HISTORY OF THE HOUSE OF POLAND

For many San Diegans strolling through Balboa Park, the Spanish style cottage with the white eagle above the entrance is known as one of the best places to get ethnic food during "Christmas on the Prado" and to enjoy a colorful show of folk dances on Constitution Day, usually the first Sunday in May. But the members of the House of Poland like to think that it is much more, that it provides an instant glimpse into the culture and history of Poland.

Actually, the complex of cottages in the park is a unique phenomenon and has an interesting history of its own, going back to the 1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition which attracted thousands of visitors from all over the world.

The Exposition's executive secretary Frank Drugan conceived the idea of a "House of Pacific Relations" as one of the attractions. The term "Pacific" referred to peaceful relations between nations. Mr. Drugan believed that the promotion of peace and harmony was badly needed to calm international tensions during the 1930-ies.

And so the fifteen original cottages were constructed around a central lawn, to be occupied by different nations who would have the opportunity to show off their history, culture and artifacts, and hopefully befriend and entertain one another. This experiment in harmony was widely acclaimed during the exposition, but unfortunately could not prevent the eventual outbreak of World War II.

When the exposition ended, the complex was retained as a permanent park attraction and an international meeting place to continue fostering pacific relations. Already then, there was a Polish community in San Diego that was strong enough to compete for one of the cottages. It so happened that in the late 1920-ies the Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation (later Convair Aircraft) had moved from Buffalo, NY to take advantage of San Diego's year-round flying weather. They brought with them a lot of the Polish craftsmen and their families to work and live in San Diego. The Polish group formed a nonprofit organization, and the House of Poland was officially opened in 1938.

When the United States became involved in World War II in the 1940-ies, much of Balboa Park, including the hospital and the cottages were taken over by the Navy. After the war, the House of Pacific Relations (HPR) was restored, and cottages were reassigned to different nations, with priority given to those who were allies during the war. In January 1948 the Polish group, with Edward Raymond as president, was granted re-occupancy of the House of Poland.

Ever since then, the House of Poland (HoP) has been part of the Balboa Park scene, hosting visitors every Sunday and presenting special events within the framework of the HPR which is sanctioned by, and works with, the City of San Diego. The buildings are owned by the City, and their historic architecture, consistent with the 1935 exhibit, is protected. The City maintains the exterior, and the tenant ethnic groups maintain the interior.

HoP members hold open house every Sunday, from Noon to 4:00 p.m., and host numerous park visitors who come in to enjoy a snack and view the exhibits. In addition, the cottage opens for special groups on occasion. Many visitors are provided historical and contemporary information on Poland, and help visitors in planning trips to Poland. Special Programs are conducted before Christmas and to celebrate Poland's May 3rd 1791 constitution. Each of the fifteen cottages presents a special event on the central lawn at least once a year, attracting hundreds of visitors to each event.

HOUSE OF POLAND, Inc.
Member, House of Pacific Relations
International Cottages, Inc. - Established 1935
Balboa Park, San Diego, California

Text prepared by Adam G. Saling.
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