House of Pacific Relations and International Cottages Collection, 1934-1989

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Summary

Creators:
House of Hospitality Association (San Diego, Calif.).
Abstract:
A collection of newspaper articles, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera related to the history of the House of Pacific Relations and International Cottages in Balboa Park.
Extent:
2.25 Linear feet (5 boxes)
Language:
Preferred citation:

House of Pacific Relations and International Cottages Collection, MS 286, San Diego History Center Document Archives, San Diego, CA.

Background

Scope and content:

A collection of newspaper articles, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera relating to the history of the House of Pacific Relations and International Cottages in Balboa Park. The collection originally consisted entirely of scrapbooks; however, it was necessary to deconstruct many of them during processing. “History of the House of Pacific Relations, 1935 – 1980” in addition to documenting the history of the organization, also includes by-laws and correspondence. The volumes entitled “Programs” and “Miscellanea” detail the participants and schedules of the House of Pacific Relations social events. “Tickets” is a collection of ticket stubs from these events. “Tours” consists of correspondence relating to the charter flights to Europe which were organized by the group. “The San Diego-Yokohama Friendship Commission” contains a small number of documents from the establishment of the sister city affiliation between San Diego and Yokohama, Japan. The House of Pacific Relations scrapbooks contain newspaper articles documenting social events sponsored by the member countries of the House of Pacific Relations and persons either belonging to or being received by the organization. Two volumes of photographs provide a visual survey of the events sponsored by each member country; most photographs are accompanied by a description.

Biographical / historical:

The House of Pacific Relations in Balboa Park was created for the California-Pacific International Exposition of 1935. Frank Drugan, mastermind of the Exposition itself, established the organization “to foster and cultivate a spirit of understanding, tolerance, and good will.” The organization was non-political, non-religious, and non-profit. At its creation nineteen nations occupied fifteen buildings situated between the Ford Building (Aerospace Museum) and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. By 2014, there were a total of thirty two national groups occupying the original fifteen cottages, as well as four new cottages, and the Hall of Nations. Membership in the House of Pacific Relations (“pacific” meaning peaceful) was constantly changing as many countries gained and relinquished membership in the organization.

The House of Pacific Relations served many purposes. Initially, each member country was responsible for creating an annual cultural program, typically consisting of ethnic costume, song, dance, and cuisine, for public events held Sundays between April/June and October. The main function of the organization was to facilitate cultural exchange, although it also served the public during its history by providing written and oral language translators. In the middle of the 20th century, the House was also charged with receiving foreign dignitaries to San Diego. During World War II, the buildings comprising the House were used as living quarters for non-commissioned naval officers. However, following the war, the buildings were rededicated for the House of Pacific Relations and continue to present cultural programs to the present day.

Processing information:

Collection processed by Chris Bishop in March, 2014.

Arrangement:

Arranged by Series:

Series I: History of the House of Pacific Relations

Series II: Programs and Ticket

Series III: Miscellanea

Series IV: The San Diego-Yokohama Friendship Commission

Series V: Scrapbooks

Material within each volume is arranged chronologically.

Physical / technical requirements:

Scrapbooks were deconstructed and placed in folders to prevent further deterioration of the material and to improve accessibility. (March, 2014)

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.

Preferred citation:

House of Pacific Relations and International Cottages Collection, MS 286, San Diego History Center Document Archives, San Diego, CA.

Location of this collection:
1649 El Prado, Suite 3
San Diego, CA 92101, US
Contact:
(619) 232-6203
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