California Pacific International Exposition

Uncommon view of the California Pacific International Exposition drawn by the event’s art director.

The California Pacific International Exposition was first held in San Diego’s Balboa Park between May and November 1935, but it experienced such success that the festivities were extended into 1936. The World’s Fair-like exhibition was organized to boost the city’s economy in the midst of the Great Depression, following up on the success of Chicago’s Century of Progress in 1933-1934. Highlights included a nudist colony (Zoro Garden), a 2,000 lb remote-controlled robot, a dwarf city and farm (complete with miniature animals), and the Ford Building.

The last can be seen on the far right on this bird’s eye view of the Exposition Grounds. It was illustrated by the Hollywood artist J.B. Larrinaga, the event’s Art Director, in 1935 and was distributed to potential exhibitors to promote participation. The view shows a sweeping view of Balboa Park looking southwest towards San Diego Bay and Coronado Island. Transportation options, the huge Midway, lush parkland, and numerous notable buildings are emphasized within the image, though the nudist colony is apparently absent. Text on the verso encourages the audience to with entries like “Why your exhibit will bring record-breaking sales results” and “Travelogue of America’s Exposition.”

According to UCLA Libraries, “Juan Larrinaga (Juan Baptista Manuel Larrinaga) was born on San Antonia, Baja, Mexico. He graduated from St. Vincents College in Los Angeles in 1900, worked as an artist-designer in the movie industry, and was an art director for several expositions around the country.”

Sources: San Diego History Center; UCLA Library;