Balboa Park History 1956

January 4, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:7. City Council studies plan for a 4-cent culture tax; city attorney is asked to draft amendment.

January 4, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:8. City Council yesterday unanimously voted to contribute $50,000 to Fiesta del Pacifico to help underwrite a month-long pageant in San Diego this summer.

January 4, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:8. City Council will go on tour of inspection of park buildings January 26.

January 5, 1956. Resolution 130599. City Council turned down request to use Federal Building for roller coaster derby.

January 6, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:5. Nineteen theater groups back Fiesta del Pacifico plan; members will aid in presentation of “California Story.”

January 6, 1956, San Diego Union, A-20:2. City Council for second time denied a request to lease the Federal Building in Balboa Park for a roller derby.

January 9, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:4. San Diego Zoo – Proboscis monkey from Borneo arrived yesterday; first ever to be exhibited in Western Hemisphere (illus.).

January 12, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:4. Chamber of Commerce outlined objectives, including the saving or replacing of Balboa Park buildings with architecturally compatible structures.

January 21, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:4-5. Animal trainer Lion Smith assumed duties at San Diego Zoo (illus.).

January 22, 1956, San Diego Union, A-33:1-2. Chamber of Commerce polled community leaders for reaction to fate of Exposition buildings.

Chamber of Commerce researchers asked a selected list of community leaders last week what should be done with the old exposition buildings along Laurel Street in Balboa Park. The chamber’s research bureau reported there were nearly as many different answers as there were persons questioned.

Some of those who responded were in favor of razing the buildings to create parking areas or lawns. Others wanted them restored and put to civic uses. Still others thought the facades of the buildings should be kept at all costs. The facade suggestion was rejected by those who felt it beneath the dignity of San Diego.

One of the leaders suggested that due to San Diego’s place in aviation industry, one building should be used as an aviation museum and that others could be used for an international exposition to further the United States’ link with Mexico.

“The Botanical Building should be repaired and reopened,” another answer said. “All other temporary structures should be kept usable if possible, and when not usable, should be retained even though closed to the public until they can be replaced under an orderly master plan.

“Under a proper plan, properly financed as a long-term effort, San Diego can acquire a permanent cultural center superior to that of any other city on the Pacific Coast.”

One writer thought that the building used as a temporary library should be razed to provide room for more parking and that the buildings flanking the Fine Arts Gallery should be torn down to permit the Gallery to add wings.

Another thought that the buildings might be used for a civic auditorium and convention halls rather than building an auditorium downtown. Use of the buildings for adult or other classes was suggested.

Few of the writers took up the question of the design of new buildings, but one said that the new buildings should retain the same style of architecture but be set back from the street.

January 22, 1956, San Diego Union, A-33:5. Square dance classes to be held at Conference Building and Food and Beverage Building.

January 24, 1956, San Diego Union, A-21:1-2. Downtown Association approved connection of Switzer Canyon from 18th Street and Pershing Drive to a connection with the Wabash Freeway.

January 27, 1956, San Diego Union, A-18:1-3. Councilmen and Chamber of Commerce visited the Spanish Village, American Legion Building, Botanical Gardens, Food and Beverage Building, Electric and Exhibit Buildings and the Ford Building yesterday (illus.).

The tour also included the site of the proposed children’s zoo. It took two hours.

January 28, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:3-4. The Junior theater next month will open its sixth season of plays at the Roosevelt Junior High School auditorium; drive to sell 9,600 tickets begins today.

January 30, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:2. A citizens committee to study Balboa Park development will hold its first meeting at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Civic Center.

January 30, 1956, San Diego Union, C-2:1-2. EDITORIAL: Balboa Park Needs Must Be Met.

San Diegans have good reasons to hope that a better Balboa Park will come out of the {Balboa Park Study) committee’s deliberations. If the planning meets the challenges of the future and at the same time keeps a bond with the past, the committee will have done its work well.

February 1, 1956, San Diego Union, A-7:1-2. William Wheeler, retired architect, succumbs at 83.

February 1, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:6-7. Four San Diego Museums yesterday withdrew their request for a museum maintenance tax proposition to be placed on the city ballot in the June 5 election.

H K Raymenton, chairman of a public relations committee seeking 4 cents per $100 assessed valuation tax to maintain the museums, said the movement was dropped because it was feared that the museum proposal would jeopardize other proposed charter amendments calling for expenditures.

He said that Mayor Dail was informed of the decision to withdraw the request yesterday. Raymenton said the decision was made at a meeting of representatives of the various museums Monday. The museums which had sought the tax are the Fine Arts Gallery, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Man and the Serra Museum.

Raymenton said the withdrawal did not mean that the museum groups would not ask for a similar levy at another time.

February 5, 1956, San Diego Union, A-25:1-2. Museum of Man – Panama Indian exhibit in Jungle Room opens today, by Bryant Evans (illus.).

February 10, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:1-2. EDITORIAL: Park Buildings Should Be Saved.

Balboa Park’s famed buildings should be preserved.

The city is considering demolition of a few of the park landmarks now, perhaps more later. If the plan is carried out without replacing the structures it will result in defacing the park. The buildings are as much a part of the attractive surroundings as are the trees, grass, fountains, statues and the zoo.

On at least three other occasions in the last 41 years similar action has been considered and rejected. A sound policy which still applies was enunciated in 1947 by G. Aubrey Davidson, pioneer civic worker, who said:

“The buildings should not be wrecked until other buildings of like architecture and permanent material are ready to take their places.”

It would be a mistake, for example, to substitute a blacktop parking lot for a building famed for its beautiful Spanish architecture.

Such a plan is contemplated in the proposal to destroy the Medical Arts Building and the American Legion Building which flank the Fine Arts Gallery. Both structures presently are condemned for public use and have been allowed to deteriorate to a sad degree.

The Fine Arts Gallery later will be enlarged, to include two wings, and it then will be necessary to remove these buildings. But they then will be replaced by structures equally decorative or perhaps more beautiful. And meanwhile the park will not suffer.

Additional parking facilities are needed in Balboa Park. But even on a temporary basis it would be better to located them in less developed park areas.

Balboa Park’s buildings have attracted distinguished visitors from all parts of the world. Many of the structures were built for the 1915 exposition and renovated for the 1935 fair. Other buildings were added at that time. During World War II the buildings served first as an adjunct to the Naval Training Center and later as an important part of the Naval Hospital.

The last major rehabilitation work in the park was after the war when $1,100,000 was allocated, most of which was contributed by the Navy.

Money presently is budgeted for restoration of the lath house of the Botanical Building. This is commendable, but it represents only part of the work which should be done.

Balboa Park is too important to be allowed to deteriorate further.

February 12, 1956, San Diego Union, A-33:1-3. Winners announced in 9th annual Camellia Show which opened in Electric Building.

