The San Diego Tribune: 09/01/1909 HOLD WORLD'S FAIR, MAKE IT PERMANENT, SAYS LOCAL BOOSTER G.W. Stephenson Believes That Year-Round Exposition Would Attract 50 Percent of All Tourists Visiting State That a permanent exhibit along 'World's Fair' lines could easily be maintained in San Diego is the belief of G.W. Stephenson. Not only does Mr. Stephenson hold this opinion, but he is willing to back it with an initial subscription of $500 toward the establishment of such an institution. Carrying out the suggestion to hold a World's Fair in San Diego is 1915, Mr. Stevenson takes up the matter of a permanent exposition of worldwide magnitude and discusses it in an able manner in a communication addressed to the Union, in which he points out many of the possibilities of such an enterprise. The communication follows "Your suggestion of holding a World's Fair here in 1915 is the acorn from which we may expect to grow a great tree. "Allow me a this time to make the following suggestions, which I believe upon study will be found feasible and profitable to this community. If brief, make the fair a permanent institution of such surpassing merit and originality as to attract hundreds of thousands who come to this state annually. The People of the United States cannot all come here in one year. We will then be known as a city among cities, able to care for all who come. Attract Thousands of Tourists "I believe it entirely feasible to arrange an exhibit here that will keep on an average of from ten thousand to twenty thousand tourists every day in the year. I mean this many could be brought here over and above the normal travel. This, as you can easily see, is equivalent to some great dollars every year, or figuring in another way, it is equal to that number of men employed in manufacturing concerns. "It is estimated that Los Angeles has from twenty-five thousand to forty thousand tourists on an average everyday of the year. I believe, with such a wonderful exhibit as it is possible for us to make, we could get one-half of these to visit us. Thousands of people in the East are waiting only for some inducement to come to this city, either as sightseers or settlers. The people of Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and other near western states want to come in the summer; the others in the winter; thus our continuous open weather will suit all. There is no reason why we should not have at least fifty per cent of all tourists who visit California, especially if we have some great attraction for them. Possibilities Unlimited "No country in the world admits of such possibilities in lines such as I shall here sketch. Here our open weather would keep alive and in thrifty condition, without a hot house, every known plant on earth throughout the year. A permanent display of plants and flowers could here be maintained that would attract the attention of thousands who delight in the vegetable world. "Now consider the possibilities of an aquarium here. We could bring together the multitudinous forms of life in both fresh and salt waters, the monsters of the deep or the minnows of the brook. Here it would be possible to establish an exhibit that tourists would cross the continent to see. The possibilities of a zoo here in the great outdoors need not be enumerated. "Here could be established a great bird cage, filled with the choicest collection of birds to be found in all the world, because our climatic conditions admit of it. This could be made so beautiful and wonderful that it would soon be known throughout our country. Include Model Farms "A great modern poultry farm with the best representatives of all the lines included, would attract the attention of thousands who deal in this humble but profitable business. This together with a model dairy farm, could, of course, be made self supporting. Bees working in glass cases, etc., could be made interesting to thousands. "Then could come the special farms, ostrich, alligator, etc., etc. Here could be made a wonderful exhibit of the silk worm and the weaving of silk, the production of cotton fabrics, etc. Fruit and vegetables are available always. Our local industries olive oil, citrus by-products, etc., etc., could be carried on continuously. "Made in San Diego, California" would attract a great deal of attention. "A great gem and mineral exhibit, second to none in the country, could be made. Manufacturers from all over the United States would want to exhibit. Counties and states, and foreign powers, especially China and Japan, could undoubtedly be interested in maintaining a permanent exhibit. Aviation here could be carried on every day of the year, owing to our dependable weather. Could Outshine the Brightest "This, of course, is a very limited and unsatisfactory outline of a few of the many things in which we could outshine the brightest. The possibilities of such an exhibit are wonderful. I believe this fair could be made self-supporting, or almost so, by concessions from legitimate enterprises, small admission fees, etc. I believe in making it high grade and strictly meritorious; not a gold fish aquarium, with a dozen varieties, but a thousand; not a few canaries, doves and wood ducks