Balboa Park History 1954

January 9, 1954, San Diego Union, B-8:7-8. The Navy Bureau of Personnel announced yesterday San Diego Naval Hospital’s command is now a flag officer’s billet; it is expected that Rear Admiral Robert M. Gillette, 11th Naval District, will take command in February; expansion program calls for 1000-bed addition.

January 10, 1954, San Diego Union, F-9:1. San Diego Zoo – old cafeteria building is being torn down (illus.).

January 10, 1954, San Diego Union, F-9:1. Almost two million persons visited San Diego County’s public parks last fiscal year.

January 11, 1954, San Diego Union, B-1:6. San Diego Zoo – Dr. Schroeder says cafeteria still operates.

January 13, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:7-8. San Diego Zoo – San Diego Consular Corps volunteers to help Zoo obtain specimens.

January 17, 1954, San Diego Union, A-26:5-6. San Diego Zoo – condor trapping plan fails; legal deadline past.

January 26, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:3-4. Fine Arts Gallery seeks new patrons; membership drive designed to bolster operating fund, now below requirements; budget about $50,000 a year.

January 27, 1954, San Diego Union, B-2:5. Letter, Bob Turnbull, advocates repair of Balboa Park’s dilapidated buildings..

January 30, 1954, San Diego Union, A-12:5. Civic theater as separate unit wins favor; citizens’ committee supports separation from convention hall; the Federal Building in Balboa Park seen as center for cultural activities; H. Louis Bodmer, architect, says remodeling present space to accommodate 2,492 seats would cost about $680,000, adding a balcony with 1,500 seats $150,000 and the seating $62,500..

February 1, 1954, San Diego Union, B-16:3-4. House of Hospitality – Camellia garden taking shape near House of Hospitality through volunteer efforts of San Diego Camellia Society (illus.).

February 3, 1954, San Diego Union, A-8:4. San Diego Zoo – Ralph Virden, superintendent of Zoo, reported the Administration building is now 35 percent completed.

February 4, 1954, San Diego Union, A-17:2. Robert Shaw, conductor of San Diego Symphony, sees city as center of culture, by Constance Herreshoff.

February 15, 1954, San Diego Union, A-1:1-2, A-12:1. Museum of Man – Museum closed indefinitely because of vandalism by an organized gang of burglars.

The Museum of Man in Balboa Park yesterday was closed indefinitely because of what its managing director called vandalism by an organized gang of burglars, probably juveniles.

More than $500 worth of ancient jewelry was discovered missing during the weekend, the latest in a series of losses. The jewelry was taken from a padlocked case in the Egyptian collection.

Clark C. Evernham, managing director, said the closing was “a desperate attempt to make secure the priceless collections in the museum. The next time something more valuable and irreplaceable may disappear.”

He said immediate steps would be taken to improve locking devices on display cases. Also, he said the city would be asked to hire one or more guards to patrol the large museum.

Evernham said the method of theft, and other vandalism such as scrawling on museum objects, indicated juveniles were responsible. He explained that the jewelry would be unmarketable and worthless to the thieves except possibly as gifts to girlfriends.

A weak earlier some Persian material disappeared, he said, and last August thieves stole archery exhibits. The latter were recovered.

Security problems at the museum were increased, the administrator said, by its proximity to undergrowth in nearby Palm Canyon. He said burglars could approach and escape through the underbrush and shrubbery virtually undetected.

“This makes out situation unique, with other such institutions, and we were grateful recently when the city began clearing out that area of the canyon,” Evernham said.

He said he discovered the jewelry theft Saturday night and reported it to the police, but it was not until yesterday that a check of museum catalogs detailed the loss. At police headquarters, Desk Sgt. Richard Alley said an investigation would proceed immediately upon receipt of the list of missing items.

Evernham said the back of the Egyptian jewelry case was opened without damaging the hasp and the lock was missing, indicating the culprits had fashioned a key to the museum locks. He said the method of theft indicated more than one person involved.

Despite the large “Closed” sign on the door, the director said the regular Sunday film programs and the county lecture programs would continue.

City funds are used to maintain the building and pay salaries at the museum, with the county and museum membership contributing other moneys. He said with only two custodians employed, it was impossible to guard the valuable collections adequately and at the same time maintain the building and grounds.

The museum collections are the property of the San Diego Museum Association, a non-profit organization.

February 16, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:2. Museum of Man – City officials will meet this morning with Clark E. Evernham, managing director of the Museum of Man, to discuss curbing vandalism which has forced closing of the museum.

February 17, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:6. Museum of Man – Museum will reopen with Secret Security System, Clark Evernham, director, said yesterday.

February 17, 1954, San Diego Union, B-2:2. Museum of Man – EDITORIAL: Not A Prank.

We’re not sure the vandals who have burglarized the Museum of Man have the intelligence to read. But if they should stumble across these words, they ought to know they have placed themselves with the lowest of criminals in the minds of San Diegans.

February 19, 1954, San Diego Union, A-17:6-7. Museum of Man – Museum to open approximately two-thirds of its public areas today; Jessop, Egyptian tomb collections still closed because of thefts.

February 20, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:6-7. Museum of Man – some sections of Museum reopened yesterday.

February 20, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:7. Electric Building – Chinchilla Show today and tomorrow.

February 24, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:3. The City Park and Recreation Commission yesterday unanimously opposed construction of a civic auditorium at Sixth Avenue and Date Street in Balboa Park after examining a scale drawing of the proposed location.

The commission that construction of a parking lot large enough for the 3,000 autos as required for the auditorium would take out one of the choicest sections of Balboa Park.

The section under discussion is bounded by Sixth Avenue and Cabrillo Freeway, from Date to Ivy Streets.

The commission favored building a civic auditorium in Balboa Park but preferred making use of undeveloped land instead of cutting out developed sections.

February 26, 1954, San Diego Union, B-2:7-8. Fran Callaway says Balboa Park is like deserted war orphan.

Editor: I walked through our beautiful neglected park the other day. It reminded me of a beautiful, shabby, uncared for war orphan. Why are we permitting unthinking vandals to deface and destroy it?

March 2, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:3. A report to the City Manager stated yesterday that two floors of parking extending along Sixth Avenue would accompany the proposed privately financed convention hall at Sixth Avenue and Date Street in Balboa Park.

