Tag: balboa park

Daughters of American Revolution in Balboa Park.

Table includes an Exposition Cook Book, letters, activity books, and other DAR documents.
Table includes an Exposition Cook Book, letters, activity books, and other DAR documents.

When I was in middle school, I won a medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution for an essay I wrote about Francis Scott Key. I’d forgotten all about it until yesterday.

After checking out the English Village Fete at the International Cottages, I moseyed across Pan American Road to see if anything was going on in the Balboa Park Club building (which used to be the New Mexico state building during the 1915 Panama-California Exposition).

In the big Balboa Park Club Ballroom, San Diegans young and old were having a blast dancing. In the smaller Santa Fe Room, as a part of Balboa Park’s centennial events, a few smiling people were showcasing elaborate historical displays.

I was welcomed enthusiastically. The Daughters of the American Revolution San Diego Chapter was holding this event to commemorate our country’s founding and the long, interesting history of the DAR.

Fascinating material covered two rows of tables.  Many displays concerned tracing one’s ancestry and how to search historical archives. To be a member of the lineage-based organization your family tree must include a participant in the American Revolution.

The Daughters of the American Revolution has placed various historical plaques throughout San Diego over the years. I’ve documented two plaques on my blog. One is on the outside of the Santa Fe Depot. The other is in the plaza in front of Balboa Park’s Museum of Man.

The Balboa Park Club building designed to appear like an adobe in America's Southwest.
The Balboa Park Club building was designed to appear like an adobe in America’s Southwest.
Daughters of the American Revolution memorabilia exhibited in Balboa Park.
Daughters of the American Revolution memorabilia exhibited in Balboa Park.
A Daughters of the American Revolution magazine from 1916.
A Daughters of the American Revolution magazine from 1916.
Interesting graphic shows first 12 Regents of San Diego DAR.
Interesting graphic shows first 12 Regents of San Diego DAR.
Arrival in San Diego of President General of the National Society was big news in 1915.
Arrival in San Diego of President General of the National Society was big news in 1915.
A cool exhibit by an African American lady shows her rich family history.
A cool exhibit by an African American lady shows her rich family history.
Pins and medals of all sorts. Some contain the names of patriotic relations.
Pins and medals of all sorts. Some contain the names of patriotic relations.
One exhibit encourages and assists Hispanic Americans searching for their ancestors.
One poster encourages and assists Hispanic Americans searching for their ancestors.
Some beautiful quilts were out for visitors to admire.
Some beautiful quilts were out for visitors to admire.
One example of china with a 1915 San Diego Chapter emblem were on display.
Example of china produced by the San Diego Chapter in 1915.

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History lives at English Village Fete in Balboa Park.

House of England tent featured British food in San Diego, a distant corner of America.
House of England tent featured British food in San Diego, a distant corner of America.

As you might have read in my last post, lots of folks converged upon Balboa Park today in a variety of historical costumes. They were celebrating the beautiful park’s one hundred year anniversary.

Most of these participants headed to the International Cottages area in the early afternoon, where a costume parade, chivalry event, dramatic performance from Shakespeare, and other activities took place. The House of England held an English Village Fete on the lawn.

