Balboa Park History 1948

January 4, 1948, San Diego Union, A-18:5. Members of the City Commission and the Spanish Village artists worked out details of a lease on the old Spanish Village area in Balboa Park at a meeting Wednesday; the Village was recently rehabilitated by the Army.

January 4, 1948, San Diego Union, Society, C-1:1-8. At the Old Globe.

January 4, 1948, San Diego Union, Features, 7:3-5. Donal Hord’s sculpture in diorite, “Rest on the Flight to Egypt,” lend for reopening of Fine Arts Gallery in its Balboa Park location (illus.).

January 7, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:5-6. H. Louis Bodmer, president of the San Diego Chapter, American Institute of Architects, yesterday joined the panel that will discuss the future of the old Exposition buildings on the Union and Tribune-Sun Radio Forum over KUSN tomorrow night at 8; with him will be Harry C. Clark, former mayor of San Diego, and Leo B. Calland, city Park and Recreation director.

January 7, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:2-4. Architect’s sketch of new War Memorial Building submitted to Mayor Harley E. Knox yesterday by John S. Siebert and Sam W. Hamill, architects; will be erected with $300,000 profit from sale of Camp Callan; contains a large auditorium and smaller meeting rooms.

January 8, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:4-5. Park building rehabilitation to be forum subject tonight.

January 8, 1948, San Diego Union, A-9:6. Truce reached on use of lily pond in Balboa Park.

Starting this weekend, the pool will be open to the public for bait casting from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Saturday and Sunday.

As soon as a special platform can be constructed, fly casting facilities will also be available. Admission will be free but casters must bring their own equipment.

January 9, 1948, San Diego Union, A-5:2-3. Forum declares park buildings should stay.

The condemned 1915 Exposition buildings in Balboa Park, all outstanding examples of ornate Spanish colonial architecture, should be left standing until definite plans are drafted to rebuild them or replace them, speakers on The Union and Tribune-Sun Radio Forum agreed last night.

January 9, 1948, San Diego Union, A-9:5. School Board seeks location in Balboa Park.

The Board of Education wants to locate the proposed new City School Administration building in Balboa Park, it was disclosed yesterday as Leo Calland, City park and recreation director, announced the Park Department has begun a study of possible locations.

January 11, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:3-5. Woman killed in leap from Cabrillo Bridge.

January 13, 1948, San Diego Union, B-12:5. John W. Olsen, president Spanish Village Art Center, fearful Spanish Village lost to arts; Park Board wants rents of up to $30 for the smallest quarters.

January 15, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. Artists ready to renew fight for Spanish Village.

Balboa Park’s embattled artists, who fear the City is putting cash ahead of culture, are about to renew a running argument with their prospective landlord.

January 18, 1948, San Diego Union, A-12:1-5. Museum of Man soon to be open as repairs made.

Repairs and alterations on the main floor and balcony of the San Diego Museum of Man will probably be completed by April 15, Malcolm Farmer, director and curator of anthropology, announced yesterday. By mid-summer the entire museum will be open to the public, he said.

January 18, 1948, San Diego Union, A-12:1. Plans to restore the House of Hospitality are nearing completion and the city will be ready to call for bids in a few days, City Manager Fred A. Rhodes reported yesterday.

January 18, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1-2. Artists “up in arms” over Calland’s remark that Spanish Village should become at Art Gallery and Selling Mart for local artists whose works do not qualify for the Fine Arts Gallery.

January 18, 1948, San Diego Union, Features, 7:1-5. Naval Hospital patients have Red Cross Christmas.

January 20, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:8. Rear Admiral Oscar C. Badger, 11th Naval District Commandant, tells Congress of housing need; says Fleet may move from San Diego base unless more homes are provided.

January 20, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. Spanish Village Art Center in tempest stage.

January 22, 1948, San Diego Union, A-18:4-5. Artists have chance to use Spanish Village.

Possibility that the Spanish Village Artists, Inc. might yet regain occupancy of the Spanish Village area in Balboa Park appeared stronger yesterday, as Leo Calland, park and recreation director, said the “way is still open” for negotiations between the artists and the Park Department.

January 23, 1948, San Diego Union, A-19:3. Mrs. Mary A. Greer, president of San Diego Floral Association for 25 years, dies at home.

January 25, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1-4. Officials hope park arcades can be saved; Electric Building’s place in face-lifting program uncertain.

With the House of Hospitality definitely scheduled as the next Balboa Park building to be rehabilitated, the City now is turning its attention to the Electric Building and the arcades that line both sides of Laurel Street through the 1915 Exposition area of the park.

January 27, 1948, San Diego Union, A-3:3. Artists to confer with park group; Committee appointed to determine approximate costs of future repairs to Spanish Village.

January 28, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:4. Hollywood Building and California State Building in Palisades area to be rehabilitated.

At the same time, it was indicated the Navy soon may vacate the former Palace of Education in the same area, now in use as an officers’ club, and councilmen authorized any work that may be necessary to covert it to civilian use.

January 29, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:6. Cabrillo Shrine expansion set by Government.

January 30, 1948. San Diego Union, B-1:1. The Harbor Commission voted yesterday to give the Navy 100-year possession of Navy Field, the Public Works Building on Pacific Highway, the Fleet Sonar School grounds and other tideland areas; the City gets title to 244 acres of Marine Recruit Depot land, including half the main Lindbergh Field runway and 3100 feet of adjacent bay frontage along Harbor Drive.

February 4, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:8. The spray gun vs. paint brush method of painting Balboa Park buildings was brought up to the City Council again yesterday, with indications it finally may be settled next Tuesday.

February 4, 1948, San Diego Union, B-8:1. Artists, Park Board end dispute on occupancy of Spanish Village.

The artists group lived in the area rent-free before the war, but their contract specified that they must pay for upkeep of the property. The City’s post-war policy, however, is that park tenants must pay the City a flat fee for which the City provides upkeep.

February 5, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:3. Planetarium in park urged.

Operating of a $25,000 planetarium in the California Tower Building in Balboa Park was proposed to the City Council yesterday by the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

February 5, 1948, San Diego Union, B-3:1. Two tryouts set for “Family Portrait” at Old Globe Theater.

February 8, 1948, San Diego Union, A-5:1. Ten Galapagos penguins arrive at San Diego Zoo.

The additions to the penguin colony were captured on Narborough Island, one of the famous Galapagos Islands, six weeks ago by Clarence Nasziger, engineer of the tuna clipper, Espiritu Santo.

February 8, 1948, San Diego Union, A-5:2-3. City realizes $104,000 in park salvage sales.

Most of the property was left in the park by the Navy, although the former Canadian Legion Building and a few other properties were owned by the City before the war. The Navy left more than 40 frame buildings, large amounts of plumbing supplies and other materials in the park when it ceased operation of its auxiliary hospital there.

February 10, 1948, San Diego Union, B-14:3-4. City Park Division completes dozen new picnic facilities.

The Park division also has constructed 800 feet of log rail fence along the Cabrillo Freeway bridle trail to keep horseback riders off developed areas along the Seventh Avenue section of Balboa Park.

February 12, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. City Park Commission firmly against plans to locate a school administration building in Balboa Park.

Meanwhile, City and school officials have agreed that no further steps toward locating the building in the park will be taken until after the City has received its report from Earl O. Mills, special planning consultant hired three months ago to make a complete planning survey of the City.

February 15, 1948, San Diego Union, A-2:2-3. Feathers of peacocks at San Diego Zoo now brightest.

February 17, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:1-2. Captain Mackey takes charge of Naval Hospital.

February 22, 1948, San Diego Union, A-16:1-2. “Another Part of the Forest” by Lillian Hellman gets ardent applause at Old Globe.

February 22, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1-5, City planners vision vast park spreading over all of southern end of Point Loma; scenic area overlooking harbor, ocean would encompass, Fort Rosecrans, by Winthrop Cady..

February 27, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:7. Cabrillo Freeway opening slated for tomorrow.

Parts of the highway have been in use for some months, but the section from Washington Street overpass to the downtown terminus has been kept closed to permit finishing of the shoulders of the freeway and planting of the Balboa Park slopes bordering it.

February 28, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:4, A-6:1. Cabrillo Freeway makes dream reality.

The $3,500,000 Cabrillo Freeway — a dream of San Diegans for nearly 15 years — will become a reality today at 2 p.m. when state, city, military and civic leaders officially open the highway to traffic.

March 1, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:6. Balboa Park chimes give impromptu night program.