March 3, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:5-7. City park division employees yesterday cut down large Monterey cypress killed by cypress beetles in southeast Balboa Park (illus.).

March 3, 1954, San Diego Union, B-2:6. Louis M. Richardson writes “we no longer have a beautiful park.”

March 7, 1954, San Diego Union, A-26:1-3. Museum of Man – Museum will present its public Sunday film showings in Puppet Theater.

March 9, 1954, San Diego Union, A-7:1-2. San Diego Zoo – pair of occipital grebes from Peru, by Gus Holmes (illus.).

March 14, 1954, San Diego Union, A-7:1-3. San Diego Zoo – Mrs. Benchley to visit world zoos, by Gus Holmes.

March 14, 1954, San Diego Union, A-12:1. Palisades Building – Orchid Show Saturday and Sunday in Recital Hall.

March 21, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:1-3. Amateurs to have art show at Fine Arts Gallery in park April 11 (illus.).

March 25, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:3. Orchid Show in Balboa Park.

March 30, 1954, San Diego Union A-11:7-8. City Manager Campbell’s advisory committee on convention hall proposals agreed yesterday that downtown site possibilities should be investigated.; County’s new justice building called logical part of city development.

April 4, 1954, San Diego Union, A-19:5. Conference Building – conference of elementary school principals and district superintendents next Sunday.

April 5, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:7-8. Conference Building – folk dancers yesterday.

April 9, 1954, San Diego Union, B-1:3. San Diego Zoo – Zoo to keep revenue from federal government tax.

City councilmen agreed yesterday that the San Diego Zoo, which is spending money for new buildings, can keep the seven cents which the federal government formerly received from each 40-cent admission.

April 11, 1954, San Diego Union, A-5:4-5. Conference Building – Rose Show April 24 and 25.

April 11, 1954, San Diego Union, F-4:3. San Diego Zoo – administration building nears final stages.

April 19, 1954, San Diego Union, A-10:2. Bonham Brothers Boys’ Bank East Concert in Balboa Park Bowl, by Constance Herreshoff.

A large audience enjoyed the concert played yesterday afternoon in Balboa Park Bowl by the 140 young musicians of the Bonham Brothers Boys Band under the expert direction of Jules Jacques.

This was the 24th annual Easter concert of this band and also Jacques’ 24th season as director.

April 19, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:1-4. Sunrise services at Organ Pavilion; Dr. William C Ruse of California Western University delivered Easter message (illus.).

April 20, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:4-5. Lillie Mae Barr benefit show a hit at Old Globe, by Constance Herreshoff.

Last night’s benefit for Lillie Mae Barr at the Old Globe Theater was a success financially, and also from the entertainment standpoint. Contributions for the benefit received at the theater were $1027.50, with more to come. Talent, printing, the work of electricians and all services usually paid for were donated for this benefit.

April 21, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:2. John Ellsworth named head of Museum Association.

April 23, 1954, San Diego Union, A-17:5-7, A-18:4. Home Idea Fair to open tonight in Balboa Park.

April 24, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:2-4. Electric Building – Home Show; 18,000 attend.

April 24, 1954, San Diego Union, B-1:3. Twenty-seventh Spring Rose Show opens today.

April 25, 1954, San Diego Union, A-6:4. House of Pacific Relations – lawn program by Cottage of Netherlands May 2.

April 25, 1954, San Diego Union, A-9:1-2. Electric Building – Home Fair lauded as best managed.

John McMillan of the Norge Corp., Chicago, said the 10th annual Fair of Modern Home Ideas here is one of the best managed and most effectively produced in the United States.

April 25, 1954, San Diego Union, A-17:1-2. Plane talk: San Diego Aero Museum plans underway, by Allan Palmer.

The San Diego section of the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences is laying the foundation for two commendable projects in keeping with San Diego’s standing as a foremost center of aviation progress, past and present.

A committee is being formed to establish an air museum as the Institute’s building, 3380 Harbor Drive, and a technical research library on aeronautical and related subjects. James Wenzel, vise president, explains that both are still in the beginning stage.

April 25, 1954, San Diego Union, A-24:1-3. Kenneallys win district trophy in Rose Show here.

April 26, 1954, San Diego Union, A-6:1-3. Home Ideas Fair attendance to date reaches 90,000.

April 28, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:5. Fair will end tonight with record crowd.

April 28, 1954, San Diego Union, A-16:1-2. Piano festival set September in Balboa Park Bowl.

May 3, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:1-2. Craig Noel uses new forum idea, stages informal press reception for Agnes Moorhead, visiting celebrity, by Edwin Martin.

May 3, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:3-4. Catholic Schools’ Music Festival presented yesterday in Balboa Park Bowl.

May 9, 1954, San Diego Union, A-5:2-4. Robert O. Peterson, a member of the nine-man Civic Center Coordinating Committee which is seeking ways to promote the tourist business in San Diego, advocated yesterday that the area might become a permanent international exposition center.

May 9, 1954, San Diego Union, F-3:1. Electric Building – Home Show will open a nine-day run next Saturday.

May 10, 1954, San Diego Union, A-6:1-2. San Diego Zoo – three capybaras, anteater at Zoo (illus.)..

May 11, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:2-3. San Diego Zoo – ground broken for Joseph E. Bryer Flamingo Lagoon (illus.).

May 12, 1954, San Diego Union, A-14:1. “Lo and Behold” Old Globe hit, by Constance Herreshoff.

May 20, 1954, San Diego Union, A-1:5. The 6th annual Home and Food Show Jubilee in Balboa Park is drawing large crowds, Jim Wilson, managing director, said last night.

May 28, 1954, San Diego Union, B-1:4. Morley Field – summer swim season to open tomorrow.

May 30, 1954, San Diego Union, A-9:8. Boy Scout fair in Balboa Park this week at Scout Headquarters; more than 13,000 Scouts from all parts of the country will take park in the annual event..

June 1, 1954, San Diego Union, B-10:4-5. San Diego Men’s Art Club has become San Diego Men’s Art Institute and will open a gallery June 5 and 6 in the old House of Charm.

June 5, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:5-6. Ten thousand Boy Scouts last night at Scout Camp.

June 6, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:1-4. Torrey Pines Park division opposed (map).

