Spreckels Organ Pavilion

Abstract

Signage photographed on site; John D. and Adolph Spreckels donated the Spreckels Organ, one of the world's largest outdoor pipe organs, to the City of San Diego in 1914 for the Panama-California Exposition. This unique organ contains 4,530 pipes ranging in length from the size of a pencil to 32 feet and is housed in an ornate vaulted structure with highly embellished gables (which contain electric lighting for evening performances). Since 1917, San Diego has had a civic organist, who performs free weekly Sunday concerts. During the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition the stage size was doubled and a fountain added. The outdoor seating accommodates over 2,400. The sound is powered by a 20 HP blower housed in the basement, and can be heard for 3 miles. Source: Balboa Park (San Diego) [website]; http://www.balboapark.org/ (accessed 7/24/2013