La Mesa History Center

Around Mt. Helix: A Natural & Cultural Community Icon
2019-03-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Grossmont Healthcare Auditorium, 9001 Wakarusa St, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
La Mesa History Center’s History Roundtable series provides an encore presentation, as author James Newland's presentation will provide an overview of the history of the Mt. Helix area as well as the significance of the mountain top nature theatre and park to the region.
Newland, a La Mesa resident, and a historian & manager with the California State Parks department, is also President of the La Mesa History Center and serves on the City Planning Commission as well as the Historic Resources Commission. In 2015 he partnered with the Mt. Helix Park Foundation to create a photographic history of the Mt. Helix region featuring evocative images of Mt. Helix and its surrounding communities, landmarks, notable events, institutions, and individuals. A graduate of San Diego State University, he is an author of books on the history of La Mesa, the Cleveland National Forest and most recently Grossmont Hospital. Mr. Newland's books will be available for sale and signing.
FREE for LMHC Members, $5 suggested donation from non-members.
PLEASE RSVP as space is limited!

2018 Christmas Open House
2018-12-09 14:00 - 16:00 | McKinney House, 8369 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
The La Mesa History Center invites you to get in the holiday spirit and enjoy a charming afternoon at the Historical McKinney House in La Mesa! Our annual Christmas Open House is an opportunity to see the McKinney House Museum decked out for the holidays! This event also features:

Old Fashion Treats
Old Fashion Refreshments
Entertainment by Classical Acoustic Guitarist, Ian Lawrence
FREE Admission to McKinney House Museum
Raffle

All are welcome to this FREE special holiday event!
The event runs from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM with the raffle prize drawing taking way promptly at 3:15 PM!
Don't miss out on this special holiday tradition!

13th Annual Home Tour
2018-11-03 09:00 - 15:00
Buy Tickets
You won't want to miss out on our 13th Annual Home Tour! This year’s tour homes will showcase design, materials, and craftsmanship of notable local architects and their builders including works from James Bernard, Lawrence Weir, Homer Morehouse, and Ed Heacock. Two unique Mid-Century Modern Adobes, a beautifully restored 1915 Craftsman, as well as Classic and Mid-Century styles will be featured.
The La Mesa History Center is proud to associate with San Diego Home & Garden Lifestyle Magazine and Modern San Diego to present our 13th Annual Home Tour, “Modern Mud.” Modern Mud highlights Adobe, Classic, and Mid Century gems in La Mesa’s Eastridge and Mt. Nebo neighborhoods.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the synergy between nature and architectural design in these fantastic La Mesa homes!
NOTE: La Mesa History Center members get discounted tickets! Patron level members ($100+) receive two complimentary tickets with their membership.
Last day for online ticket sales is THURSDAY, November 1st @ NOON. Tickets will be available on the day of the event, and the price will be increased by $5

Parking and Check-In Information
Where
La Mesa City Parking Lot (Where Farmer's Market used to be held).
NW Corner of Date & Allison in the City Parking Lot
When
Check-In starts at 8:30 am, first shuttle at 9 am
*To ensure time to view all homes- we recommend check-in prior to 1 pm
More details
NO printed tickets will be issued, please bring photo ID
All attendees MUST take provided shuttles
NO photography of home interiors will be permitted
Due to the nature of the tour, it is NOT ADA compliant. Comfortable shoes are recommended as there is a moderate amount of walking
LMHC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, so your contribution is tax deductible
Purchase tickets EARLY, last year's event sold out!
Buy Presale Tickets
We couldn't do it without you! Special thanks to our sponsors

Can we count on you to help us keep La Mesa history alive? Learn about our sponsorship opportunities.
Contact Kristin Dooley at information@lamesahistory.com if you’d like to become a sponsor.

Roundtable Lecture: History & Architecture of Mt.Nebo/Eastridge
2018-10-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Grossmont Healthcare Auditorium, 9001 Wakarusa St, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
Grossmont Healthcare District Auditorium @ 10am
FREE for LMHC Members, $5 suggested donation from non-members.
RSVP
Come learn about Mt. Nebo and Eastridge, La Mesa’s exclusive hillside and hilltop residential neighborhoods. LMHC President and historian Jim Newland will make a presentation on the History of Mt. Nebo and its exclusive suburban tracts including Lookout Park (1907), Windsor Hills (1927) and Eastridge (1956).
Modern San Diego website host and historian Keith York will then present on the Mid-Century Modern legacy of La Mesa builders, designers and architects.
LMHC also hopes to have some special guests who “designed and built” some of the residential gems of the Mt. Nebo/Eastridge area.
Attendees will be able to ask questions of the historians. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the hidden history and architectural heritage of La Mesa.