  1. Allen Perry, park director, said the electric mechanism which sounds the Westminster chimes every quarter hour is controlled by an electric clock and normally shuts off at 8 p.m. daily. The electric power was off in the California Building Saturday afternoon for about 4 hours, which made the chimes clock 4 hours late.

March 2, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:1. A-4:4. Spreckels interests sell street car, bus system.

March 4, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. Park Board, artists renew battle over park site.

John W. Olsen, president of the Spanish Village Art Center, Inc., labeled the Park Board “unreasonable and unfair,” when it declined the artists’ offer of 1-1/4 cents a square foot a month rental for the village.

March 5, 1948, San Diego Union, A-19:2. Artist objects to paying rent on Art Center.

Another brickbat was tossed from the San Diego art colony at the “City fathers” yesterday by Fred Hocks, artist, who commented that the fathers “should feel the responsibility to bring to your constituents the contribution of the artists.”

March 6, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:2. Spanish Village report planned.

A report on negotiations between the City Park Commission and the Spanish Village Art Center, Inc. — negotiations that have ended in deadlock — was being prepared yesterday by Leo Calland, City park and recreation director, for City Manager Fred A. Rhodes.

March 7, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:7. San Diego Zoo birthrate booming here.

March 11,1948, San Diego Union, A-5:1-3. Vandals smash buildings in Spanish Village.

Doors, plumbing and electrical fixtures and windows were broken and gaping holes, some large enough for a person to walk through, were torn in walls and partitions. Roof tiles were removed and holes punched through the ceilings.

March 14, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. Star-Light Opera productions to move to Ford Bowl this summer; three times as many admissions possible in new location, by Helen Zugelder.

March 14, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:2-3. Saving of condemned buildings planned; City Manager Rhodes differs with inspector’s demand that Electric, other structures be rebuilt.

The City is going to save the Electric Building, one of the beautiful old 1915 Exposition buildings in Balboa Park condemned in July by the city building inspector and fire marshal.

March 17, 1948, San Diego Union, B-14:5. City Council lets Balboa Stadium contract work.

A contract for erection of the long-delayed facilities in Balboa Stadium was awarded by the City Council yesterday to F. E. Young, on a cost, plus fixed fee basis.

March 18, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:5. Five thousand dollar city fund sought for rifle range in Balboa Park.

Suggestion that the City appropriate $5000 for construction of a rifle range in the basement of the Ford Building in Balboa Park was filed with the City Council yesterday by Lee E. Echols, field representative of the National Rifle Association.

March 21, 1948, San Diego Union, A-18:1. Twenty-five thousand seven hundred and four visitors to San Diego Zoo told of its activities.

San Diego Zoo was brought to the attention of 24,704 children and adults during 1947 by the Balboa Park institution’s educational department, officials announced yesterday.

Ken Howard, staff lecturer and instructor, conducted 16,324 children from the city and county schools on motorized tours of the 200-acre “nature laboratory,” and Mrs. Jane Fergus Ross, in charge of the educational department, said another 9380 club members heard zoo speakers.

In taking school children to the zoo, officials try to correlate the subject matter with the curriculum of the class.

March 21, 1948, San Diego Union, A-23:2-4. Bonham Brothers Boys’ Band to present Easter concert in park.

Instrumental and vocal specialty numbers will mark the 18th annual Easter concert by the 135-piece Bonham Brothers Band March 28 at 3:30 p.m. in the Ford Bowl, Balboa Park.

March 21, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. Museum of Man to reopen with new exhibits.

The Museum of Man, in mothballs since 1943, will reopen April 17. The Balboa Park institution’s first post-war exhibits will include the 500-thousand-dollars worth of material on display before the war, plus many items collected during the war years by museum officials on duty in foreign lands in the armed forces.

When the doors are thrown open at 10 a.m., visitors will walk through an arch designed after the Mayan temples of the ninth century Guatemala. Two upright columns in the shape of huge serpents grace the sides of the entrance, and the walls are taken from the ornate, inlaid walls of a Mayan temple.

March 26, 1948, City of San Diego Inter-Departmental Communication; From: Leo B. Calland, Park and Recreation Director; To: F. A. Rhodes, City Manager.

Subject: Proposal of National Rifle Association of American for Conversion of Indoor Rifle Range in Basement of Ford Building.

Returned herewith Document # 384227, communication from National Rifle Association of America relative to early construction of indoor rifle range in basement of Ford Building.

This proposed indoor rifle range, estimated to cost approximately $15,000, was given Priority Number 92 by the Manager’s Public Works Review Board. This estimate for altering the basement of the Ford Building was based upon information provided by the National Rifle Association and the City Public Works Department.

The latest proposal of the National Rifle Association as presented by Mr. Lee Echols, their field representative in San Diego, requests that the City of San Diego appropriate $5,000 and that local interests will guarantee the balance of the cost of materials and labor to consummate the project according to the estimate as presented to the Public Works Review Board. It is not the policy of the Park and Recreation Department to recommend construction of projects ahead of their scheduled priority. However, this latest proposal of the National Rifle Association would save the city considerable money and provide a badly needed facility serving youth in the community. In view of the proposed savings to the city, it is recommended that the Manger’s Capital Outlay Public Works Review Board consider the expediency of advancing the priority on this project.

/s/ Leo B. Calland,

Park and Recreation Director.

March 28, 1948, San Diego Union, A-11:1. Commercial recreation units show $202,971 returned to City in first eight months of this fiscal year.

Largest sources of income were the Municipal Golf Course and Balboa Stadium which turned in totals of $66,230 and $53,885 respectively.

March 28, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. Repairs start on House of Hospitality in Balboa Park; $75,000 project.

When the $75,000 project is completed, the building will be turned over to the House of Hospitality Association, which operated it before the war as one of the City’s best-known social centers.

March 29, 1948, San Diego Union, A-3:6-8. Bonham Brothers Boys’ Band, directed by conductor Jules Jacques, gives fine Easter concert at Ford Bowl, by Constance Herreshoff.

April 1, 1948, San Diego Union, B-2:5-6. Old Globe Theater to present “State of the Union,” the Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse New York comedy hit, tomorrow.

April 3, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. Amphion Club dissolves after 54 years in San Diego; club was solvent but had lost many members to other local concert series.

April 4, 1948, San Diego Union, A-3:1-4. The housing shortage at the San Diego Zoo was partially relieved last week with the construction of a modern compound for the two African buffaloes, brought here as calves from the St. Louis Zoo in 1946.

April 4, 1948, San Diego Union, A-18:4-6. Open season for photographers in Peach Tree Lane; thousands drawn to Balboa Park by brilliant blossoms.

April 4, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. City Manager Fred A. Rhodes, called in to referee the squabble between the City Park Commission and the Spanish Village Art Center, Inc., yesterday ruled in favor of the Commission but left the door open for some of the artists, as individuals, to obtain space in the Balboa Park quarters.

Rhode’s recommendation that the village area be put to immediate use, with space allotted to individuals rather than to a single group or association, will be presented to the City Council Tuesday.

April 4, 1948, San Diego Union, Magazine, 4:6. “State of the Union” at Old Globe.

April 4, 1948, San Diego Union, Magazine, 5:1-4. Informal tour today’s attraction at Fine Arts Gallery.

April 5, 1948, Letter, F. A. Rhodes, City Manager; To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council of the City of San Diego, California.

Gentlemen:

Returned is document 384 227, communication from the National Rifle Range Association of America relative to the early construction of an indoor rifle range in the basement of the Ford Building.

It is estimated that this rifle range would cost $15,000.

It is requested that the City appropriate $5,000 and that local interests will guarantee the balance of the cost of material and labor for its completion.

Inasmuch as the City would save $10,000 in providing the facility and have it completed two or three years in advance of the time when the City proposed to construct it, it is recommended that your Honorable Body authorize the City Attorney to prepare a form of ordinance appropriating $5,000 from the Unappropriated Balance to furnish labor and material for construction of the rifle range in the basement of the Ford Building.

Respectfully,

F A Rhodes,

City Manager.

April 6, 1948. San Diego Union, A-5:2-4. Paul A. Wenke, structural engineer employed as consultant by city, says Food and Beverage Building and House of Charm can be saved; William Templeton Johnson and Oscar G. Knecht, acting fire marshal, concurred; only two of the condemned structures — Café of the World and Medical-Dental Building (?) have not been approved..

April 6, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:6. City Manger Rhodes forwarded recommendations to the City Council yesterday that the City appropriate $15,000 for two recreation projects; one to mode Randall Hall from Encanto Elementary School to Encanto playground and remodel it as a recreation center; two to construct a rifle range in the basement of the Ford Building in Balboa Park.