but a thousand kinds. "I believe such a fair would meet with great favor, especially since we do not have too many things to attract the tourists here. A few will come to see Ramona's home, Point Loma, the Missions, etc., but thousands would come to see such a great exhibit as we could easily make. It would look well on our literature to say, "The Greatest Collection of Birds in the World." etc., etc. The bay will stay, but let us add another attraction or two. "Our sister to the north is daily adding a jewel to enhance her natural charms, until she now blazes in barbaric splendor. We might get a few admiring glances if we tried to attract. Who knows? "To show my faith in this enterprise, I will subscribe $500 to it. "G.W. Stephenson." The San Diego Tribune: 09/01/1909 DIRECTORS DISCUSSING QUESTION OF HOLDING WORLD'S FAIR IN 1915 Some Opposed to Suggestion Final Action Expected to be Taken at Meeting in Chamber of Commerce This Afternoon - President Davidson Says He is Greatly in Favor of the Proposition To hold a world's fair in 1915, in celebration of the completion of the Panama canal, or not to hold a world's fair? That important question is being discussed at the meeting this afternoon of the board of directors of the chamber of commerce. It is said there is some diversity of opinion upon the subject, and just what the directors will do cannot be forecasted. Some are in favor of the plan, thinking it is the chance of a lifetime to advertise San Diego to the world and attract people here from all countries. Others contend the city is not sufficiently large to undertake such a stupendous task. "I do not know what we are going to do about the matter." said President Davidson this morning. "Personally I am heartily in favor of it. There are some who are opposed to the scheme. The time has come when San Diego must declare itself upon that question. It cannot be put off any longer for it we do not decide pretty soon we will awaken some fine morning to learn that some other Southern California city has decided to hold a fair in celebration of the opening of the canal. "Personally I think it is an opportunity to boost San Diego that will not come again in our generation. I am for a fair first, last and all the time. But there is no telling what the other directors of the chamber of commerce will say about it, or do. If it were left to me I would say yes: plan for the fair, invite the world to come to San Diego." President Davidson is heartily in favor of the suggestions made several days ago by J.R. Connell, when he favored holding the fair in city park, and preserving some of the buildings for future use by the city. "That is a mighty fine idea," continued President Davidson. "I am in favor of it. Several of the buildings for exposition purposes could be erected with an eye to permanency. When the fair closes they would revert to the city. Not only would they help beautify the park, but could be put to good usage. One building, for instance, could be converted into a museum or art gallery. One might also be used as a college building. San Diego needs a good college building. I feel confident that right kind of an educational institution would be well patronized by San Diego people. We are sending too many of our boys and girls away to other schools and colleges. Establish a good school here and keep the boys and girls at home." The San Diego Union: 09/02/1909 COMMITTEE NAMED TO BOOST FOR WORLD FAIR Chamber of Commerce Takes Up Project for Exposition In 1915 DAVIDSON IS CONFIDENT Feels Sure That Success Is Possible and Urges Immediate Action. Actual steps towards the holding of an exposition in San Diego in 1915 as a celebration of the opening of the Panama canal, were taken at the directors' meeting of the chamber of commerce yesterday afternoon. After a long discussion President G.A. Davidson was authorized to appoint a committee for the purpose of thoroughly considering the gigantic proposition, and within fifteen minutes after the meeting adjourned he had named the committeemen, all of whom are directors of the chamber. They are: Col. L.S. McLure, George Burnham, Philip Mose, Charles H. Bartholomew, William Clayton, Col. D.C. Collier, John F. Forward, Jr., M. German, C.M. Gifford, C.E. Groesbeck, J.P. Haddock, D.C. Hazelzigg, R.M. Powers, W.L. Rohrer, F.A. Schneider, F.C. Spalding, H.H. Stine, A.W. Vogdes, Louis J. Wilde, J.E. Wadham, Rufus Cholate and Secretary John S. Mills. Project a Momentous One "This is an important matter," said President Davidson to a Union reporter, "one that requires early action, and we will get the committee together right away to decide what shall be done along the lines of a more definite nature than have been considered thus far. "The opening of the Panama canal will mark one of the greatest achievements ever accomplished, and will attract the attention of the whole world. It will be of vast importance to this country in general and to San Diego in particular. As San Diego is the first port of call in the United States for ships that will come through the waterway, there seems to be no question that this is the logical place for such a celebration to be held. It will certainly be a great thing for San Diego if carried through, and I see no reason why we cannot make it a big success. Would Attract Thousands "We cannot hope to have a second Chicago fair, but we certainly will be able to make lots of noise with an exposition that will bring many thousands of people here "San Diego is growing rapidly now and it is believed by many that we will have a population of more than 100,000 people before the time for the proposed exposition arrives. I personally believed that San Diego will have a population of 100,000 or more by 1915. "It is a big proposition we have before us, but I know it can be successfully swung if we go at it in the right way."
