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!
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
