Balboa Park History 1953
January 3, 1953, San Diego Union, A-3:2. Glenn Rick, planning director, says Mission Bay’s recreation are of 9,500 acres of water and land should bring revenue of nearly a million dollars a year 10 years after development is completed.
January 4, 1953, San Diego Union, C-2:1-8. Charles W. Hatcher says Naval Hospital Corps School produces capable graduates.
January 11, 1953, San Diego Union, A-19:1. House of Hospitality – International Student Association Meeting yesterday (illus.).
January 12, 1953, San Diego Union, A-8:5-7. Museum of Man – article by George F. Carter, Museum of Man, in Southwestern Journal of Anthropology, tells of humans here 100,000 years ago; curator of Museum of Man from 1934 to 1938.
January 13, 1953, San Diego Union, A-4:5-6. H. G. Dillin, president of San Diego California Club, said yesterday San Diego realized $92,500,000 from expenditures by tourists and vacationists.
January 22, 1953, San Diego Union, A-19:2-5. Possible location for Padres baseball team in canyon east of Park Boulevard and south of Morley Field; Leo Calland’s report to City Manager O. W. Campbell mentioned no specific Balboa Park site.
January 23, 1953, San Diego Union, A-7:2-3. San Diego Zoo – City Council considers charging Zoo for water; three meters installed last year indicate water bill would be $2,000 to $2,500 a month in the winter; annual amount may be as much as $35,000; Zoo and Balboa Park water systems are interconnected; the city’s $1.95 tax rate includes two cents for the Zoo, which thus far has received free water.
January 23, 1953, San Diego Union, A-7:4-5. City Councilmen agreed yesterday that the question of a Balboa Park site for a Padre baseball ball will go before the Planning Commission; Leo Calland said a 15,000 capacity stadium and parking space for 2,000 automobiles are planned by the San Diego baseball club.
January 24, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:6. Letter, Mrs. Ivy McConkey, 3540 Florida Street, protesting park baseball site.
January 25, 1953, San Diego Union, A-9:1-2. Electric Building – Dog Show to attract 700 entries next Sunday..
January 25, 1953, San Diego Union, A-15:4. San Diego Zoo – Sally, young rhinoceros, shipped to Zoo from Kenya (photo).
January 25, 1953, San Diego Union, A-22:4-5. Planning group to hear opinions about proposed auditorium-convention hall and civic theater site Wednesday afternoon; department listed 14 basic site possibilities, including 8 in Balboa Park.
January 28, 1953, San Diego Union, A-16:1-2. Balboa Park Club – Annual Girl Scout lunch set Friday.
January 29, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:7-8. Speakers propose sites for auditorium theater; additional hearings scheduled; Mrs. Marguerite E. Schwarzman of Arts Alliance favors location at Sixth Avenue and Date Street; Jams A. Robbins, county supervisor, supports Ford Building; J. Colin Hodge proposes Morley Field-Switzer Canyon; Lucien Atherton suggests Kearny Mesa-Linda Vista; Harbor Commission opposes use of tidelands site.
January 29, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:2. Planners hear Padre’s park site bid; J. Colin Hodge against professional baseball park in Balboa Park.
January 30, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:1-3. The City Council voted yesterday to ask for a “full, written legal opinion” as to whether Balboa Park can have a commercial operation, such as the home of San Diego’s Pacific Coast League entry; Councilman Chester E. Schneider said he had been informed of a petition being circulated against the Balboa Park site.
January 31, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:6. Letter, G. B. Clark, approve a coliseum for an undeveloped area in Balboa Park but stating too many changes would ruin park’s beauty.
February 1, 1953, San Diego Union, A-16:2. San Diego Fine Arts Society has launched a membership drive to finish paying for Donal Hord’s famed jade statue “Thunder”; Hord sold statue to Gallery for $18,000; $12,000 in contributions raised (illus.).
February 2, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:7. Letter, Mrs. Iva G. Stephens, opposes giving away Balboa Park for a baseball field.
February 6, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:2-3. Museum of Man – tools of Indian tribes in Panama obtained for Museum by Mr. and Mrs. William L. Phillips.
February 7, 1953, San Diego Union, B-12:7. Letter, Cadillac Jones, favors park site for baseball use; “the revenue-producing features, such as the Zoo and the Globe Theater, are the main attractions.”
February 7, 1953, San Diego Union, B-12:7-8. Letter, Carroll Weldin, says ballpark should be in southeastern area of city.
February 9, 1953, San Diego Union, A-8:5-6. Conference Building – female chinchilla, owned by Thomas E. Towne of La Crescenta, competing against 356 other entries, name grand champion of second Annual Chinchilla Show yesterday.
February 10, 1953, San Diego Union, B-4:6-7. Letter, Delia A. Severin, states “Balboa Park is no place for a big ball park nor for a theater nor a municipal auditorium.”
February 11, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:7-8. Park proposals stir squabbles here since 1868; baseball plant controversy only latest of many over city acreage, by Joe Brooks.
San Diego is expected to resume one of its favorite indoor sports — squabbling about the development of Balboa Park — come February 25 when the City Council has scheduled a public hearing on a proposal to locate the Padres’ baseball plant in the park.
The whole history of the park is one of civic controversy dating back almost of May 25, 1868, when the City Council authorized acquisition of 1400 acres of hard pan and chaparral as site of a park.
History shows San Diegans have been proud of their park and jealous of its uses since them. Almost every proposal to locate something in the park has met with opposition — even the things that today are regarded as the park’s prime assets. Sometimes public opinion has prevented use of the park property for whatever plan was being considered at the moment; other plans have been adopted despite the opposition.
When the park was first acquired, the expanse of chaparral and cactus-choked canyons and knolls seemed large enough for every conceivable use. There was little opposition to the first cut made from the park — the location of the old Russ High School in a corner of it in 1881. Nor was there grumbling six years later when 20 acres was given for what now is the Children’s Home.
But San Diego grew in population and encircled the park area. And after active development of the park started, it became obvious that level mesa sites soon would be at a premium.
One of the first disputes centered around the U. S. Naval Hospital. But despite the protests of some residents, the City Council donated a site near the center of the park to the Navy in 1921, and the hospital was built. This bite out of the park, plus the high school and Children’s Home sites, reduced the 1400-acre park area to 1300 acres.
Another early controversy arose when the city sought to extend Sixth Avenue, which then ended at the south edge of the park, northward to University Avenue. Property owners blocked the move by court action. Shelly Higgins, deputy city attorney recalled yesterday. But the city later condemned a strip along the edge of the park and matched it with an adjoining strip of park land to get the necessary width for the street.
