Summer 2025 LMHC Newsletter LMHC Newsletter Summer 2025 PDF Download PDF As sesquicentennial celebrations begin to ramp up to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, the La Mesa […]
Summer 2025 LMHC Newsletter LMHC Newsletter Summer 2025 PDF Download PDF As sesquicentennial celebrations begin to ramp up to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, the La Mesa […]
Here are some important items you won’t want to miss in the newsletter:
The La Mesa History Center is proud to present our 18th Annual Home Tour, “Peaks of Preservation,” featuring awe-inspiring homes in Grossmont/Mt Helix with breathtaking views, period decor, inspiring architecture, […]
Lining up for the Flag Day Parade…starts at 10 am in the La Mesa Village. Join the fun! #flagday
What is it Wednesday? Any guesses? This is on the back porch at the McKinney House Museum. #WhatIsItWednesday #historylovers
50 Facts about the La Mesa History Center #18: Four Hole Outhouse on the LMHC Property
Sticking with the topic of "structures on the La Mesa History Center property," the small wooden structure between the lemon trees on the south side of the lot has a surprising history. While it is currently used as a storage shed for gardening supplies and paint cans, it started its existence as a four hole outhouse! The La Mesa Historical Society received it as a gift from the Spring Valley Historical Society (SVHS) in 1977. Information from Spring Valley indicated that it was build in 1890 when a lemon ranch was established in the area. A family by the name of Bussey either owned the ranch or acquired it by 1895. By the 1920s it was purchased by Richard and Grace McGowan, who operated a turkey farm there. The McGowans retained the property until the mid-1960s when Caltrans purchased the land for a planned interchange of State Highways 94 and 125. Caltrans donated the outhouse to the SVHS at that time and mained it at the Bancroft Ranch House property. Ultimately by the late 1970s the SVHS decided they were not in a position to restore the structure and donated it to La Mesa with the goal that it could be restored along with the McKinney House. On July 8, 1977, LMHS member (and La Mesa fireman) Jim Orsborn and a group of volunteers from the Fire Department and the Explorer Scouts transported the outhouse in a pickup to the McKinney House property. There is was eventually restored - a replacement door was added and the roof was reshingled - and it was placed on its current permanent foundation. Restoration did take some time (and funding) - the attached pictures dated "circa 1984" and feature Board members Karna Webster and Donna Regan standing in front of the building.
(Adapted from the article by Donna Regan in the September 15, 1977 Lookout Ave. newsletter)
