history – Page 101 – Cool San Diego Sights!

UPDATE! Creators of San Diego’s Navy Bicentennial plaque.

Corroded plaque shows tallship, ironclad, early warship, aircraft carrier and jets.

I have received more information about the origin of the Navy Bicentennial plaque situated on San Diego’s Embarcadero near the USS Midway Museum.

Last September, I published the blog Help solve a Navy mystery in San Diego. This fascinating plaque is passed by thousands walking along our waterfront every day. It’s located on the Greatest Generation Walk among other military memorials and monuments, but even today there is no public information about what the plaque is or where it came from.

After emailing the Port of San Diego, last October I published the blog Unknown Navy plaque: Mystery partially solved! I’d been sent information that included a detailed description of the plaque. I also learned that the plaque had been moved from the Broadway Pier. But the exact origin remained unknown.

Then, out of the blue, two amazing things have happened. Cool San Diego Sights has received comments shedding light on the actual people who created this very important, historical plaque.

The first comment I received went:

My name is William Abell and I was an ML3 aboard the USS Ajax AR6 and I helped create this plaque in the ship’s foundry in 1975. I have a certificate from Admiral J L Holloway III commemorating the plaque’s creation and my part in its creation. The date on the certificate is Oct 13, 1975. The plaque was to be a gift to the City of San Diego. I am now a retired police commander living in Monroe WA.

The second comment I received yesterday morning. It directed my attention to this blog post:

I am Molder Chief Petty Officer Jesse G. Lopez USN Ret. The foundry crew from Navy Repair Ship USS Ajax AR-6, created the pattern which was made by Patternmaker Chief Carlos De Santiago USN RET and molded by myself when I was a MLFN. Petty Officer Abell was our Third Class in charge of the molders.

AMAZING UPDATE!

I’ve received detailed information about the plaque, including photographs of its creation and creators! Click here!

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Young and old dream at Centennial Railway Garden.

Young and old together dream in a small outdoor nook in Balboa Park.

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park has erected a cool little exhibit on their outdoor rear patio called the Centennial Railway Garden. To commemorate the hundred year anniversary of Balboa Park, a detailed layout features streetcars traveling among 3D-printed reproductions of several buildings in the park. The scenes date from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Visitors young and old can dream they’ve traveled back in time as they take control of the fun model train action with their smart phone! (Technology has changed somewhat in the last hundred years!)

Go check out the Centennial Railway Garden and have a lot of fun!

Volunteer at San Diego Model Railroad Museum walks past 3D-printed model of the historic California Building with its bell tower.

Putting a model of a streetcar on the tracks. A hundred years ago, John D. Spreckels' Class 1 streetcars provided transportation around San Diego. — Putting a model of a streetcar on the tracks. A hundred years ago, John D. Spreckels’ Class 1 streetcars provided transportation around San Diego.

This small replica of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is part of special exhibit that commemorates Balboa Park's centennial. — This small replica of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is part of special exhibit that commemorates Balboa Park’s centennial.

The Centennial Railway Garden also includes a model of Balboa Park's Botanical Building and nearby reflecting pool! — The Centennial Railway Garden also includes a model of Balboa Park’s Botanical Building and nearby reflecting pool!

Getting the streetcars ready early one weekend morning before many visitors arrive at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

The very cool Centennial Railway Garden is a place in Balboa Park where dreams from the past come alive.

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Photo mural of baseball long ago in San Diego.

Padres fans walk down 11th Avenue toward Petco Park on a game day. They pass a mural featuring photos of baseball in San Diego many years ago.

On 11th Avenue, a few blocks north of Petco Park, anyone walking down the sidewalk can pause for a moment to enjoy a cool photo mural. Three large panels feature nostalgic old black-and-white photographs of baseball many years ago in downtown San Diego.

This public art project was created in 2004, with the help of the San Diego Padres, the Centre City Development Corporation and the San Diego Historical Society.