When the old Normal School became San Diego State Teachers’ College in 1921, the state agreed to expand the institution if the city would provide a suitable site. The first location recommended was 130 acres at the northeast corner of Balboa Park.
It was a central location, readily accessible from all points of San Diego, proponents argued. And development of a beautiful college campus would enhance the beauty of the park, they said.
Others declared the location was convenient only to areas east of the park and said the campus would soon be surrounded by congested business districts. They argued that placing a college there would shrink the remaining level mesa acreage of the park by one-half. A city-wide vote on the question in 1927 was adverse.
Other arguments raged around the location of a merry-go-round in the park — it’s still there and in use — and a radio station’s request for park land in 1941, The latter was rejected.
There was also opposition to locating a zoo in the park and to plans for holding three international expositions there. The zoo developed into one of the largest and finest in the world and one of the park’s major assets. Two expositions were held, in 1915-16 and in 1935-36, but the third, scheduled to start this year, was canceled because of the Korean war.
Most of the buildings in the park were built for the Panama-California International Exposition of 1915-16, which is largely credited with developing the beautiful park and putting San Diego in the national spotlight. Many other buildings, particularly in the Palisades area, were constructed for the second exposition.
Shortly after the war, a plan to develop the Palisades area into a convention center was proposed but fell through. Then one of the bitterest fights involving Balboa Park land arose over the question of where to locate new public buildings needed by the city. A Cedar Street Mall plan was countered with proposals to place the buildings at various spots in the park. A Balboa Park Protective Association was organized to oppose the park locations. Eventually, all sites were rejected. Years earlier a Save Balboa park committee had functioned to resist encroachments on park property.
One of the principal objections voiced by most critics of new park projects was summarized by the Board of Park Commissioners in 1926 when it went on record as saying all remaining land in the park was needed for park development.
“It is the history of most city parks that project after project has been evolved to sell lands or invade the territory for all sorts of alien purposes.”
To other earlier arguments that various projects would ruin the natural beauty of the park or lower property values in the neighborhood has been added the newer cry of traffic congestion.
Within the last few years, a master plan has been formulated for development of Balboa Park to conserve the level mesa land available for development. But Harry Haelsig, assistant city planning director, said there are no plans involving the Florida Street canyon area now proposed for the ball park.
February 11, 1953, San Diego Union, B-4:7. Letter, William H. Dixson, favors park site for baseball field.
February 12, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:3. Don Hyder asks City Council to support baseball plan; Planning Commission will hold hearing February 25 on proposal.
February 13, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:1. Bill Starr, Padres president, asked for two-month delay in Planning Commission hearing on ballpark in Florida Street Canyon.
February 13, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:7. Letter, Henry Gabbe, would bar Padres from Balboa Park.
February 14, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:6-7. Letter, Hugh Strong, opposes baseball plant in park.
February 17, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:7.6. Letter, Norman Lasbury, says “Progress” dictates baseball in park.
February 18, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:7. Letter, R. B. Boone, scores objectors to baseball park, civic stadium and municipal auditorium in park.
February 19, 1953, San Diego Union, A-15:6-7. Shelly J. Higgins, assistant city attorney, advised Council yesterday that professional ball games in Balboa Park are legal.
A professional baseball field within Balboa Park would be legal, Shelley J. Higgins, assistant city attorney, said yesterday in an opinion delivered to the City Council.
Legality of a possible lease to the San Diego Padres, Pacific Coast League club, has been requested by the councilmen.
The City Planning Commission was to hold a hearing Wednesday on placing the ballpark in the master plan for city park development. But the club asked for a continuance of at least two months. No new date has been set.
Higgins called attention to a Superior Court ruling that an exposition could be held in the big park. Expositions were staged there in 1915 and 1935-36.
Examples of existing activities which cost admission, Higgins related, are the zoo, Shakespearean plays, Balboa Stadium events, Star-Light Opera, a miniature railway, a merry-go-round and concessions.
February 20, 1953, San Diego Union, A-21:6. Park Commission, because of heavy traffic, has recommended moving merry-go-round from Park Boulevard to a location near the miniature railway.
February 22, 1953, San Diego Union, A-8:5-6. Palisades Building, Recital Hall – Sixth Annual Camellia Show in Recital Hall yesterday; Dr. Reuben W. Tellam, of Ramona, captured top honors,.
February 25, 1953, San Diego Union, A-8:1-2. “Light Up the Sky” lights up Old Globe, by Constance Herreshoff
February 25, 1953, B-2:8. Mrs. Eve H. Prince writes put baseball park at Mission Bay.
February 26, 1953, San Diego Union, A-28:4-5. Old Globe Theater opening grows in glamour, by Edith Cushings, Society Editor.
March 4, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:6-7. E. M. Engelhorn told City Councilmen in a letter yesterday that bronze statue of a rider and horse, now in Balboa Park, would be more appropriate in one of the two islands at south entrance of Cabrillo Freeway.
March 8, 1953, San Diego Union, B-11:3. Ernest L. Mackay of La Jolla said yesterday “El Cid,” Balboa Park statue, should stay where it is.
March 20, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:4-5. Park Commission members received a proposed code amendment yesterday which would prohibit the allocation of park land to any particular “religion, sect or denomination of a religion, color or race.”
Certain Balboa Park areas still could be allocated to “non-commercial local societies, groups and organizations which are engaged in civic, social, educational, recreational or philanthropic work.
One councilman pointed out that the Jewish Community Center could not establish a day camp and recreation center in the park as planned.
Leo Calland, park and recreation director, warned against any blanket ban that would interfere with development of the Mission Bay area.
March 26, 1953, San Diego Union, A-15:7-8. Starlight Opera to open July 2 in Balboa Park Bowl with “Call Me Madam.”
March 30, 1953, San Diego Union, A-9:5. Balboa Park Club -Final judging of Miss San Diego pageant yesterday.
April 2, 1953, San Diego Union, B:3-4. Palisades Building – Rose Show in Recital Hall April 11 and 12.
April 6, 1953, San Diego Union, A-3:7-8. Easter message By Ray Hayden Sears during Council of Churches program at Organ Pavilion yesterday (illus.).
April 6, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:2-3. Twenty -third Bonham Brothers Boys’ Band Easter Concert in Balboa Park Bowl yesterday afternoon, by Constance Herreshoff.
April 7, 1953, San Diego Union, A-17:5-7. San Diego Zoo – sheep with four horns at Zoo; presented by San Antonio Zoo (illus.).
