The 20205 110th anniversary has its own logo.Courtesy of Washington Township Museum of Local HIstory

Tri-City History A-Z in Photographs #16: Panama Pacific International Exposition

Historical photos show the visitors and sights

By: Kelsey Camello, for the Washington Township Museum of Local History

April 22, 2025

Panama Pacific International Exposition (proper noun): a world’s fair held in San Francisco from February 20th to December 4th in 1915.

After the conclusion of the fair, the Japanese Commissioners’ Office was sold and barged to Ardenwood Farm. Clara Patterson hired California’s first woman architect, Julia Morgan, to remodel it into a residence at the site. Clara died in 1917 and the work was never fully completed. Courtesy of Washington Township Museum of Local History

Centerville residents Carrie Stevenson Emerson, Dr. Henry Emerson and Beattie Heaken attend the fair. Courtesy of Washington Township Museum of Local History

Centerville resident John A. Bunting’s PPIE admission passport. Courtesy of Washington Township Museum of Local History

Before the fair opened, hundreds of palm trees were transported from Niles to the construction site. Weighing 8-30 tons each, the trees were from the California Nursery Company. Courtesy of Washington Township Museum of Local History

In 2025, from April to October, various locations around Fremont are celebrating the 110th anniversary of the PPIE. View exhibits and learn about local contributions to the infamous fair that took place in San Francisco in 1915.

Let’s explore local history through themes and photographs! Have a topic or idea you’d like us to explore? Email us at in**@mu******************.org.

Tri-City History A-Z in Photographs #16: Panama Pacific International Exposition