April 7, 1948, San Diego Union, A-5:4. The City Council asked the Park Commission to study feasibility of moving the riding stables from Balboa Park.

The Council indicated it was interested primarily in moving the stable from its present location behind Balboa Stadium so that the area could be turned into a high school athletic field, but that it doubts the wisdom of relocating the stable any other place in the park.

Mayor Harley E. Knox said enthusiastic riders had told him the Park no longer is suitable for riding because it is “too cut up with highways.”

April 7, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. The long-standing feud between the City and the Spanish Village Art Center, Inc. over occupation of the Spanish Village area in Balboa Park appeared definitely settled yesterday when the artists accepted City Manager Rhode’s recommendation that the studios be leased on an individual basis rather than that the whole area be put under control of the center.

The artists also suggested that a “jury” be selected to pass upon qualifications of applicants for space in the village and offered to bear the expense of brining out-of-town people here to serve on the “jury.”

April 7, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:5-7. Junior Art League gives public show in basement of Fine Arts Gallery; show dolls of many lands.

April 11, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:1-4. The San Diego Zoo’s three baby Eurasian brown bears made their official debut yesterday.

April 11, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:2-5. Amphion Club’s loss deplored, by John E. Olsen.

Mrs. Loleta L. Rowan, last president of the musical group, said she had been deluged with letters deploring the club’s dissolution, April 3.

April 11, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:7. Malcolm Farmer, director, announced yesterday that the main exhibit hall and balconies of the Museum of Man will be reopened publicly at 10 a.m. Saturday.

April 13, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. Directors and delegates of the House of Pacific Relations last night authorized four spokesmen to insist on pre-war, no-rental contract terms for the non-profit organization’s area in Balboa Park.

City Manager Fred A. Rhodes has favored charging a total rent of $75 a month for the 15 cottages in the House area.

April 14, 1948, San Diego Union, A-10:5. Issue of rental of Houses of Pacific Relations stumps City Council.

At issue was the $5 a month rental City Manager Fred A. Rhodes and Leo Calland, park and recreation director, propose to charge the House of Pacific Relations for each of the 15 cottages in Balboa Park.

April 14, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1-4. “Hope Deferred,” John McLaughlin’s prize-winning oil painting in the San Diego Art Guild’s exhibition at the Fine Arts Gallery, maligned yesterday by John C. Irving, a local resident (illus.).

Judge John Zane said he chose “Hope Deferred” because it “seemed to have the greatest appeal to the imagination. It showed the most courage in its conception and execution.”

April 15, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. City Manger Rhodes yesterday appointed an Art Advisory Committee to help re-establish the Spanish Village as an art center in Balboa Park under city sponsorship.

He said the city will put the buildings in shape for occupancy and will rent the studios individually to artists, craftsman and art and craft organizations.

April 15, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:2-4. San Diego Union receives more objections to “Hope Deferred.”

April 17, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:5. Leo Calland, Park and Recreation director, recommended yesterday that any art group not sponsored by the City that has control of a building in Balboa Park should pay enough rent to provide for building maintenance.

No building should be made available for the exclusive and private use of any individual or organization to the exclusion of others.

April 21, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:8. City to charge rentals in Balboa Park.

Rhodes and Calland pointed out that the proposed $5 a month rent in the long run would be cheaper than the rent-free occupancy enjoyed by the House of Pacific Relations before the war, because their occupancy permit at that time made them responsible for maintenance.

April 22, 1948, San Diego Union, A-5:5. Delegates of the House of Pacific Relations opposes paying rent for park buildings; feel they should be included as a city-sponsored institution..

April 23, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:4. Park buildings’ names changed; Palace of Electricity now officially known as Balboa Park Gymnasium; California State Building now Balboa Park Conference Building; Hollywood Hall of Fame now Balboa Park Palisades Building; New Mexico Building, also known as Palace of Education, now Balboa Park Club..

April 24, 1948, San Diego Union, A-9:4. Robert Sherwood’s “Petrified Forest” to open Friday at Old Globe.

April 25, 1948, San Diego Union, A-3:2-4. Mbongo and Ngagi, two of the largest gorillas on record, are on exhibit at San Diego Zoo as bronze busts sculptured by Holger and Helen Jensen (illus.)

April 25, 1948, San Diego Union, A-20:1-4. New park amphitheater at Boy Scouts campsite in Balboa Park will be dedicated tomorrow.

Harvey H. Atherton said that in addition to the many Scouts who have helped in the construction of the amphitheater, 25 contractors associations and firms contributed funds, labor and material, comprising the greater portion of the cost of $12,600. The M. H. Golden Construction Co. had general charge and supervision of the work.

April 25, 1948, San Diego Union. Friends of Music concert tomorrow night in the Old Globe Theater.

April 25, 1948, San Diego Union, Magazine, 2:1-3. San Diego Recreational Department arranges 100 Music Week events, by Constance Herreshoff.

April 25, 1948, San Diego Union, Magazine, 7:1-4. Robertson to discuss landscapes on today’s tour at Fine Arts Gallery, by Thomas Robertson, assistant director.

April 30, 1948, San Diego Union, A-16:5. Loligro Camp in Balboa Park, center of Camp Fire Girl’s recreation and week-end camping, is going through renovation.

Loligro, long used by Camp Fire Girls as their “in town” camp, is going through renovation at the hands of the cabin committee, headed by Mrs. Philip Davenport.

April 30, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:5-7. Ken Niles will head Dennis Day program in Ford Bowl on May 14; show planned to held San Diego Boys’ Club raise $30,000 fund to build new gymnasium.

May 2, 1948, San Diego Union, Magazine, 2:1-3. Music Festival of city schools will be presented in Ford Bowl this afternoon, by Constance Herreshoff.

May 3, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1-2. “Desert Sunshine and Shadow” by Charles A. Small won a plurality among gallery goers who had a chance to vote in the San Diego Art Guild show.

May 6, 1948, San Diego Union, A-22:5. Plans for rehabilitating California State Building and Hollywood Building in Palisades area of Balboa Park ready for City Council action.

The State Building, expected to cost about $75,000, will contain a large main auditorium or exhibit hall on the main floor, with a series of small conference rooms around the sides of both the main floor and balcony. Floors will be resurfaced, the entire building painted, and kitchen and restroom facilities installed. The plans were prepared by Sam W. Hamill.

The Hollywood Building will be divided into three distinct sections at a cost of about $70,000, under plans drafted by H. Louis Bodmer.

May 6, 1948, San Diego Union, B-16:2. City starts widening work on Pershing Drive to provide four full-width lanes and room for stalled autos to park has been started and is expected to be completed in 2 or 3 months, City Manager Fred A. Rhodes said yesterday..

May 7, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:5. Programs set for observance of Music Week.

Programs ranging from band concerts to an organ recital will be presented today in observance of National Music Week.

May 8, 1948, San Diego Union, A-7:5. Paul Sheldon, organist at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, will present the last in a series of organ concerts for National Music Week’s local observance this afternoon at the Balboa Park Organ Pavilion.

May 9, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:1. City remaining within funds in park restoring; restoration being accomplished on California Tower, Natural History Museum and Fine Arts Gallery; Navy paid $122,944 and actual cost was $108,800: Navy agreed to a total payment of $840,000 of which $790,000 was in cash; in lieu of $50,000 balance the Navy turned over buildings, plumbing fixtures and other equipment for which the City realized $106,389; House of Hospitality to be completed in September at an estimated cost of $72,000; California State Building and Hollywood Building repairs estimated at $150,000; Food and Beverage and House of Charm repairs estimated at $150,000.

May 9, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:2-3. Rare hydrax of Africa now on exhibit at San Diego Zoo.

May 9, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1-3. Plans ready for Dennis Day benefit show Friday night in Ford Bowl.

May 9, 1948, San Diego Union, D-2:1-3. Ford Bowl festival, local concerts and Music Week today, by Constance Herreshoff.

May 10, 1948, San Diego Union, A-7:7. Reserved seats go on sale for five Star-Light Opera productions at Ford Bowl.

May 11, 1948, Resolution No. 89412.