San Diego should not sell Torrey Pines Park or any part of it for residential development, 54 percent of community leaders questioned in a Chamber of Commerce poll, answered.

June 14, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:5. National Flag Day observed yesterday at Inspiration Point, Balboa Park; 27th annual observance by San Diego County Masonic Officers’ Association.

June 15, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:1-2. Elks’ Flag Day services in Balboa Park Bowl (illus.).

June 17, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:8. San Diego Zoo – Lloyd Smith next head of Zoo publicity (photo).

June 19, 1954, San Diego Union, A-16:1-2. San Diego Zoo – Chamber of Commerce poll; Zoo for children favored in San Diego.

June 27, 1954, San Diego Union, F-1:1-8, F-2:1-6. Dedication rites today for San Diego’s new library, by Clyde V. Smith.

July 2, 1954, San Diego Union, A-17:6-8. “Oklahoma!” at Star-Light Opera viewed by 3,500.

July 2, 1954, San Diego Union, A-17:17-8. “Oklahoma!”, fine musical, by Constance Herreshoff.

July 4, 1954, San Diego Union, A-9:1-8. Balboa Park has colorful history, by Emily Stokes.

July 4, 1954, San Diego Union, A-9:1-8, A-11:1-2, Balboa Park – Pride of San Diego.

Balboa Park Club: Balboa Park Club, which was used as a Navy officers’ club during World War II, is the site of many large dances, fashion shows and other social affairs. Dances for area servicemen also are held there on Sunday each winter month when the volunteer Hostesses are personable young dance partners.

Conference Building: San Diego’s biggest facility for conventions is the Conference Building.

It has a large auditorium and upstairs rooms, the latter of varying sizes.

Electrical Building: San Diegans with house dreams of mortgages are familiar with the Electric Building. For here is the site of the major house shows which attract thousands of visitors.

The building with its three large halls, also is familiar to the city’s dancers. Classes in square dancing, folk dancing and ballet are interrupted only for the occasional big home shows. Then the dance classes move to other park spots.

Federal Building: The Federal Building is used almost entirely for badminton during height of the indoor athletic season. There have been various plans at various times to remodel the structure into a community theater or convention hall. So far nothing has come of the plans.

Floral Association: The authentic Spanish mission style building which is the Floral Association headquarters also is a publication office. Here the nation’s oldest garden magazine, “The California Garden,” has been issued for 44 years. It staff is volunteers.

Meeting place for many of the area’s garden clubs, the one-story building houses a large exhibition room, a horticultural library, a kitchen and storage space.

Ford Building: The Ford Building is used by the city schools’ vocational classes.

Gymnasium: A much-used building is the gymnasium, where muscles and lung power combine in countless rounds of basketball, badminton, volley ball and volley tennis. Popular with women are the figure control classes held there.

House of Hospitality: The House of Hospitality is just that — a hospitable and gracious place to entertain or to relax. The Moorish style structure is built around a beautiful patio with a pool centered by sculptor Donal Hord’s Aztec Woman.

Meeting facilities are many. They include an auditorium for 500, smaller rooms for private parties and recitals and tasteful quarters for clubs and sororities.

A show piece is the Gold Room, furnished with antiques, art objects and fresh flowers or greenery. Café Del Rey Moro serves luncheons and dinners both in a main dining room and on a terrace overlooking lovely Del Rey Moro formal garden.

House of Pacific Relations: World peace in miniature is symbolized in the House of Pacific Relations. Actually a cluster of 13 small bungalows, the house serves 21 different nationalities.

The cottages, with identical Spanish-type exteriors, were built for the 1935-35 exposition. Interiors are furnished in the styles of the tenant’s homelands.

On Sundays the various nationalities play host to visitors, sometimes dress in native costumes and serve native delicacies. Each country is represented on a House of Pacific Relations board which plans activities.

Horticultural Areas: Horticultural areas are the Alcazar, Del Rey Moro and formal gardens and Palm Canyon.

Lily Pond: The Lily Pond is the park’s main scene stealer. Its reputation as the most photographed spot in Balboa Park is seldom questioned.

When there was talk of converting it into a fly casting pool there were critics aplenty. The Lily Pond remains.

Miniature Railroad: Probably the attraction that has given San Diego’s children more pleasure than anything else in the park — other than the zoo — is the miniature railroad.

It began operations in 1946, has a half-mile route which figure eighths through a scenic 2-1/2 acres. Top speed is 15 miles an hour and some of the top contenders for rides are retired railroad men.

Another attraction is the old-time merry-go-round, whose age is covered with bright paint and a light-hearted theme.

It has been rotating in the park 32 years and before than entertained children at Coronado’s old Tent City.

Museum of Man: The history of mankind is illustrated in the Museum of Man collection. Though it is housed in part of the former California Building, it is so popular that the building is becoming known as “Museum of Man.”

Replicas of Mayan monuments, weapons dating back through the ages and an Egyptian Room complete with mummy are a few of the many attractions.

Topping the building is the 221-foot California Tower, one of the park’s most beautiful and impressive landmarks. Its architecture is Spanish Renaissance and from it daily sound the Ona May Lowe chimes.

Old Globe Theater: There is an Elizabethan England spot in the park that provides both culture and light-hearted entertainment. This is the Old Globe Theater, replica of the theater where Shakespeare’s plays first were given.

Opened for the last exposition, the theater is fronted by a bronze statue of Atlas holding the world.

Both Shakespearean and modern dramas are presented — with accent on Shakespeare during the summer. Dancing on the green preludes the plays.

The citizenry take an active part in all productions — paints scenery, serves intermission coffee and acts.

Organ Pavilion: The world’s largest outdoor organ has been playing to Balboa Park audiences

since 1915. A gift to the city from Adolph and John D. Spreckels, the instrument and its pavilion reportedly cost $150,000.

Some of the organ’s 5,000 pipes are more than 32 feet long. There are four finger keyboards and a pedal keyboard. Sheltering the organ are a 2-story ornately decorated shell and a mechanically operated metal curtain. Royal Brown has been official civic organist for 21 years. His summer concerts are Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings. The remainder of the year he plays Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Palisades Building: Much of the craft materials for city playgrounds is turned out in the craft center of the Palisades Building’s south section. Craft clubs and classes also meet there.