April 12, 1953, San Diego Union, A-12:1-2. Thousands of roses color Spring show.
April 12, 1953, San Diego Union, A-22:1. Five-hundred interview survey, conducted by Chamber of Commerce, finds San Diego residents’ favorite scenic attraction for visitors is Balboa Park
April 12, 1953, San Diego Union, A-32:1-3. Comedian Charlie Cannon “Mr. Starlight Opera” himself, by Maureen Connolly.
April 15, 1953, San Diego Union, A-6:5-6. City Councilmen received additional statements yesterday both favoring and opposing a drafted lease for a youth activity and day camp center in Balboa Park, before referring the question to conference.
W Allen Perry, supervisor of parks, recommended in a letter that the city execute a lease for the Jewish Community Center’s proposed day cam and youth program, which is non-denominational. A summer day camp has proved highly satisfactory, Perry said.
M E Fisher, of 1282, Upas St., spoke for more than 30 neighbors who protested the pending expansion. The do not oppose a day camp and cultural activity, but this area of the park has reached the “saturation point,” Fisher explained.
“There can be too much of a good thing,” Fisher told the council. He said Boy Scout headquarters, Roosevelt Junior High School and its companion activities, the zoo and the bridle path are some of the existing uses which leave little room for the public and for wildlife which takes refuge in the area.
Fisher warned against “chopping up” the park for other agencies if the pending request is granted. He expressed hope that the case can “stand on its own merits” without becoming a city-wide issue. Fisher added that Jewish people residing in the area oppose the plan.
Also referred to conference were a proposed general resolution governing use and development of ark property, and a drafted ordinance permitting leases with local societies for the erection of recreational, cultural and educational facilities.
April 15, 1953, San Diego Union, A-7:1-2. Architects Institute honors Donal Hord.
April 15, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:2-3. Charter proposal on parks contested; diversion of land without two-thirds vote of people stirs vigorous opposition.
Proposition C, one of the contested charter amendments on the April 21 city election ballot, was submitted without any consultation with the Park Department, although it makes major changes in the park, recreation and cemetery setup.
The City Park Commission, headed by Elwood T. Bailey, on March 18, noted this omission “with regret.”
The proposition, with its controversial sections permitting diversion of park, recreation or cemetery lands for street or highway purposes without a vote of the people, has been opposed by the Chamber of Commerce, while the Taxpayers’ Association indorsed it.
The chamber based its opposition on two grounds: That the amendment did not comply with the recommendations of the citizens charter review committee, and that it permits the council to use park, recreation or cemetery land for road purposes without a vote of the people. The Taxpayers’ Association did not document its indorsement.
Proposition C amends Section 55 of Article V of the charter, but the method of presentation makes it virtually impossible for any voter to determine where amendment begins or leaves off, according to opponents and proponents alike. The only way this can be done, they say, is to compare the proposed amendment with the existing charter, a practical impossibility for the ordinary voter. No copies of the section to be amended were give the voters.
These citizens say that when the state offers amendments, it shows by strikeout type what parts of existing law are to be taken out and by special type they show what new material goes in. This distinguishing typography is absent from the explanatory pamphlets sent out with sample city ballots.
As it came from the charter review committee, this proposal would have streamlined the park, recreation and cemetery sections of the charter and combined the park and recreation commissions.
When it got to the City Council, there were changes made. It was provided the current charter provision that no park, recreation or cemetery land could be voted out without a two-thirds majority of the voters, should be modified to give the council discretion in the case of road or highway crossings.
A change also was made in the present procedure governing lands classed as park and recreation areas without having been dedicated formally. These lands could, under Proposition C, be used for any public purpose decided on by City Council. There are a number of tracts in this category, the largest of which is Mission Bay area. Park department records indicate there was no formal dedication of the bay tract for park or recreation purposes although there are reports of intention to do so when the present project is completed.
Bailey, Park Commission chairman, said his group has no objection to combining the park and recreation commissions but sharply questions the Proposition C section dealing with the “right of the council to take out park lands for roads without a two-thirds vote of the people.”
“I believe the Park Commission has confidence that the present council and manager would not act arbitrarily and if we could continue to have them in office, we would not need to worry,” he said. “But perhaps in 10 or 15 years there might be other officials. We have never considered the park and recreation areas to be for the few. If the many want to transfer areas for other than park uses, they can do it. They did it on the part of Cabrillo Freeway running through the park. And in return we got state maintenance of an area that was run down and a source of some trouble.
“The Park Commission never has been afraid to trust the people.”
In justification of his view that it should have authority to remove lands from the park without a vote of the people, the City Council has cited possible future road needs. Individual members have expressed concern that a minority group might stir up enough campaign heat to prevent a two-thirds majority vote for taking out the park lands for the road.
In connection with putting undedicated park or recreation land under council control to be used for any public purpose, the officials said some of these parcels are so scattered as to be useless for park and recreation, but possibly suitable for other municipal purposes.
April 15, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:2. EDITORIAL: Much to Lose
San Diego voters would lose part of their control over their parks if Proposition C were approved in the city general election Tuesday.
This is a proposition which eliminate the requirement of a separate Park Commission and separate Recreation Commission, combining them into one.
There are both pro and con arguments on this section. Some value would be received in efficiency by combining the two groups, but in a city the size of San Diego it might be better to separate the two activities.
More important for the voters, this charter amendment would authorize the council to open street and highways through public parks, recreation and cemetery lands without a vote of the people. It could be a step which would lead to chopping the park sup to a great degree.
A two-thirds majority vote now is necessary before park lands can be changed to allow highways. This has worked well. For the voters to surrender this right could be detrimental to the park system. Proposition C ought to be defeated.
April 17, 1953, San Diego Union, A-14:1-2. Mayor Butler’s Statement on Propositions.
Mayor John D. Butler issued a statement yesterday concerning Propositions C, I and K in Tuesday’s election, as a result of City Council discussion of a “misunderstanding of the proposed charter amendments’ meaning, and the council’s purpose in submitting them.”
The statement follows:
Proposition C is a proposed amendment of Section 55 of Article V of the charter with respect to the operation and control of parks in the city. The amendment does away with two commissions, namely, Park Commission and Recreation Commission, now existing under the present charter, and combines them into one commission, Park and Recreation Commission.
Except for this combination and one other change hereinafter mentioned, the amendment does not change the substance of the present charter at all. It is simply streamlining the language to the extent that it is more easily understood and does away with unnecessary duplication of activities in connection with parks, playgrounds and cemeteries.