First panel of photo mural shows baseball teams from San Diego and Coronado in 1874. Ball field is on the block bounded by Sixth, C Street, Seventh and Broadway. — First panel of mural shows baseball teams from San Diego and Coronado in 1874. Ball field is on the block bounded by Sixth, C Street, Seventh and Broadway.

Close look at an old photograph of baseball players in San Diego nearly 150 years ago. — Close look at a cool old photograph of baseball players in San Diego nearly 150 years ago.

Second panel of photo mural shows kids in the Rose Park Playground at Eleventh and Island in 1915.

As they do today, many San Diegans loved the enduring sport of baseball a hundred years ago.

Third panel of photo mural shows a portion of San Diego's Embarcadero in 1936. Lane Field, at Broadway and Pacific Highway, is under construction. — Third panel of mural shows a portion of San Diego’s Embarcadero in 1936. Lane Field, at Broadway and Pacific Highway, is under construction.

Lane Field, which was located at the west end of Broadway right next to the bay, was the home of the San Diego Padres from 1936 to 1957. That’s back when the Pads belonged to the Pacific Coast League. A young Ted Williams played there. It’s said the longest home run ever hit in baseball history was at Lane Field. A ball flying out of the park landed in a train’s boxcar near the Santa Fe Depot, and turned up later in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the identity of the player who hit an astonishing 120 mile home run remains unknown!

These cool photographs in San Diego's East Village preserve history and reflect memories of a time long ago. — These photographs in San Diego’s East Village preserve history and reflect memories of a time long ago.

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Quotes on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.

Walking past a plaque which is engraved with one of many important quotes by Martin Luther King Jr.

I frequently walk along the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade in downtown San Diego. Whenever I do, I like to randomly read some of the historic MLK quotes that are engraved in plaques along the long pathway. I’ve never counted the number of quotes. There are easily dozens. Every quote on every plaque is important and powerful, and reflects the intelligence, energy, optimism and wisdom of America’s great civil rights leader.

Here are photos taken at different times of a few of Dr. King’s quotes…

Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor. It must be demanded by the oppressed.

The deep rumbling of discontent that we hear today is the thunder of disinherited masses, rising from dungeons of oppression to the bright hills of freedom in one majestic chorus.

Along the way of life, someone must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate. This can only be done by projecting the ethic of love to the center of our lives.

We have flown the air like birds and swum the sea like fishes, but have yet to learn the simple act of walking the Earth like brothers.

Two people walk side-by-side down the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade in downtown San Diego.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. — I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

The democratic ideal of freedom and equality will be fulfilled for all--or all human beings will share in the resulting social and spiritual doom... — The democratic ideal of freedom and equality will be fulfilled for all–or all human beings will share in the resulting social and spiritual doom…

The greatest victory of the civil rights period was something internal...We armed ourselves with dignity and self-respect...We straightened our backs up... — The greatest victory of the civil rights period was something internal…We armed ourselves with dignity and self-respect…We straightened our backs up…

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Any law that uplifts human personality is just, any law that degrades human personality is unjust.

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.

Breaking the Chains sculpture, by Melvin Edwards, reminds people on MLK Promenade of the positive legacy of a great civil rights leader.

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World War II vets honored on USS Midway.

Grossmont High School NJROTC Ceremonial Color Guard waits for this morning's program to begin. — Grossmont High School NJROTC Ceremonial Color Guard waits for an important event to begin.

This morning I attended a moving ceremony. Americans who fought in World War II, members of The Greatest Generation, were honored in a special Veterans Wreath Ceremony on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum. It’s one of several events taking place on the USS Midway this Memorial Day weekend. San Diego’s popular aircraft carrier museum promises to be a very busy hub of activity.

I took a few photographs of the ceremony. It was short, but very meaningful.

People cross flight deck of USS Midway aircraft carrier museum to attend a special Memorial Day weekend event. Chairs are for a Wynonna Judd Judd performance later this evening. — People cross flight deck of USS Midway aircraft carrier museum to attend a special Memorial Day weekend event. (Chairs are for a Wynonna Judd concert later this evening.)