I missed most events but did capture some fun pics…

Buckingham Palace Queen's Guard in front of the House of England cottage.
Buckingham Palace Queen’s Guard in front of the House of England cottage.
British bobby on patrol talks to a gentleman at unique Balboa Park event.
British bobby on patrol talks to a gentleman at unique Balboa Park event.
Attire from different periods of history were seen at the English Village Fete.
Attire from different periods of history were seen at the English Village Fete.
Lots of Union Jacks and gifts celebrating England were for sale.
Lots of Union Jacks and gifts celebrating England were for sale.
This nice lady in a bonnet was selling honey produced in San Diego.
This nice lady in a bonnet was selling honey produced in San Diego.
There was even a model train display on the lawn during the fun event.
There was even a model train display on the lawn during the fun event.
England is a member of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
England is a member of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom inside the House of England cottage.
Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom inside the House of England cottage.
People in period costumes enjoy some treats inside the small cottage.
People in period costumes enjoy some treats inside the small cottage.
Beatles display on a wall inside the House of England cottage.
Beatles display on a wall inside the House of England cottage.
A cool Alice in Wonderland exhibit features the Mad Hatter.
A cool Alice in Wonderland exhibit features the Mad Hatter.
Some guys are repositioning the Union Jack at cottage door.
Some guys are re-positioning the Union Jack at cottage door.
Sherlock Holmes tries to unravel a mystery. Who's that scruffy, suspicious-looking guy walking around taking pictures.
Sherlock Holmes tries to unravel a mystery. Who’s that scruffy, suspicious-looking guy walking around taking pictures?
Local Shakespeare expert talks about the Bard and his contributions to literature and our everyday language.
Local Shakespeare expert talks about the Bard and his contributions to literature and our everyday language.
Event attendees listen intently to a talk about the Elizabethan era.
Event attendees listen intently to a talk about the Elizabethan era.
Many penny-farthing bicycles could be spied around Balboa Park today.
Many penny-farthing bicycles could be spied around Balboa Park today.
Join us for a nice cup of tea!
Join us for a nice cup of tea!

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Victorians, suffragettes and steampunk in a park!

San Diego Costume Guild members help Balboa Park celebrate its centennial.
San Diego Costume Guild members help Balboa Park celebrate its centennial.

Today a really cool event was held in San Diego called the Balboa Park Centennial Informal Gathering. A bunch of history lovers, park supporters, assorted clubs and organizations (including the San Diego Costume Guild) gathered together in Balboa Park and everyone wore period attire. The idea was to recreate what Balboa Park might have looked like one hundred years ago, when the 1915 Panama-California Exposition opened.

During my walk through the park, I saw folks everywhere wearing fancy dresses and hats . . . carrying parasols . . . sporting old-fashioned police and military uniforms . . . wearing suffragette sashes or steampunk goggles . . . riding high-wheeled penny-farthing bicycles . . . and lots of puzzled tourists looking about in complete astonishment. It was great!

Balboa Park Centennial Celebration marks 100 years of a truly amazing place.
Balboa Park Centennial Celebration marks the 100 year anniversary of an amazing place.
Folks in old-fashioned dresses and nostalgic garb were walking up and down El Prado.
Folks in old-fashioned dresses and nostalgic garb were walking up and down El Prado.
This 19th century fashion predates 1915, the year of the Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park,
This 19th century fashion predates 1915, the year of the Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park,
Two elegant ladies paused to smile for my camera in the park's central plaza.
Two elegant ladies paused to smile for my camera in the park’s big central plaza.
Some people dressed for the occasion enjoying the warm San Diego sunshine.
Some people dressed for the occasion were enjoying the warm San Diego sunshine.
Lots of very fancy hats could be seen everywhere I turned.
Lots of very fancy hats could be seen everywhere I turned.
Many in historical costumes would reenact a political march in support of Votes For Women.
Later in the afternoon, folks wearing historical costumes would reenact a political march supporting Votes For Women.
Two suffragettes with Votes For Women sashes follow a guy dressed in World War I era military uniform.
Two suffragettes with Votes For Women sashes follow a guy dressed in World War I era military uniform.
Back in 1915, the right for women to vote was an important issue and movement.
Back in 1915, the right for women to vote was an important issue and movement.
A display in the Balboa Park Club building included Women's Rights memorabilia from a hundred years ago.
A display in the Balboa Park Club building included Women’s Rights memorabilia from a hundred years ago.
Some people had steampunk goggles in the International Cottages area, where event participants converged.
A few people sported steampunk goggles. Event participants converged on the International Cottages lawn area.
Visitors from Balboa Park's past seem to come to life before my very eyes.
Visitors from Balboa Park’s past seem to come to life before my very eyes.
A bustle of Victorian activity in front of the House of England cottage.
A bustle of Victorian activity in front of the House of England cottage.

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Scottish culture, history celebrated in San Diego.