OTHER CHANGES
The other material change is that with respect to the opening of streets and highways in the parks. Under the present charter, streets and highways cannot be opened through the parks without the consent of two-thirds of the voters voting at a special election. Under the proposed amendment, streets and highways may be opened in the parks without a two-thirds vote.
At the present time, and since Balboa Park was originally set aside, there have been maintained and operated within this park highways, streets, boulevards, drives, lanes and other park lands set aside for the purpose of providing access to all of the area of the park to the people by means of vehicles.
Under the present charter, none of these lands so utilized is part of the street system of the city. They are all legally part of the park. None of the gas tax revenues can be utilized for the purpose of improving or maintaining any of these park lands.
OUT OF TRUST
Some of Balboa Park, by vote of the people, has been taken from the park trust and made a part of the street system, such as Cabrillo Freeway, Sixth Avenue and 12th Avenue. Besides Balboa Park, a part of Torrey Pines Park was taken out and made a part of State Highway 101 by vote of the people. The only legal distinction, therefore, between streets, highways, boulevards, lanes and drives within the park and those outside the park is with respect to the cost of the maintenance and operation, and the source of revenues which may be used for such purposes.
The Supreme Court recently has held that the use of park land for street and highway purposes is consistent with park purposes. In the absence of a charter forbidding it, the City may open streets and highways through public parks, and, in so doing, is utilizing the parks for purposes entirely consistent with park purposes.
AMENDING NEEDED
For these reasons, the council felt that the charter should be amended to eliminate the requirement that a street could not be opened through Balboa Park without the vote of two-thirds of the people, and thus prevent a minority group from blocking necessary improvements designed to relieve traffic congestion which is so burdensome today.
(The remainder of the article is devoted to a discussion of Propositions I and K.)
April 18, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:3-4. Spring Fair Show opens Tuesday in Electric Building.
April 19, 1953, San Diego Union, C-4:1. EDITORIAL: Five “No’s” Suggested
Five of the 15 propositions on the ballot contain provisions which could be harmful to San Diego.
After careful study, The Union believes “no” votes best on Propositions C, D. H. I and K. This newspaper recommends a “yes” vote on the other 10 proposals. They would make changes that would improve the charter.
Most of the propositions for which a “no” vote is suggested have good qualities. But they are so worded as to leave the intent in doubt or they carry additional provisions which would be detrimental.
Proposition C is an example. It seeks to improve efficiency in governing parks and recreation. But it includes a clause which would remove the present charter provision that the dedicated use of park land can be changed only with a two-thirds vote. If this amendment were approved, the voters would lose control. Parks could be cut up badly with new highways.
(The remainder of the editorial explains why Propositions D, H, I and K should be rejected.)
April 19, 1953, San Diego Union, E-1:1-8. Starlight Opera plans five shows; rehearsals underway, by Helen Zugelder.
April 20, 1953, San Diego Union, B-4:1. EDITORIAL: Ballot Recommendations.
April 21, 1953. ELECTION: Proposition C – Create on Park and Recreation Commission; prohibit change of use of any park, recreation or cemetery land formally dedicated by ordinance or statute without the consent of two-thirds of the electors; authorize Council to open streets and highways through public park, recreation and cemetery lands.
Yes 25,911
No 24,771
April 21, 1953, San Diego Union, A-15:7-8. Spring Fair opens tonight in Electric Building; 125,000 visitors expected; modern home exhibits featured (map).
April 22, 1953, San Diego Union, A-1:1-2, A-2:3. Burgener leads in Council vote; incumbents win; school bonds carry; official pay raises, funds diversions defeated.
April 22, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:3-4. Latest contrivances for homes shown at ninth annual Spring Fair of Modern Home Ideas.
April 23, 1953, San Diego Union, A-17:1-2. Ten out of 16 ballot proposals win approval.
April 23, 1953, San Diego Union, A-17:3. San Diegans see new appliances at Spring Fair in Electric Building.
April 23, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:1. EDITORIAL: Voters Selective.
Although less than one-third of the eligible voters went to the polls Tuesday, those who did cast ballots showed considerable discrimination.
April 24, 1953, San Diego Union, A-15:6. Forty thousand visit Spring Fair at Balboa Park.
April 26, 1953, San Diego Union, A-29:1-2. San Diego Zoo – Kosi, the nyala, will be shown for the first time today (illus.).
April 27, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:8. Electric Building – Home Fair Show hits all-time attendance of 135,000; last year’s attendance was 125,000.
May 8, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:2. Museum of Man – Article in Museum, a publication of UNESCO, praised Museum praised dramatic displays at Museum of Man.
May 12, 1953, San Diego Union, A-4:5-7. Electric Building – Home Show and Food Jubilee to open Saturday.
May 14, 1953, San Diego Union, A-10:4-6. San Diego Zoo – admission to Zoo increased from 36 to 40 cents each because of an agreement requiring Zoo to pay part of its water bill; persons under 16 will still be admitted free.
In the year that ended March 31, the zoo had 1,311,727 visitors, of whom 837,000 were adults.
May 15, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:3. About 100 musicians will contribute their services for the San Diego Philharmonic Maintenance Concert to be played Sunday afternoon in Balboa Park with Nino Marcelli as guest conductor.
May 16, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:1-2. Home Show crowd of 7,500 expected.
May 18, 1953, San Diego Union, A-5:1-4. Owing to anxiety about weather conditions Friday afternoon, the place of the San Diego Philharmonic Concert was changed from Balboa Park Bowl to Russ Auditorium.
May 24, 1953, San Diego Union, A-35:1-4. Home Show crowds in Electric Building see big display; students of the San Diego Vocational School demonstrate their skills at the school’s booth (illus.).
May 24, 1953, San Diego Union, A-35:4. Palisades Building – Second and final day today of 42nd Spring Flower and Garden Show in Recital Hall.
May 26, 1953, San Diego Union, A-7:1. Free concert of 125-piece U. S. Army Field Band concert in Balboa Park Bowl tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.
May 26, 1953, San Diego Union, B-14:1-3. San Diego Zoo – Delilah, addition to white-bearded gnus, appearing on D-mesa.
June 2, 1953, San Diego Union, A-5:1-2. San Diego Zoo – two rare monkeys, allenopithecus nigrovirdis, arrive at Zoo.
June 2, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:7-8. Planners choose Sixth and Date Street corner of Balboa Park as site for auditorium; half of the 16 acres would be parking space; five acres in landscaping and three acres occupied by buildings (illus.).
June 3, 1953, San Diego Union, A-9:2-3. City Council asks joint meeting on auditorium; Planning, Park Commissions due to discuss recommended site.