Looking south over San Diego Bay from upper deck of USS Midway Museum. Unconditional Surrender statue can be seen below.

Pomerado Community Band plays music before start of short ceremony that honors World War II veterans.

God Bless America sung with a deep, resonant voice. Many in the crowd listen with emotion.

Guests are ready for the special Memorial Day weekend Veterans Wreath Ceremony to begin.

There are two wreaths. One commemorates those who fought in World War II's Pacific Ocean theater. The second wreath is dedicated to those who served in Europe. — There are two wreaths. One commemorates those who fought in the World War II Pacific theater. The second wreath is dedicated to those who served in Europe.

This honored vet performed his duty in the Pacific during the Second World War. With him are two other generations.

This energetic vet helped bring peace to Europe, defeating Nazis and fascists who threatened human liberty. — Also honored was energetic Stu Hedley, who is a Pearl Harbor survivor.

Vintage World War II P-35 fighter aircraft from Air Group One (San Diego Wing of the Commemorative Air Force) flies over during the ceremony.

The wreaths are presented to the two representative veterans, who will toss them into the water.

In a time-honored ritual and tribute, the first wreath takes flight as many watch. — In a time-honored ritual and tribute, the first wreath takes flight as many watch and The Remembrance Bell is rung.

Flowers and memories float on San Diego Bay on this beautiful Memorial Day weekend.

A photo from the flight deck of the USS Midway. The historic aircraft carrier is used for many military ceremonies in San Diego.

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Some pics of Balboa Park restoration in progress.

Two fountains near the reflecting pool, at either end of the Botanical Building, have fallen into disrepair.

This year Balboa Park is celebrating its centennial. A hundred years ago, for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, many event structures were created out of plaster, with the idea that they would be temporary. But San Diego fell in love with the park as it was and changed its mind. It would be a shame to lose so much beauty. Today much of Balboa Park, after many years of maintenance and restoration, is like a glowing vision preserved from San Diego’s past. But time marches on. And more work always needs to be done.

During a quick walk this afternoon through Balboa Park, I paused to look at some construction that is underway near the monumental El Cid statue, at the south edge of the Plaza de Panama. A friendly guy who was working there told me a little bit about three current restoration projects.

Here are my pics! Please read the captions, where I provide some more information.

Funds for many Centennial restorations and improvements have been provided by the Friends of Balboa Park.

Plaque recalls how the second identical plaster fountain (next to the Timken Museum of Art) was restored back in 1965 by The Thursday Club. — Plaque recalls how a second identical fountain (next to the Timken Museum of Art) was restored back in 1965 by The Thursday Club.

The passage of time has been unkind to the impish faces on two fun Balboa Park fountains.

One of two guardhouses on either side of El Prado, at the west end of the Cabrillo Bridge.

The stately guardhouses are being repaired this summer. The plaster ornamentation on top is in bad shape.

A close look at the plaster artwork at the top of one guardhouse's tile roof. The hundred year old material has crumbled. — A close up photo of the plaster finial at the apex of one tile roof. The hundred year old material has crumbled.

The decorative finial has already been removed from the second guardhouse, and is being reconstructed.

Guy working on restoring the balustrade next to the El Cid statue. The walkway will now be ADA accessible. — Guy working on restoring the balustrade next to the El Cid statue. The walkway will soon be ADA accessible.

The old wooden balustrade is being replaced with modern material that should last much longer. Hopefully another hundred years!

This hard-working guy at the balustrade construction site was nice enough to talk to me and smile for the camera!

UPDATE!

During a walk in mid-September, I noted the balustrade is completely finished, and so are the two fountains! They look awesome–like new!

Both fountains--on either side of the Botanical Building--have been beautifully restored! — Both fountains–on either side of the Botanical Building–have been beautifully restored!

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A hike down to the grinding rocks at Mission Trails.

Visitors enjoying Explore Mission Trails Day head down Grinding Rock Trail.

