial Bea Evenson rejected the initiative, and the property was December 21, 2015 Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal www.sdbj.com Page BP25

to Balboa Park on 100 years Page BP26 www.sdbj.com Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal December 21, 2015

Balboa Park Conservancy - Richard Benton Balboa Park’s Spanish Village today hosts local artists and craftsmen in the original casitas.

acquired by eminent domain. Naval Medical Center San Diego, one of the largest military medical facilities in the world, opened in 1988 in Florida Canyon; 34 acres of the original land were returned to the City for park use.

The Park Today and Tomorrow oday, there are nearly two dozen cultural institutions and performing U.S. Navy arts organizations in Balboa Park, Rendering of Naval Medical Center San Diego T Botanical Building Balboa Park Conservancy - Richard Benton including the Zoological Society — celebrating tunities that are available on the East and West its Centennial in 2016. Having lost only 200 Mesas. Besides providing plenty of space for acres since 1868 — to two schools, two freeways family picnics, and miles of hiking, biking and evolving. A 1989 Master Plan for management and the Naval hospital, it now comprises just walking trails, there are children’s playgrounds and development of park resources, is only about under 1,200 acres — still larger than Central and dog o -leash areas, along with recreational 60 percent complete, according to one estimate. Park in New York and Golden Gate Park in San facilities for tennis, golf, lawn bowling, swim- Better access and more parking are key priorities Francisco. Balboa Park is considered the largest ming, cycling, basketball, badminton, volleyball, for many San Diegans. But preservation of urban cultural park in America, and has been and youth sports. historic structures and nding a balance between called “the Smithsonian of the West.” The Park and Recreation Department of passive and active uses of the park also are The cultural zone on the Central Mesa is the City of San Diego oversees the day to day important issues. where most visitors spend their time, but for operation and maintenance of Balboa Park — Peter Ellsworth was one of the founders San Diegans, Balboa Park also is appreciated for a huge task since the park hosts more than 14 of the Committee of 100, almost 50 years ago. the great active and passive recreational oppor- million visitors a year. Since retiring as president and CEO of Sharp Balboa Park was just named one of America’s HealthCare, he has been deeply involved in Greatest Public Spaces by the American helping park organizations and the City be Planning Association. But it is a park that is still better prepared to meet the needs of San Diego’s

Having lost only 200 acres since 1868 to two schools, two freeways and Balboa Naval Hospital, it now comprises just under 1,200 acres — still larger than Central Park in New York and Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Balboa Park is considered the largest urban cultural park in America, and has been called

Balboa Park Conservancy - Richard Benton “the Smithsonian of the West.” Natural History Museum (theNAT) December 21, 2015 Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal www.sdbj.com Page BP27

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Balboa Park Conservancy - Richard Benton Aerial shot of Balboa Park, c. 2011.

citizens and the millions of visitors who will be stake in Balboa Park, there are many disparate General Dynamics’ managers strongly supported coming to the park in the next 100 years. voices now engaged in protecting a particular Roger Revelle’s vision of a first-class research As president of the Legler Benbough Foun- niche in the park. Ellsworth would like to see university in San Diego, and lobbied hard for dation, he provided funds for development of the people working together instead, with an eye creation of UC San Diego; General Dynamics Balboa Park Cultural Part- toward the future of this city. “We owe a lot to funded the university’s first faculty position, nership and the Balboa Park those who came before us who made the park while the City of San Diego granted the city- On-Line Collaborative, and what it is today. It’s a very unique thing to have owned land for “students…desirous of entering two foundational studies by this many cultural activities in one place, and we into the professional field of engineering….” the Trust for Public Lands, need to appreciate that. But we also need to more leading to the creation of the effectively utilize what we have, and to improve it Balboa Park Conservancy by for the next generation.” Because there are so Peter Ellsworth the City Council in 2011 to be the City’s private partner in many groups with a stake in developing and accomplishing major park proj- Balboa Park, there are many ects. Legacy of the He is very gratified by what he sees happening 1915 Exposition disparate voices now today: park organizations working more closely engaged in protecting a together than ever before; recent initiative of n 1909, at a Chamber of Commerce meeting, the Collaborative to create a museum experience an ambitious group of entrepreneurs and particular niche online that will be unique in the world; and the Icivic boosters in a small town took a leap of in the park. Balboa Park Conservancy, raising private funds faith in mounting a world’s fair. The beautiful and partnering with the City and other park buildings, gardens, performing arts, and other organizations, to restore one of the park’s most cultural attractions we so enjoy in Balboa Park beloved icons—the 1915 Botanical Building — a today can certainly be attributed to their actions. Should the co-evolution of our park and city $4 million project. (Three other prominent park- But they also set off a chain of events when they matter now to San Diego’s business community? related organizations--the Balboa Park Trust at launched the 1915 Exposition that led to large “Definitely!” says Ellsworth, the retired health the San Diego Foundation, the Friends of Balboa military installations in San Diego, industries care executive who has devoted more than 50 Park, and the Committee of 100 — continually that evolved to support them, then a world- years of his life to park causes. “What happens advocate and provide important funds for park class research university, and ultimately, today’s in Balboa Park should matter a great deal to the needs today.) vibrant biotech and telecommunications sectors. business community today. It is woven into the There is much more to be done. Ellsworth The World War II and Cold War aerospace character—and is part of the image--of San Diego says as the city grows and tourism increases, industry brought San Diego an army of highly that draws people to want to live and work here. “We have to deal with access and parking.” He skilled engineers, scientists and craftsmen to And businesses benefit because their employees is optimistic that over time that issue will be build a broad range of technical and scientific have access to everything the park offers. They addressed. “Balboa Park still has a substantial enterprises. Walt Zable, founder of Cubic Corp., need to be involved in what happens here.” amount of land that is not being used effectively.” was a Convair engineer, Fred Rohr was assisted “Actually,” he concludes, “many are already He mentions the huge area on the East Mesa— in starting Rohr Industries by Fleet. General involved. Pick any group in the park; when you almost 82 acres—that was site of a city dump Atomics was founded by General Dynamics go to meet with them, you find they are made up years ago. “There needs to be a balance between during the development of the Atlas. Based on of business men and women who are very much activity and open space, automobiles and walking a Torrey Pines site donated by the voters of San engaged in the park!” space, which should be part of a development Diego in 1956, General Atomics remains a leader G. Aubrey Davidson, and other members of plan.” in nuclear research and maker of the Predator that 1909 Chamber of Commerce, would be very Because there are so many groups with a series of remotely-piloted (drone) vehicles. glad to hear that. December 21, 2015 Balboa Park Beyond 1915: Special Supplement of the San Diego Business Journal www.sdbj.com Page BP29

