Women's History Commons^™

Safeguarding The Innocent: Traveler's Aid At The Panama-California Exposition, 1915, Eric C. Cimino Ph.D.

Faculty Works: HPS (2015-2021)

In January 1914, the editorial page of The San Diego Union promised that the upcoming Panama-California Exposition would usher in a “new era” in the city’s history. San Diego would “emerge from its semi-isolation…and take on the dignity of a metropolis, a great seaport, and a commercial center.” There was a dark side, however, to this anticipated transformation as the newspaper reported that the city would soon be overwhelmed with “thousands of strangers and to these will be added thousands of immigrants who will make this port their landing place.” Among the newcomers would be many inexperienced young women who …