Botanical Gardens Building

(First 2 photos is upon exiting the Museum onto Plaza de Panama - the fountian of the Plaza behind Laurie)

The Botanical Building also built for 1915–16 Panama–California Exposition, remains one of the largest lath structures in the world. Alfred D. Robinson (1867–1942), founder and president of the San Diego Floral Society, suggested the construction of a lath house as a feature of the Panama–California Exposition, which was to open in the City of San Diego on January 1, 1915

The Lily Pond, or previously known as “Lagoon,” was also built for the Panama–California Exposition. The garden was added along with the pond. The Lily Pond is located in front of the Historical Botanical Garden. It had a multitude of uses during the history of San Diego. During World War I and II, the NAVY occupied the city during the war and used the pond for sailors to take swimming lessons in. Pictures taken during the time show the occupation of Balboa and the pond being used to train sailors.Read more