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SOURCES From the Publisher Amero, Richard Balboa Park and the 1915 Exposition, The History Press, 2013 We would like to acknowledge the e orts of key individuals and institutions Bates, Cheryl Lei The Life and Times of Gilbert Aubrey who made this special issue an enduring salute to our magni cent city Davidson, MA Thesis, University of San Diego, 1995 treasure – Balboa Park. Christman, Florence The Romance of Balboa Park, San Our great appreciation goes to Pam Crooks, who painstakingly crafted the Diego Historical Society, 1985 story you have read, worked with numerous organizations and individuals to McPhail, Elizabeth C. Kate Sessions: Pioneer obtain the historical information and striking images you see in this section. Horticulturist, San Diego Historical Society, 1976 We owe a debt of gratitude to The San Diego History Center, especially San Diego Milestones: A Coming of Age Celebration, San Charlotte Cagan, Bill Lawrence, Chris Travers and Natalie Fiocre for their Diego Air & Space Museum, 2015 collaboration and aid in obtaining most of the terri c photos used in this Showley, Roger M. Balboa Park: A Millennium History, Heritage Media Corporation, 1999 supplement, and for SDHC’s invaluable website, www.sandiegohistory.org. The History Center Wegeforth, Harry M., M.D., and Morgan, Neil has diligently archived, preserved and protected an irreplaceable collection of photos and images It Began with a Roar: The Story of the World-Famed from San Diego’s past. Without this valuable repository, our view back to our city’s legacy Zoo, Pioneer Printers, 1953 would indeed be incomplete. Thanks also are due to Bill Davidson, grandson of G. Aubrey Davidson, who shared memories and stories of his grandfather, a copy of Cheryl Bates’ master’s thesis from the University of PRODUCTION CREDITS San Diego, as well as many personal photos and documents; and Mike Kelly, president of the Pam Crooks Committee of 100, for some great photos, stories and information about the Committee of 100, Writer/Researcher Patti Anderson and extensive 1915 Expo material found on www.pancalarchive.org. Supplements Editor Park Ranger Kim Duclo was a valuable ally with his terri c knowledge and key resources Suzan Peterson used during research for this project and Ted Crooks contributed his special expertise to the Graphic Designer section on the development of San Diego’s important aerospace industry and its link to the park. San Diego History Center The San Diego Business Journal is proud to be part of this celebration of Balboa Park and its world class cultural institutions. As a key part of our mission, we are dedicated to supporting COVER PHOTO CREDITS the San Diego community — preserving its legacy, encouraging its diversity and championing 1. San Diego Zoo 2. Balboa Park Conservancy - 1 2 3 its future. Richard Benton 3. San Diego History Center 4. San Diego History Center 4 5 6 5. Dreamstime.com - Scott Burns Armon Mills 6. The Old Globe - Jim Cox 7 President & Publisher 7. San Diego History Center 8. Balboa Park Conservancy - San Diego Business Journal Joanne DiBona 9. San Diego History Center 8 9 10 10. Balboa Park Conservancy

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