0 Comments
Spreading Interest For a World's Fair After the initial seed for a fair is planted, it begins to germinate: The San Diego Union: 08/28/1909 PLAN WORLD'S EXPOSITION FOR SAN DIEGO IN YEAR 1915 Chamber of Commerce Directors Would Celebrate Completion of the Panama Canal A world's fair for San Diego in 1915 to celebrate the opening of the Panama canal is an enterprise being considered by the chamber of commerce, according to Secretary John S. Mills, who says the directors are at work on the project. It is believed that by 1915 San Diego will have a larger population than Portland had when the big exposition was held in that city. By that time, San Diego, at the present rate of hotel and apartment construction, will have a sufficient accommodation to take care of big crowds. The San Diego and Arizona railroad will be completed and in operation long before the year set for the holding of the exposition. It is believed that with the opening of the railroad, San Diego will go ahead faster than any city on the Pacific coast. It is estimated that the present population is close to 55,000 people and it is by no means unreasonable to suppose that this number will be at least three times as large in six years. It is a well known fact that the holding of world's fairs in almost every instance, has proved of great benefit to the cities in which they were given. Chicago advanced with great strides following the world's fair in that city. Portland, since the holding of the exposition has increased 200,000 in population and is continuing to advance rapidly. In speaking of the plans being considered by the chamber of commerce, Secretary Mills said: "This matter is now under consideration by the board of Directors of the chamber of commerce. It has not been made public for the good and sufficient reason that there are details to be arranged before announcement can be made. The secretary of the chamber of commerce is corresponding with commercial organizations of other cities where expositions have been successfully held and there are matters of national and state aid to be arranged for. "This matter came up for consideration and the directors were unanimously in favor of the plan. "In reference to the use of our great park for exhibition buildings, it was suggested that the structures might be located and erected with the view of their remaining there permanently. "As an evidence of what these expositions will do for a municipality, let us take the city of Portland. The fair there was not only a financial success, but Portland had at the time it was given a population of not over 100,000. Since then its population has increased to 300,000, or more, as one of the direct results of the enterprise of its citizens. "In 1915, the date now under contemplation for the exposition, San Diego will have a greater population than Portland had when it conceived the idea of its exposition. At the present rate of hotel and apartment house construction it will be possible to take care of all concerns. "Further, San Diego can hold an exposition which can be maintained any month on the year. This in itself will be unique for the chilling winds of autumn and the snow and frost of winter preclude the possibility of an exposition in other cities. "And the chamber of commerce has other plans under consideration for the exposition of the city and county." The San Diego Union: 08/29/1909 THE CANAL EXPOSITION The plan to hold an exposition in San Diego in 1915 to celebrate the completion of the Panama canal, should have the hearty support of every resident of this city. For the more the project is considered, the more practicable as well as desirable it will appear. At first thought it might seem as if San Diego, a place of perhaps 50,000 people, were undertaking too much in planning a world's fair. This is the idea that has doubtless occurred to many persons. A little reflection, however, will place the matter in a new light. The Panama canal, when completed, will be not only the world's greatest engineering triumph, but the mist important constructive achievement of this or any country. It will be celebrated throughout the United States. The attention of the world will be directed to the magnificent waterway and the great republic that built it after another great republic had attempted in vain to construct it. Perhaps it is not rash to predict that the completion of the canal, although occurring early in the twentieth century, will be regarded as its greatest achievement by historians in the centuries to come. In