Clan Logan's crest is a pierced human heart. HOC MAJORUM VIRTUS, translated from Latin is Valour of My Ancestors.
Clan Logan’s crest is a pierced human heart. HOC MAJORUM VIRTUS, translated from Latin is Valor of My Ancestors.

I’d read that the 12th Annual San Diego Tartan Day being held in Balboa Park would end at four o’clock this afternoon. So I arrived during my walk with a good hour to spare. Or so I thought! At three o’clock, the event was already drawing to a close!

I did manage to get some interesting photos. A number of tents and folks in costume were scattered about the lawn of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages. Unfortunately, I missed the dancing and music. Maybe next year…

A robed Highlander with walking stick strides across the lawn at Balboa Park's International Cottages. Historical dresses, kilts and patterned tartans were abundant.
A robed Highlander with walking stick strides across the lawn at Balboa Park’s International Cottages. Historical dresses, kilts and distinctive tartans were abundant.
The House of Scotland in Balboa Park was the center of today's 12th Annual San Diego Tartan Day.
The House of Scotland in Balboa Park was the center of today’s 12th Annual San Diego Tartan Day.
Some leftover treats in the House of Scotland cottage as the event draws to a close.
Some leftover treats in the House of Scotland cottage as the event draws to a close.
Displays in Scotland's small cottage celebrate rich history, art and culture.
Displays in Scotland’s small cottage celebrate rich history, art and culture.
The crests of many diverse clans hang on one wall.
The crests of many diverse clans hang on one wall.
This merry fellow was looking down at cottage visitors from a spot near the ceiling.
This merry fellow was looking down at cottage visitors from a spot near the ceiling.
The Scottish Clan and Tartan Information Center drew a great deal of interest.
The Scottish Clan and Tartan Information Center was attracting a great deal of interest.
Exhibit on one outdoor table helped identify many differently patterned tartans.
Exhibit on one outdoor table helps identify many differently patterned tartans.
Participants from The Stewart Society of Edinburgh brought to life Scotland's rich heritage.
Participants from The Stewart Society of Edinburgh celebrate Scotland’s rich heritage.

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The large Moreton Bay Fig tree in Balboa Park.

This is one of the largest trees you're likely to ever see.
This is one of the most amazing trees you’re likely to ever see.

Have you visited Balboa Park? Perhaps you’ve seen an incredibly enormous tree standing between the San Diego Natural History Museum and Spanish Village. It’s impossible to miss! That’s the over 100 year old Moreton Bay Fig!

Sign in Balboa Park describes Ficus macrophylla, the Moreton Bay Fig.
Sign in Balboa Park describes Ficus macrophylla, the Moreton Bay Fig.

Ficus macrophylla

“Moreton Bay Fig”

Native to East Australia

This tree was planted prior to the 1915 Panama-California International Exposition and was the focus of a Formal Garden located at this site. Because of its large size, it is listed as a co-champion with the Santa Barbara Fig in the California Dept. of Forestry Registry of Big Trees.

Age: over 100 years (now)

Height: 80 feet

Trunk Girth: 42 feet

Canopy width: 145 feet

Trunk and roots of a tree once climbed by kids, but now fenced off for its protection.
Trunk and roots of a tree once climbed by kids, but now fenced off for its protection.
Huge Moreton Bay Fig tree and the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Huge Moreton Bay Fig tree and the San Diego Natural History Museum.
A big tree is a rare and valuable part of the ecosystem.
A big tree is a rare and valuable part of the ecosystem.

The Value of a Big Tree

Trees contribute to our environment by producing oxygen; reducing temperature, carbon-dioxide and stormwater runoff; improving property value and providing wildlife habitat.

Scientists have developed a value formula to determine the cost benefit of trees. The Center for Urban Forest Research states that trees over 50 feet tall contribute about $65.00/year back to the environment. Smaller trees contribute $18-36.00/year. There are about 20,000 trees in Balboa Park which contribute a value of one million dollars per year back to our environment.

Beyond dollars, Big Trees like the Moreton Bay Fig enhance the park, provide a sense of history to our community and a legacy for our children.