An auditorium is a legally proper park use and no “voting out” of the Sixth-and Date site would be needed, City Atty. Jean F. DuPaul said.
June 3, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:4-5. Council to study funds for cultural groups.
June 4, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:1-2. Planners to continue study of auditorium; Commission agrees to joint meeting with Park Board on proposed site.
June 5, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:7. Letter, Grace M. Sissons, claiming Kate Sessions’ succulent garden in park needs care.
June 7, 1953, San Diego Union, A-21:8. Park Commission will discuss auditorium site Tuesday a.m.
June 10, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:6-7. Masons will hold 27th Flag Day observance at Inspiration Point, Balboa Park, Sunday.
June 10, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:4-5. Park Commission yesterday deferred its recommendation whether a proposed civic auditorium and convention hall should be located in Balboa Park pending further study.
June 10, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:6. Letter, John H. Woodward, favors park restoration of area around the flagpole at the extreme southwestern edge of the park.
June 13, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:6. Letter, Mrs. F. T. Scripps, favors cleaning up Kate Sessions’ succulent garden.
June 15, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:5-8. Flag Day at Organ Pavilion yesterday; Legion head addressed crowd, (illus.).
June 17, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:2. Balboa Park Library will hold Explorers’ Vacation Reading Club for San Diego children next Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.
June 17, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:4. Park Commission went on record as opposing location of civic auditorium and convention hall at Sixth Avenue and Date Street or any other part of Balboa Park already developed as a recreation area.
June 18, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:1-2. Planning Commission voted yesterday to hold public meeting on auditorium site question.
June 21, 1953, San Diego Union, A-19:6-8. Parks, beaches, playgrounds offer varied summer program.
June 23, 1953, San Diego Union, A-9:3-4. Planning, Park bodies discuss hall; no agreement reached on site of auditorium; Sixth and Date Street corner criticized.
Park body members reaffirmed their preference for an undeveloped Balboa Park site, rather than landscaped park land at Sixth Ave. and Date St., for any future construction.
June 28, 1953, San Diego Union, A-19:7-8. San Diego Zoo – condors bred at Zoo; production of gorillas considered possibility, by Bryant Evans (illus.).
June 28, 1953, San Diego Union, E-1:1-8. E-2:1-3. Starlight season opens Thursday evening in Balboa Park Bowl (illus.)..
July 2, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:7-8. “Call Me Madam” at Star-Light Opera tonight
July 2, 1953, San Diego Union, B-4:1. EDITORIAL: Starlight and Rain.
There will be lots of smiles when the curtain goes down tonight. But none will be bigger than those of Robert J. Sullivan , Charlie Cannon and Bill Dean. This is the dream which was theirs.
July 3, 1953, San Diego Union, A-9:7-8. 3,500 at Starlight opening of “Call Me Madam,” by Frank Rhoades..
July 3, 1953, San Diego Union, A-9:7-8. Initial Starlight performance shows advancement, by Constance Herreshoff.
July 4, 1953, San Diego Union, A-9:1-2. Old Globe Theater honors Navy in opening of “Mr. Roberts,” by Edith Cushing.
July 5, 1953, San Diego Union, E-1:1-6, E-2:1-3. “Mr. Roberts” set to open Wednesday at Old Globe, by Edwin Martin.
July 6, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:3. Electric Building – Mineral and Gem Show to be held July 17-19.
July 8, 1953, San Diego Union, A-7:3-4. “Mister Roberts” to open tonight.
July 9, 1953, San Diego Union, A-16:4-5. “Mister Roberts” sell-out for opening night by Constance Herreshoff.
July 9, 1953, San Diego Union, A-18:1-3. Navy guests gather for opening of “Mr. Roberts” at Old Globe Theater, by Edith Cushing.
July 12, 1953, San Diego Union, A-16:3. Hearing Friday on suggested auditorium site.
In contrast to interest shown in the possibility of the Padres moving to Balboa Park, the City Planning Commission has received few opinions about a recommendation for a municipal auditorium to be located at Sixth Ave. and Date St., also in the park.
July 14, 1953, San Diego Union, A-6:3-4. “Mister Roberts” draws capacity audiences.
July 15, 1953, San Diego Union, B-12:1. Three named by mayor to new City Park and Recreation Commission . . . Elwood T. Bailey, Mrs. Frank E. Marcy and Edgar A. Luce, Jr.
July 16, 1953, San Diego Union, B-12:7. J. L. Chambers says Park Board site immediately south of the Veterans’ Memorial Building good for auditorium.
July 17, 1953, San Diego Union, A-12:4. “Finian’s Rainbow” at Star-Light Opera wins approval, by Constance Herreshoff.
July 17, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:3-. Hearing today on park site for Civic Auditorium; the old Park Commission, which was succeeded by the new Park and Recreation Commission, opposed the Sixth Ave. and Date St. site in Balboa Park..
July 18, 1953, San Diego Union, A-7:3-4. Largest sapphire fascinates gem fans at National Mineral and Gem Show opening in Electric Building yesterday.
July 18, 1953, San Diego Union, A-14:3-5. Planning Commission defers action after auditorium talks.
Arthur H. Marston, whose family has been prominent in park development, favored the site, but said “Sixth and Date” is a misnomer. The real site in the planning report, he said, would be between Sixth and Eighth Aves. and Elm and Grape Sts.
Marston, the only speaker to be applauded, said sewers, water and schools deserve higher priority than an auditorium and that he also favors a grouping of public buildings. But he also recalled the Cedar St. grouping plan was defeated, and referred to the difficulty of considering a grouping on expensive property.
Putting a public building in Balboa Park is not loss to the park, Marston said. He advocated two or three auto parking levels under the building, instead of surface parking.
July 19, 1953, San Diego Union, E-2:1-5, E-6:3-8. Robert Shaw to conduct first summer concert Tuesday.
July 19, 1953, San Diego Union, E-6:3-5. “Finian’s Rainbow” scores.
July 21, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:2-3. First symphony concert tonight in Balboa Park.
July 22, 1953, San Diego Union, A-6:4-5. “Mister Roberts” being received enthusiastically at Old Globe.
July 22, 1953, San Diego Union, B-12:1-2. Symphony concert in Balboa Park Bowl a success, by Constance Herreshoff.
July 26, 1953, San Diego Union, A-20:1-4. Dahlia exhibit set for Balboa Park next weekend.
July 28, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:1-2. The Triana Company of Spanish dancers will appear in Balboa Park Bowl tonight in concert with San Diego Symphony Orchestra.
July 29, 1953, San Diego Union, A-16:1. Constance Herreshoff lauds Symphony performance.
