California World Progress Exposition/Fiesta del Pacifico Collection
Finding aid created by San Diego Public Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
San Diego Public Library
2024
330 Park Blvd.
San Diego, California 92101
(619) 238-6668
speccoll@sandiego.gov
https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/
Title: California World Progress Exposition/Fiesta del Pacifico Collection
Dates: 1949 -1960
Collection Number: MS.040
Creator/Collector:
Extent: 1 box, 1 linear ft.
Repository:
San Diego Public Library
San Diego, California 92101
Abstract: The Fiesta del Pacifico was a short lived civic festival presented in Balboa Park and adjacent communities. Seeking to create
a nationally significant exposition, it was initiated by the Chamber of Commerce in 1949, after a pitch from veteran festival
promoter and publicist Clyde Vandeberg. The organization was renamed and reincorporated as the California World Progress Exposition
(CWPE) in 1950. Originally planned for 1953, it was derailed by the war in Korea. In 1955 it was again reorganized as the
Fiesta del Pacifico. The first of the festivals occurred in 1956, and subsequently in 1957 and 1958. By 1959, with lessening
interest by the subscribers and dropping numbers of attendees, the organization and the festival folded.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research.
San Diego Public Library can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claims
of the copyright holder. Permission to copy or publish any portion of San Diego Public Library's collection must be given
by the San Diego Public Library.
[Identification of item]. California World Progress Exposition/Fiesta del Pacifico Collection. Collection Number: MS.040.
San Diego Public Library
Scope and Content of Collection
The Fiesta del Pacifico was a short lived civic festival presented in Balboa Park and adjacent communities. Seeking to create
a nationally significant exposition, it was initiated by the Chamber of Commerce in 1949, after a pitch from veteran festival
promoter and publicist Clyde Vandeberg. The organization was renamed and reincorporated as the California World Progress Exposition
(CWPE) in 1950. Originally planned for 1953, it was derailed by the war in Korea. In 1955 it was again reorganized as the
Fiesta del Pacifico. The first of the festivals occurred in 1956, and subsequently in 1957 and 1958. By 1959, with lessening
interest by the subscribers and dropping numbers of attendees, the organization and the festival folded.
The collection consists mainly of minutes from the General and Executive Board of Directors, documents, contracts, and correspondence
amongst supporters. The minutes document the relentless quest for money and by the mid 1950’s there was a shift in fund-raising
activities, from the early expectation of federal funding and significant donations from large industry and finance, to a
massive list of small local subscribers from the business community. It also evolved from an international and community celebration
to one focused on entertainment, tourism and the development of Mission Bay as an aquatic sports resource.
Festivals--California--San Diego.
Exhibitions--California--San Diego.
California World Progress Exposition
Fiesta del Pacifico
San Diego (Calif.)