The building center is Recital Hall, available for programs, shows and parties. The Puppet Theater occupies the northern section. Every summer, the Padre Puppeteers delight youngsters with Sunday shows. Other small plays and shows are also presented.

Photographic Arts Building: Five hundred cameramen use the Photographic Arts Building, a modern Spanish-Colonial structure east of the House of Pacific Relations. Many of the area’s photography clubs meet here, while continual exhibits attract even non-camera fans.

The San Diego Zoo is not the world’s largest. But San Diegans believe it is the finest. They have reason, since the zoo’s beautifully landscaped, 200-acre grounds and almost 3,600 animal specimens are internationally known and rated.

One of the zoo’s most distinctive features is its great animal grottos. These, separated from viewers by moats, provide natural habitats for lions, tigers and bears.

Founded in 1922, the zoo has been visited by more than 50 million persons. Dr. Charles R. Schroeder, who has succeeded renowned Belle Benchley as director, plans two innovations.

One will be a children’s zoo, where boys and girls can walk among tame animals. The other is the flamingo garden under construction just inside the zoo entrance.

Buzzing with artistic industry is Spanish Village, where San Diego artists paint, turn out ceramics, weave, sculpt, and cut and mount gems. Thirty-nine studios are in use there — rented for nominal fees to artists of the professional class.

Rotating exhibits are displayed in a central gallery and most of the artistic wares are for sale. The village was established for the 1935-36 exposition.

Veterans Memorial Building: A relative newcomer to the park is the Veterans War Memorial Building. The $234,000 single-story structure completed four years ago is a popular meeting place of the city’s many veteran groups.

The building was recently opened for non-veteran group meetings. Seating capacity of the auditorium is 500. There are six meeting rooms.

Other Recreational Facilities: Park areas are studded with picnic grounds and with outdoor recreational facilities. In the Morley Field area are the swimming pool, municipal casting pool, tennis courts, shuffleboard courts and children’s play areas.

Another tennis unit is the Balboa Tennis Club’s courts and clubhouse. In the 6th Avenue area are the San Diego Shuffleboard and Roque Club, the Balboa Shuffleboard Club and lawn bowling.

Archery is so popular, there is an archery range at 6th Avenue and Laurel Street, field archery in Gold Gulch and crossbow archery at 6th and Grape Streets.

North of San Diego High School is the Balboa Riding Stable. On the park’s east side are municipal 9-hole and 18-hole golf courses.

Other Buildings and Facilities: Other park buildings and facilities are the Boy Scout headquarters, Girl Scout headquarters, Camp Fire Girls cabin, the Blind Recreation Center, Balboa Stadium and the Bird Aviary.

July 4, 1954, San Diego Union E-6:3-8. Robert Gerle, San Diego Symphony concert master.

July 4, 1954, San Diego Union, E-6:3. Actress Dean Anderson scoring at Old Globe in “A Phoenix Too Frequent” (photo).

July 7, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11;4-5. “Oklahoma!” plays to packed houses at Balboa Park Bowl.

July 11, 1954, San Diego Union, E-1:1-8. San Diego’s summer festival of the arts at concert, on stage, in Galleries.

July 11, 1954, San Diego Union, E-6:3-8. Summer Symphonies to start Tuesday night, by Constance Herreshoff.

July 11, 1954, San Diego Union, E-7:1-6. “Merry Widow” opening Thursday at Star-Light Opera.

July 13, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:5-6. Symphony series starts tonight.

July 14, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:6-7. Symphony opens summer season, by Constance Herreshoff.

July 16, 1954, San Diego Union, A-8:5-6. “The Merry Widow” revival popular, by Constance Herreshoff.

July 18, 1954, San Diego Union, E-1:1-8, E-6:3. The Bard offers lively fare for both comment and concert, by Constance Herreshoff (illus.).

July 18, 1954, San Diego Union, E-1:1-8. E-6:3-8. With opening of “Othello,” Shakespeare comes to San Diego, by Bruno Ussher.

July 18, 1954, San Diego Union, E-4:1-4. “The Merry Widow” plays Starlight.

July 20, 1954, San Diego Union, A-9:1-2. Shakespeare bust, created by Mrs. Stephen Gerard Smith, unveiled at rites yesterday on path between the Fine Arts Gallery and the Globe Theater.

July 21, 1954, San Diego Union, A-8:1-2. Symphony offers Bach, Hindemith in Balboa Park Bowl, by Constance Herreshoff.

July 23, 1954, San Diego Union, A-10:4-5. “Othello” to open tonight at Old Globe.

July 24, 1954, San Diego Union, A-9:5-6. Tonight’s the night for “Twelfth Night” at Old Globe.

July 24, 1954, San Diego Union, A-12:4-5. “Othello” opens play series at Old Globe.

July 24, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:1-2. Shakespeare Festival recalls Exposition day, by Eileen Jackson.

July 25, 1954, San Diego Union, E-4:1-4. “Merchant of Venice” opens tonight.

July 25, 1954, San Diego Union, E-4:1-5. “A Connecticut Yankee” follows “The Merry Widow” on Starlight bill.

July 26, 1954, San Diego Union, A-7:5. “Merchant of Venice” opened last night at Old Globe.

July 26, 1954, San Diego Union, A-14:4-5. Merrymaking rules for “Twelfth Night,” by Constance Herreshoff.

July 27, 1954, San Diego Union, B-3:4-5. Third summer symphony concert tonight to feature Brahms.

July 28, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:3-4. Dave Ketchum with play title role in “A Connecticut Yankee” for a nine-night run beginning tomorrow evening.

July 28, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:5-8. E Minor Symphony by Brahms performed, by Constance Herreshoff.

July 29, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:1-3. San Diego Zoo – The Dryer Flamingo Lagoon, given to the San Diego Zoo by Joseph E. Dryer, a retired San Diego merchant, was dedicated at a brief, informal ceremony at 1 p.m. yesterday (illus.).

July 29, 1954, San Diego Union, A-14:2. “Merchant of Venice” cast wins Constance Herreshoff’s praise.

July 30, 1954, San Diego Union, A-10:1-2. “A Connecticut Yankee” enjoyed big audience at Star-Light Opera, by Constance Herreshoff.

July 30, 1954, San Diego Union, B-14:1-3. San Diego Zoo- Bryant Evens speaks of Zoo improvements.

