San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Balboa Park Club
San Diego architect Richard Requa remodeled the building as the Palace of Education for the 1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition. The central patio was roofed over and a large exhibit hall added. The Works Progress Administration commissioned an interior fountain sculpture. The Four Cornerstones of American Democracy, by Frederick Schweigand. The WPA also commissioned a Belle Baranceanu Mural "The Progress of Man”. The Exposition Cactus Garden suggested by horticulturist Kate Sessions, and planted behind the building, can still be seen. In 1949 the city made further changes, renamed the building the Balboa Park Club, and designed it for a teen club and for social events.
WWI: Following the U.S. entry into the war, the Marine Corps used the north wing for officer barracks and the Santa Fe Room for Instruction.
WWII: The building was converted into a temporary annex to the naval hospital with a dispensary and mess hall. The Santa Fe Room became the "Camp Kidd Officers' Club,” honoring Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, the first U.S. Navy flag officer killed in action during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
Erected 2014 by Friends of Balboa Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas • War, World I • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location. 32° 43.721′ N, 117° 9.207′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. Marker is on Pan American Rd W, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Diego CA 92101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. L/CPL Kenneth J. Haywood U.S.M.C. (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Agoston Haraszthy (about 400 feet away); First Declaration of Human Rights by Cyrus the Great (about 600 feet away); A-12 Blackbird 06933 (about 700 feet away); Convair Sea Dart (about 700 feet away); United States Army Air Forces (about 700 feet away); Spreckels Organ and Pavilion (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Discovery of California (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 31, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.