History Roundtable Lecture Series
2018-08-02 18:30 - 20:00 | Grossmont Healthcare District, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa, 91942, United States
The La Mesa History Center is proud to host Manhattan College history professor and San Diego native Adam Arenson for our next History Roundtable Lecture. Dr. Arenson will speak on his new book about the Millard Sheets’ Studios designs and artwork for Howard Ahmanson’s Home Savings and Loan buildings. Arenson’s interest in the subject dates back to his childhood visits to Grossmont Center that passed by La Mesa’s Home Savings Grossmont Branch on Jackson Drive with its history inspired tile mosaic murals. Adam will be available for questions after his talk and his beautifully illustrated books will be available for purchase and signing.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more our local and regional commercial architectural heritage.
Please RSVP
Banking on Beauty book

2018 Annual Meeting
2018-06-15 18:00 - 20:30 | La Mesa Wine Works, 8167 Center Street, La Mesa, CA, 91942
Please join us for our Annual Membership Meeting at La Mesa Wine Works! We will be presenting volunteer awards and enjoying food catered by Terra American Bistro, wine, and live music. There will be a no-host bar, with special prices thanks to the generous support of La Mesa Wine Works. Please RSVP.
This event is open to current LMHC members, but all can renew their memberships on the night of the event. Hope to see you there!

Hats from the Past Exhibition
2018-05-26 13:00 - 2019-03-08 16:00 | McKinney House, 8369 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
Open: April through March 8th, 2019 (every Saturday, from 1-4 PM)
The McKinney House has an exhibit for your enjoyment. On display are a variety of men and women’s hats ranging from the late 1800’s to 1950’s. The majority of the hats are from LMHC’s own archives plus a few are on loan from our generous members. Many of the hats are displayed on old wooden millinery hat forms, hat stands and a variety of hatboxes.
Please stop by any Saturday of the month, starting April 14th from 1 to 4 pm. On the 4th Saturday (except June 23rd), our docent, Carole, will be happy to share details of hat making.
Hope you all stop by and enjoy the HAT Collection from the PAST!

Book Signing Event with James Newland
2018-03-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Maxwell's House of Books, 8285 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA, 91941, United States
Join us for a book signing event at Maxwell's House of Books with Historian and Author James Newland. Newland's latest book, Grossmont Hospital: A Legacy of Community Service will be available for sale at the event. Thanks to the generous support of Craig Maxwell, proceeds from the book sales that evening will benefit The La Mesa History Center.

LMHC Wine Works Meet-Up
2018-01-24 18:30 - 20:30 | La Mesa Wine Works, 8167 Center Street, La Mesa, CA, 91942
Join us as we mix n' mingle over wine and cheese at La Mesa Wine Works! Wine Works will be donating $1 to the La Mesa History Center for each glass sold. Please RSVP here.

Roundtable Lecture Series, Grossmont Hospital: A Legacy of Community Service
2018-01-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Grossmont Healthcare District, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa, 91942, United States
The story of Grossmont Hospital and the Healthcare District is one of true community commitment to a greater cause. In early 1952, eastern San Diego County’s citizens voted overwhelmingly to establish the Grossmont Hospital District. Local civic leaders and physicians envisioned it as the vehicle for building a modern hospital to address the healthcare needs of their rapidly growing post-World War II communities. In August 1955 the district subsequently opened Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa. For the next sixty-five years, the institution grew to serve suburban and rural residents spread over the 750-square mile district. In dealing with the daunting challenges of modern healthcare, the governing board entered a precedent-setting lease for hospital operations with San Diego-based non-profit Sharp Healthcare in 1991. Historian James D. Newland has partnered with Grossmont Hospital and the Grossmont Healthcare District in chronicling the inspiring story of this iconic regional institution.
Come learn about La Mesa and East County’s landmark public institution, the Grossmont Hospital. Historian/author James Newland will present on the history of this significant publicly-owned healthcare district and the doctors, nurses, administrators, civic-leaders volunteers, donors, patients and families that have made this an indispensible community service asset.

This event is FREE for LMHC Members and a $5 donation is requested from non-members. Please RSVP here.

2017 Christmas Open House
2017-12-10 14:00 - 15:30 | McKinney House, 8369 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
The La Mesa History Center invites you to a charming afternoon at the Historical HcKinney House! Our annual Christmas Open House is an opportunity to see the McKinney House Museum decked out for the holidays! This event also features:

Old Fashion Refreshments
FREE Admission to McKinney House Museum
Raffle

All are welcome to this FREE special holiday event!
Event runs from 2:00PM-3:30PM with the raffle prize drawing taking way promptly at 3:15PM!
Don't miss out on this special holiday tradition!

