Alfred Robinson’s Lath-House Design for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park

In researching Alfred Robinson, I ran across an article by Richard Amero and published by the San Diego History Center.

The article shared Alfred’s grand dream for a large lath house for the Panama-California Exposition.

San Diego was the host city for this event, which was held on January 1, 1915.

Although Alfred’s idea was approved, the lath house design differed drastically from Albert’s vision.

Still, it is delightful to hear what Albert had in mind originally - his dream for the Botanical Building in Balboa Park:

Where was I? 

I had entered the Garden of Eden. 

Palms, ferns, flowering plants, and vines on all sides, sending out their delicate scents upon the night air to mingle with the odor of the moist earth and recent rain, a draught as intoxicating as champagne. 

Where the band played… was a great central dome, 500 feet in diameter...

Up its supporting columns ran choice vines, Jasmines of such sweet savor, Begonias and Tecomas of gaudy hue, and the curious Dutchman’s Pipe. Palms from many lands and forms lined the borders and were in beds here and there while Begonias and other foliage plants nestled at their feet. 

In the air hung Orchids with their strangely beautiful blossoms.

From this central court ran out six great arms or aisles, and in each were ... a great family of plants. There were thousands and thousands of varieties, and each was plainly labeled. (Now we definitely know this is clearly a dream!)

The lighting had been carefully planned not to strike the eye offensively, and the whole effect was absolutely entrancing.”