February 13, 1956, San Diego Union, A-9:1-2. “The Moon is Blue” next at Old Globe.

February 13, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:1-2. San Diego Zoo – rare crested ape arrived.

February 19, 1956, San Diego Union, A-23:4-5. Science Fair will be held in Conference Building April 6-10.

February 20, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:8. A. O. Innis asks why more land for recreation?

February 22, 1956, San Diego Union, A-14:5-6. “The Moon is Blue,” excellent comedy, by Constance Herreshoff.

February 23, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:7. Mrs. Dorothy Holbrock stresses the importance of recreation in combating juvenile delinquency.

February 26, 1956, San Diego Union, E-1:4-8, B-8:1-5. Faye Emerson, actress, tells of Old Globe between 1937-40.

March 7, 1956, San Diego Union, A-18:1-2. “Family Night” show sparkles at Old Globe; put on as a bonus for members of the San Diego Community Theater, by Constance Herreshoff.

March 9, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:1-2. Museum of Man – City Council yesterday approved plans for paving parking lot in back of Museum.

March 9, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:3. Second annual Spring Flower and Fashion Show in Electric Building.

March 9, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:6-5. Conference Building – Science Fair, April 6-10; displays selected from North Shore area High and Junior High Schools.

March 23, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:4-5. Electric Building – Home Show opens tomorrow.

March 26, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:6-7. Twelve thousand visit 8th Home Show..

March 27, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:7. Helena Russell opposes granting liquor license to proposed restaurant in Spanish Village.

March 30, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:4-5. Old Globe to offer “Mr. Pennypacker.”

March 30, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:3. Bonham Brothers Boys’ Band at 26th Easter concert Sunday afternoon in Balboa Park Bowl.

April 1, 1956, San Diego Union, F-9:1-3. Home Show closes tonight.

April 2, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:1-2. Rain fails to douse Bonham Brothers Band performance, by Constance Herreshoff.

April 3, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:5-7. Conference Building – Rose Show to open April 21.

April 4, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:2. Fiesta del Pacifico costumes previewed at luncheon at U. S. Grant Hotel yesterday (illus.).

April 4, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:3-4. City will discuss park liquor sales with Convention and Tourist Bureau and other groups; San Diego reported losing conventions because drinks are banned in Balboa Park.

April 4, 1956, San Diego Union, A-12:1-2. “Mr. Pennypacker” at Old Globe inspires laughter, by Constance Herreshoff.

April 5, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:7-8. City Council determined to keep Balboa Park dry; conference canceled.

April 5, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:8. Conference Building – students set up exhibits today at Science Fair.

April 6, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:3. Science Fair opens tonight.

April 7, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:8. Science Fair winners named.

April 8, 1956, San Diego Union, A-27:1-4, A-28:5-6. Naval Hospital wing work to be finished in May, 1957.

April 8, 1956, San Diego Union, E-1:1-3, “California Story” using all stagecraft arts, by Edwin Martin.

April 9, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:3. Pupils given their day at Science Fair, by Lester Bell.

April 9, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:4-5. Folk Dance Festival ended its 2-day session in Balboa Park yesterday; Highlanders are highlight (illus.).

April 10, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13;8. Science Fair to close its exhibits today.

April 11, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:3-4. Science Fair draws 35,000 in four days.

April 12, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:1-2. “California Story” ticket sale begins.

April 12, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:7. E. L. Bartlett writes park would suffer from new freeway.

I do not believe the people fully realize what the proposed new freeway will do to Balboa Park. I think it should be give more publicity and study.

According to the drawing by Wallace Hamilton that appeared in The Union March 18, the new freeway will destroy all of the park between Cedar and Date, east of 6th, by a deep cut. It would destroy most of the big trees and the lawn up to the horseshoe court.

It would cut off the roads north of 10th street and the road to the Ford Bowl and the Federal Building; it would go through where the riding stables are, an cut out all of those trees on the east side of Park Boulevard, part of the practice field, and that paved road that goes by the Children’s Home. It would go over Cabrillo freeway and under Park Boulevard.

It is not necessary. Hundreds of homes would be destroyed through Middletown at great cost and little benefit. It is a scheme to use up surplus highway funds in a wild spending spree.

It would serve the public better to improve the present Pacific Highway by building a causeway over such streets as Spruce, Palm, Laurel and others and then swing over next to the Santa Fe and bridge Elm, Cedar, Ash, Broadway and Market, east of the police station, likewise, 5th, 8th and 10th Avenues.

I hope the people will wake up to this useless and wild spending by the Highway Department.

April 13, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:1-2. Theater in Mission Bay Park idea re-examined.

April 16, 1956, San Diego Union, A-4:6-8. Museum of Man – prehistoric Indian relics given to Museum, by Carroll Scott.

April 17, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:6-7. Electric Building – Appliance Show to open April 24.

April 19, 1956, San Diego Union, A-22:4-5. Eleventh annual one-act play tournament to open tomorrow in Puppet Theater; sponsored by Little Theater League of San Diego County.

April 20, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:7. Carroll D. Scott writes evidence rules out live oaks near coast.

April 22, 1956, San Diego Union, A-23:6-8. San Diego Zoo manages to earn most of its expenses . . . a million dollars a year (graph).

Tourists from larger cities than San Diego often visit the San Diego Zoo and start wondering. They know that their home cities have zoos that are only a fraction as complete as the one here.

“How come?” they ask. “How can San Diego afford a zoo like this? Who pays for it?”

Nine times in ten they will be told by a San Diegan that the zoo is maintained out of tax money.

And this answer is about one-tenth true.

What is true is that San Diego taxpayers for zoo upkeep, pay 2 cents annually on every $100 worth of the assessed valuation of their property. It also is true that the city contributes $20,000 toward the zoo’s water bill and the County contributes another $5,000. But when it is all added together, the taxpayer’s contribution amounts to only $132,000.

Dr. Charles Schroeder, director of the zoo, said in an interview that the taxpayer’s help just about covers the annual depreciation of the zoo’s improvements and, in addition, pays for improvements.

He said the expense of running the zoo amounts to $1,027,000 a year, exclusive of the cost of improvements or fixed charges.

Actually, he said, this cost is met by funds that come from sources other than taxation.

“Approximately 32.5 percent of our income comes from gate receipts and 50 percent comes from the business we do on the grounds — cafeteria, film and book sales, bus trips and son on,” Schroeder said.

“The members of the San Diego Zoological Society — the organization that operates the zoo — pay $6,800, and our sale of animals nets us approximately $5,500. The rest comes from endowments and incidental items.”

Thus Schroeder said the admiring visitors who go through the Zoo pay a lion’s share of the expense without complaining.