view of all this, one may safely conclude now that as the time for the opening of the waterway to the commerce of the world draws near any reasonable plan looking to a proper celebration of that event will have the cordial support of both the American government and the American people. And it would be especially appropriate to hold a principal celebration at San Diego, the nearest Pacific coast port to the canal. And here it may not be amiss to take note of what little Tampa, the nearest port on the Atlantic side, aspires to do. Tampa, which had a population of less than 16,000, according to the last census, and which is not half as large as San Diego today, was early in the field with plans for a canal celebration to take the form of an industrial exposition. The original intention was to hold the big fair in 1908 to commemorate the beginning of work on the waterway. Now it is proposed to have the exposition next year to celebrate the progress made by the great undertaking. Both plans were ambitious ones for Tampa, but it received high encouragement. On June 30, 1906, congress adopted joint resolutions on the subject. The preamble warmly approved the Tampa project "to the end that the importance of this great isthmian waterway may be accentuated and the sentiment in favor of its early completion fostered and kept alive." The resolutions provided That the president be, and he is hereby, requested to hold a naval review in Tampa by at such time during the progress of said exposition as he may deem best Resolved further, that the president of the United States be, and he is hereby, requested to cause to be made such display of the army of the United States at said exposition as he may deem advisable. Congress did not vote money for the Tampa exposition - perhaps it was not asked to do so. But the recognition of that city's claims that was accorded by congress is encouraging to San Diego. Six years hence this city will have 100,000 inhabitants - perhaps many more. It will have its direct line of railway to the east. It will be a great commercial port. In those conditions, a great exposition here would be practicable. Moreover, it would have encouragement from the outside world. The propriety of celebrating the coming of the battleship fleet at San Diego, the first home port to be reached, was everywhere conceded. The desirability of having the chief canal celebration held at the Pacific coast post that is nearest to Panama, will be none the less apparent. And again recalling the Tampa incident, it is only reasonable to believe that at a time when the near completion of the gigantic task on the isthmus shall be the subject of universal rejoicing, congress will aid a celebration could be most fittingly held. It is well to take this matter in hand now. As said, the practicability of the plan will become the more apparent that longer it is studied in all its phases. The present is the time to lay the foundation. The San Diego Tribune: 08/30/1909 J.E. CONNELL FOR EXPOSITION HERE IN 1915 Thinks City Park Would be an Ideal Place to Hold Fair in Celebration of Opening of Panama Canal SOME OF BUILDINGS SHOULD BE PERMANENT Says They Could Later be Used for Various Purposes by City and Add to Attractiveness of that Section of San Diego J.E. Connell, of Johnson & Connell, the undertakers, who has returned from a month's vacation, spending a portion of the time with the members of his family at San Francisco and Bartlett's Springs, is in favor of San Diego holding a world's fair in 1915 in celebration of the completion of the Panama canal. Mr. Connell says he thinks the city park would be an ideal site for the exposition. And, furthermore he says, it would be a capital idea to have some of the buildings built along permanent lines that they might be preserved after the exposition closes and be put to practical use by the city. Mr. Connell, who returned home Saturday, left his family at Bartlett's Springs. They will return to San Diego next week. When seen Sunday morning, and asked what he thought about the fair proposition, he said: "I think it is a good idea. It most certainly would be a fine thing for our city." When asked if he favored city park as a site for the fair, Mr Connell said: "Don't think it could be improved upon. Just the place, it strikes me, talking offhand and without hearing suggestions from any other person relative to another site." When asked if he would favor the idea of some of the buildings being erected with a view to permanency, Mr. Connell said: "That is a fine idea. A good way to help cover up some of the bare ground in the park. As you say, one of the buildings could be used for a museum of exposition place. Another could easily be converted into an auditoruim after the exposition closes and be used in the future for public entertainments; a place where orators could be heard. That auditorium feature is a good one. "Yes, I am most certainly in favor of the fair. I know of no better way in which to advertise San Diego and bring people here from all parts of the world, and especially from the four corners of our own country. All we need is to get the people here. The climate and environment will do the rest."