About 60 miles of hiking trails through a wilderness environment can be found just 8 miles from downtown San Diego. Seriously!

This morning I enjoyed a very short walk (about a mile) at Mission Trails Regional Park. I went on the occasion of Explore Mission Trails Day, an annual event that showcases this amazing, enormous urban park.

The relatively easy hike was from the Visitor and Interpretive Center to some grinding rocks on the banks of the San Diego River, then back. Led by our guide, Linda, a small group learned what life was like for the ancient Kumeyaay people, who’ve lived in this dry, rugged area of Southern California for thousands of years, long before Europeans arrived. The Kumeyaay lived off the land. The very land where we walked.

We gathered at the kiosk near the parking lot for an easy morning nature walk.

Hiking through common, aromatic Southern California sagebrush toward distinctive mountain, South Fortuna. — Hiking through common, aromatic Southern California sagebrush toward a distinctive mountain, South Fortuna.

We pause under a coast live oak, which produces acorns and shade valued by the native Kumeyaay.

Large nest created by a woodrat (also known as pack rat). The Kumeyaay would bang a nest with a stick and hope to capture a snake, to eat.

We cross a small wooden footbridge and take in nature's sights and smells on a beautiful day. — We cross a small wooden footbridge and take in nature’s sights and smells on a beautiful day.

These tiny pinkish white flowers are flat-top buckwheat. Their tiny seeds are edible. The blooms attract butterflies.

It's easy to forget you are in the San Diego city limits in this open wilderness. — It’s easy to forget you are in the San Diego city limits in this open wilderness.

Water erosion visible in the gradually descending dirt trail. As the morning was overcast and cool, no snakes were out sunning.

Yucca fibers were used by the Kumeyaay to make nets, sandles, baskets and other useful things.

Linda, our tour guide, talks about the ancient history of this region and its indigenous peoples. The Kumeyaay moved about depending on the season and availability of resources.

Dodder is an orange colored parasitic plant. According to Kumeyaay legend, a woman who failed to guard a camp against invaders ran away, and some of her hair snagged in the bushes!

A patch of poison oak! Leaves of three, let it be!

We approach the San Diego River, but first pass beneath a large arching tree. If you see a native tree in San Diego, there's probably water nearby! — We approach the San Diego River, but first pass beneath a large arching tree. If you see a native tree in San Diego, there’s probably water nearby!

Smooth boulders on the bank of the San Diego River in Mission Trails Regional Park. — Smooth boulders on a bank of the San Diego River in Mission Trails Regional Park.

Family investigates the life-giving water. The Kumeyaay at times would follow the river all the way to the coast, where some witnessed the landing of explorer Cabrillo.

Many mortar-like holes in the nearby boulders are where Kumeyaay ground acorns, seeds, roots, herbs and other edible resources found in this arid environment.

Walking stick leans up near some Yucca fiber creations brought by our guide. The basket on the right was made with willow branches. Natural salicylic acid found in willows kept out insects!

Starting back up toward the Visitor Center during a very cool hike in San Diego! If you go for a hike, bring water and sturdy shoes!

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Fun photos of Explore Mission Trails Day!

As event begins, community organizations set up displays on the Visitor and Interpretive Center patio. — Park rangers and community organizations set up displays on the Visitor Center patio.

This morning I headed up Mission Gorge Road to check out the big annual Explore Mission Trails Day event!

Mission Trails Regional Park is a 6000-acre nature reserve located in San Diego’s East County. It’s one of the largest urban parks in the United States–basically a wide stretch of rugged, rocky wilderness within our large modern city! The San Diego River runs through the very heart of the park as it makes its way from higher inland elevations to the Pacific Ocean. I often drive past and gaze at the low chaparral-covered mountains and hills, and twice I’ve climbed Cowles Mountain, but this was the first time I’ve actually set foot inside the Visitor Center.

What an awesome place! How did I miss it all of these years?