“We have had 1,400,000 visitors in the last year,” Schroeder said. “Of course, many of them were under 16 and, under the laws of our zoo, they did not have to pay.”

The operation of the zoo follows a plan that probably never has been described in books on government. The zoo property is owned by the City of San Diego and is operated by the zoological society.

“I was talking to a stranger during lunch the other day,” Schroeder said, “and he told me about the zoo. He said it was run by the society ‘as a concession with no profit.’ I had never thought of it that way, but it about sums it up.

“He thought the whole operation was pretty remarkable. I agreed with him.”

From a business viewpoint, the zoo is an enterprise that

(Continued on page a-28, Col. 1)

April 22, 1956, San Diego Union, A-31:1-3. Cabrillo Freeway completion to be delayed two months.

April 23, 1956, San Diego Union, A-9:5-6. One-act play tournament’s winners named, by Constance Herreshoff.

April 24, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:7-8, A-14:1-2. Fair of Home Ideas will open tonight in Electric Building.

April 25, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:4. Fifteen thousand attend opening of Home Show.

April 26, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:4. Electric Building – Home Show.

April 26, 1956, San Diego Union, A-19:8. Forty thousand see Home Show in Electric Building..

April 27, 1956, San Diego Union, A-20:1-2. Museum of Man to exhibit Mayan civilization.

April 28, 1956, San Diego Union, B-12:2. EDITORIAL: Preserving Balboa Park.

As long ago as April, 1947, one of the world’s most able park authorities, Frederick Law Olmstead [sic], Jr. warned that further developments in Balboa Park “must be carefully and consistently planned.”

This week the directors of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce revived public interest in this subject when they urged that the City Council appoint a committee of citizens to re-examine Balboa Park and made recommendations for its development and the preservation of its heritage.

Nine years to the month after Olmstead issued his warning, the Chamber of Commerce has found that plans for the park are “both obsolete and inadequate.”

Balboa Park is too rich a San Diego asset to be the victim of haphazard planning.

April 29, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:1-3. Museum of Man – Indian cradleboards shown at museum

May 11, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:5-6. Exhibit in Conference Building opening tomorrow to display work of students.

May 11, 1956, San Diego Union, B-18:1-3. Observance of Mother’s Day Sunday will include three public events in Balboa Park.

May 13, 1956, San Diego Union, A-33:7-8, A-42:1-3. San Diego Zoo – three young gorillas have never learned to talk, by Bryant Evans.

May 14, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:3. Scout Fair in Balboa Park, June 1 and 2.

May 19, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:5-6. A rare horned screamer chick hatched at San Diego Zoo (illus.).

May 21, 1956, San Diego Union, A-5:1-3. Community Services Inventory Report says more neighborhood park and recreation areas, facilities and leaders are needed.

May 21, 1956, San Diego Union, B-3:3-4. “Caught in the Act” opens at Old Globe tomorrow.

May 22, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:1-3. Bank will replace old Sefton house at 6th and Laurel Streets (illus.).

May 23, 1956, San Diego Union, A-10:4-7. “Caught in the Act” revue wins praise, by Constance Herreshoff.

May 25, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:4-5. Superior Judge Clarence Harden yesterday ruled that Stadium Racing Association must surrender full use of Balboa Stadium to the city for a track meet and Fiesta del Pacifico events this summer.

May 30, 1956, San Diego Union, B-5. Private dancing teachers yesterday asked the City Council to stop competing with them by offering free lessons at city playgrounds, by Peter Kaye.

May 30, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:4. Colonel Arthur F. Fischer, retiring director of Natural History Museum, feted at banquet.

June 1, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:4. San Diego Branch of American Association of University Women and San Diego Fishermen’s Association have announced their support of Proposition A, a bond issue for construction of a civic auditorium, it was announced yesterday.

June 3, 1956, San Diego Union, A-23:1. Three Major Propositions.

Proposition A: Downtown convention hall

Proposition B: Mission Bay

Proposition C: Sewer system

Proposition L: Authorizes sale of 19.2 acres of Collier Park in Point Loma for a Junior High

School

June 5, 1956. ELECTION: Mission Bay bonds.

Yes 81,144

No 34,298

June 5, 1956, ELECTION: Construction of convention civic center.

Yes 71,088

No 46,206

June 6, 1956, San Diego Union, A-1:2. Auditorium lags, sewer, bay leading.

June 7, 1956, San Diego Union, A-1:8, A-3:5. Voters approve charter amendments for revenue-bond financing for new sewer system; Torrey Pines will be transferred to the state; sale of 19.2 acres of Collier Park to the Board of Education approved.

June 8, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:4-5. The County Grand Jury yesterday issued an interim report that city officials should seriously consider future use of Belmont Park in Mission Beach as a city park

June 9, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:8. City urged by San Diego Convention and Tourist Bureau to buy site for civic hall.

June 10, 1956, San Diego Union, A-7:1-3. Frank Lloyd Wright still working diligently at 87.

June 11, 1956, San Diego Union, A-8:3. Thirtieth Flag Day observance by San Diego County Masonic Officers Association yesterday on Marston Point in Balboa Park.

June 12, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2. Claudia P. McClelland says city auditorium should be in Balboa Park.

June 21, 1956, San Diego Union, A-21:5-6. National Square Dance Convention events scheduled in Conference, Federal Buildings, Recital Hall and Balboa Park Club.

June 26, 1956, San Diego Union, A-4:3. City Attorney Du Paul yesterday made public a legal opinion that Mission Bay Park could be used as a municipal airport site without two-thirds approval of city voters.

June 26, 1956, San Diego Union, A-7:4-5. City Council yesterday indicated it may charge $1.00 a semester to children who receive instruction such as tap and ballet dancing from Park and Recreation Department; dance program costs city about $21,000 yearly.

June 27, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:5. City Council votes to continue dance set up; City Manager instructed to study fees for tap, ballet classes.

June 27, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2. EDITORIAL: Terpsichore’s Charms.

(The Council) proposes to solve the problem by charging the kids $1 a semester.

Thus the city offers to give up providing free lessons but, on the other hand, solemnly considers going into the dancing business of revenue.

June 28, 1956, San Diego Union, A-27:3-5. Starlight Opera opening expected to attract 4300 tonight.

June 29, 1956, San Diego Union, A-19:5-7. “King and I” opens at Star-Light Opera before 4000.

June 30, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:8. Outdoor dedication ceremonies for Fiesta del Pacifico at Organ Pavilion July 18.

July 2, 1956, San Diego Union, A-5:4-6. “The King and I” will reopen on Thursday, close on Sunday.

July 3, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:1-2. G. Aubrey Davidson lauded; gets Navy medal; work on behalf of enlisted men noted (illus.).

