San Diego gets its day in the sun

Sept. 8, 1923: San Diego was bracing for a huge influx of visitors to view a total solar eclipse the next day.

“No point on the mainland of the United States is more advantageous for the eclipse,” The Times said.

“The vanguard of what is expected to be the greatest crowd that ever invaded San Diego began pouring in this afternoon to be on the ground early,” the newspaper reported.

Residents had feared a problem accommodating “the great throng known to be coming by train, automobiles and steamers,” but civic organizations lined up thousands of rooms in private homes.

“The fete of the sun, a spectacular pageant conceived by Coronadoans, will be offered Monday....,” The Times reported. “Upwards of 500 society girls, schoolchildren and their elders will participate.”