Opening of the Dryer Flamingo Lagoon in the zoo this week had dramatized a new stage in the development of an already famous San Diego resource.

The San Diego Zoo has become world renowned because of what it had done for animals under the humane and imaginative guidance of Mrs. Belle J. Benchley as director. It became a witticism in the international zoo world that the San Diego Zoo was run for the animals. Of course, it was also recognized that the result of this policy worked for the benefit of the people too.

When Dr. Charles R. Schroeder took over the zoo directorship, he brought with him a fund of enthusiasm, zest and energy. But it became apparent that the animal collection at the zoo was already so far advanced that further major investments of energy in improving it were doomed to encounter the law of diminishing returns.

Consequently, Dr. Schroeder, who had his promotional training under the dynamic Dr. Harry Wegeforth, turned his best efforts to making the zoo more exciting and pleasanter for the people — the cast customers who come from as near as Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street and as far as the Antipodes.

The results are starting to become apparent. Today the visitor that walks through the new zoo entrance walks onto a spacious promenade. In the background are the graceful and colorful flamingoes preening themselves against a background of tropical plants. The first effect is dramatic — maybe not breath-taking, but inspiring.

Other improvements are being planned. Some are definite enough to talk about. Others are still in the Schroeder “How would it be if we . . .” stage of development.

One development that is right around the corner is the trying out of audible labels. A self-repeating tape recorder will be installed near the koala exhibit. A voice will give a history of the pets from Australia at regular intervals. Different adaptations of the idea will be tried out to find which is the most popular. Then, if it is popular, it will be tried on other exhibits. The advantage will be that the visitor can see more in the zoo by knowing more about what he is seeing.

Another experiment will deal with the use of ultra-sonic vibrations to take the place of screens for bird cages. It is believed that the birds will not fly though this sound band inaudible to the human ear. Thus vision and intimacy will be improved.

A third plan calls for a children’s zoo in which there will be gentle animals that little folks can pet. This has proved delightful elsewhere. It should give a new dimension to zoo enjoyment here.

Still in the pre-planning stage is a suggestion for an outdoor refreshment terrace located at some place in the zoo where footsore patrons can rest, eat, drink and watch animals at play all at the same time.

All of this is as should be. The San Diego Zoo is not resting at the pinnacle of its fame but still growing in its ability to delight San Diego people of all ages and to attract visitors from all over the world. As Dr. Schroeder watched tourists taking pictures of the flamingoes this week, he said, “I’ll bet you that a lot of people will be seeing our flamingoes on home viewers back east next winter.” He had no takers.

July 31, 1954, San Diego Union, A-10:1-4. Elwood T. Bailey, retiring chairman of the San Diego Parks and Recreation Commission, said yesterday more parks needed here (illus.).

July 31, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:4-6. Palisades Building – Dahlia Show opens today in Recital Hall.

August 1, 1954, San Diego Union, E-6:3-8. Symphony male chorus makes debut Tuesday.

August 2, 1954, San Diego Union, A-9:3. Dahlia Show winners are announced; Comstock Gardens take 5 top trophies at park Recital Hall yesterday.

August 2, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:2. Community Chest contributors will convene today in the Recital Hall.

August 2, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:3-6. San Diego Zoo – Mrs. Benchley reports on tour (illus.).

August 3, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:6. Let there be light — there it is.

August 3, 1954, San Diego Union, B-3:3. “Oedipus Rex” by Stravinsky will have its first local performance tonight at the fourth concert of the Summer Symphonies in Balboa Park Bowl.

August 4, 1954, San Diego Union, A-9:6-7. “Oedipus Rex” wins San Diego favor, by Constance Herreshoff.

August 8, 1954, San Diego Union, A-20:1-2. Balboa Park Dog Show deadline is August 15.

August 10, 1954, San Diego Union, A-10:5. “My Maryland” to be offered at Star-Light Opera.

August 10, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:3-7. San Diego Zoo – swan photo wins Zoo contest (photo).

August 11, 1954, San Diego Union, A-6:5-6. Summer Symphony concert features unusual events, by Constance Herreshoff.

August 13, 1954, San Diego Union, A-9:1-2. Old Globe plans ambitious season, by Edwin Martin.

August 13, 1954, San Diego Union, A-14:4-5. Laughter, tears mark “My Maryland,” by Constance Herreshoff.

August 15, 1954, San Diego Union, E-3:3-8. Old Globe’s Shakespeare Festival productions rewarding, by Bruno Ussher (illus.).

August 17, 1954, San Diego Union, B-3:1-3. Haydn’s “Creation” in Balboa Park Bowl to end San Diego summer symphony season tonight, Robert Shaw conducting.

August 18, 1954, San Diego Union, A-6:1-2. Symphony, chorus, soloists triumph in “The Creation,” by Constance Herreshoff.

August 18, 1954, San Diego Union, A-6:6. College actors star in Old Globe’s “Merchant of Venice.”

August 21, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:5-6. San Diego Zoo – bird cage no longer strictly for birds; the Zoo started letting visitors into the 95-foot high cage two days ago..

August 22, 1954, San Diego Union, A-8:1-5. Improvement Association urges courthouse site near Balboa Park (artist’s conception of proposed civic center development).

August 22, 1954, San Diego Union, A-14:4-6. Dr. Earl Rosenberg takes the leas in the first of six week rehearsals for the Sixth Annual Piano Festival concert he will conduct in Balboa Park Bowl September 26 (illus.).

August 22, 1954, San Diego Union, A-27:5-6. Miss Harlean James, an official of the American Planning and Civic Association, yesterday charged that too many of the nation’s cities are ruining the beauty of their parks by using them for car parking and as freeway routes.

August 22, 1954, San Diego Union, E-3:3. “Harvest Spirit,” large rosewood carving by Donal Hord, has just been acquired by the San Diego Fine Arts Gallery; gift of Mrs. Nathan Paine of La Jolla (illus.).

August 22, 1954, San Diego Union, E-3:5-6. Children’s exhibit hung in lower rotunda of Fine Arts Gallery.

August 22, 1954, San Diego Union, E-5:1-2. How it feels to play Portia, by Dorothy L. Chase.