Today I limited myself to the south end of the park, including a short but super cool hike from the Visitor Center to the Grinding Rocks. (That will be my next blog post!) There were additional Explore Mission Trails Day activities up by the Old Mission Dam and Kumeyaay Lake Campground, and by Mast Boulevard and Highway 52. I suppose I’ll have to go again next year!

My photos tell the story of what I saw…

Banner beside Father Junipero Serra Trail announces Explore Mission Trails Day!

There were opportunities to learn about nature, wildlife, science, history and the environment.

Some folks near the main entrance of the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center.

Bronze sculpture of a golden eagle is perched above path near the Visitor Center entrance.

Plaque by door dedicates the large open space park to past, present and future San Diegans.

View inside the Mission Trails Visitor and Interpretive Center from second floor balcony.

Flutists play near Heritage sculpture depicting Kumeyaay elders. Amazing monumental artwork is by T.J. Dixon and James Nelson. — Flutists play near “Heritage” sculpture depicting native Kumeyaay elders. Amazing monumental artwork is by T.J. Dixon and James Nelson.

The Art of Bird Photography is a special exhibition featuring the work of Blake Shaw.

Roberta Labastida is the author of My Ancestors' Village, which tells about the life of the native Kumeyaay people who were here long before the arrival of Europeans. — Roberta Labastida is the author of My Ancestors’ Village, which tells about the life of the Kumeyaay people who were here long before the arrival of Europeans.

Numerous exhibits and activities could be found inside the Mission Trails Visitor and Interpretive Center.

Western Scrub Jay and Northern Racoon are animals one might see in this very large San Diego urban park.

Cleaning some chalk off where kids have been identifying animal tracks.

The bobcat is often encountered in the hills and mountains of San Diego County. I once saw one while hiking around Mount Laguna!

Historically, the Kumeyaay lived in large family groups, and moved about depending on the season and the availability of nature's bounty. — Historically, the Kumeyaay lived in large family groups, and moved about depending on the season and the availability of nature’s bounty.

Exhibits in Visitor Center's museum show different aspects of Kumeyaay culture, including songs, games and crafts. — Exhibits in Visitor Center’s museum show different aspects of Kumeyaay culture, including songs, games and crafts.

Very cool observation window allows visitors to look out upon South Fortuna and Kwaay Paay Peak.

With the majestic chaparral-covered Fortuna Mountains as its backdrop, the coastal sage scrub habitat is highly adapted to our long hot summers.

Looking back out at the outdoor patio. More people have arrived in the past few minutes while I explored inside. — Looking back out at the rear patio. More people have arrived in the past few minutes while I explored inside.

Now I'm outside again, coming down some steps. Another overcast day, following San Diego's latest storm! — Now I’m outside again, coming down some steps. Another cloudy day, following San Diego’s latest storm!

Replicated flume near Visitor Center is a modern interpretation of the man-made channel that carried water from the old Mission Dam (a couple miles upriver) to Mission San Diego de Alcala. — Replicated flume near Visitor Center is a modern interpretation of the man-made channel that carried water from the Old Mission Dam (a couple miles upriver) to Mission San Diego de Alcala.

Sign by replicated flume details how it was engineered. Water was used at the old Mission for livestock, farms and inhabitants. — Sign by replicated flume details how it was engineered over two centuries ago. Water was used at the old historic Mission for livestock, farms and inhabitants.

Cool table full of meteorites next to traditional Kumeyaay house made of willow branches.

This sign tells the story of a fictional Kumeyaay woman, circa the year 1000. This primitive house was called an Ewaa.

Large boulder moved to Visitor Center due to construction contains a mortar-like hole used by Kumeyaay to grind acorns, seeds, roots, herbs and other foods. — Large boulder moved to Visitor Center due to construction contains a mortar-like hole used by Kumeyaay to grind acorns, seeds, roots, herbs and other natural foods.

A replicated solar calendar made of stones used by Native Americans to mark the Winter Solstice. Only a couple have been found in San Diego County. — A replicated solar calendar made of stones, used by Native Americans to mark the Winter Solstice. Only a couple have been found in San Diego County.