July 8, 1956, San Diego Union, A-21:1-2. San Diego Zoo – Dr. Werner Heuschele, new veterinarian (illus.).

July 8, 1956, San Diego Union, A-41:5-7. Latest poll favors new vote on Civic Auditorium proposal.

July 8, 1956, San Diego Union, E-1:6-7. Summer Symphony program.

July 9, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:6. San Diego Zoo – Tasmanian devil grotto dedicated as memorial to Paul W. White, a pioneer radio and television news editor..

July 10, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:3-4. First Fiesta del Pacifico event tomorrow evening in Spanish Village.

July 11, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:3-5. Spanish market place, art center opens tonight.

July 11, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:7. Walter J. Pattee, Jr., flabbergasted at the lack of proper business management, offers suggestions to Starlight Opera.

July 12, 1956, San Diego Union, A-12:4-7. “Robin Hood” opens tonight at Star-Light Opera.

July 13, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:1. John Nesbitt will narrate Fiesta story.

July 13, 1956, San Diego Union, A-24:1-3. “Robin Hood” delights young.

July 13, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:6-8. San Diego Zoo’s first African safari to seek our rare animals.

The first African safari ever conducted under auspices of the San Diego Zoo will get under way early next month from Nairobi, Kenya. Two local big game hunters and a zoo official plan a three-month 12,000-mile trek.

The expedition will be made by Glenn Pearson, a San Diego businessman, who is sponsoring the safari; his wife, Dorothy, and Dr. George Pournelle, the zoo’s curator of mammals. Pearson will leave here today, Pournelle tomorrow.

July 15, 1956, San Diego Union, A-1:1-3, B:1-2. Mission-dollar Fiesta opens Wednesday.

July 15, 1956, San Diego Union, E-6:3-6. San Diego Symphony begins in Balboa Park Bowl, by Constance Herreshoff.

July 16, 1956, San Diego Union, B-3:1-2. Summer offers fine entertainment, by Edwin Martin.

July 16, 1956, San Diego Union, B-3:1-2. Thirty-one day Fiesta del Pacifico opens tomorrow.

July 17, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:4-5. San Diego Symphony to open 8th season tonight.

July 18, 1956, San Diego Union, A-1:6, A-2:4. Fiesta del Pacifico opens.

July 18, 1956, San Diego Union, A-12:3. Paul B. Rayburn names chairman of San Diego Parks and Recreation Commission.

July 18, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:3. Four thousand turn out of San Diego Symphony.

July 18, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:1-2. San Diego Symphony given merited applause, by Constance Herreshoff.

July 18, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:1-2. EDITORIAL: Fiesta Brings General Delight.

July 18, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:7-8. R. M. Clark says Starlight Opera needs no help from Hollywood nor from vendors of popcorn.

July 18, 1956, San Diego Union, X-2:1-2, X-3:1-2. Fiesta time.

July 18, 1956, San Diego Union, X-6:1-5. On Stage.

July 18, 1956, San Diego Union, X-10:1-5, X-12:1-5, X-14:1-3. “The California Story.”

July 18, 1956, San Diego Union, X-26:1-4. Balboa Park . . . Oasis amid a city . . . Is unmatched in beauty and attractions.

July 19, 1956, San Diego Union, A-1:6-8, A-2:7-8. Seventy thousand watch Fiesta del Pacifico parade.

July 19, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:1-2. Shakespeare fete opens tomorrow with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” followed by “Richard II” and “Volpone” in rotation, by Edwin Martin.

July 19, 1956, San Diego Union, A-21:6-8. City Manager Campbell asks City Council for $98 million for city improvements; submits six-year program, by Peter Kaye.

July 19, 1956, San Diego Union, A-21:7-8. City action debated on auditorium site; should Council acquire downtown property?

July 20, 1956, San Diego Union, A-10:1-2. Shakespeare fete will open tonight.

July 20, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:4. Children delight in “Robin Hood” production here.

July 20, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:1-3. Balboa Park Master Plan will be developed this year after engineering and planning studies; future of Balboa Park buildings was not determined in a six-year capital improvement program made public Wednesday by City Manager Campbell..

July 21, 1956, San Diego Union, A-9:1-2. Old Globe offers “Richard II” tonight; directed by Philip Hansen, by Edwin Martin.

July 21, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:1. Charles Shatto, civic organist, will present a free public concert at 2:30 p.m. Today at Spreckels Organ Pavilion instead of Monday night.

July 21, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11;2-3. Thousands dance in downtown street; Les Brown orchestra leads frolickers in Fiesta del Pacifico event.

July 21, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:4. Peter Bucknell’s Production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” adds unique touch to Bard’s play, by Constance Herreshoff.

It was startling to hear Shakespeare’s familiar lines spoken by actors posturing in the ancient dance style of Japan.

July 22, 1956, San Diego Union, A-21:1-8, A-22:1-8. Throngs drawn by Fiesta del Pacifico events.

July 22, 1956, San Diego Union, E-1:3-8. Strauss’ spice; two new sopranos — Ann Rosser and Kathy Proffitt — debut in “Rosalinda.”

July 22, 1956, San Diego Union, E-1:6-8. “Volpone” premieres tonight at Old Globe with Victor Buono, St. Augustine High School graduate, in the title role.

July 22, 1956, San Diego Union, E-2:3-8. George Marston, pioneer, executive, father, by Clarence A McGrew.

July 23, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:1-2. Dress rehearsals begin for “California Story.”

July 23 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:1-2. “Richard II” cast performs skillfully; Knox Fowler in the title role, by Constance Herreshoff.

Shakespeare’s lines were spoken too rapidly by the majority of the actors.

July 23, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:5-6. Shakespeare rotation — It’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” 2nd turn tonight.

July 24, 1956, San Diego Union, A-6:5. Symphony to present Bach’s Concerto for Three Pianos in C Major tonight in Balboa Park Bowl

July 24, 1956, San Diego Union, A-6:6-7. Director, cast score “Volpone” triumph.

July 24, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:2-3. Youngsters whirl to Fiesta del Pacifico tunes; 500 dance in Children’s Crusade.

July 24, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:5. City Council okays 5 million in city projects; road, park work would be financed by land sales, taxes.

July 25, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:1-3, A-19:1-3. San Diego rushes plans for gala Fiesta weekend.

July 26, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:4-5, Symphony eloquent in second concert, by Constance Herreshoff.

The honors went to Robert Shaw, conductor, and the orchestra for a beautiful interpretation of Schubert’s “Unfinished Symphony.”

July 26, 1956, San Diego Union, A-12:5-7. “Rosalinda” opens run at Starlight Opera tonight.

July 26, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:6-8, A-18:1-2. Final rehearsal set for 1300 in “California Story.”