WHEREAS, the charter of The City of San Diego, section 55, provides that the City Council may, for the best interests of the City, authorize the City Manager to enter in leases or contracts or lest concessions in Balboa Park; and

WHEREAS, the charter of The City of San Diego, section 55, provides that the City Council shall prescribe the terms and conditions for the use and operation of facilities of a recreational, cultural or educational character, located in the Park; and

WHEREAS, the Park and Recreation Commissions, on the 21st day of April, 1948, approved the following policy in regard to the use of the buildings and facilities located in Balboa Park;

NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED, By the Council of The City of San Diego, as follows:

That those activities shall be permitted in park buildings and facilities which shall provide the greatest interest and service for the citizens of San Diego and tourists alike over the greatest period of time possible throughout the year; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in order to assure the best interests of the City and service to its citizens and tourists, no facility or building or room shall be made available for the exclusive and private use of any one individual or occasion to the exclusion of other individuals, organizations; building or facility use shall be so programmed that group activities sponsored by the Park and Recreation Department shall be given preference; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the rental charges for the use of said park buildings and facilities shall be determined in the following manner:

  1. City sponsored park institutions and group activities sponsored by the Park and Recreation Department shall have the use of park buildings and facilities free of charge;
  2. Groups or associations of a public interest and services having control of a building or facility which is not sponsored by the City as a park institution and is not sponsored by the Park and Recreation Department shall pay to the City as an rental charge, an amount sufficient to provide for building or facility maintenance as determined by the City Manager and park and Recreation Director.
  3. The rental charge for special events shall be:

(a) Where no admission charge is made to the public for a special event, the rental charge for said event shall merely cover the custodial and building or facility maintenance costs as determined by the City Manager and Park and Recreation Director.

(b) Where the event is a charitable benefit event and an admission charge is made to the public, the rental charge shall be fixed at custodial and building of facility maintenance cost, plus a general overhead charge to be determined by the City Manager and Park and Recreation Director.

(c) The rental charge for any commercial event using an building or facility in the Park shall be based on either a flat fee or a percentage of the gross receipts, exclusive of federal, state and city taxes, as determined by the City Manager and Park and Recreation Director.

Presented by /s/ F. A. Rhodes

Approved as to form by J. F. DuPaul, City Attorney,

/s/ Louis M. Karp, Deputy City Attorney.

Passed and adopted by the said Council of the said City of San Diego, California, this

11th day of May 1948, by the following vote, to-wit:

Yes — Councilmen: Crary, Wincote, Blase, Dorman, Godfrey.

Nays — Councilmen: None

Absent — Councilmen Dail, Mayor Knox

May 12, 1948, San Diego Union, A-7:2-3. The City Council agreed yesterday to change the names of four buildings in the Palisades area of Balboa Park, but balked at changing the names of the Ford Building and Ford Bowl.

May 12, 1948, San Diego Union, A-7:3-4. Schedule of rental rates for city-owned facilities in Balboa Park was approved tentatively by the City Council yesterday but was sent to the City Attorney’s office for rewriting before final adoption.

May 12, 1948, San Diego Union, B-14:5. The City Council yesterday refused a request of the County Building and Construction Trades Council that the City should stop spray painting in the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.

May 14, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:4. Registration for a special class to develop callers for square dances is scheduled at the meeting and dance of the San Diego County Square Dance Clubs in the State Building, Balboa Park, tomorrow night at 8.

May 15, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:2-3, A-6:1-2. $50,000 show in Ford Bowl buys Boys’ Gymnasium, by Richard Gottschall.

May 16, 1948, San Diego Union, A-19:2-4. One hundred easels arrive for Summer Art Institute opening June 17 at Fine Arts Gallery.

June 2, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:2-3. Ken Stott, Jr., curator of San Diego Zoo, takes off to study animals in Africa.

June 4, 1948, San Diego Union, A-7:4. American Legion sponsors Sunday rodeo in Balboa Stadium.

June 6, 1948, A-13:1. Star-Light Opera to present new singers in Ford Bowl.

June 8, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:8. Cost of remodeling Federal Building in the Palisades into a first-class theater would be about $402,000 architect H. Louis Bodmer estimated yesterday.

Bodmer’s estimate includes a public address system, picture projection booth, and some stage equipment, but no furnishings. Carpets, seats and other furnishings probably would add $75,000 to $100,000 to the cost, it was estimated by Russell W. Rink, assistant to the city manager.

June 10, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:5. City Planning Commission postponed action for two weeks on a plan to permit construction of a Veterans Memorial Building in the old Indian Village area of Balboa Park.

Postponement will permit the commission to discuss the location with Earl O. Mills, of St. Louis, special planning consultant, employed by the City to advise on location of public buildings and to bring the City’s master plan up to date.

Specifically the proposal before the Planning Commission was a revision in the City’s major park plan. The revision also contemplated some changes in the ultimate plan for development of the Morley Field area of Balboa Park, which commission members said they wanted to go over thoroughly before taking action.

The City plans to erect the Veterans Memorial Building as a meeting place for all veterans’ organizations, financing its construction with $300,000 profits from the sale of old Camp Callan.

June 13, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:2-5. Recreation officials braced for “schools out” onrush.

June 13, 1948, San Diego Union, C-2:1-3. Nino Marcelli plans retirement after 28 years as music leader, by Constance Herreshoff.

June 21, 1948, Letter, F. A. Rhodes, City Manager; To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council of the City of San Diego, California.

Gentlemen:

Returned is document 386 675, being a form of resolution designating the names of buildings in Balboa Park.

The matter was formerly submitted to your Honorable Body upon recommendation of the Park Commission. Later, it was returned to the Manager for further study.

The Park Commission feels that since the Ford Motor Corporation financed and constructed the Ford Building, it should remain the “Ford” Building.

The Park Commission has been authoritatively informed that the Ford Motor Company had nothing to do with construction of the Ford Bowl. It was constructed by W. P. A. labor and funds entirely from the California Pacific International Exposition. The name “Balboa Park,” as applied to this Bowl is important as a locating factor; and this facility should follow the same pattern established for the majority of the buildings in the Palisades area. Consequently, the Commission was unanimous in its recommendation that the name of the Ford Bowl be changed to Balboa Park Bowl.

I, therefore, recommend that the Ford Building remain the “Ford” Building, and that the name of the Ford Bowl be changed to the Balboa Park Bowl.

I further recommend that document 386 675 be referred to the City Attorney for submission to the Council with these corrections.

Respectfully,

/s/ F. A. Rhodes,

City Manager.

June 22, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:2-4, B-8:2. Civic leaders honor G. Aubrey Davidson on 80th birthday.

June 24, 1948, San Diego Union, A-9:4. Memorial Building planned for park.

The City Planning Commission yesterday amended the Balboa Park plan to permit construction of a $300,000 Veterans’ Memorial Building on the western part of the old Indian Village site. Action on the proposal has been delayed two weeks while the commission asked the advice of Earl O. Mills, special planning consultant.

Another amendment to the park plan approved at the same time provides for construction of a casting pool in the Morley Field area of the park. The pool, for which the City Council appropriated $8600 Tuesday, will be built on the site of the present bicycle track, which was to have been a baseball field in the plan for ultimate development of the area.

June 24, 1948, San Diego Union, A-12:2-4. Ford Bowl stage to be improved (illus.).

Steel girders appeared over the Ford Bowl stage yesterday, as workmen started erecting a false proscenium to make the concert stage more suitable for theatrical productions.

REPORT OF THE CITY PLANNING DEPARTMENT, City of San Diego, for the Period July 1, 1947 to June 30, 1948.

  1. 5. The Planning Commission held hearings on the proposal to amend the Master Planning

Park Development on Park Boulevard and on Morley Field.

Mr. Mills examined about a dozen sites to construct public buildings and finally recommended Cedar Street.

June 30, 1948, San Diego Union, A-13:3. Lions Club gets permit to build recreation center for the blind on 110 ft. by 170 ft. plot south of Upas Street and east of Indiana Street.

The club will use a plot 110 by 170 feet, south of Upas Street and east of Indiana Street. The club will pay no rent, but the building will be erected at the club’s expense and once abandoned it will revert to the city with all furnishings.

The Council also entered into an agreement to allow Swope Electric Railways to operate a miniature train in the park, near the Spanish Village.

June 30, 1948, San Diego Union, A-13:6. Names of buildings in Balboa Park changed.

Approved by the City Council (Resolution 90022)

Palace of Electricity and Varied Industries renamed Balboa Park Gymnasium

California State Building renamed Balboa Park Conference Building

New Mexico Building, Palace of Education, Officers Club renamed Balboa Park Club

Hollywood Hall of Fame, Palace of Entertainment renamed Palisades Building

The three divisions of this building shall be named:

Puppet Theater, Lecture Hall and Craft Center

Ford Bowl renamed Balboa Park Bowl

Federal Building to be renamed Balboa Park Theater upon completion of contemplated

conversion work

June 30, 1948, San Diego Union, A-13:7. More vandalism in the Spanish Village was reported yesterday by Patrolman Merlin Burns. Burns said windows were broken, holes poked through walls and partitions, doors torn apart, floors littered with broken glass and window frames smashed.