Another near-capacity audience was on hand last night for the second concert of the San Diego Symphony’s summer series directed by Robert Shaw in Balboa Park Bowl.
July 30, 1953, San Diego Union, A-17:4. City Planning Commission members tossed the ball yesterday to “all interested groups” which have expressed opposition to Sixth Avenue and Date Street as a municipal auditorium site; puts matter of site over for a month
July 30, 1953, San Diego Union, A-34:4-6. Park merry-go-round must move because of widening of Park Boulevard.
July 30, 1953, San Diego Union, A-35:2-4. City Park and Recreation Commission members elected Elwood T. Bailey as their chairman at an organization meeting yesterday in Balboa Park.
Mrs. Frank E. Marcy was chosen vice chairman. W. Allen Perry, superintendent of city parks, was designated as secretary.
The new commission, authorized by a city charter amendment approved April 21, succeeds separate commissions for park and recreation activities.
July 30, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:1-3. Two recreation areas to get $20,000 each for improvements; East San Diego, Clairemont Playgrounds scheduled for funds, City Park and Recreation Commission told.
A $58,775 bid, lowest of eight, was accepted July 23 by the Council for constructing maintenance shop, paint storage and gasoline-oil service station buildings in Balboa Park. Leo B. Calland, city park and recreation director, said these will house maintenance facilities of the park department, not the public works department.
July 30, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:3. Museum of Man – Museum asks for tower repairs; estimated cost is $2500; Museum would charge 25 cents admission, part of the proceeds going to the city.
August 1, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:1. EDITORIAL: Auditorium Site.
August 2, 1953, San Diego Union, A-16:1. Palisades Building – Craft and Hobby Show in Recital Hall August 28-30.
August 2, 1953, San Diego Union, A-22:1-3. “Mo,” “Flo,” blossoms take top prizes at Dahlia Show in Recital Hall.
August 3, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:3. Palisades Building – Thirteenth Annual Dahlia Show in Recital Hall viewed by 3500.
August 3, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:7. W. Allen Perry writes Ford Company did not pay for Balboa Park Bowl.
August 4, 1953, San Diego Union, A-10:1-2. Admiral Baker suggests Hall of Justice, Auditorium, State structure in layout of civic buildings.
August 4, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:6-7. San Diego Zoo – 36th annual meeting of Zoological Society at supper under Chinese lanterns in the Zoo picnic ground.
August 5, 1953, San Diego Union, B-12:1-2. Exhibit space for organizations as well as for individuals will be available at the Recreation Round-Up’s Craft and Hobby Fair in the Balboa Park Federal Building, August 28-30, the City Park and Recreation Department said yesterday.
August 5, 1953, San Diego Union, B-12:4-6. San Diego Symphony in top performance, by Constance Herreshoff.
August 6, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:1. Naval Hospital to give veterans 50 more beds.
August 6, 1953, San Diego Union, A-28:2-3. Electric Building – Dog Show August 23.
August 7, 1953, San Diego Union, A-6:3. Forty four performers named for Atlas awards at Old Globe.
August 7, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:4-5. The City Council suggested yesterday that Stiles Clements, Los Angeles parking expert, be consulted about the Planning Department’s recommended auditorium site, Sixth Avenue and Date Street.
The site has more possibilities than Los Angeles’ Pershing Square, Councilman Charles C. Dail believed. George Kerrigan said federal aid might be sought in connection with civil defense bomb shelter possibilities.
August 9, 1953, San Diego Union, A-1:2-3. San Diego Zoo – Belle Benchley to retire, Dr. Schroeder named to head collection (illus.).
August 12, 1953, San Diego Union, A-7:1-2. Symphony’s fourth concert applauded, by Constance Herreshoff.
A large audience assembled in Balboa Park Bowl last night for the fourth concert of the San Diego Symphony summer series directed by Robert Shaw. The program was composed of music of decidedly contrasting types. Handel’s “Concerto Gross in B minor” and Honegger’s “Symphonic Psalm: King David,” which was given a first performance in this concert.
August 13, 1953, B-1:1-2. A Switzer Canyon Freeway, proposed long ago, would cause the Municipal Golf Course to be redesigned or eliminated, participants in a City Planning Commission discussion declared yesterday.
August 13, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:2. San Diego Zoo – The zoo’s condor trapping project may move to Kern County near Mojave as the result of reports that there are many condors in that locality, Mrs. Belle Benchley, zoo director, said yesterday.
August 14, 1953, San Diego Union, A-12:2-4. “Desert Song” at Star-Light Opera, by Constance Herreshoff.
August 15, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:7. B. C. Crowell writes about baseball park in Balboa Park.
August 16,1953, San Diego Union, A-19:1-3. Proceeds from sale and rentals of opera glasses at Starlight Opera shows are swelling the fund of the Donald N. Sharp Memorial Hospital now under construction on Kearny Mesa.
August 16, 1953, San Diego Union, A-20:3-4. Seven hundred to compete here in All-Breed Dog Show.
August 16, 1953, San Diego Union, A-26:4-6. Hobby Fair schedule drafted.
August 16, 1953, San Diego Union, E-1:1-8, E-2:1. Sculptures by Donal Hord to grace new library.
August 19, 1953, San Diego Union, A-9:1-2. Everyone seemed happy at the San Diego Symphony concert last night in Balboa Park Bowl. A near-capacity audience was on hand to hear the inviting program planned by the conductor Robert Shaw for the fifth concert of the summer series, by Constance Herreshoff.
August 19, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:7-8. R. B. Boone says baseball park won’t hurt Balboa Park.
August 20, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:5-6. “Mister Roberts” to run for a third extra week at Old Globe.
August 20, 1953, San Diego Union, B-4:7. George P. Sikes says Balboa Park already commercial project; cites zoo, restaurant, riding horses, merry-go-round, miniature railway, golf grounds, tennis courts, swimming pool, refreshment stands..
August 21, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:2-3. “Desert Song” promises to break all records at Balboa Park Bowl.
August 21, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:7. Teresa J. Davis writes spare trees in Balboa Park; put building in some centrally located site..
August 23, 1953, San Diego Union, A-25:1. Craft, hobby displays will be featured.
August 23, 1953, San Diego Union, E-1:6-8. “Up in Central Park” fifth and final production of Star-Light Opera for this summer will open an eight-night run Thursday at 8:30 in Balboa Park Bowl.
August 23, 1953, San Diego Union, E-1:2-6, E-6:3-6. Beethoven’s “Missa Solemnis” to be presented in the final concert of the summer symphony series at Balboa Park Bowl, Robert Shaw conducting.