This beauty is a California Wild Rose, found beside the patio. You more often find them along streams. — This pink beauty is a California Wild Rose, found beside the patio. They’re more often found along streams.

Lady rests in Visitor Center amphitheater by small bronze sculpture of a Dusky-footed Woodrat. These wild rodents can create nests up to 8 feet high! — Lady rests in Visitor Center amphitheater by small bronze sculpture of a Dusky-footed Woodrat. This wild rodent can create a nest up to 8 feet high!

Sculpture of a coyote, one the top predators of Mission Trails Regional Park. Even with human encroachment, they remain numerous today.

Family checks out a very cool sculpture of a mountain lion at the amphitheater. This secretive animal is rarely seen around here. — Family checks out a very cool, life-size sculpture of a mountain lion at the amphitheater. This secretive animal is rarely seen around here.

Ms. Frizzle was present at Explore Mission Trails Day! The event was an educational treat for both kids and adults!

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Crossing the cool Spruce Street Suspension Bridge.

Couple crosses Kate Sessions Canyon on a cool 375 foot long suspension bridge! — Couple crosses Kate Sessions Canyon on a very long suspension bridge!

If you love cool bridges, the Bankers Hill neighborhood just north of downtown San Diego is the place to go!

I blogged about the Quince Street Trestle and First Avenue Bridge a while back. But an even more awesome bridge (in my opinion) can be found on Spruce Street!

The classic Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is located just west of First Avenue and crosses narrow Kate Sessions Canyon. It’s an amazing, breathtaking 375 feet long! Steel cables support a gently swaying passage through and above treetops, and a walk along its length feels like a small, romantic adventure. The bridge was designed by Edwin Capps, the city engineer who was also responsible for plans to dredge San Diego Bay, and who would go on to be elected mayor. (It was Capps who hired the rainmaker Charley Hatfield, the central character in one of San Diego’s most legendary tales! Perhaps I’ll blog about it one day…)

Built in 1912, the purpose of the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge was to provide easy access for those who lived to the west to trolley lines on Fourth and Fifth Avenue.

The Spruce Street steel cable suspension footbridge, engineered by Edwin Capps, was erected in 1912.

Wouldn't you like to walk out on this bridge. — Wouldn’t you like to walk out on this bridge?

The swaying suspension bridge is a unique, historic structure just north of downtown San Diego.

Lots of people love this hidden bridge. You feel like you're crossing through a wilderness of treetops! — Lots of people love this hidden bridge. You feel like you’re crossing through a wilderness of treetops!

Bicyclists enjoy a dirt trail 70 feet below.

Boy sits thoughtfully on the Spruce Street suspension bridge in Bankers Hill. — Boy sits thoughtfully on the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge in Bankers Hill.

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Pics of Garden Party of the Century in Balboa Park!

Child gives potted plant to spectator during floral wagon parade in Balboa Park.

It was a memorable day in Balboa Park!

To celebrate its centennial, San Diego’s historic Balboa Park is throwing a number of special events this year. Today our beautiful park was the scene of the Garden Party of the Century. And what a party it was!

As the title suggests, the emphasis was on gardening and the many incredible gardens of our world-class urban park. Spring flowers filled every corner, and lots of people came out to enjoy excellent exhibits. A unique parade also took place, as you’ll see in the following photographs.

The event’s main ceremony involved Marines from San Diego’s Marine Corps Recruit Depot, which is perhaps a mile (or two) from the park. The Marines played an instrumental role during the early days of Balboa Park, which was created for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. The mere presence of a Marine camp inside the large park back then eventually helped to preserve many of the wonderful old Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings visitors marvel at today.

Many tents with horticulture exhibits were around Balboa Park for the Garden Party of the Century. Some can be seen next to the Botanical Building.

These friendly folks explained that dahlia blooms can be as large as fourteen inches!