June 30, 1948, San Diego Union, B-2:1. EDITORIAL: Let’s Keep Starlight Opera.

During its first two years the light opera has been sustained largely by underwriting guarantees of civic-minded citizens, moved by a desire to provide the people of the community with the highest type of entertainment at a minimum cost. The period of underwriting has come to an end and the Association has reached a point where it must stand on its own feet. This season will determine whether the people are sufficiently interested in the continuance of the project to come enthusiastically to its support.

July 1, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4-5. Naval Hospital exhibit at San Diego County Fair shows crafts, skills.

July 2, 1948, San Diego Union, A-11:1. Old Globe Theater plans to give the ever popular melodrama, “The Drunkard” and “Ten Nights in A Bar Room” with olios of entertainment of the vaudeville variety for the summer season; Craig Noel, director of the San Diego Community Theater, is supervising productions.

July 3, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:3, A-3:6. President Truman signs City-Navy swap land measure.

July 7, 1948, San Diego Union, A-7:1. Science Show in park to be free to public.

The fourth annual Science and Industry Show, to be held Oct. 1 to 3 in the Federal Building will be free according to Dr. Dudley H. Robinson, chairman of the Technical and Scientific Studies Council, San Diego. Admission was charged at last year’s week-long show.

July 13, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:1, A-2:7. Officials revive Cedar Street plan for buildings.

July 15, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1-6. City maps proposed Civic Center area development.

July 16, 1948, San Diego Union, A-9:3-5. Braille Club picnics at San Diego Zoo.

July 18, 1948, San Diego Union, A-3:1. Children study birds, animals at San Diego Zoo school.

This year there are six classes of 25 children each. The classes have been meeting one day a week to study the animals and birds, according to the children’s age levels, Jane Ross, educational director for the zoo, explained.

July 18, 1948, San Diego Union, D-2:1-3. Organ Pavilion concerts got underway yesterday with Royal A. Brown at console, by Constance Herreshoff.

For the present, organ concerts will be presented at the pavilion Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2:30.

July 19, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:4. “Maritza” due at Ford Bowl Thursday night.

July 23, 1948, San Diego Union, A-7:4. “Maritza” brims with melody, mirth at Ford Bowl.

July 25, 1948, San Diego Union, D-2:5. Ford Bowl gets extra lights for Hungarian opera “Countess Maritza.”

The show starts tonight at 8:30. From any of the bowl’s 3800 seats, even in the last row, you can hear perfectly.

July 25, 1948, San Diego Union, D-2:3. Royal A. Brown to give program at Organ Pavilion this afternoon at 2:30, by Constance Herreshoff.

July 26, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:4-5. “Countess Maritza” brims with melody, mirth at Bowl.

July 26, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:4-5. City Manager Rhodes home with plans for such diversified projects as improving the rubbish collection system and establishing a science and industry exhibit in the Ford Building along the same lines as displays in Chicago.

At present part of the Ford Building is not in use, although the school system is using some of the basement for storage purposes and has used part of the main floor for vocational training classes. The City has approved plans to establish a rifle range in the basement.

July 29, 1948, San Diego Union, A-11:2-3. “Countess Maritza” reopens this evening in Ford Bowl.

July 29, 1948, San Diego Union, A-12:2-3. Braille Center fund hits $2,000 in five days of the San Diego Lions Club’s 30-day campaign for $30,000 to build the Braille Recreation Center.

July 31, 1948, San Diego Union, A-2:1. City Planner Glenn Rick backs Cedar Street plan.

August 1, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. City to give House of Pacific Relations back to nations; fifteen bungalows to revert to old organization at 2 p.m. today; at present 19 nations are accommodated in 15 homes; Frank Drugan, founder of the Houses, will occupy a place on honor on the speakers’ platform; stage and screen star Melvyn Douglas, master of ceremonies, will present keys to each Cottage.

August 2, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. House of Pacific Relations reoccupied old park section.

A crowd estimated at 4000 persons saw members of the 19 cottages accept bungalow keys from the City yesterday as the House of Pacific Relations formally reoccupied its section of Balboa Park, used by the Navy during the war.

August 3, 1948, San Diego Union, A-5:1. Two thousand two hundred visitors set record for San Diego Zoo.

An average of 2200 persons a day visited the Zoo to set an all-time record of 801,033 admissions for the year ending June 30, Charles L. Cotant, president, reported at the 31st annual picnic meeting of the Zoological Society last night in Balboa Park.

The turnstile count was 562,414 adults and 193,981 children. An additional 44,638 toured the Zoo in organized groups.

Fifty new species of animals and 120 new specimens were acquired during the year, Cotant said. After balancing births and deaths, purchases and sales, the Zoo colony includes 598 mammals, 1331 birds, and 556 reptiles – 2485 animals of 695 species.

Cotant also reported the society purchased two open-type sightseeing buses, a sedan, two pickup trucks, and a street sweeper.

Society members unanimously reelected Cotant, Fred Annable, John P. Scripps and Fred Kunzel to serve 3-year terms on the board of directors. In closed session, directors voted to retain officers for another year.

Mrs. Belle Benchley was reelected executive secretary. She has held the position 21-1/2 years.

After the picnic, society members viewed H. L. Winston’s trained seal act in Wegeforth Bowl.

August 4, 1948, San Diego Union, A-9:1. “Vagabond King” opens tomorrow at Ford Bowl; new stereophonic sound system makes hearing perfect in the farthest corner of the Bowl.

August 4, 1948, San Diego Union, A-9:8. Community wide support of the Old Globe Theater through expanded membership will be sought in a drive to begin soon, according to Lowell Davies, president San Diego Community Theater.

August 6, 1948, San Diego Union, A-11:1. “Vagabond King” pleases large audience, by Constance Herreshoff.

August 8, 1948, San Diego Union, A-10:3-5. Curator of San Diego Zoo writes about safari in Africa.

August 8, 1948, San Diego Union, A-20:2. Baby Blestok makes debut at San Diego Zoo.

August 10, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. Indoor Sports Club, on Front Street between Redwood and Quince Streets, to start building soon; club lacks about $20,000 of estimated $66,000 cost; club paid $10,000 for site.

August 13, 1948, San Diego Union, A-12:2-3. Leo Calland, parks and recreation director, has asked whether the City will approve a $50,000 project for removing 2411 assorted trees along city streets and planting saplings in their place.

City Manager Rhodes has refused to support the request, pointing out that the City has no funds for tree removal.

August 14, 1948, San Diego Union, A-9:7. “Vagabond King” to close here tomorrow night.

August 15, 1948, San Diego Union, A-2:1-4. Blind Center fund boosted by $1,000 check; only a week remains to collect the remainder of the $30,000 goal (drawing of floor plan)..

August 15, 1948, San Diego Union, A-3:3-5. Orphan fawns find home in San Diego Zoo.

August 15, 1948, San Diego Union, A-17:1-4. Five thousand members sought by San Diego Community Theater (feature article).

Winding up a 6-week summer melodrama season next Sunday the San Diego Community Theater will launch a drive for 3000 new members under a revised program.

The new program calls for membership at two prices instead of the single $5 seasonal membership of the last year.

Casting for plays is done through competitive open readings where anyone is welcome to try his hand.

August 17, 1948, San Diego Union, A-7:4. City Manager Rhodes favors cut in City Stadium rental fee from 15 to 10 percent after tax deductions for midget and hot-rod auto races.

The percentage reduction was recommended by Leo Calland, parks and recreation director. He said attendance always has been large enough to pay the City more than $250, but added that the promoters have lost money on several races this year.

August 18, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:5. City Council rejects bid to lower Stadium lease.

August 19, 1948, San Diego Union, A-11:1. “Merry Widow” opens tonight at Ford Bowl.

August 20, 1948, San Diego Union, A-9:1. “Merry Widow” pleases many at Ford Bowl, by Constance Herreshoff.

August 22, 1948, San Diego Union, A-5:1. The City Park Commission is unanimously opposed to granting free office space in Balboa Park for the World Federalists of San Diego and the San Diego Chapter of the American Association for the United Nations.

City Manager Rhodes said the commission voted in view of its old policy of granting building space for “activities of greatest public interest.”

August 22, 1948, San Diego Union, A-8:2-3. Dr. Patricia O’Connor, veterinarian, praises San Diego Zoo’s collection of wildlife.

August 22, 1948, San Diego Union, A-12:1. Zoo-born seals wait for debut at San Diego Zoo.