August 22, 1954, San Diego Union, E-6:3-8. “Babes in Toyland” to be presented at Star-Light Opera, by Constance Herreshoff.

August 23, 1954, San Diego Union, B-2:7. S. L. Higgins writes (Japanese) teahouse in park should be restored.

But alas, this haven of rest and interest is no long available to us. The house abandoned, unpainted. The doors and windows boarded up. It is only a ghost of its former serene self.

August 27, 1954, San Diego Union, A-10:6-7. “Babes in Toyland” benefits Cerebral Palsy fund..

August 28, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:3. Meredith Wilson will conduct the San Diego Symphony Orchestra Tuesday night in Balboa Park Bowl in pop concert.

August 28, 1954, San Diego Union, B-12:7. Ethel Rank wants Balboa Park teahouse restored.

August 29, 1954, San Diego Union, A-19:5-7. Park Department sets land and water regulations.

August 30, 1954, San Diego Union, A-9:1-2. Long Beach bulldog wins prize in annual Silver Bay Kennel Club Show in Balboa Park.

August 30, 1954, San Diego Union, A-9:4-5. The San Diego Symphony, with Meredith Wilson as conductor-composer and the Triana Spanish Dance Troupe will share the spotlight in what is believed to be San Diego’s first pops concert at 8 p.m. tomorrow in Balboa Park Bowl.

August 31, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:3-6. Meredith Wilson will conduct San Diego Symphony Pop Concert at Balboa Park Bowl as family affair; clowns, monkeys, seals.

September 1, 1954, San Diego Union, A-10:4-5. Humor pervaded Meredith Wilson’s conducting in Balboa Park Bowl last night, by Constance Herreshoff.

September 1, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:1-2. Old Globe to honor George A. Scott.

September 2, 1954, San Diego Union, A-23:3-4. “Lady from Paris” beings run tonight at Star-Light Opera.

September 3, 1954, San Diego Union, A-7:3. Balboa Park Bowl crowd greets “Lady from Paris,” by Constance Herreshoff.

September 3, 1954, A-13:4-5. Soldiers, wearing old Prussian uniforms, rehearse for mock battle in Balboa Park planned as one of the events on Army Reserve Day, September 18 (photo).

September 3, 1954, San Diego Union, B-2:7. Norma Axelson wants Japanese pavilion in Balboa Park.

September 3, 1954, San Diego Union, B-2:8. G. N. Middents wants Japanese pavilion in Balboa Park.

September 5, 1954, San Diego Union, E-6:3-8. Music, dancing enliven Shakespeare at Old Globe, by Constance Herreshoff.

September 6, 1954, San Diego Union, B-1:3. Army Reserve Day mock battle to be staged at Balboa Park September 18.

September 6, 1954, San Diego Union, B-8:7. V. A. Clark writes build swimming tank at 8th and Date Streets.

September 7, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:1-2. Old Globe honors George A. Scott for his work as Shakespearean Festival scholarship chairman, by Edwin Martin (photo)..

September 7, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:5-6. “Lady from Paris” to reopen in park.

September 11, 1954, San Diego Union, A-9:3-4. Starlight season to close Sunday.

September 11, 1934, San Diego Union, A-11:3-4. San Diego Community Theater picks 14 as stars; Sheila McMahon and Phil Magee were the best actress and actor of the Old Globe Theater season (illus.)..

September 11, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:3-4. San Diego Zoo – Zoo profits from polio tests; four chimps on way.

September 11, 1954, San Diego Union, B-12:7. W. H. Chartres Martin writes Botanical Building in shameful decay.

Editor: As a native San Diegan, I am sure that I do not speak only for myself when I say that our beautiful Botanical building has been allowed to fall into shameful decay.

This building, which was once one of the focal points of interest in our lovely Balboa Park, has now become an “eyesore” to all who come upon it. It is a shame that this lovely building constructed for the 1915 Exposition, and acclaimed all over the country for its beauty, now stands out in incongruity against the backdrop of world renowned Balboa Park.

I feel sure that if it has not now gone too far into disrepair, that proper restoration can again make it the spot that San Diegans were justly proud of.

September 12, 1954, San Diego Union, A-23:6-8, A-26:3-4. Joint session to weigh Civic Auditorium plans.

September 12, 1954, San Diego Union, C-2:3. D. C. Minshall wants (Japanese) tea house restored.

September 12, 1954, San Diego Union, E-1:1-8. A Season Ends.

September 12, 1954, San Diego Union, E-1:1-3, E-6:3. Genius of Shakespeare well served, by Bruno Ussher.

September 12, 1954, San Diego Union, E-1:6-7, E-6:1. Concerts creative; two commissioned works premiered, by Constance Herreshoff (photo of Frank Kinsella as Malvolio in “Twelfth Night).

September 12, 1954, San Diego Union, E-4:1-6. Ralph W. Hastings urges annual historical pageant for San Diego.

September 12, 1954, San Diego Union, E-14:1-2. “Stalag 17” billed at Old Globe.

September 13, 1954, San Diego Union, B-4:8. Mrs. W. B. Ryburn writes (Japanese) tea house worth reopening.

September 14, 1954, San Diego Union, B-2:7-8. Mrs. Ivan Finn writes repair of (Japanese) tea house would be too costly.

September 15, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:4. House of Hospitality – Conference of Bureau of Home Appliances tonight in House of Hospitality.

September 19, 1954, San Diego Union, A-8:4-6. San Diego Zoo – new attendance record.

Turnstile records show that in June, July and August 483,674 persons visited the zoo. In the same three months last year, 475,621 admissions were recorded.

September 19, 1954, San Diego Union, A-25:1-8. Thousands watch Army Reserve Day “Battle.”

September 19, 1954, San Diego Union, A-25:8. Army Reserve Day show in the Balboa Park Bowl last night stressed need for more men.

September 19, 1954, San Diego Union, A-36:1-2. Sham battle starts Balboa Park fires.

Ground charges exploded by Army troops to simulate bursting artillery yesterday kindled 15 fires that spread over 200 acres in the Florida Street canyon area of Balboa Park before being brought under control.

September 21, 1954, San Diego Union, B-3:4-5. “Stalag 17” called hit at Old Globe, by Constance Herreshoff.