Someone gazes at the hundred year old leafy giant in Balboa Park.
Someone gazes at the hundred year old leafy giant in Balboa Park.

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Balboa Park: The War Years comes to Auto Museum.

International M-2-4 Rocket Truck used in the Pacific during World War II.
International M-2-4 Rocket Truck used in the Pacific during World War II.

An interesting new exhibit will open this coming Friday, April 3 at the San Diego Automotive Museum. Part of this year’s Centennial Celebration, the new exhibit is called Balboa Park: The War Years. According to one website: “The (auto museum) floor will be transformed into a USO show venue to tell the story of the impact that war had on San Diego and the entire West Coast.” As part of the museum’s general admission, visitors will be able to check out a dozen-or-so 1940s period vehicles used by the American military during the Second World War.

I was lucky to experience a small taste of the exhibit this afternoon. A rocket launching truck and anti-tank gun were waiting to be rolled from the outside parking lot into the museum during my Sunday walk through Balboa Park.

Here are several pics…

This historical military vehicle comes from the Marine Corps Mechanized Museum at Camp Pendleton north of San Diego.
This historical military vehicle comes from the Marine Corps Mechanized Museum at Camp Pendleton north of San Diego.
One of many interesting vehicles arriving for the upcoming Balboa Park The War Years exhibit at the San Diego Automotive Museum.
One of many interesting vehicles arriving for the upcoming Balboa Park: The War Years exhibit at the San Diego Automotive Museum.
US WW2 37mm M3 Anti-Tank Gun backing up to the museum's big side door!
US WW2 37mm M3 Anti-Tank Gun backing up to the museum’s big side door!

(After doing some searching on the internet, I’m pretty sure I have the above caption correct. If I don’t, leave a comment!)

Cool guy from San Diego Automotive Museum smiles for the camera!
Cool guy from San Diego Automotive Museum smiles for the camera!

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Spring color blooms in Balboa Park rose garden.

Rainbow Sorbet
Rainbow Sorbet

Spring is only a few days old and flowers are blooming everywhere. The gardens in Balboa Park are fairly exploding with dazzling color. This weekend my feet directed me through the bright, sprawling rose garden along Park Boulevard. Using my camera’s macro setting, I took some close up photographs that you might enjoy! The rose variety is shown in each caption.

The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden contains hundreds of blooms of bright color!
The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden contains hundreds of brightly colored blooms!
On a sunny Spring Sunday, a couple walks slowly through the south part of beautiful Balboa Park rose garden next to Park Boulevard.
On a sunny Spring Sunday, a couple walks slowly through south part of beautiful Balboa Park rose garden, next to Park Boulevard.
Strike It Rich
Strike It Rich
Rainbow Sorbet
Rainbow Sorbet
Koko Loko
Koko Loko
Shockwave
Shockwave
Sheila's Perfume
Sheila’s Perfume
Love Song
Love Song
Gold Medal
Gold Medal

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Art, stories, dance at World Water Day Celebration.

LOVE spelled out in chalk in the grassy park near the WorldBeat Center.
LOVE spelled out in chalk in the grassy park near the WorldBeat Center.

Today has been designated World Water Day. The essential message is that we should use our often limited water resources carefully and engage in water conservation.

I read that a World Water Day Celebration was to be held in Balboa Park at the WorldBeat Center, so I headed from downtown up Park Boulevard to see what was going on.

What I discovered was a lot of interesting knowledge and very cool fun!

World Water Day in Balboa Park included a kids poster contest, painting, music, dance, a water blessing, and a global meditation.
World Water Day in Balboa Park included a kids poster contest, painting, music, dance, a water blessing, and a global meditation.
Kids listen to stories out in a patch of shade on a warm Spring day in San Diego.
Kids listen to stories out in a patch of shade on a warm Spring day in San Diego.
This board included many great ideas on how to save water. This is unusually important in Southern California because of our ongoing drought.
This board included many great ideas on how to save water. This is unusually important in Southern California because of our ongoing drought.
Lots of creativity was going on during World Water Day.
Lots of creativity was being unleashed during World Water Day.
A talented artist named Alexander had a bunch of his work on display.
A talented artist named Alexander had his work on display.
A smile and unique self-portrait by Alexander.
A smile and unique self-portrait by Alexander.