Displays concerning gardening were front and center during the special Balboa Park Centennial event.

These master gardeners showed me what a ladybird larva looks like! (It's the critter on the right.) — These master gardeners showed me what a ladybird larva looks like! (It’s the critter on the right.)

There were lots of flower arrangements and botany-themed art throughout the park!

It's still early in the morning, so some exhibitors are still setting up near the reflecting pool. — It’s still early in the morning, so some exhibitors are still setting up near the reflecting pool.

This super cool lady talked to me about the work of the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department.

Smiling lady from the San Diego Epiphyllum Society.

Lots of plants were for sale in the park, including on the Casa del Prado patio.

Ducks and baby ducklings were swimming about the lily pads in the Balboa Park reflecting pool!

Sign shows the way to the Rose Garden across Park Boulevard.

One example of Balboa Park's Adopt-A-Plot volunteer gardening program--this plot is in Sefton Plaza. — One example of Balboa Park’s Adopt-A-Plot volunteer gardening program. This plot is in Sefton Plaza.

A photo I took this morning of beautiful flower beds in the Alcazar Garden.

Another exhibitor near the Moreton Bay Fig Tree and Natural History Museum has a cool trash can painted with flowers and a bee. — Another exhibitor near the huge Moreton Bay Fig Tree and Natural History Museum has a cool trash can painted with flowers and a bee.

The Navy was showcasing its environmental programs.

Marines cross street in front of the Casa del Prado Theatre building. — Marines cross street in front of the Casa del Prado Theater.

The floral wagon parade staged in a parking lot by the Balboa Park carousel. — The floral wagon parade was staged in a parking lot by the Balboa Park carousel.

Musicians stand ready for the beginning of the big parade through Balboa Park.

San Diego's own Fern Street Circus has gathered for the parade holding colorful banners. — San Diego’s own Fern Street Circus has gathered for the parade holding colorful banners.

Other performers from the Fern Street Circus wait a bit further down the parade route for the spectacle to begin.

The Garden Party of the Century Parade is underway and turning onto El Prado!

Kids, families, wagons and flowers. An overcast day after our recent stormy weather.

Here come drummers and a flag down the festive parade route!

Look at the boldly colored dresses and fantastic costumes!

Here come some lush, wonderful floral wagons.

Garden Party of the Century parade turns the corner and heads down El Prado toward Plaza de Panama.

Flower-laden wagons pass in front of ornate Casa del Prado. — Flower-laden wagons pass in front of ornate Casa del Prado facade.

The parade approaches the reflecting pool as it passes booths lining El Prado. — The parade approaches the reflecting pool as it passes booths that line El Prado.

This lady in an elegant old-fashioned dress was handing out goodies to the watching crowd.

A painter in Balboa Park gets an eyeful as the parade passes by.

Uncle Sam and lots of other happy San Diegans.

Dr. Seuss seems to be a favorite author of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department!

The cool parade finally reaches the Plaza de Panama in front of the San Diego Museum of Art. — The cool parade finally reaches the spacious Plaza de Panama in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.

A second parade nears! Marines from San Diego's MCRD march down El Prado for a special historic ceremony. — A second parade nears! Marines from San Diego’s MCRD march down El Prado for a special ceremony.

The band leads the way as marchers from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot enter Plaza de Panama.

The Marines played an important role in Balboa Park's beginning, and are duplicating their march from 100 years ago! — The Marines played an important role in Balboa Park’s beginning, and are duplicating their march from 100 years ago!

Marines stand at attention before San Diego mayor, MCRD commandant and other dignitaries speak during the special Balboa Park Centennial event. — Marines stand at attention. The San Diego mayor, MCRD commandant and other dignitaries spoke during the special Balboa Park Centennial event.

Civilian and military bystanders look on as a memorable San Diego event is taking place.

Proudly marching Marines head west down El Prado toward California Tower and Museum of Man.

Marines start across the Cabrillo Bridge to reproduce a famous photograph from one hundred years ago!

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