Panama-Pacific 1915: Vail’s Timeless Re-creation

Relive the splendor of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco with this silent footage, thoughtfully “re-created for your enjoyment” by Frank W. Vail. Celebrating the Panama Canal’s completion and the city’s rebirth after the 1906 quake, this reel unveils a dazzling world’s fair—grand palaces, twinkling lights, and bustling crowds sprawled across the Marina District. From the Tower of Jewels to exotic pavilions, it captures a moment of innovation and resilience, blending art, industry, and global cultures. A nostalgic gem for history buffs, fair enthusiasts, and San Francisco lovers, Vail’s curation breathes life into a bygone triumph of human spirit.