In 1940, a grand celebration was held to commemorate the opening of the All-American Canal. This celebration was not to celebrate the completion of the canal, but rather to celebrate the first use of the completed parts of the canal. A completed, and filled, section of the canal is where the celebration took place. This particular section is called the East Highland Canal. Water in this photo was initially “ponded” at the East Highland Turnout so that way the initial delivery of water could be made the day of the celebration. Water in the photos would eventually flow out to the Imperial Valley after traveling through the canal.
Celebration photos below show King Neptune and his court of lovely women floating to the celebration on a decorated raft, as well as the Commissioner of Reclamation (John C. Page) giving an opening address which kicked off the celebration. It would be two more years before the canal would be completed. Reports on the Canal continue past its completion in 1942 and through to 1954. Later reports look closer at the functionality and economic benefits of the Canal.
Series: All-American Canal Project Histories, 1948-1954. Record Group 48: Records of the Office of the Secretary of the Interior, 1826-2009. National Archives Identifier: 2292770