August 22, 1948, San Diego Union, D-5:1-3. Model Railroad Club provides enjoyment for former sailors, by Charles M. Hatcher.

Until this summer the club had an elaborate layout in Balboa Park, with miles of trackage in the old State Building there. Forced to move out, baggage cars and switch terminal, the club now has its rail lines set up in a building at 1356 Fifth Avenue.

August 23, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:5. Lions Club to build Blind Center with own funds.

The San Diego Lions Club’s month-long campaign for funds to build a Braille Recreation Center in Balboa Park ended yesterday with only approximately $12,000 of the $30,000-goal raised, but thanks to the sponsoring organization, the center for the blind will be built anyway.

August 23, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:2. Hungary feted in open house.

The Cottage of Hungary, a post-war addition to the House of Pacific Relations, held its first open house from 2 to 5 p.m. yesterday in its Balboa Park hacienda. Hungarian dishes were served to visitors by hostesses in native costumes.

Because the expanding House of Pacific Relations has 15 buildings for its 19 member groups, Hungary shares a cottage with France, Portugal, Switzerland and Czechoslovakia. Each is the host once in 5 weeks.

August 26, 1948, San Diego Union, A-15:2-3. “Merry Widow” reopens tonight at Ford Bowl.

August 27, 1948, San Diego Union, A-10:2-3. Dinner Friday will honor Old Globe Theater actors.

Top performers, now being selected in a membership vote, will receive Atlas Awards, bronze trophies depicting Atlas of Greek mythology, holding up the Globe.

August 28, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:1-2. San Diego Company protests Balboa Park contracts.

Cory & Longworth, a contracting firm with headquarters in Chula Vista, submitted a low bid for rehabilitating three buildings in Balboa Park, but a San Diego firm (Hazard & Slaughter) yesterday asked the City Council to invoke a reservation in the call for bids permitting the City to award the contract to a contractor whose principal place of business is San Diego.

August 29, 1948, San Diego Union, A-5:1. Giant replica of Scout oath raised in park.

Atop the Court of Honor Bowl in the Balboa Park Boy Scout Camp Ground the world’s largest reproduction of the Boy Scout oath has just been completed.

August 29, 1948, San Diego Union, A-14:5. City Council to cut Stadium rents for midget cars.

The City Council has agreed to cut the rent on Balboa Stadium for midget and hot-rod auto races on nights when gate receipts total no more than $6000 after tax deductions, Russell W. Rink, assistant to the city manager, said yesterday.

August 29, 1948, San Diego Union, D-2:1-4. San Diego Light Opera busy rehearsing “Blossom Time”; final event of season; opens at Ford Bowl Thursday night, by Constance Herreshoff.

As to airplanes, they have not disturbed opera audiences since the opening night of “The Merry Widow,” the producer said. At Hollywood Bowl red searchlights warn airplanes to detour from the bowl during concerts, But that precaution will not be necessary if airplanes arriving continue their present policy of courtesy to the Star-Light Operas.

August 31, 1948, San Diego Union, A-13:1. Leo Calland says, “Oh, Listen to the Band,” at 6th and Olive Street, Balboa Park, starting Sunday afternoon, September 12.

Present plans call for the concerts to continue through October with different types of orchestral units and music each week.

AUTUMN, 1948, California Garden, Vol. 39. No. 3. Progress Report, by W. Allen Perry

Regardless of the dates which historians have assigned to V-E Day and V-J Day, there was little about Balboa Park to indicate the war was over until the summer of 1948. True, its trees had continued to rise against the horizon, its perimeter lawns had remained green; the Zoological Gardens the golf courses and playfields had been open to park patrons. But the true heart and the great distinctive feature of Balboa Park — its Exposition Center — had held little lure between December of ’41 and the summer now ending.

For the seven and one-half years of Navy occupancy and the beginning of demolition and restoration, this Exposition Area was closed to the public or had nothing to interest visitors. To some of you the days of the museum visits, the organ recitals, the symphony concerts, the lectures and social events in the House of Hospitality, the marvelous food you enjoyed on the terrace of the Café del Rey Moro, and idle hours in the gardens and Botanical Building were nostalgic memories. To others, tales of these things may have been a bit of a bore, since you had never experienced them and it rather looked as if you never would. But the Fine Arts Gallery was formally reopened in December, and by summer time sufficient improvement had been made in the landscape picture, building restoration was progressing sufficiently and there were plays, light operas and concerts to assure old and new San Diegans and their visitors that the “park” was being returned to them.

Those who wandered through this area immediately after the Navy vacated have some conception of the extent to which the war-time activity scarred, destroyed and damaged this magnificent center. They saw acres of lawn completely destroyed when they became the sties of tent camps and temporary barracks, galleys and mess hall. They saw empty gardens and the effects of years of minimum maintenance. They gained a little idea of the extent to which buildings were expediently converted to hospital demands. Few of them could visualize the problem of attempting to stretch $790,850.00, to which the Navy reduced the City’s original restoration request and $109,684.00 recovered from sales and salvage, to restore the monumental grandeur and useful attractiveness of what is “Balboa Park” to so many people.

This restoration and resuming of attractions and activities is, of necessity, a gradual thing. The Globe Theater has a most successful season and had to increase the run of each production over pre-war schedules. The Fine Arts Gallery is in fine physical condition and its collection has increased to a value of two and one-quarter million dollars at the time of reopening. The San Diego Museum of Man opened its main building with a new staff and new life, and the remaining rooms will be opened as quickly as the new arrangements and classifications of exhibit material can be installed. This museum’s interests and community service programs have been increased tremendously. The House of Hospitality has been restored and we hope that this most important facility may be furnished and opened again in the fall season. The recitals on the great outdoor organ have been drawing Saturday and Sunday crows such as the formerly attracted only during Exposition days. The light opera season in the Balboa Park Bowl played to at least 75,000 people during its summer season.

And, in the meantime, the Recreation Division has opened the Municipal Gymnasium for its program of badminton, volleyball and basketball. It has brought the Federal Building into condition for the Electric Show and a show of the American Kennel Club. It has contracts executed for the conversion of the former California State Building and Hollywood Building into highly function conference and craft centers which will be available to conventions as well. Additions are being made to the parking facilities in this Palisades area which will improve, but probably not solve, the parking problem.

Flowers bloomed again in the gardens, for the first time in seven and one-half years. The magnificent spring displays of Pansies were followed with Calendulas, Centureas and the summer show of Zinnias. The panels of the Mall came alive with Petunias and Ageratum, which bloomed against their new, green carpet of lawn. Building difficulties have delayed the opening of the Botanical Building, which will have to be completely refurbished before becoming a justifiable, horticultural attraction. Work on the grand-scale Lily Pond was completed too late for effective planting, but there it no question that it will be in its glory in 1949. Restoration of lawn areas is being delayed because of the impossibility of obtaining pipe with which to replace the irrigation systems. As rapidly as this material can be delivered on outstanding orders, the lawns will be rebuilt.

But the restoration of the Exposition area is only one phase of the planning for Balboa Park. The plans for the development of the Park Boulevard frontage from the Zoo to the street car right-of-way and from Upas Street to Laurel have been incorporated into the City’s master plan. This area will include a great parking lot on the Zoo side; a treatment similar to the Sixth Avenue development immediately adjacent to Park Boulevard; the Veteran’s Meeting Building just south of the Roosevelt School; and a highly amusing miniature train which will carry the youngsters on a half-mile ride through an extensively landscaped area now being developed north of the Spanish Village. The Fly-casting Pool has been completed in the Morley Field area, and so has the new tennis club building. It is anticipated that the Riding Academy will be moved to this area as well as the archery ranges and a large new picnic area. And, perhaps, you’ve found other new picnic areas with tables and grills which have been scattered conveniently but carefully through the park.

It has not been our intent to give a complete survey of park restoration and improvements. We have intended to give you assurance that there is much in the park to justify your interest and to reward your attention.

September 1, 1948, San Diego Union, A-8:1. “Blossom Time” to start run in Ford Bowl tomorrow night.

September 2, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:2-3. The City Water Director urged a ban on all recreation at Morena Lake because of drought.

September 2, 1948, San Diego Union, A-8:1-3. Ten outstanding Old Globe actors and actresses will be honored tomorrow night at a dinner given by the Community Theater in the Rose Room of the U. S. Grant Hotel.

September 3, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:2-7. “Blossom Time” delights crowd, by Constance Herreshoff.

September 4, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. Atlas winners at Old Globe received awards, by Constance Herreshoff.

The trophies were presented to the winners by Gregory Peck, motion picture actor, during a 10:30 to 11 o’clock broadcast.