July 26, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:2. EDITORIAL: Fiesta Spirit Lives Anew.

July 27, 1956, San Diego Union, 12:1-2. Conference planned to study restoration of park buildings.

July 27, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:1-3. Governors share spotlight on Fiesta del Pacifico program tonight.

July 28, 1956, San Diego Union, A-1:1, A-4:4. Six governors sing praises of city, fiesta.

July 29, 1956, San Diego Union, A-1:4-5, A:5-8. Three hundred thousand see parade; “California Story” opens.

July 29, 1956, San Diego Union, C-2:7-8. Robert J. McPherson says sewage plan could create park lakes.

One of San Francisco’s greatest attractions is Golden Gate Park and one of that park’s main attractions is the chain of lakes on which many visitors enjoy boating.

It was only recently that the writer learned that these fresh water lakes are the result of the water reclamation phase of that city’s sewage treatment plant.

July 29, 1956, San Diego Union, E-1:3-5. Symphonic jazz: Dave Brubeck’s “Dialogue” in premiere in Symphony’s third concert at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, by Constance Herreshoff (illus.)

July 29, 1956, San Diego Union, E-1:4-8, E-6:1-8. “California Story,” born of dreams, by Charles Davis.

July 30, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:5-8. Fiesta del Pacifico offers wide choice of entertainment tonight.

July 30, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:6-8, A-20:1-3. “California Story” reenacts history in sparkling style, by Edwin Martin.

July 31, 1956, San Diego Union, A-7:1-2. “California Story” cast applauded, by Edwin Martin.

July 31, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:1. Fiesta del Pacifico puts accent on culture today.

July 31, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:2-3, A-12:4. Fiesta queen title thrills Rosemarie Salmon, by Joe Brooks.

August 1, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11;4. “Rosalinda,” the Strauss musical, will reopen for four more nights tomorrow through Sunday in Balboa Park Bowl.

August 1, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:1-3. Residents, visitors pleased with “The California Story.”

August 2, 1956, San Diego Union, A-19:1-3. “The California Story,” two plays top Fiesta events today.

August 2, 1956, San Diego Union, A-20:4-8. Symphony, Brubeck Quartet win plaudits in Balboa Park Bowl Tuesday night, by Constance Herreshoff..

August 3, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:1-2. Fiesta Horse Show will begin today at Valley Lane Farm in Mission Valley.

August 4, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:1-2. Dahlias to go on display in 16th show today at Recital Hall.

August 4, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:1-3, A-14:1. Balls, rodeo, horse show, racing feature Fiesta today.

August 5, 1956, San Diego Union, A-23;4-5. City Council to discuss restoration of park buildings tomorrow.

August 5, 1956, San Diego Union, A-37:7-8. Symphony concert goers get advice on parking in Balboa Park.

Mrs. Fred G. Goss, president of the San Diego Symphony, urged persons to double up in cars or make use of existing buses to get to Balboa Park.

August 6, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:5-7. Best of Fiesta costumes will be selected today.

August 6, 1956, San Diego Union, A-14:3. Junior Theater to offer “Yellow Jacket” in Recital Hall.

August 6, 1956, San Diego Union, A-14:4-5. “Hit the Deck” by Vincent Youman at Balboa Park Bowl Thursday night; Navy in top role.

August 6, 1956, San Diego Union, B-10:4-6. Prize-winning dahlias seen by 1500 at annual show.

August 7, 1956, San Diego Union, 4:6-7. Council okays five-man committee to study problem of restoring park buildings, park needs.

August 7, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:6-8. Hundreds get Fiesta spirit in dances, costume contest.

August 8, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:1-3. Golden Spike scene added to “The California Story.”

August 8, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:1. City Council confirms two new recreation board members.

August 9, 1956, San Diego Union, A-21:3-4. Fiesta del Pacifico captures visiting Kiwanians.

August 10, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:1. Clairemont Fair highlight of Fiesta.

August 10, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:1-3. EDITORIAL: Balboa Park Has Been Neglected.

For almost ten years the city government has been devoting spasmodic attention to the question of what to do about Balboa Park. This intermittent interest has produced meager results — certainly not the grand design in park planning which the lovely area requires.

The five-man committee, wisely created by the City Council Monday to analyze the problem of restoring and preserving Balboa Park buildings, tackles the question which must be answered first. A citizens committee to be formed by the Council when the fact-finding group has finished its assignment, will shape the long-range program.

This will be no easy task, though not an insurmountable one. There are divergent concepts of what Balboa Park should be. But there is a strong body of local tradition which, if consulted, will give the inquiry helpful direction.

The city government has indicated a desire to augment the findings of the two local committees with those of outside experts who would make technical and engineering studies. Such a proposal does more than run aground on this community’s manifest impatience with excessive dependence on expensive “experts” summoned from across the land.

More than cold engineering study is required in determining whether the park buildings be razed. These structures — some built of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, others for the 1935 California-Pacific International Exposition — long have been regarded as a part of the park’s charm and beauty. Any wholesale leveling of them would bring a public outcry far louder and more passionate than could be anticipated by outsiders.

The Park and Recreation Commission, an advisory body sometimes blithely overruled on important issues by the city government, has long complained of inadequate funds for Balboa Park. Some past members regarded it as an injustice that the handsome operating profit of the Balboa Park golf course, about $70,000 this year, is not plowed directly back into the park itself.

True, the park system as a whole requires massive subsidization by the city. But had the golf course profits been earmarked for building restoration in 1947 when the city began to wonder what to do about the old buildings, they might have been gradually restored and the present crisis averted.

This is not to state that none of the buildings, however aged and flimsy, must ever be demolished. But before proceeding with destruction the city should have plans and money to replace the structures. Parking space shouldn’t be accepted as a “temporary” substitute.

When in 1948 it replaced the temporary stucco arcade with the permanent one that now graces Laurel Street, the city followed a wise and practical policy, It should not have been abandoned.

August 10, 1956, San Diego Union, B-3:4-8. San Diego becomes home port for “Hit the Deck” at Star-Light Opera, by Constance Herreshoff.

August 11, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:1-3, A-12:7-8. Festivals feature Fiesta for weekend.

August 12, 1956, San Diego Union, A-2:1-3. Warren Beach, Fine Arts Gallery director, sees link between art, engineering.

August 12, 1956, San Diego Union, A-25:2-4, A-27:4. “The California Story” to finish two-week Fiesta run tonight.

August 13, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:4-6. “The California Story” ends Fiesta del Pacifico run.

August 14, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:7. Balboa Park development plans discussed; committee of 40 members and six subcommittees proposed to study development of park.

August 15, 1956, San Diego Union, A-8:7-8. “The Solid Gold Cadillac” by George S. Kaufman to open at Old Globe.

