From stamped sidewalks to sold-out home tours, the La Mesa History Center is hitting the ground running in 2026!
From stamped sidewalks to sold-out home tours, the La Mesa History Center is hitting the ground running in 2026!
"Go ahead and indulge all you want in the next two months, but then step out in healthy fashion Saturday, Jan 3, 2026! Join your friends and neighbors,10 am, at […]
This event dates back to the earliest days of the organization and is a great opportunity for the membership to gather, share stories, fill up on tasty treats and build community. Thanks to everyone who attended!
Another great image from our archives! Where is it and can you guess the year? #WhereIsItWednesday #lamesahistory
The Ladies of La Mesa - Sarah "Nan" Van Rensselaer Couts (August 28, 1889 - September 9, 1985)
Nan Couts was one of the most extraordinary woman you could ever hope to learn about and a true force for good within La Mesa and the surrounding communities.
Born in Richmond, Yorkshire, England in 1889, the Van Rensselaer family moved to Southern California when Nan was only 1 year old. She married her husband, John "J." Forster Couts, Jr., in 1915 and the couple moved to La Mesa in 1927. The couple had three children - Susan, Nanette, and Richard. She lived in La Mesa for 38 years until she moved to El Cajon following her husband's death. She died in El Cajon on September 9, 1985.
The list of Nan's service is long and the following paragraph highlights just some of her activities and accomplishments. During WWI she was a volunteer with the American Red Cross and during WWII she served as Director of Home Service for the organization. During the Depression, she spearheaded welfare relief activities that led to the formation of the La Mesa Thrift Store. She served on numerous La Mesa Committees including the Police Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission. She was a founder of the Grossmont Hospital Auxiliary and served as the group's first president. Her work to provide a recreational home for the girls of La Mesa led to the building of Nan Couts Cottage in 1956 which is named in her honor and the City of La Mesa celebrated "Nan Couts Day" on October 5, 1969.
The La Mesa History Center is grateful to hold an oral history interview with Nan, as well as digitized copies of the La Mesa Community Welfare Association's early ledger books and a small collection related to the Nan Couts Cottage. Stop by Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm to learn more!
Where is this and what do you know about it? #WhereIsItWednesday #LaMesaCA