Check out his amazing work on Facebook.

This friendly, cool artist was working in conjunction with Live Art by Davina Mendoza.
This super friendly, cool artist was working with Live Art by Davina Mendoza.
Inside the popular World Beat Center dance and music awaited.
Inside the popular World Beat Center dance and music awaited.
Poster shows how water is harvested from the air in Ethiopia!
Poster inside shows how water is harvested from the air in Ethiopia!
Watair creates atmospheric water generators (called air juicers). These devices produce pure drinking water while cleaning the air!
Watair creates atmospheric water generators (called air juicers). These devices produce pure drinking water while cleaning the air!
The colorful interior of the WorldBeat Cultural Center is alive with dancers and drummers.
The colorful interior of the WorldBeat Cultural Center is alive with dancers and a line of drummers!

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Help Westview High School Music Outreach succeed!

Young ladies perform classical music in Balboa Park to help raise money for a very worthy cause!
Young ladies perform classical music in Balboa Park to raise money for a very worthy cause!

A group of talented young people in San Diego have a lofty ambition. They want to make our world a much better place!

This afternoon I was walking along when I happened upon two members of the Westview Music Outreach Club skillfully playing classical music. They had attracted a small crowd on El Prado in Balboa Park. Their sign really caught my attention:

Westview High School Music Outreach of San Diego has important goals! Their mission is to enrich others through music. Can you help them succeed?
Westview High School Music Outreach of San Diego has important plans! Its mission is to spread riches of music.

The club is already engaged in many positive activities! Check out their website.

I don’t see why the Westview High School Music Outreach can’t became an enormous success. With a little help anything is possible. Their (and your) generous musical gifts might touch and enrich thousands of lives! Can you help them succeed?

High School students actively working to change the world into a much better place!
High School students actively working to change the world into a better place!

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A small Moorish garden of outstanding beauty.

The Casa del Rey Moro garden is a small gem in Balboa Park.
The Casa del Rey Moro garden is a small gem in Balboa Park.

In the 1920s, prominent San Diego architect Richard Requa visited Europe. During his extensive tour, he carefully observed a Moorish king’s garden in Ronda, Spain. A book that he later authored stated: “In my travels about the world, I had found three gardens of outstanding interest and beauty… The finest of these is in a small town in southern Spain called Ronda. Viewing it for the first time, there came instantly to mind the spontaneous exclamation, ‘I hope to die before I see anything more lovely.'”

Inspired by what he’d seen, Requa designed the Casa del Rey Moro garden (House of the Moorish King) for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition in San Diego’s Balboa Park. In 1997 the garden and adjacent House of Hospitality were rededicated after a major renovation. The garden, today a popular wedding spot, includes a replica of the wishing well in the Guadalajara Museum of Gardens.

Balboa Park is an enormous place full of competing attractions. It’s strange how I always feel compelled to walk through the Casa del Rey Moro garden!

View from House of Hospitality balcony of The Prado restaurant's outdoor seating near the garden.
View from a House of Hospitality balcony of The Prado restaurant’s outdoor seating near the garden.
A wishing well frames two elegant, classic fountains.
A wishing well frames two elegant, classic fountains.
The garden is a reproduction of the Moorish gardens in Ronda, Spain.
Beautiful elements are reproduced from a Moorish garden in Ronda, Spain.
A close up photo of one picturesque fountain.
A close up photo of one picturesque fountain.
Visitors read about the history of the Casa del Rey Moro garden.
Visitors read about the interesting history of the Casa del Rey Moro garden.
In my travels about the world, I have found three gardens of outstanding interest and beauty...
“In my travels about the world, I have found three gardens of outstanding interest and beauty…”
One can see why this venue is extremely popular for weddings.
One can see why this venue is extremely popular for weddings.

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