August 26, 1953, San Diego Union, A-10:4-6. Choral performance of Beethoven’s “Missa Solemnis” superb in Balboa Park Bowl, by Constance Herreshoff.
August 26, 1953, San Diego Union, B-4:8. Georgia D. Scherer objects to baseball park, civic auditorium and to moving merry-go-round in Balboa Park.
August 27, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:4-6. Starlight’s “Up in Central Park” opens tonight in Balboa Park.
August 27, 1953, San Diego Union, A-17:5-6. Recreation Round-up opening tomorrow.
August 28, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:1-2. “Mister Roberts” to run fourth week, by Edwin Martin.
August 28, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:6. Displays ready at Hobby Fair in Balboa Park.
August 28, 1953, San Diego Union, A-17:6-8. “Up in Central Park” liked, by Constance Herreshoff.
August 29, 1953, San Diego Union, A-9:3-4. Palisades Building – Padre Puppeteers close season tomorrow at Puppet Theater; Genevieve Engman makes the puppets and costumes while Marie Hitchcock strings the puppets and writes the shows (illus.).
August 29, 1953, San Diego Union, A-14:4-5. Federal Building – Hobby Show.
Thousands of articles representing 55 different hobby types went on display yesterday at the Federal Building in Balboa Park with the opening of San Diego’s bi-annual hobby show, open to the public.
August 30, 1953, San Diego Union, A-4:3-5. San Diego Zoo – Baby Gabie, little hippo’s debut due (illus.)
August 30, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:1-3. Federal Building – from railroads to carvings; craft, hobby fair attracts San Diegans to Balboa Park. (illus.)
September 1, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:1-2. San Diego Community Theater lists 1953-54 play schedule, by Edwin Martin.
September 3, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:4-5. Harry Warburton, former councilman, urges Balboa Park for convention hall.
September 3, 1953, San Diego Union, B-2:7. Evelyn A. Poole praises House of Pacific Relations in Balboa Park.
September 4, 1953, San Diego Union, A-18:3-4. Junior Theater begins membership registration tomorrow.
September 6, 1953, San Diego Union, E-1:3-6. Charles M. Newman, Jr., Starlight stage director, efficient
September 6, 1953, San Diego Union, E-4:1-4. Suggestions made for 1954 Starlight shows.
September 7, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:2-4. Owners steal show at Balboa Park puppy match.
September 11, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:8. City Council agrees on auditorium site independent survey.
September 11, 1953, San Diego Union, B-4:2. EDITORIAL: Auditorium Research.
September 12, 1953, San Diego Union, A-4:6-8. Old Globe’s Atlas awards given to Andy Anderson and Sadie Lou Tieri, by Constance Herreshoff.
September 13, 1953, San Diego Union, A-23:3-5. New discussions revive plan to group public buildings.
September 13, 1953, San Diego Union, E-1:3-6. Starlight has successful season; Robert J. Sullivan, president; William L. Dean, producer (photos)..
September 17, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:5-6. “Mister Roberts” nears end of run at Old Globe.
September 20, 1953, San Diego Union, A-12:1-2. Downtown Association urges top priority for Date – 18th Street route (drawing).
San Diego’s Date-18th street plan, long a part of the city’s accepted highway program, would serve a valuable dual purpose Walter Ames, Downtown Association president, said yesterday.
It would be a major help in solving any traffic problem in the downtown area because ____ a quick access to all major arteries.
For crosstown motorists, Ames continued, it would be a ready by-pass for motorists who were interested in reaching a destination rather than shopping.
The plan is non-controversial, Ames reported. He know of no opposition from any source. IT would provide a grade separation at the Santa Fe Railway tracks, which one-way streets would not do, he declared.
Ames declared a Switzer freeway would be of great benefit for 75,000 persons in the northern and eastern parts of the city because of the quick access it would give to the waterfront, aircraft plants and Civic Center.
September 20, 1953, San Diego Union, E-4:1-5. San Diego Junior Theater starts promising season, by Ralph W. Hastings.
September 22, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:1-2. San Diego Zoo – baby elephant craves attention.
September 27, 1953, San Diego Union, A-25:3. Independent survey planned to decide site for auditorium.
September 27, 1953, San Diego Union, E-1:1-8, E-2:1. Old Globe annual intimate revue billed, by Edwin Martin.
September 27, 1953, San Diego Union, E-3:3-5. Fine Arts Gallery reopens Saturday.
September 27, 1953, San Diego Union, E-6:3. Seven hundred pianists to play at Balboa Park Bowl today, by Constance Herreshoff.
September 28, 1953, San Diego Union, A-21:1-2. Seven hundred pianists play in fifth festival, by Constance Herreshoff.
October 2, 1953, San Diego Union, A-10:5. San Diego Zoo – free day at Zoo Monday; honors founder.
October 4, 1953, San Diego Union, A-8:1-2. San Diego Zoo free admission on 37th anniversary tomorrow.
October 6, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:4-5. City officials declared yesterday eighteen park, play areas declared City’s need, each serving 15,000 to 25,000 persons; City has ten Park-Recreation centers now.
October 15, 1953, San Diego Union, A-l7:3-5. San Diego Zoo – Koala birthday party, by Richard Gottschall (illus.).
October 18, 1953, San Diego Union, A-16:1-5. Naval Hospital boasts modern pharmacy, by Charles M. Hatcher (illus.).
October 18, 1953, San Diego Union, A-23:5-7. National Guard Jubilee Conference Opening Tomorrow in Balboa Park’s Conference Building.
October 26, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:7-8. Bandit slugs Balboa Park visitor’ victim’s jaw shattered.
October 30, 1953, San Diego Union, A-15:3. Palisades Building – four scripts by San Diego authors will be tested when the Little Theater League presents the third annual competition for original one-act plays tonight at 8:15 in the Puppet Theater.
November 3, 1953, San Diego Union, A-15:1-2. “Caught in the Act” due tonight at Old Globe, by Edwin Martin.
November 4, 1953, San Diego Union, B-5:5-8. Audience hails “Caught in the Act,” by Constance Herreshoff.
November 6, 1953, San Diego Union, A-17:1. Balboa Park Club – public dinner to honor Belle Benchley December 10 at 6:30 p.m. in Balboa Park Club.
November 8, 1953, San Diego Union, A-8:3-6. Square dances in Balboa Park, November 14 and 15, to draw 1500 (illus.).
November 8, 1953, San Diego Union, A-38:1. Parakeet show set for today in Recital Hall..