August 15, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:1-3, A-12:1. Daz-O-Fun, Harbor fete to climax Fiesta events.

August 15, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:8. A. W. Klieforth writes park entitled to best of care.

August 16, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:3-4. Success of Fiesta hailed; plans ordered for 1957; Dailard recommends 24-day celebration.

August 16, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:1-3. Shakespeare Festival delights all, by Constance Herreshoff.

August 17, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:7-8. Hugh Strong writes Balboa Park needs local, outside help.

August 17, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:8. E. P. Nulton decries recent bullfighting spectacle in Balboa Stadium.

August 18, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:1-2. Harbor Days to open with parade today.

August 19, 1956, San Diego Union, A-31:7-8. Fiesta ends today on nautical tack; throngs turn out for Harbor Days parade, boat show.

August 19, 1956, San Diego Union, A-34:1-2. 30th Street bridge to be torn down (illus.).

August 19, 1956, San Diego Union, C-2:1-2. EDITORIAL: Fiesta Brought General Delight.

August 21, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:1-2. Robert Shaw to direct Symphony, Chorus in presentation of Verdi’s “Requiem” tonight.

August 20, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:5-6. “Kismet” opens run at Balboa Park Bowl Thursday.

August 23, 1956, San Diego Union, A-8:4-6. Verdi’s “Requiem” in Balboa Park Bowl, Robert Shaw conducting, called magnificent, by Constance Herreshoff.

August 23, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:4-5. “Kismet” opens tonight.

August 24, 1956, San Diego Union, A-10:4-8. “Kismet” opens in true tradition of theater, Robert Leib substituted on short notice for his father, Julius Leib, as musical director, by Constance Herreshoff.

August 24, 1956, San Diego Union, A-20:6. Old Globe drive to enlist 5,000 new members will open today and extend through September 13.

August 25, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:1-2. Admirals suggest Fiesta promotion.

August 25, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:1-2. Ground broken for Shuffleboard, Bridge and Roque Club at 640 Redwood St., Balboa Park, yesterday (illus.).

August 27, 1956, San Diego Union, B-4:4. “Kismet” may put series in black despite the heavy losses sustained while “The California Story” was in progress.

August 28, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:7-8. Ferde Grofe to direct Symphony in “Tabloid Suite” tonight (illus.).

August 29, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:8. New auditorium vote approved in petition drive.

August 29, 1956, San Diego Union, A-23:4-5. “Tabloid Suite” hails press, vice versa, by Constance Herreshoff.

August 29, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:8. Bill Garcia asks how did Fiesta del Pacifico benefit taxpayer.

August 31, 1956, San Diego Union, A-19:8. Fiesta officials disclose plans for expansion; City asked for added facilities.

September 2, 1956, San Diego Union, A-9:6-8. Naval Hospital is understaffed, by Lester Bell.

September 2, 1956, San Diego Union, E-1:1-8. Curtain Call: young thespians enrich Old Globe festival — Victor Buono, Susan Becker, Charles Vernon, Robert Baker — by Craig Noel (illus.).

September 4, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:7. Philip R. Hade writes taxpayers helped by Fiesta dollars.

September 4, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:1-2. Forty four are nominated for Atlas awards, by Edwin Martin.

September 5, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:5. City to place Civic Hall issue on ballot again.

September 5, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:3. Proposal to turn Spanish Village over to Fiesta del Pacifico protested.

September 6, 1956, San Diego Union, A-22:1-3. San Diego Zoo – Milton G. Wegeforth says Zoological Society needs $2 million in five years.

September 7, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:8. Fiesta fund request for Balboa Park buildings goes to committee.

September 8, 1956, San Diego Union, B-12:2. EDITORIAL: San Diego Zoo Looks Ahead.

The San Diego Zoo is one of America’s most famed attractions. It is the envy of cities with and without zoos. But the San Diego Zoo can be even better if officials are successful in raising two million dollars for construction and modernization in the next five years.

September 10, 1956, San Diego Union, B-3:5-7. First fall Junior Theater production tryouts continue.

September 11, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:3. “Gold Cadillac” coming September 25 to Old Globe.

September 14, 1956, San Diego Union, A-1:3, A-3:7-8. Harley Knox, civic leader, dies at 57.

September 15, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:1-3. Miss Armour, Sherry win prized Atlas statuettes (illus.).

September 15, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:2-3. State Department pledges Fiesta aid.

September 15, 1956, San Diego Union, B-12:2. EDITORIAL: Globe and Atlas.

September 16, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:2-3. George A. Scott heads drive to obtain approval of City Auditorium.

September 21, 1956, San Diego Union, 11:3. Balboa Park Study Committee will hold first meeting October 1; forty eight members appointed; survey will include restoration and use of buildings, parking, traffic control and other problems.

September 22, 1956, San Diego Union, A-23:6-8. Thousands get free ferry, boat and yacht rides on annual Kiwanis Kids’ Day; variety show in Organ Pavilion..

September 23, 1956, San Diego Union, A-18:2-3. San Diego Zoo – teachers informed of Zoo’s educational program.

September 24, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:1. One thousand pianists play in annual festival here, by Constance Herreshoff.

September 26, 1956, San Diego Union, A-12:4-8. “Gold Cadillac” given dashing performance, by Constance Herreshoff.

September 25, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:1-2. Fall schedule of square and round dance classes announced yesterday by city Park and Recreation Department.

September 28, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:3-4. Junior Theater to open sales drive to sell 9,600 tickets for the 1956-57 season.

September 30, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:2. Balboa Park Committee to study park development meets tomorrow at Civic Center.

September 30, 1956, San Diego Union, C-2:1-2. EDITORIAL: Balboa Park Needs Must Be Met.

San Diegans have good reasons to hope that a better Balboa Park will come out of the committee’s deliberations.

October 2, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:1-2. Dr. Douglas D. McElfresh, North Park optometrist, appointed Chairman of Citizens Study Committee; Arthur F. Butler and S. Robert Frazee, vice chairmen; Building Subcommittee – Samuel W. Hamill; Landscape Subcommittee – Edward A. Heilbron; Recreation Subcommittee – Ivor de Kirby; Cultural and Education Subcommittee – J. Colin Hodge; Commercial Subcommittee – Harold Royce; Traffic Subcommittee – Ray C. Stauffer.

October 7, 1956, San Diego Union, A-19:1-3. Poor luck thus far: Zoo safari continues hunt for rare African animals.

In letters to zoo officials Pournelle said he expects no trouble in obtaining a pair of anubis baboons and bush babies, primitive members of the primate order.

October 7, 1956, San Diego Union, A-24:1-3. San Diego Zoo – two new American bison calves bring the Zoo’s bison herd to a total of five (illus.).

October 7, 1956, San Diego Union, A-27:1. San Diego Fine Arts Gallery collections will circulate among schools.