The First "Monument" to Presidio Hill The first "monument" to Presidio Hill and its significance were two Canary Island Date Palm trees planted at the foot of the hill in 1769. There is only one Palm species native to California and these palms weren't it, but Palms like this are all over the State now. It is believed these two trees were the first Palms planted in the state by Junipero Serra, himself on July 1, 1769, when the San Diego Missions were first founded. There is no absolute proof of that, but it is what is generally believed. On the hill above the trees, wooden huts and earthworks were set up and a year after Serra's arrival, was reinforced with a wooden stockade, and later with cobble stones and adobe bricks. These bricks were made from earth, straw and mud by natives, who used them to build the church and walls. Each brick had the fingerprints of those who made them or the paw prints of nearby dogs walking over them and by 1773, over four thousand adobe bricks had been made. In 1782, the old church burned down, but was soon rebuilt and by 1796, the Presidio of San Diego officially opened. By 1820, Mexico declared its independence from Spain. Although the Presidio was still in use by the Mexican government, a town was beginning to form at the foot of the hill. As the town formed, the fort become abandoned and would be described as "ruinous" by 1834. There were only about twelve people left living there by that time. Despite that, San Diego would become the Mexican Capitol of California in 1835, despite the presidio becoming abandoned due to the growth of the nearby town. The condition of the Fort didn't improve though and by 1839, the presidio of San Diego was officially disbanded, which caused many of the former Spanish officers to settle just downhill from the presidio. By the time the United States took over San Diego, the Presidio was abandoned except as a cemetery. There were a few adobe walls left, but just about anything of value had been taken. The only other thing left were the Serra Palms, still there after Spanish and Mexican governments had long gone, the trees were now almost ninety years old. With the United States came capitalists and lands were starting to be bought and sold. Just outside the presidio, roads and a dike were dug, altering the original shape of the hill. Aware of the hill's significant past, residents soon saw the need to preserve the two trees as a monument to the Spanish legacy. A wooden fence was transerred from the Serra Cross to keep people from damaging them any further and cables were tied to the trees for support, but the sagging Palms had taken decades of abuse. It had been used as target practice by Spanish soldiers and others had carved their initials on the trunks. Though the trees survived, they both were deteriorating. It was soon realized that even the last standing monument to Spanish colonization was only temporary. A more permanent one would soon be needed. The following are articles from August 1909 editions of the San Diego Tribune which moves the story forward by suggesting a "semi-world's fair" at City Park in honor of the opening of the Panama canal: The San Diego Tribune: 08/26/1909 WHY NOT? Referring to editorials urging a more extensive plan of promotion for San Diego which have appeared in these columns from time to time, George A. Dickens, writing from El Cajon, offers the following suggestion: "Editor Tribune: Referring to the Tribune editorials (dealing with promotion at home and abroad) is it not possible that you, yourself, have furnished the solution of the problem presented? Five years from now steamships will be carrying through freight and passengers from eastern and European ports to Pacific coast points via the Panama canal. What more appropriate than that the first port of entry on the Pacific coast in the United States should be chosen as the place to celebrate the actual opening of this route to permanent traffic? It will be claimed that San Diego cannot accommodate the large attendance of a successful world's fair, but such would not be the case when the time arrives. The site is provided in the 1400-acre park in the heart of the city. There are men of ability here to work out your problem successfully, but the important question is, have these men of ability the nerve to attempt this?" The writer closes with a suggestion that the matter be