A scene from the film Fatty and Mabel go to the San Diego Exposition. (Photo courtesy of The Movie Database (TMDB)
On Oct. 29, 1915, San Diego’s Panama–California Exposition in Balboa Park buzzed with excitement as a remarkable convergence of entertainment and innovation unfolded.
Silent film legends Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle and Mabel Normand graced the fairgrounds, capturing the essence of the era’s comedic charm.
Their visit was immortalized in the short film Fatty and Mabel at the San Diego Exposition, where the duo humorously navigated the fair’s attractions, engaging with the crowd and showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of the exposition.
The cover of the 1915 exposition guidebook. (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia/public domain)
More Excitement
But the day’s star-studded lineup didn’t end there. Renowned inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford also visited the exposition, adding a touch of industrial brilliance to the festivities. The pair, both in their prime—Edison at 68 and Ford at 52—toured the fair together, delighting attendees with their presence. As their automobile entered the Plaza de Panama, approximately 12,000 schoolchildren greeted Edison with an outpouring of flowers, a testament to the public’s admiration for the inventor.
Thomas Edison (center) and Henry Ford (far left) at the Panama-Pacific Exposition in 1915. (Photo via Wikipedia/public domain)
Their visit wasn’t just ceremonial; it was a moment of cultural significance. Edison and Ford, both pioneers in their respective fields, symbolized the spirit of innovation and progress. Their presence at the exposition underscored the event’s importance as a showcase of human achievement and creativity.
For the citizens of San Diego, Oct. 29, 1915, was a day to remember. The blend of cinematic humor and industrial ingenuity at the exposition highlighted the city’s role as a nexus of culture, technology, and entertainment. It was a vivid snapshot of an era where the arts and sciences converged, leaving an indelible mark on the community’s collective memory.
Sources:
Wikipedia, Fatty and Mabel at the San Diego Exposition (1915)
San Diego History Center, Panama–California Exposition archives
The Henry Ford Museum, Edison & Ford collection
The Movie Database
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