September 4, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:3-4. Miss Bettie Palmer will give recital at Organ Pavilion today.

September 5, 1948, San Diego Union, A-5:5. Eleventh annual Appliance Show will be held in the Federal Building, Balboa Park, September 14 to 19.

Persons attending will be televised and their pictures telecast to television sets in exhibit booths throughout the building.

September 7, 1948, San Diego Union, A-8:7. “Blossom Time” will be given in Ford Bowl four more times.

September 7, 1948, San Diego Union, A-15:3-5. Six young gibbons flown from Bangkok to San Diego Zoo.

September 12, 1948, San Diego Union, A-12:2-4. Park electronic carillon to greet crowds approaching the Electric Show this week; the carillon will be played by Paul D. Peery of Coronado, between 7:15 and 7:45 each evening, Tuesday through Sunday.

September 13, 1948, San Diego Union, B-14:2-4. Sunday concert series opens in Balboa Park.

September 14, 1948, San Diego Union, B-3:1-5. Annual electrical show opens tonight (map).

Six days and nights of free entertainment, stage shows and novel, interesting and educational demonstrations will be made available to thousands of San Diego area residents when the doors of the 11th annual Electrical and Home Appliance Show are opened at 6 o’clock tonight in the Federal Building in Balboa Park. The show will continue through Sunday night.

September 15, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:3-5. Television display lures capacity crowd to Electric Show opening.

September 16, 1948, San Diego Union, A-7:3-5. Twenty thousand attend Electric Show.

September 16, 1948, San Diego Union, B-2:2-4. Flood of votes received to choose 1949 Starlight Opera selections.

September 17, 1948, San Diego Union, A-8:5. Twenty two thousand jam park to visit exhibit.

September 17, 1948, San Diego Union, A-20:2-3. John S. Siebert, architect, former councilman, passes.

September 19, 1948, San Diego Union, A-5:1. Second of free park concerts set today at 6th Avenue and Olive Street, Balboa Park; concerts are presented under the joint sponsorship of the City Recreation Department and A. F. L. Musicians’ Local 325, and are financed by the national union’s recording and transcription fund.

September 19, 1948, San Diego Union, A-18:1-3. Two rare Keas shown today at San Diego Zoo.

September 19, 1948, San Diego Union, D-8:1-3. Fine Arts Gallery shows Britannica collection of United States painting, by Thomas B. Robertson (illus.).

September 22, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:6-7. State, United States officers to set status of Balboa Park Club.

State and Federal officers will meet in Los Angeles tomorrow to discuss the right of the U. S. Navy officers’ mess at Camp Kidd in Balboa Park to serve liquor without a state license or without paying state sales taxes, Mrs. Betty Marshall Graydon, assistant U. S. attorney, said yesterday.

Although commonly called an “officers club,” Mrs. Graydon said it was not a club because it was open to all officers of the armed services, instead of to members.

September 22, 1948, San Diego Union, A-9:2. Frederick William Schweigardt, 1935 Exposition sculptor, passes in New York Hospital.

September 23, 1948, San Diego Union, A-13:1. E. Willard Schurz, Globe Theater’s new technical director, talks as brush flies, by Constance Herreshoff.

September 24, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:1, A-2:4. President Truman talk at Lane Field scheduled today.

September 24, 1948, San Diego Union, A-10:6-7. Registrations are now being taken for San Diego Community Theater 9-week series of lectures on basic acting, directing, lighting and play production to start October 5 at Old Globe Theater.

September 25, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:1. A-3:1. Truman brings presidency to city for hour.

September 25, 1948, San Diego Union, A-11:8. Audience likes Old Globe version of play “Laura,” by Constance Herreshoff.

September 26, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:1-2. First San Diego built plane to be exhibited at Science and Industry Show, Saturday and Sunday in Federal Building.

The plane is one of the 10 M-I’s built by Ryan Aeronautical Co. in 1926.

September 26, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:6. Bandits repeat holdup tactics in Balboa Park.

Balboa Park bandits early yesterday robbed a San Diego mail clerk of $15 at gunpoint, a few hours after they took $20 and a watch from an off-duty city policeman south of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.

September 26, 1948, San Diego Union, A-11:5. Old Globe offers memberships at two prices.

September 26, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. Three groups push Point Loma as tourist goal; organizations seek added interest in Cabrillo Monument, by Bryant Evans.

Under the proposal being made to the government, [the monument] would be enlarged to reach from the Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery to the light itself, three-eighths of a mile south of its present limits.

September 26, 1948, San Diego Union, D-2:1-2. Starlight Opera starts young San Diegans on path to success, by Constance Herreshoff.

September 26, 1948, San Diego Union, D-7:1-4. Conducted tour of Britannica Exhibition planned for today at Fine Arts Gallery, by Thomas B. Robertson (illus.).

September 27, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:1. Park prowler, missed by shot at Date Street and 7th Avenue, eludes police.

September 27, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:2-4. Stained glass window of Good Shepherd dedicated at Naval Hospital Chapel; the Chapel is supposed to be used by Catholics, Protestants and Jews.

October 1, 1948, San Diego Union, A-9:4-5. Fourth Science Show opens in Balboa Park’s Federal Building tonight.

October 2, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:2-5. Varied exhibits greet visitors to Science Show.

October 3, 1948, San Diego Union, A-12:4. Thousands flock to see Industry Show at park.

October 3, 1948, San Diego Union, A-18:3-7. San Diego listeners at Star Light Opera set new mark.

As a first step in forming plans for a more extravagant 1949 summer season of Star-Light Operas, company officials already have submitted a formal application to the City Park Department for a long-term lease on Ford Bowl.

October 3, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:8, B-16:1. Spanish Village restoration to go ahead soon.

An out-of-town jury was appointed several months ago and made some approvals. At the time City Manager Rhodes seemed to agree with the jury system, Spanish Village Art Center members said. But now, from a business standpoint, he believes the Village studios should be rented on a basis of tenant respectability and ability to pay.

The restoration program will move slowly because of finances, Rhodes said. Leo B. Calland, parks and recreation director, estimated the job will cost $15,000.

October 4, 1948, San Diego Union, A-12:2-4. Fast-running cheetahs go on display at San Diego Zoo.

October 4, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:8. Twenty four thousand visit Science Show.

October 6, 1948, San Diego Union, B-14:3. The City Park Commission yesterday authorized the drafting of an agreement for reopening the House of Hospitality by the group that directed it in pre-war days.

The Commission also authorized Leo Calland, parks and recreation director, to draw an agreement dealing with the San Diego Civic Light Opera Association’s application for a long-term lease on Ford Bowl. Calland said the Commission was agreeable to leasing the bowl for 5 years but felt the group should not be given exclusive use of the bowl during the summer months.

October 7, 1948, San Diego Union, B-12:2-4. Three youths confess Balboa Park robberies.

A wave of Balboa Park holdups was believed solved by police yesterday with the arrest of all three youths, all of whom confessed after being rounded up within a few hours of the last of three robbers (photos of Lawrence H. Gordon, Frederick King, John W. Berry).

October 8, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:2-4. Lions’ Head presides at groundbreaking ceremonies; work begun on center of blind recreation.

October 10, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:1. City’s recreation area hailed as United State’s greatest; Leo Calland cites widely diversified activities.

Here, Calland said are the sports Balboa Park patrons can take part in: Golf, roque, lawn bowling, horseshoes, archery, horseback riding, swimming, fly casting, tennis, baseball, volleyball, badminton, basketball, handball and ping-pong.

October 10, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:3. Organ concert by Royal A. Brown planned for today.

October 12, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:7-8. Box seats prohibited for Ford Bowl operas because the hint of class distinction..

October 18, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:2. More than 5500 visited attended the Gem Show in the Federal Building which closed last night after a two-day exhibition.

October 24, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:7-8, A-4:1-4. Nature walkers view globe’s shrubs in Balboa Park, walk sponsored by the Natural History Museum and led by Charles F. Harbison, by Bryant Evans.

October 24, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:4. Organ concert by Royal A. Brown features old masters.

October 25, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:3-5. Reformation observance in Ford Bowl yesterday, Methodist Bishop G. Bromley Oxnam, speaker.

October 26, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:4. Stamp exhibit at Fine Arts Gallery set for opening.

October 28, 1948, San Diego Union, A-11:1-2. Philatelists opened stamp exhibit in Fine Arts Gallery yesterday, by Lloyd Wilkins.

October 28, 1948, San Diego Union, A-11:4. Police break up “bat gang” in park.

