La Mesa History Center

La Mesa History Center

Our mission is to promote, collect and educate on and about the history of Greater La Mesa area for the benefit of the community through the McKinney House Museum, Historical Archives and public programs.
Historical Archives
LMHC McKinney House

Latest News

Winter 2026 Newsletter

From stamped sidewalks to sold-out home tours, the La Mesa History Center is hitting the ground running in 2026!

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Start The New Year With Walk To Top Of Mt. Helix!

"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 […]

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Thanks for a wonderful Holiday Party!

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!

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The Ladies of La Mesa - Mary Durham Garfield (January 23, 1881 - February 27, 1966)
Mary Durham was born in Rock Island, Illinois on January 23, 1881. She graduated from the Chicago Art Institute and in 1905 she married attorney Wade Garfield. In 1907 the couple moved to San Diego along with their eldest daughter, Ada. 

The family, now including six children, moved to La Mesa on November 11, 1918. The Garfield's added one more son following their move. Mary was a fixture in the community life of La Mesa. She belonged to a group of artists known as the California Plein Air school and was a student of San Diego artist, Charles Fries. In addition to being a gifted painter, she was a poet who is credited with coining the phrase "Jewel of the Hills" in her poem "Lines to La Mesa". The poem was printed on postcards that were sold by the La Mesa Woman's Club to help pay off their clubhouse mortgage.

Mary Durham passed away February 27, 1966 at the age of 85.
This image is from a  postcard in our archives...where is this? #WhereIsItWednesday #lamesaca
Another great image from our archives!  Where is it and can you guess the year? #WhereIsItWednesday #lamesahistory
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Where the past meets the present

From its agricultural origins in the late 1800s, its community beginnings, and its short period as a silent-movie mecca in the early 1900s, La Mesa has a rich and colorful past. The La Mesa History Center is dedicated to preserving the community's heritage for future generations.

Rev. Henry A. McKinney House Museum and Society Archives

The La Mesa History Center is reaching out to the community through a number of avenues ranging from educational, historical roundtables and walking tours to hosting and participating in special events including our Annual Home Tour. Come investigate La Mesa’s history with us - we look forward to seeing you soon. Stop by the McKinney House a 1908-built historical landmark on Saturdays from 1 pm - 4 pm (except holidays) and see what LMHC is all about.

Come Learn With Us

From its 19th century origins of cattle and sheep grazing to its period as a silent-movie mecca in 1911-12, La Mesa has a rich and colorful past. Find out more about the history of your community, neighborhood or house at one of our quarterly History Roundtable presentations or at the Research Archives.

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By signing up for the newsletter you will stay informed on upcoming events and important information about La Mesa History Center.
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The La Mesa History Center is dedicated to preserving the community's heritage for future generations.
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LMHC Fall 2022 Newsletter Cover

2025 Home Tour Sponsors

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Lost History - Helix Theater 1954

Rediscover lost, but not forgotten, places and stories from La Mesa’s past such as this warmly remembered movie-theater–opened in 1948 near the corner of La Mesa Blvd and University Avenue.

Murray Manor Kindergartners 1954

From one-room Allison School (opened in 1895) to Grossmont (1920) and Helix (1951) High Schools, churches and other government agencies and civic organizations, La Mesa boasts a proud tradition. Re-live these shared institutions.

Bank of Southern California Building 1927

La Mesa’s architectural heritage features both commercial and residential structures such as this distinctive building located at Palm and La Mesa Blvd. Research historical buildings and houses at our archives
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