October 11, 1956, San Diego Union, A-21:2-3. Museum of Natural History to have own seismograph, by Bryant Evans.

October 12, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:8. City asked for $50,000 for expanded Fiesta del Pacifico.

October 16, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:8, A-17:1. Master Plan outlined for park development, hearing set for Thursday.

October 17, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:2-3. San Diego Zoo – new lion cub has healthy appetite (illus.).

October 19, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:3-4. Long-range park program outlined; city officials discuss proposed plan with recreational group representatives (illus.).

October 21, 1956, San Diego Union, A-13:4-8. Frail, rejected animal youngsters prosper in San Diego Zoo nursery (illus.).

Mrs. Reva Alloway said that her most frequent baby species are cats — big ones.

October 23, 1956, San Diego Union, A-1:1-2. GOP shifts Nixon talk October 30 to Balboa Park Bowl.

October 26, 1956, San Diego Union, A-19:7-8. Floral Show opens tomorrow in park (illus.).

October 28, 1956, San Diego Union, A-8:1-2. San Diego Zoo – black Persian lamb on exhibit (illus.).

October 28, 1956, San Diego Union, A-29:1-3. International exhibit plan studied for 1957 Fiesta here.

October 30, 1956, San Diego Union, A-1:1-2. Balboa Park Bowl speech to feature Nixon visit here tonight.

October 31, 1956, San Diego Union, A-1:3-6, A-6:1-2. Nixon challenges Adlai Stevenson on Mideast; 4500 cheer as vice president calls Democratic nominee a “jittery novice,” by Henry Love (illus.).

October 31, 1956, San Diego Union, A-23:1-2. Joseph E. Dryer says lack of civic hall costs city millions.

October 31, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:1-2. $50,000 requested of County Supervisors to aid 1957 Fiesta..

November 4, 1956, San Diego Union, A-35:1-3. House of Pacific Relations will celebrate its 21st anniversary with a Pageant of the Nations Ball in Conference Building Saturday..

November 4, 1956, San Diego Union, C-2:8. Lucien C. Atherton writes auditorium in park out of reach.

From what I understand auditoriums pay their way through convention rentals. But conventions won’t use them unless they are conveniently located to hotels, restaurants and stores. And certainly Balboa Park cannot qualify in these respects.

November 5, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:4-8. Flag ceremonies at Organ Pavilion; 1,000 hear Governor Knight at second annual service of remembrance (illus.).

November 5, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:7-8, A-20:1. Mayor Dail asks voters to back Proposition H in tomorrow’s city election. . . . Proposition H would authorize the issuance of 8-1/2 million dollars in bonds to provide a Hall of the Americas Civic Auditorium.

The opponents of Proposition H suggest the hall be put in Balboa Park at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Date Street.

November 5, 1956, San Diego Union, A-20:1-2. The sixth annual Fiesta de la Cuadrilla, which drew more than 3,000 square dancers during the weekend, ended last night in Balboa Park.

November 5, 1956, San Diego Union, A-20:3-8. George Scott answers San Diego’s opponents; “I speak not for myself but as chairman of the citywide committee for the Hall of the Americas.”

November 6, 1956, ELECTION: Convention Civic Center

Yes 81,683

No 82,070

November 7, 1956, San Diego Union, A-1:3. City defeating Proposition H for auditorium.

Voters yesterday were defeating the second city proposition in six months to construct a civic auditorium in downtown San Diego.

November 7, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:5-8. $7,200,000 Naval Hospital addition nears completion (illus.).

November 12, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:8. J. J. Burke writes site for auditorium available near Zoo.

I suggest a location on the east side of Park Boulevard north of Laurel Street and directly across from the San Diego Zoo’s parking lot. Here are several acres of unsightly, barren, city-owned property. There is plenty of nearby parking space and in no way would the beauty of Balboa Park be infringed upon.

November 16, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:8. Council rejects Fiesta request for $50,000.

November 16, 1956, San Diego Union, B-1:1-3. Electric Building – 19th annual Electric Show.

November 18, 1956, San Diego Union, A-36:1-3. Patients at Naval Hospital enjoy making own music.

November 19, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:7 William Emmons writes 6th and D site for auditorium should please all.

November 23, 1956, San Diego Union, C-1:6. One thousand persons gathered at Organ Pavilion yesterday morning for the community Thanksgiving worship service sponsored by the San Diego Council of Churches.

November 23, 1956, San Diego Union, C-1:7-8. Electric Building – 19th Annual Electrical and Home Appliance Show; “Showcase of Better Living” is new theme; manufacturers sending special displays; 200,000 expected to attend.

November 23, 1956, San Diego Union, C-1:8. Yule Tree Land will glow tonight; 6,000 lights.

November 24, 1956, San Diego Union, A-11:1. Electric Building – Annual exhibit of appliances begins in park (illus.).

November 25, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:1-8. Proposed route from U. S. 101 to Crosstown Freeway.

November 25, 1956, San Diego Union, A-19:3-6. San Diego Zoo – Animal birthdays are important to curators at Zoo, by Roy Johns (illus.).

Birthdays are as important at the San Diego Zoo as they are in many homes.

This is true especially when the birthday is that of “Blackie,” believed to be the oldest snake ever kept in captivity; the short-tailed Batleur eagle, that is the local zoo’s eldest citizen, or “Irish,” a hooded capuchin with the longevity record for monkeys in captivity.

The interest of zoo officials in animal geriatrics (the study of old age) is two-fold: They are naturally interested in maintaining the local zoo’s reputation for keeping animals healthy in captivity and there is the tangible dollars-and-cents savings in not having to replace valuable specimens that dies.

“They just don’t live that long in captivity if they’re not taken care of properly,” says K. C. Lint, curator of birds. He speaks proudly of the nearly 40 specimens he has of 20 species that have been on exhibit here more than 16 years.

The same holds true for the elderly zoo residents under the care of Charles Shaw, curator of reptiles, and Dr. George Pournelle, curator of mammals.

Lint, for example, has the eagle that has been in the same cage in Balboa Park since 1924 and shows no signs of old age even though anything over 15 years is considered good for keeping birds in captivity.

He also has “King Tut,” a salmon-crested cockatoo, imported by Frank Buck in 1925, and seven other birds that were in the collection before 1930.

Two of 1927 acquisitions, a pair of bare-eyed cockatoos, have had approximately 50 offspring to date. And “Bum,” an Andean condor, acquired in 1929 from a missionary in Ecuador, has offspring in zoos throughout the country. He and his mate, acquired in 1934, are the only captive breeding pair of the species in the world.

“Blackie” is an oldtimer with special significance to Shaw. The curator remembers that when he was a San Diego schoolboy hanging around the reptile cages that the African black-lipped cobra was one of his favorites.