A self-styled “Bat Gang” that used some Huck Finn tactics and others that Mark Twain would have deplored was evicted yesterday from a Spanish Village tower in Balboa Park, where it has claimed squatters’ rights for 5 days.

Seven boys were linked in the gang, which had adopted a bat insignia, but only three were involved in recent property damage.

October 30, 1948, San Diego Union, A-7:4. “Little Foxes” will be presented at Old Globe Theater, by Constance Herreshoff.

October 31, 1948, San Diego Union, A-23:2-5. House of Pacific Relations group arranges public festival Saturday evening in San Diego Woman’s Club, Third Avenue and Maple Street.

October 31, 1948, San Diego Union, A-26:2-5. Albino fur seal added to San Diego Zoo’s collection.

October 31, 1948, San Diego Union, D-7:1-4. National Art Week observance at Fine Arts Gallery today, by Thomas B. Robertson (illus.).

November 3, 1948, San Diego Union, A-12:2-3. The San Diego Art Council will sponsor an open-air art mart at Laurel Street and Sixth Avenue in Balboa Park Friday through Sunday.

November 6, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1. City Council gives City Manager Rhodes a confidence vote after hot parley, by Frank Rhoades.

November 7, 1948, San Diego Union, A-14:1-4. First post-war camera exhibit planned in Photographic Arts Society Building, Balboa Park, Saturday and Sunday.

The society plans to rotate its shows on its pre-war schedule — changing the prints every four weeks. The exhibits will be the work of local amateurs, for the most part, augmented by traveling shows from camera clubs elsewhere.

November 7, 1948, San Diego Union, D-2:1-3. All-Sousa band concert in park this afternoon to honor memory of “March King,” by Constance Herreshoff.

November 8, 1948, San Diego Union, A-6:5. Sousa concert gets overflow in Organ Pavilion.

Yesterday’s all-Sousa concert, donated through the Recording and Transcription Fund of the American Federation of Musicians, was cosponsored by the City Park and Recreation Department.

November 11, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:1-2. Parade, memorial service mark Armistice Day; morning rites in Balboa Stadium to precede procession in down district.

November 14, 1948, San Diego Union, A-12:2-5. Balboa Park 48-passenger miniature train makes its first trip.

The train runs over nearly a half-mile of tract on grounds opposite the entrance to the zoo, being operated under agreement with the City Park Commission by Swope Railways. The City will receive a percentage of the fares – 9 cents for children, 15 for adults.

November 14, 1948, San Diego Union, A-30:3-4. Two Burmeister Seriema birds from Argentina on display at San Diego Zoo (illus.).

November 15, 1948, San Diego Union, A-7:3-4. Three thousand view Ken Murray’s “Blackouts” in Ford Bowl under sponsorship of the Uptown Exchange Club. for Infantile Paralysis benefit.

November 17, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:2-4. Squirrels come into their own; laugh at pooches; joyousness fades for dog-walking in Balboa Park (illus.).

While the dog-walkers mapped their anti-sign strategy, the squirrel-feeders went about their favorite sport, apparently unaware of the black looks directed at them by the dog-walkers.

November 21, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:2-3. Laurence Oliver, president of American Fisheries Co., has been elected a director of the Zoological Society of San Diego (por.).

November 21, 1948, San Diego Union, C-15:2. Balboa Mounted Troop will install Miss O. Helene Kinney president.

November 23, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:3. Dog owners protest park leash law.

The City Council yesterday received the first formal protest against sudden enforcement of Balboa Park’s leash law, a situation that has cause a break between dog-walkers and squirrel feeders.

November 26, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:1-5, A-4:1. Three thousand attend Thanksgiving services at Organ Pavilion.

November 28, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:5-6. Organ recital set today.

November 30, 1948, San Diego Union, B-1:2. City Manager Rhodes yesterday appeared to have kept his promise to save the City $3000 by refusing to bow to A. F. L. demands in painting the interior of the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.

December 3. 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:6, A-3:2-3. Son of Louis J. Wilde, former mayor of San Diego, seeks aid, by Edmund Rucker (illus.).

December 3, 1948, San Diego Union, A-4:1. Civic Theater projected at Pacific Highway and Barnet Street with $350,000 outlay (drawing).

December 3, 1948, San Diego Union, A-12:3. The Fine Arts Gallery has closed its branch at 2030 Sunset Boulevard and announced that the property would be put up for sale; property given to Society four years ago by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Marcy; housed the Gallery’s art treasures during the war.

December 4, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:6-7. Son of L J. Wilde gets job at Walker’s Department Store after Mayor Knox writes letter.

December 5, 1948, San Diego Union, A-27:3. Jabiru stork latest arrival at San Diego Zoo (illus.).

December 5,1948, San Diego Union, A-42:1. “Spring Stirring” completed by sculptors Donal Hord and Homer Dana (illus.).

December 9, 1948, San Diego Union, A-21:3. Leo Calland scores plan for flat Stadium rents instead of taking a cut of the gate’s receipts; the City has just spent $136,000 for building improvements at the Stadium.

December 10, 1948, San Diego Union, A-11:5-6. City Manager Rhodes supports curb on dogs in park; ordinance requiring dogs on leashes has been in effect since 1913.

When the signs first appeared, dog-walkers blamed squirrel-feeders and they divided into separate camps. Yesterday, however, Leo B. Calland, parks and recreation director, hinted that picnickers have been behind the enforcement order. “No one likes to have a dog running through his lunch,” he said.

December 10, 1948, San Diego Union, A-15:1. San Diego Zoo sends female Andean condor to National Zoo in Washington, D. C. (illus.).

December 15,1948, San Diego Union, A-13:2. City Council placed a rental ceiling of $5,000 on all commercial events at Balboa Stadium.

December 16, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1:1, A-2:5. Cedar Street foes draw wrath of Chamber group; denounce Voters’ Association group for ridiculing site.

December 16, 1948, San Diego Union, B-12:4. Mayor Knox promised Navy will push land swap; Congress authorized trade and President signed the bill months ago; involved in the trade are 50-year renewable leases on six city-owned properties, 5-year leases on two others, Navy title to the old city jail site on Second Avenue and Navy ownership of a 90-acre city tidelands strip; in return the city will get title to six Navy-owned parcels.

December 19, 1948, San Diego Union, A-3:1. Special events for children at San Diego Zoo to mark Zoo’s first annual San Diego Zoo Week (illus.).

Three “very special” events will be held for children this week at the zoo to mark the San Diego Zoological Society’s first annual Zoo Week, Belle J. Benchley, executive secretary, announced yesterday.

The zoo will exhibit its fare albino fur seal and silver-phase fur sea in the enclosure at the top of Bear Canyon today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be a special showing Wednesday of Doris, the playful female orangutan, recently flown from the Orient to be the sometime bride of Kokok, the zoo’s male orangutan, and Friday at 2 p.m. a seal show will be staged in the Wegeforth Bowl.

December 22, 1948, San Diego Union, B-3:4. San Diego Zoo to exhibit orangutan.

Doris, the San Diego Zoo’s recently imported female orangutan, will be on display in the Balboa Park Zoo today from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Belle J. Benchley, executive secretary, reported.

“Doris will be on display one day only as a feature of our first annual Zoo Week for the children,” said Mrs. Benchley.

Ken Stott, Jr., the zoo’s general curator, will talk on orangutans and other great apes. Doris will be given public feedings by her keeper, Byron C. Moore.

At 3:30 p.m. Mrs. Jane Fergus Ross, educational director, will stage the popular “Zoo’s Who” program in front of the orangutan cage for delayed broadcast over KUSN at 9 o’clock Saturday.

Doris was imported from Sumatra-Borneo region as a mater for Kokok, the zoo’s 12-year old male orangutan. Doris, 4 years old, was brought here October 21 and is undergoing acclimatization in a closed section of the zoo. She received international attention after an earlier zoo attempt to obtain a female orangutan produced a common macaque instead.

A seal show will be presented at 2 p.m. Friday, Children’s Day, in Wegeforth Bowl.

December 29, 1948, City Council Resolution No. 92207, Doc. No. 396303, repeals Resolution No. 89412 and established policy regarding use of buildings and facilities in Balboa Park.

December 29, 1948, City Council Resolution O. 92208, Dock No. 396302, schedule of rentals.

December 30, 1948. San Diego Union, A-1, A-2:4. Six candidates in City recall threat named; R. O. Coggeshall, president of San Diego Voters’ Association, says operations against City Council to start soon; objects to Cedar Street buildings.

December 31, 1948, San Diego Union, A-1, A-2:7. Mayor Knox challenges Council foes to recall him; asks to be put on list; blasts head of movement.

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