12th Annual La Mesa History Center Home Tour
2017-11-04 09:00 - 15:00
Mediterranean to Modern
Featuring six wonderful homes from the rural suburban community of La Mesa Highlands.
Tickets and Information available HERE or 619-466-9107
Pre-Sale/Day of Event Tickets
$25/30 LMHC Members
$40/45 Non-Members

History Roundtable Lecture Series: La Mesa's Brigadoon
2017-10-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Grossmont Healthcare District, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa, 91942, United States
Come learn about La Mesa’s own “Brigadoon,” the hidden gem neighborhood of the La Mesa Highlands. LMHC Past President and historian Jim Newland will make a presentation on the History of the La Mesa Highlands and its eclectic cultural landscape.
Modern San Diego website host and historian Keith York will then present on the Mid-Century Modern legacy of La Mesa and its highlands, including noted architect C. J. Paderewski and builder/designer George Eckel—whose projects are featured in LMHC’s November 4th Historic Home Tour. Audience members will be able to ask questions of the historians. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the hidden history and architectural heritage of La Mesa.
This event is FREE for La Mesa History Center Members & we ask for a $5 donation from non-members to attend.
For more event details you can call 619-466-0197 or drop us a line at info@lamesahistory.com

Historic Plaque Walking Tour
2017-07-11 18:00 | Legacy Park, La Mesa Blvd @ 4th Street, La Mesa, CA, 91941, United States
The La Mesa History Center will be guiding a Historic Plaque Walking Tour during the La Mesa Blvd Stroll. The walking tour will be guided by LMHC Past President, Jim Newland and will take you through the 12 historical plaques found around Downtown La Mesa.
Check out the downloadable map (link below) for an overview of where you can find our historical plaques all over Downtown La Mesa.
Map of 12 Historical Plaques in La Mesa
The historical photo plaque program was started as a continued effort to preserving and celebrating our community's rich history. The plaques feature historic images from the La Mesa History Center's collections that are laser-etched onto stainless steel panels that provide crisp reproductions for the public to enjoy when visiting our historic downtown village.
We will be meeting up with LMHC & community members at Legacy Park (corner of La Mesa Blvd & 4th Ave) at 6:00pm.
After the tour stick around and enjoy the luau themed Boulevard Stroll and experience what Downtown La Mesa Village has in store! There will be music and activities for the whole family to enjoy!

2017 Annual Meeting
2017-06-16 17:30 - 21:00 | Nan Couts Cottage, 5027-5099 Memorial Drive, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
Join the La Mesa History Center at the 2017 Annual Meeting at a new location with a new format!
MUST RSVP to attend
Click HERE to visit RSVP site
The meeting will include the a reception with food and drinks before our traditional annual meeting where we will vote on new board members and bylaws for the year. Awards ceremony will follow meeting and will include refreshments and desserts. We will also be discussing the new capital campaign for a new roof on the McKinney House! Not yet a member? If you are interested in becoming a member, you are welcome to attend and join the LMHC at the event.
Schedule of Events
5:30 - 6:30pm Happy Hour Social
including beer, wine & appetizers
6:30 - 7:45pm Meeting & Awards Ceremony
meeting includes voting for new board & bylaws
Download proposed bylaws up for vote:
La Mesa History Center Proposed Bylaws
7:45 - 9:00pm Sweets Soirée
including beer, wine, & desserts
Awards include:

Volunteer of the Year
Sponsor/Business of the Year
Historic Preservationist of the Year
2016 La Mesa History Maker

$5 suggested donation to help cover the cost of the event.
MUST RSVP to attend
Click HERE to visit RSVP site

Wedding Time @ The McKinney House
2017-06-10 - 2017-09-23 | McKinney House, 8369 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
Out of our archival vault comes a collection of lovely vintage wedding gowns on display at the McKinney House for a limited time!
This exhibition includes wedding gowns made of lace and satin; some were hand created while others were store bought, but every one of them have been lovingly preserved to retain the memories from its decade. The gowns and bridal accessories span from the 1800's and some as late as the 1960's.
Come and enjoy this unique exhibition while you can!
The collection of wedding gowns will remain on display from June to September and is open the
2nd and 4th Saturday of each month
from
1-4pm
.

20th Annual La Mesa Flag Day Parade
2017-06-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Porter Hall, 4910 Memorial Drive, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
Have you ever wanted to participate in a parade? Here is your chance!
The La Mesa History Center invites all of its members to celebrate history and walk alongside Miss La Mesa 1955, Mary Youngblood Qualls, as she rides in a red 1924 Model "T" Touring, driven by none other than "Hot Rod Danny" Bearden.
If you are interested in participating meet up with LMHC at our staging area, Porter Hall (intersection of La Mesa Blvd/ University Ave & Memorial Drive). To find us, look or listen for "Hot Rod Danny" in his Model "T"! Staging takes place 9:00 - 9:30am with the parade starting promptly at 10:00am.
Additional Information

Dress casually and comfortably (50's theme optional)
Hats advised
Bring water
Parade route is approximately 1 mile in length (remember there is a walk back after parade)

Help us salute Old Glory and be part of the 20th Annual La Mesa Flag Day Parade!