September 25, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:3. Junior Theater tryouts opened to membership;

September 26, 1954, San Diego Union, A-16:1-3. Museum of Man – Museum gets art collection once owned by Chief Washakie, famed Shoshone leader (illus.).

September 26, 1954, San Diego Union, A-24:1-4. San Diego Zoo – three African crown dancing cranes acquired by Zoo (illus.).

September 26, 1954, San Diego Union, E-5:3-5. “Stalag 17” compared with “Mister Roberts.”

September 28, 1954, San Diego Union, A-10:3. Fine Arts Gallery opens today.

September 30, 1954, San Diego Union, B-2:7-8. Granville K. Frisbie writes Japanese Americans could revive (Japanese) tea house.

October 1, 1954, San Diego Union, A-10:3-4. San Diego Zoo receives three dingo dogs (illus.).

October 3, 1954, San Diego Union, A-19:1-3. Federal Building – proposal to convert Federal Building into a community theater is to be discussed at a meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Committee at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Chamber of Commerce board room (drawing)..

October 3, 1954, San Diego Union, A-27:7-8. San Diego Zoo – Zoo to honor founder today.

October 5, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:3-7. “An American Dedication” music program Sunday at Balboa Park Bowl.

October 5, 1954, San Diego Union, B-4:5. Electric Building – Second Parakeet Show slated for October 23-24.

October 7, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:1-3. Special buses will operate for “An American Dedication” at Balboa Park Bowl.

October 7, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:5-7. Park and ride system between Balboa Park and the central business district to get trail for 90 days.

October 8, 1954, San Diego Union, B-1:6. Hearing slated October 25 on auditorium, arena proposals.

October 9, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:5-7. “An American Dedication” fete to be tomorrow in Balboa Park Bowl.

October 10, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:1-8. “An American Dedication” program is set; big crowd expected to view extravaganza (illus.).

October 11, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:1-8. Three thousand five hundred see “An American Dedication”; music, speeches pay tribute to 15,000 United Success Drive volunteers, by John Springer (illus.).

October 12, 1954, San Diego Union, A-9:1-2. San Diego Zoo – kiwi bird coming.

October 13, 1954, San Diego Union, B-1:3. Park ceremony November 11 for 400 new citizens.

October 13, 1954, San Diego Union, B-2:7. R. W. Reed writes build auditorium on Zoo parking lot.

October 14, 1954, San Diego Union, B-6:5. Folk Dance Fiesta sponsored by Park and Recreation Department may draw 5,000.

October 15, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:8. Mrs. Christine Robertson, 41, secretary, plunges to death from Cabrillo Bridge.

October 16, 1954, San Diego Union, A-12:5-7. Conference Building – Fiesta de la Cuadrilla Friday.

October 17, 1954, San Diego Union, A-23:4-5, A-36:1. Park ‘n ride bus plan in service tomorrow..

October 17, 1954, San Diego Union, A-23:7-8. House of Pacific Relations – ninth anniversary of signing of United Nations’ charter party today.

October 17, 1954, San Diego Union, A-25:1. San Diego Zoo seeking manicurist for buffalo, by Joe Springer.

October 18, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:1-8. United Nations’ Week ceremony at Organ Pavilion yesterday.

October 18, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:3. Electric Building – The second annual county-wide Parakeet Show will be held Saturday and Sunday in the Electric Building in Balboa Park, it was announced yesterday.

October 18, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:7-8. Ceremony at Organ Pavilion opens United Nations week (illus.).

October 18, 1954, San Diego Union, B-2:8. J. L. Chambers writes put Convention Hall and Theater on Park Boulevard in Balboa Park.

October 21, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:3. Craig Noel putting final touches on “The Plays the Thing” for Old Globe.

October 21, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:3. Federal Building – Chamber of Commerce favors Federal Building for Community Theater.

October 21, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:6. Balboa Park Club – two dance classes formed in park . . . square dance class in Balboa Park Club; beginners’ round dance class in Conference Building.

October 24, 1954, San Diego Union, E-1:1-8, E-8:1-3. Old Globe Theater will stage six top plays, by Bruno Ussher.

October 25, 1954, San Diego Union. The City Planning Commission’s public hearing on a downtown convention hall and parking area, a Balboa Park theater and a Mission Bay sports arena begins at 2 p.m. today in the Civic Center.

October 25, 1954, San Diego Union. A-13:2-3. The ninth birthday of the United Nations was observed here yesterday with an open house in headquarters of the San Diego Chapter, American Association for the United Nations, at the House of Hospitality, Balboa Park. There was also a drama in the Puppet Theater.

October 26, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:2-3, A-14:4-5. The City Planning Commission yesterday asked Glenn Rick, planning director, to report on three proposals for convention halls and theaters.

October 28, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:4-5. Royal A. Brown, civic organist, dies.

Royal A. Brown, 64, San Diego’s civic organist since 1932, died yesterday afternoon at his home, 3771 Pershing Drive. He played his last concert on the Spreckels Organ, Sunday afternoon.

He had bee under a physician’s care recently for a heart ailment but the condition had not been considered serious. He returned to his work a month ago, having been on vacation.

Brown came to San Diego more than 40 years ago. He has spent his boyhood in El Paso. Here he played piano with the Hotel del Coronado orchestra and an organ in Rudder’s Grill, a downtown dining room that was popular during World War I.

When the Spreckels organ made its concert debut on New Year’s Eve, 1914, Brown decided that the organ was to be his favorite medium of musical expression.

He studied the techniques of Dr. Humphrey John Stewart, the first official organist, and with Marcel Dupre in Paris in 1927.

In 1932, when Dr. Stewart died, Brown, then his assistant, took over.

Brown’s park concerts were abandoned during World War II, when the Navy took over the park but were resumed in 1947 and have continued since. Except for a variation in schedule during the summer months, he played regularly each Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

October 29, 1954, San Diego Union, A-16:4-6. Services for Royal A. Brown today.

October 30, 1954, San Diego Union, A-7:1-2. Electric Building – Church design and building conference, November 5 – 7.

November 1, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:2. House of Pacific Relations will present its annual fiesta Wednesday evening in House of Hospitality.

November 1, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:8. San Diego Zoo – Zoo will open at 9 a.m. and close at 4:30 pm. daily starting today.

November 2, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:4-5. San Diego Zoo – Park Commission approved allocating two acres of property south of Zoo for a new children’s zoo (illus.)