November 9, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:3-4. San Diego Zoo – Bata, 5-year old gorilla, is a big girl now (illus.).
November 13, 1953, San Diego Union, A-5:1-2. San Diego Zoo – Story of Zoo related in “It Began With A Roar.”
November 13, 1953, San Diego Union, B-11:4-5. Conference Building – Square Dance fete to open tomorrow.
November 15, 1953, San Diego Union, A-14:4. Fifteen hundred dancers participate in Square Dance fete (illus.).
November 15, 1953, San Diego Union, E-1:2-4. In Tune – With Bruno Ussher, “Cultural Center” Survey Under Way.
Conversion of the Federal Building merits serious consideration. To repeat, it has been promised. San Diego could use a medium-size theater for plays. A Municipal Auditorium, such as discussed here, should be planned for capacity audiences of 3,000 to 3,500 attendance. Opera, orchestra concerts, ballet, musicals, large and star-crested play productions run on heavy nightly budgets. The Federal Building can take one balcony. Can it carry two to bring up capacity? The reason for so many seats is to lower prices, especially in the middle and minimum brackets. Such price-scaling is good showmanship and in a Municipal Auditorium not more than implicit democracy.
November 20, 1953, San Diego Union, 13:2-3. Museum of Man – tests made of lights for tower last night in preparation for Christmas lighting to begin November 27; first time tower has been illuminated since outbreak of World War II.
November 21, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:1-2. For the first time in the Christmas lighting of Laurel Street in Balboa Park, Cabrillo Bridge will be part of the beautified route when the annual display is turned on, about 6:30 p.m. next Friday.
November 22, 1953, San Diego Union, A-18:1-2. Conference Building – Amateurs capture rose show honors at the second day, 26th annual fall show which opened yesterday.
November 23, 1953, San Diego Union, A-17:1. San Diego Zoo – Dr. Charles Schroeder, newly hired Zoo director, reaches city.
November 26, 1953, San Diego Union, C-1:7-8. Electric Show set for opening; lighting ceremonies start annual event tomorrow night; 175,000 expected to attend exhibit during 6-day stand in Balboa Park.
November 26, 1953, San Diego Union, C-1:2-3. San Diego Zoo gets two young elephant seals.
November 27, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:2-3. Thanksgiving Day service at Organ Pavilion (illus.)
November 27, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:6. Crowd expected for Electric Show opening tonight; Christmas Tree Lane to shine..
November 28, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:2-4. Mayor Butler throws switch lighting California Tower at opening of 20th Electric Show; 23,800 new exhibits (illus.).
November 29, 1953, San Diego Union, A-25:1-2. A record second-day crowd, estimated at 40,000, yesterday attended the 20th annual Electric and Home Appliance Show in Balboa Park (illus.).
November 30, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:2. San Diego Zoo – work on new $200,000 administration office, café to begin (sketch).
The present café was built in 1914. It was used as the International Harvester Building at the 1915 World’s Fair, and later it was converted into the snake house of the zoo. In 1935 the building was converted into the café edifice.
December 1, 1953, San Diego Union, A-15:1. Electric Building – Electric Show; total attendance thus far 132,000; exhibitors pleased.
December 2, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:5. Electric Show closes tonight; total attendance to date this year 157,000.
December 5, 1953, San Diego Union, A-13:6-7. U. S. Navy plans huge hospital addition in Balboa Park; 7.5 million, 1000-bed surgical center due.
December 6, 1953, San Diego Union, A-25:1-3. San Diego Zoo – Dr. Schroeder arrives; brings data on other zoos (illus.).
December 6, 1953, San Diego Union, A-25:4-8. San Diego Zoo – Benchley tells of her career; began as teacher of Pala Indians; housekeeping built Zoo (illus.).
December 6, 1953, San Diego Union, A-33:1-2. Yule center moved to Organ Pavilion; Christmas display to open next Friday; features include tree, nativity displays..
December 8, 1953, San Diego Union, A-9:1. San Diego Zoo – tributes to Benchley from zoos of the world..
December 11, 1953, San Diego Union, A-8. Yule program at Organ Pavilion (illus.).
December 11, 1953, San Diego Union, A-15:7-8. San Diego Zoo – Belle Benchley gets civic tribute; trip around world provided; 800 guests, including many from distance, by Bryant Evans (illus.).
December 11, 1953, San Diego Union, A-16:2. EDITORIAL: If Animals Could Talk . . . retirement of Mrs. Belle J. Benchley.
Mrs. Benchley is liked and respected by her fellow men. But if they could talk, we think the animals at the zoo would pay the greatest tribute of all. Their affection can be seen any time Mrs. Benchley walks through the zoo.
December 12, 1953, San Diego Union, A-11:6. Yule Center opens in flare of 400 lights; Santa Claus officiated at lighting of 50-foot Julian fir tree.
December 12, 1953, San Diego Union, B-1:7-8. San Diego Zoo – Dr. Schroeder says more than 1,300,000 saw Zoo last year.
December 13, 1953, San Diego Union, A-27:7-8. All San Diego shares huge art treasure; enlargement sought in scope of Fine Arts Gallery; development group seeks to make exhibits available to more persons (illus.).
December 16, 1953, San Diego Union, A-16:3. Leo Calland, Parks and Recreation Director, told City Council yesterday that San Diego should spend an added 20 million dollars for recreation needs.
December 17, 1953, San Diego Union, B-4:7-8. Letter, Mrs. Belle J. Benchley, thanking San Diego Union for its support of San Diego Zoo.
December 18, 1953, San Diego Union, B-16:2-3. Approximately 400 Nationalist Chinese sailors visited the San Diego Zoo yesterday (illus.).
Return to Amero Collection.
BALBOA PARK HISTORY
pre-1900
1900 | 1901 | 1902 | 1903 | 1904
1905 | 1906 | 1907 | 1908 | 1909
1910 | 1911 | 1912 | 1913 | 1914
1915 | 1916 | 1917 | 1918 | 1919
1920 | 1921 | 1922 | 1923 | 1924
1925 | 1926 | 1927 | 1928 | 1929
1930 | 1931 | 1932 | 1933 | 1934
1935 | 1936 | 1937 | 1938 | 1939
1940 | 1941 | 1942 | 1943 | 1944
1945 | 1946 | 1947 | 1948 | 1949
1950 | 1951 | 1952 | 1953 | 1954
1955 | 1956 | 1957 | 1958 | 1959
1960 | 1961 | 1962 | 1963 | 1964
1965 | 1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969
1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974
1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979
1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984
1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989
1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994
1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999
