Oakland Tribune 1937
The Oakland Exposition Building was a hall behind the Oakland Auditorium. The California Garden Show was held there, as well as horse shows, midget car races, and other events.
The building was constructed in 1931-1932, funded in part using Agricultural District money that comes from horse racing (which also funds county fairs in California). 1 The design was by Reed and Corlett. 2 The building was dedicated in April 1932 as part of the California Spring Garden Show. 4
Part of the motivation for the building was a horrific fire during the 1931 horse show at the Auditorium. 50 horses and 4 men were killed when the temporary stables and tents behind the Auditorium burned. Horse owners, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and others started a campaign after the fire, and funds were allocated soon after. 2,5
It was torn down in 1968 to build what is now Laney College.
1931 3
Links and References
- Exposition Building on Oakland History group, Steven Lavoie
- New Building to House Expositions in Oakland Oakland Tribune August 30, 1931
- City Council Receives Plans for Exposition Building Oakland Tribune September 11, 1931
- Spring Garden Show Opens At New Exposition Building Oakland Tribune April 22, 1932
- 4 Men, 50 Horses Die In Show Fire Oakland Tribune February 15, 1931 (p2,p3,p4)
