Guide to the California Exposition and Fair Collection MC 121

James C. Scott

Sacramento Public Library

2023

Contributing Institution: Sacramento Public Library

email: sacroom@saclibrary.org

phone: (916) 264-2795

Title: Guide to the California Exposition and Fair Collection

Identifier/Call Number: MC 121

Physical Description: .5 Linear Feet One archival box

Date (inclusive): 1965 to 1968

Abstract: Collection is comprised of correspondence, photographs, conceptual drawings, maps, ephemera, and published and unpublished reports, dating from 1965 to 1968, that accompanied the planning for, and creation of, Sacramento's California Exposition and Fair. More popularly known as Cal Expo, since 1968, it has been the primary venue for the California State Fair.

Language of Material: English .

Biographical / Historical

The California Exposition and Fair (Cal Expo) opened in 1968 in Sacramento, California, at 1600 Exposition Boulevard. The California State Legislature purchased the 1063-acre site in 1948 and authorized funds for development of Cal Expo in 1957, making way for a gradual migration of the California State Fair from its previous location at Broadway and Stockton Boulevard. Starting in 1961, private firms were invited to submit bids for the developing the site, intended to be a year-round operation. By 1964, the California Exposition and Fair Corporation was chartered as Cal Expo's controlling and managing body. In May 1967 California Governor Ronald Reagan dedicated the site. With the official opening in June 1968, Cal Expo boasted five major activity areas: Exposition Center, Fair Activities Complex, Recreation Park, Industrial Exhibits Area, and Horse Racing Facilities.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], California Exposition and Fair Collection, MC 121, Sacramento Room, Sacramento Public Library, Sacramento, California.

Scope and Contents

Collection is divided into six series: I. Reports; II. Bid Proposals; III. Photographs; IV. Ephemera; V. Administrative Documents; and VI. Maps. No original order. Some documents have been placed into Mylar sleeves.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests to publish or quote from private collections held by the Sacramento Public Library must be submitted in writing to sacroom@saclibrary.org. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Sacramento Public Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the patron. No permission is necessary to publish or quote from public records.

Series I. Reports

Material Specific Details: Reports include "Design Construction and Operation Program for the California Exposition and Fair" (May 1966); "Construction Estimate Summary" (June 1966); "Economic Impact of the New California Exposition and Fair" by Economics Research Associates (June 1966); "Man, Land, and Growth in California" by W.H. Hutchinson, an historical continuity prepared for the California Exposition (June 1967); "Economic Feasibility Study of the California Exposition Theme Amusement Park" by Booz, Allen, and Hamilton, inc. (March 1968); and, "Preliminary Plans and Concepts for the California Exposition, Showcase of the Golden State" (June 1968).

Series II. Bid Proposals

Material Specific Details: Proposals are made up correspondence, schematics, and data that address the Cal Expo's call for gondola system or "sky ride" and an observation tower. Documents for the sky ride are from Von Roll, Ltd. of Berne, Switzerland, and Ceretti and Tanfani S.p.A of Milan, Italy. Also included is correspondence from Willy Buhler AG regarding the construction of a "space tower," and a letter to Arrow Development Company of Mountain View, California, regarding the purchase of a Flume Ride, Sports Car Ride, Boat Tour, and Mine Ride.

Series III. Photographs

Material Specific Details: Series is made up of photographs and conceptual drawings used for the development of Cal Expo. Spots captured are a Gold Rush style town incorporating a Log Flume Ride, a sports cards ride, and a parkwide view that speaks to the intent to make California Exposition and Fair reflect California's diverse array of microclimates. Exterior lighting fixtures are shown as are several models of the park's structures along with different conceptual renderings of the park. Creators are Public Structures, Inc., Wurster, Bernardi, and Emmons, and Lawrence Halprin and Associates.

Series IV. Ephemera

Material Specific Details: Published promotional content, press releases, an appeal to prospective investors, and colorful brochures make up this small series.

Series V. Administrative Documents

Material Specific Details: Series is composed of fiscal documents, rules and regulations for concessionaires, general information on recreation park leasing (including cost per hour per ride), a list of vendors, and general information sheets for potential investors.

Series VI. Maps

Material Specific Details: Included are on oversize folding master plan map of the California Exposition and Fair area. Contributors are Herb Rosenthal and Associates, Wurster, Bernardi, and Emmons, Inc., and Lawrence Halprin and Associates. Two conceptual maps, both created in 1966, of the park created by Herb Rosethal and Associates are also included.