Teddy Bears & Dolls
2017-03-11 13:00 - 2017-04-22 16:00 | McKinney House, 8369 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
ATTN: Teddy Bear and Doll Lovers! Come visit our NEW exhibit of over 40 beautiful bears and dolls ranging from the early 1900s-1990s! The bears and dolls are displayed on a collection of antique furniture and will be available for viewing on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Don't miss out! Exhibit runs until the end of April and kids of all ages are welcome!

Gordon Jones Memorial Service.
2017-02-10 14:00 | McKinney House, 8369 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
Celebrate the life of a beloved community icon, Gordon Jones. His service to the preservation of La Mesa's history during his tenure as President of the La Mesa History Center and works as chairman of the Historic Home Tour for many years after, will leave a lasting legacy for LMHC.
In lieu of flowers, his daughter requests you make a donation for the La Mesa History Center landscape project.
Refreshments will be served and program will commence at 2:30pm
*Please note that this is an outdoor event come rain or shine.
**Restrooms are NOT wheelchair accessible.
***Parking may be limited.

2016 Christmas Open House
2016-12-11 14:00 - 15:30 | McKinney House, 8369 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
‘Tis the Season to be Jolly!
The annual Christmas Party celebrated the end of the year in style!
Home-baked cookies, warm apple cider and assortments of other fine goodies set the stage for beautiful music and holiday decorations! We hope to see you there!
Live music provided by:
Ian Lawrence
(Classical Acoustic Guitarist)

11th Annual La Mesa Historic Home Tour
2016-11-05 10:00 - 15:00
Come spend an afternoon with us as we tour some of the oldest and most historic homes in our community, as well as works by local artists and more!
For full information and tickets, please visit our ticket page.

History Roundtable Lecture Series: Mt. Helix's Mid Century Modern Heritage
2016-10-08 09:00 - 12:00 | St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 4816 Glen St., La Mesa, CA, 91941, United States
Come listen and expand your knowledge of Mt. Helix's Mid-Century Modern heritage in an unprecedented program featuring the pioneers of this part of La Mesa's history. La Mesa History Center President and Historian, Jim Newland, will master the ceremonies and present on the area's architectural heritage. Todd Pitman will provide a talk on San Diego Modernist pioneer, Lloyd Ruocco, and his local legacy. Architect, John Mock, will be presenting on the incredible homes he designed on this year's Historic Home Tour and his other notable La Mesa projects.
The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session hosted by Modern San Diego's website host and historian, Keith York and will feature Mid-Century master architects John Mock and Hal Sadler.
Don't miss this historic opportunity to learn and experience our modern heritage.
$5 suggested donation collected at the door. Members are free.

RSVP

Flag Day Parade
2016-06-04 12:00

WWII Internment and the Japanese-American Students of Grossmont High School - Ongoing: May-September
2016-05-14 13:00 - 2016-09-24 16:00 | McKinney House, 8369 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
Running May-Sept 2016
2nd & 4th Saturday 1-4pm
LMHC has partnered with Donald Ginn, GHS history teacher and his talented Grossmont High AP History students in displaying their research projects to discover the stories of those local students and families affected by Executive Order 9066 and the internment of the United States Japanese-American citizens.
Come learn about Grossmont High’s Japanese-American students and families affected by the jingoistic frenzy caused by the attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States’ entry into World War II. The exhibit features photographs, records and reminiscences of individual Grossmont students, friends and their families in response to one of the most controversial and challenging events, and periods in U.S. history.
The budding GHS student/historians searched out the stories of those former Grossmont students who had previously served as school officers, club members, athletes and academic standouts prior to their and their families’ internment.

Rose Garden Celebration & Annual Meeting
2016-05-07 14:00 | McKinney House, 8369 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
Join LMHC for our annual meeting and Rose Garden Celebration. The meeting will include election of 2016-2017 LMHC Officers. There will also be a raffle followed by refreshments, tours of the McKinney House, and a social hour.

GHS Japanese American Roundtable
2016-02-27 10:00 | Grossmont High School Library, 1100 Murray Dr., El Cajon, 92020, United States
World War II and the Japanese-American Students of Grossmont High
Come learn about the Japanese-American students and their families affected by the U.S. entry into World War II. Hear presentations from Grossmont High AP History students on their research projects to uncover the stories of those local families affected by Executive Order 9066 and the internment of our Japanese-American residents.

La Mesa History Center History Roundtable
2016-01-16 10:00 | Grossmont Healthcare District, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa, 91942, United States
Author and Society President James Newland will make a presentation on his new book "Around Mt. Helix."

Mr. Newland will cover some of the interesting aspects of this natural and cultural landmark, and the communities that surround this iconic pinnacle. Books will be available for sale and signing. The event will be in the Healthcare District Auditorium