referred to a gathering of San Diego's most successful and representative business men. A semi-world's fair to celebrate the opening of the Panama canal. Well, why not? San Diego won international fame by the manner in which she received the officers and men of the battleship fleet on its world famous cruise. Why not duplicate that success in celebrating the opening of the great canal project which means so much to this coast and to San Diego? The San Diego Tribune: 08/27/1909 PLAN WORLD'S FAIR FOR CITY OF SAN DIEGO IN 1915 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS NOW AT WORK Board of Directors Considering Project for the Holding of Big Celebration on Panama Canal Opening EXPOSITIONS MUCH BENEFIT TO CITIES Proposed to Have Event in Six Years - Secretary Corresponding With Various Commercial Organizations Following an editorial suggestion in the Evening Tribune that San Diego should be the scene of a big celebration to commemorate the opening of the Panama canal, it is announced by Secretary John S. Mills that the San Diego chamber of commerce is now considering such a plan. Secretary Mills, in an interview this morning, stated that the chamber of commerce is now at work on the plan for the holding of a big world's fair in this city in 1915. By that year San Diego will have a bigger population than did Portland when the big exposition was opened in that city. By the year 1915 San Diego, at the present rate of hotel and apartment construction, will have a sufficient number of buildings of the kind to take care of big crowds. That the holding of world's fairs in almost every instance have proved of great benefit to the cities in which they were given, is a well known fact. Following the big world's fair in Chicago, that city advanced with rapid strides. Portland, since the holding of the world's fair, has increased 200,000 in population and is continuing to advance rapidly. Long before the year set for the holding of the exposition to celebrate the opening of the Panama canal, the San Diego & Arizona railroad San Diego will go ahead faster than any city on the Pacific coast and as it is estimated that there are now close to 55,000 people here it is by no means unreasonable to suppose that this number will be as least tripled in the next six years. Chamber at Work Secretary Mills in speaking of the taking up of the work by the chamber of commerce, this morning said: "In Wednesday's Evening Tribune there appeared an editorial containing an excerpt from a letter written by George A Dickens, of El Cajon, in which reference is made to San Diego as a fitting place in which to celebrate the opening of the Panama canal. "This matter is now under consideration by the board of directors of the chamber of commerce. It has not been made public for the good and sufficient reason that there are details to be arranged before announcement can be made. The secretary of the chamber of commerce is corresponding with commercial organizations of other cities where expositions have been successfully held and there are matters of national and state aid to be arranged for. "This matter came up for consideration and the directors were unanimously in favor of the plan. "In reference to the use of our great park for exhibition buildings, it was suggested that the structures might be located and erected with the view of their remaining there permanently. "As an evidence of what these expositions will do for the municipality, let us to the city of Portland. The fair there was not only a financial success, but Portland had at the time it was given a population of not over 100,000. Since then its population has increased to 300,000, or more, as one of the direct results of the enterprise of its citizens. "In 1915, the date now under contemplation for the exposition, San Diego will have a greater population than Portland had when it conceived the idea of its exposition. At the present rate of hotel and apartment house construction it will be possible to take care of all concerns. "Further, San Diego can hold an exposition which can be maintained any month on the year. This in itself will be unique for the chilling winds of autumn and the snow and frost of winter preclude the possibility of an exposition in other cities. "And the chamber of commerce has other plans under consideration for the exposition of the city and county."
|
Archives
March 2024
|