The seven-foot cobra was removed from public exhibit in 1948 and on October 1 of this year it passed the 28-year mark that has been the previous record for a snake’s longevity in captivity. Shaw says that the only sign of old age is a diminished appetite that has changed the weekly menu from a full-grown rat to a half-grown one.

Shaw’s other collection includes four other snakes – a rainbow boa, a blood python and two Java pythons — that were in the zoo when the present Reptile House was opened in 1936. And he has on exhibit a 20-year old Western diamondback believed to be the oldest rattlesnake every kept in captivity.

“Deadly Duplex,” a California king snake, has been at the zoo only since November 6, 1953, but it already has lived three times as long in captivity as the previous record for two-headed snakes.

Another longevity record belongs to the Australian lace monitor exhibited here since 1939, and the zoo has five snake-necked turtles that have been in the collection since 1926.

Then, for real old age, there is “Speed,” the giant Galapagos tortoise. Shaw feels certain it is at least 100 years old, and “he may very well be 500.”

Pournelle shrugs off questions about elderly specimens by saying that Shaw and Lint have the real record holders and then he produces a list of old-timers that are the envy of curators of mammals elsewhere.

“Irish,” has been at the zoo since 1927, even though monkeys seldom live more than 15 to 18 years in captivity. Pournelle does not know how old the hooded capuchin, a favorite with zoo visitors, was when acquired but assumes he was at least three or four then.

The zoo’s animal anniversaries are not based on birth, but on the acquisition date, the curators said.

“Irish” has fathered 22 offspring, including a pair of twins.

Pournelle believes “Cap,” a California sea lion purchased in 1939, holds the age record of his species in a zoo. And the pair of spotted hyenas, acquired in 1934, are bearing down on the 24-year old record set by a hyena that was in the London Zoo.

The curator of mammals is also proud of a cage containing three generations of chimpanzees, presided over by grandmother “Katie.” She was five years old when acquired in 1932..

November 25, 1956, San Diego Union, A-20:1-3. Electrical Show draws capacity (illus.)..

A capacity crowd toured the 19th annual Electrical and Home Show yesterday in the Electric Building on the second day of its six-day run. . . . .

The most popular displays yesterday were the four model kitchens, each in a different color, and the electronic cooking demonstrations. . . . .

From the children’s viewpoint, the big attraction was a giant model electric train display.

November 26, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:7-8. Clubwomen urge theater for Balboa Park, by Kathryn Steffan.

The women unanimously agreed to a proposal by Mrs. Henry B. Clark to inaugurate a campaign for a theater in the park north of the corner of Laurel Street and Park Boulevard and east of the Zoo. The undeveloped site is on city-owned property.

November 26, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:2-4. State, City, Navy accord needed on freeway link; park, hospital areas required, by Henry Love (illus.).

The freeway would enter Balboa Park at Sixth Avenue and Date Street. It would go through the riding academy ring in the park and near its 18th Street end would go through the grounds of the San Diego Children’s Home, 1365 16th Street. If the home is eliminated, the state would be required to replace it.

November 28, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:2-3. Electrical exhibit will end tonight (illus.).

November 28, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:5-6. San Diego Zoo gets okapi, $15,000 gift of Belgium (illus.).

November 29, 1956, San Diego Union, A-19:7-8. Crowds set record of 190,000 at Electric Show.

November 29, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:8. J. Panosch wants auditorium near Veterans Building in park.

November 30, 1956, San Diego Union, B-2:8. Grace B. Allen thinks shade can help organ concerts, increase attendance.

December 2, 1956, San Diego Union, A-23:4. Charles Shatto, official organist, to play Christmas composition today.

December 4, 1956, San Diego Union, A-9:2-3. Christmas program Sunday at Organ Pavilion, sponsored by Chamber of Commerce; Christmas tree to be lighted..

December 6, 1956, San Diego Union, A-21:6. San Diego Zoo – sea snake (Laticauda colubrina) displayed at Zoo.

December 7, 1956, San Diego Union, A-10:1. Yule Center, Balboa Park, opens Sunday (illus.).

December 8, 1956, San Diego Union. AB:4-5. Cape buffalo joins attractions at Zoo (illus.)

December 9, 1956, San Diego Union, A-24:4-5. Lighting of tree at Balboa Park is set for today.

December 10, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:7-8. Pageantry of Christmas at Organ Pavilion; 2,000 at lighting of Christmas tree; crowd joins in carols as school choirs, navy band participate at Organ Pavilion (illus.).

December 13, 1956, San Diego Union, B-4:3. Yule ballet to highlight park event Sunday afternoon; more than 100 San Diego school children will take part (illus.).

December 16, 1956, San Diego Union, A-18:1-3. Box for needy children in Organ Pavilion is filling up with toys (illus.).

December 17, 1956, San Diego Union, A-9:5. San Diego Zoo – white-breasted sea eagle from Philippine Islands (illus.).

December 17, 1956, San Diego Union, A-15:5. Yule music recital on carillon set for December 25 program will be played by Paul D. Peery of Coronado; 10th anniversary observance of chimes presentation to city.

December 17, 1956, San Diego Union, A-17:1. A crowd of 2,500 persons yesterday afternoon attended a Christmas Center children’s program in Organ Pavilion (illus.)

December 27, 1956, San Diego Union, A-19:4-5. The City Planning Commission yesterday recommended adoption of a master plan for parks and recreation in San Diego.

The plan must be adopted by the City Council. The second of two public hearings was held yesterday by the Commission.

As outlined by Harry Haelsig, city planning director, the plan would increase present park acreage to more than 6,100 acres from the present 5,700 acres.

The master plan calls for neighborhood parks on school grounds, in small plazas, 38 community parks, five district parks, four large metropolitan parks, five scenic parks, 87 miles of scenic drives, 10 swimming pools, golf courses, tennis centers and youth camps. Estimated cost of the plan is 20 million dollars.

At yesterday’s hearing representatives of Pacific Beach women’s clubs urged development of Soledad Terrace Park above Pacific Beach.

John Leppert, executive secretary of the San Diego Taxpayers Association, said he is questioning the plan because it may be too specific in establishing sites of parks. He also questioned development of another golf course along Mission Bay and binding the city to building 10 swimming pools.

Haelsig said the plan would be flexible, but that it is necessary to set desirable standards. Joseph Padgett, planning commissioner, said a master plan would save taxpayers money in acquisition of park sites.

December 31, 1956, San Diego Union, A-12:8. The body of a man identified as Angelo Blundo, 57, was found at 7:40 a.m. yesterday in Balboa Park. He evidently had been beaten and robbed. The body was discovered in a hollow 200 feet east of 2100 block on Sixth Avenue.

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