The city Park Commission yesterday approved the allocation of two acres of park property south of the San Diego Zoo for a new children’s zoo.

Its action was unanimous and will be referred to the City Council for final action.

Milton G. Wegeforth, Zoological Society president, said the children’s zoo would be developed to provide child-to-animal contacts, such as have been accomplished successfully at other zoos.

“It is the present thinking to have a well-landscaped site in which children will be able to pet farm animals, such as calves, pigs, lambs, kittens and many of the deer and llama family,” Wegeforth said.

He said financial support would be sought from community organizations and individuals. For those who wish to help build the new institution a blueprint of the various features and their cost soon will be available, he added.

November 3, 1954, San Diego Union, B-2:7. Pete Keller wants underground parking facilities north of Date Street in Balboa Park to relieve parking problem in downtown San Diego.

November 5, 1954, San Diego Union, A-30:1. The late Royal A. Brown, city organist in Balboa Park for more than 20 years will be honored at 2:30 p.m. Sunday by Paul D. Perry, carrillonneur, playing a special memorial program on the Ona May Lowe chimes in Balboa Park; Charles Shatto, who has been designed by the Park Department to take Brown’s place pending the selection of a permanent successor, will give Saturday and Sunday recitals on the park organ.

November 7, 1954, San Diego Union, A-23:1-8. Education Week set.

November 7, 1954, San Diego Union, A-24:1-2. Electric Building – winners will be selected today in the third annual championship all-breed cat show sponsored by the Silvergate Cat Club, which opened yesterday.

November 7, 1954, San Diego Union, E-3:3-8. Asiatic arts avidly collected in San Diego, by George M. Sorenson (photo of Kuan Yin on display in the Fine Arts Gallery).

November 7, 1954, San Diego Union, E-3:4-7. William S. Munson will discuss the California Watercolor Society’s 34th National Exhibition this afternoon in the Fine Arts Gallery.

November 8, 1974, San Diego Union, A-13:4-5. More than 1,000 persons visited the Silvergate Cat Club’s third annual all-breed championship cat show in the Electric Building yesterday.

November 12, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:8, A-26:5-7. Five hundred new citizens greeted in Balboa Park Bowl yesterday as “Fellowship Americans” when San Diego held its first Veterans Day mass citizenship service (illus.).

November 15, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:6-7. Palisades Building – Large audiences attended the fourth annual Festival of Original One-Act Plays presented by the Park and Recreation Department and the Little Theater League of San Diego Friday and Saturday nights in the Puppet Theater.

November 19, 1954, San Diego Union, A-6:4-5. San Diego Zoo – City Council allocated two acres of Balboa Park land for children’s zoo yesterday.

November 19, 1954, San Diego Union, A-17:2-3. Philip A. Gildred, former City Planning Commission chairman, said the city has an opportunity to acquire a part of Fort Rosecrans as a park.

November 21, 1954, San Diego Union, A-16:1-3. Electric Building – Home Appliance Show opens November 26.

November 24, 1954, San Diego Union, A-17:4. Construction of the 1,000-bed addition to the Naval Hospital in Balboa Park was at a standstill yesterday as the result of a dispute between Laborers Union Local 89 and the Northwestern-Structure Concrete Corp., a subcontractor.

November 25, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:7-8. Electric Show opens tomorrow; record attendance seen for 6-day event; Christmas tree lighting will be feature; “then and now” appliances to be shown (map).

November 26, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:1-3. Electric Building – Appliance Show and Yule Season open simultaneously tonight.

November 27, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:1. Park crowd sees prelude to Yuletide . . . Santa Claus climbed out of a giant fireplace before the Natural History Museum (illus.).

November 27, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:2-3. Christmas lights will be turned on December 12 in Balboa Park; an innovation this year will be a team of reindeer pulling Santa Claus in a sled at the pavilion parking area..

November 27, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:3-5. The first San Diego Auto show in 20 years is scheduled for February 2-6 inclusive in the Electric Building at Balboa Park, the sponsoring Car Dealers Association of San Diego County announced yesterday.

November 27, 1954, San Diego Union, A-11:5-6. Twenty-five thousand at opening of Electric Show.

November 28, 1954, San Diego Union, A-20:1-6. Many back proposal for Fort Rosecrans parks; Adm. Frederick C. Sherman sees success for plan (illus.)

November 29, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:3. Memorial concert at Organ Pavilion for the late Royal A. Brown yesterday, where Brown has presided as Civic Organist for over 22 years..

December 1, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:4. Admiral Frederick C. Sherman, U. S. N., ret., yesterday expressed surprise at opposition by the 11th Naval District to plans for creating a public park at the Ford Rosecrans military reservation.

December 1, 1954, San Diego Union, B-1:3. Today will be the last opportunity for San Diegans to visit the annual Electric and Home Appliance Show in Balboa Park; Christmas Tree Lane will continue to glow through the holiday season.

December 2, 1954, San Diego Union, A-17:5-6. San Diego Zoo – Mrs. Belle J. Benchley, grand marshal of 18th annual North Park Toyland Parade.

December 4, 1954, San Diego Union, B-12:6-7. P. W. Murphy writes “about the only thing we get for our taxes in Balboa Park,” but parking is “a nice brisk walk a mile away from all the main buildings in the park.”

December 6, 1945, San Diego Union, A-17:8. 350,000 saw Toyland Parade yesterday.

December 8, 1954, San Diego Union, A-10:4. Fifty-foot Christmas tree will be put near Organ Pavilion today in preparation for illumination of the Community Christmas Center at 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

December 9, 1954, San Diego Union, A-21:1-3. San Diego Zoo – The first live Kiwi bird ever sent to the United States and the second ever to leave New Zealand arrived yesterday (illus.).

December 13, 1954, San Diego Union, A-13:5-8. Christmas Center opens at Organ Pavilion with twilight ceremony; crowds see Balboa Park area lighted (illus.).

December 17, 1954, San Diego Union, A-15:1-2. Christmas ballet scheduled Sunday at Organ Pavilion; Junior Civic Ballet cast and 125 others to perform in park recreation event.

December 19, 1954, San Diego Union, A-12:1-3. Museum of Man – primitive music instruments seen and heard at museum (illus.)

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