La Mesa History Center

La Mesa Flag Day Parade
2023-06-03 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Come cheer on the LMHC as they participate in the 24th Annual La Mesa Flag Day Parade. The parade kicks off at 10:00 am and proceeds through La Mesa Village down La Mesa Blvd.

La Mesa History Center at La Mesa Earth Day Festival
2023-04-22 10:00 - 13:00
Swing by MacArthur Park on Saturday, April 22nd to take part in the City of La Mesa Earth Day Festival and stop by the La Mesa History Center table to learn more about the history of environmental activism in our community.

3rd Saturday Event - What's Cooking in the Kitchen
2023-04-15 13:00 - 16:00
Our 2nd Saturday event for April is moved to the 3rd Saturday to not conflict with the Easter weekend. On April 15th, stop by the La Mesa History Center for a hands-on look at cooking and kitchen gadgets of the past.

A family-friendly event, learn about the historic cooking techniques and tools that would have been used in the McKinney House through the years.

McKinney House & Museum8369 University Ave.La Mesa, CA 91942

La Mesa History Center at the La Mesa Farmers' Market
2023-04-07 15:00 - 19:00
Stop by the La Mesa History Center table at the La Mesa Farmers' Market in La Mesa Village.

Rolando Street Fair
2023-03-19 10:00 - 18:00
Stop by and say "hi!" at the La Mesa History Center table at the 25th Annual Rolando Street Fair. Visit their site at the button below.

Second Saturday Event - Celebration of the La Mesa Woman's Club
2023-03-11 13:00 - 16:00
Tying in with the International Day of the Woman, this event celebrates our acquisition of the La Mesa Woman's Club records. Check out the exhibit in McKinney House and join us for activities including a workshop on preserving your scrapbooks (1:30 pm) and a tea party (2:30). RSVP to info@lamesahistory.com for the tea party.

2nd Saturday Event!The Past in Your Hands: Handicraft Traditions From Yesterday to Today
2023-02-11 13:00 - 16:00 | McKinney House, 8369 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
From rag rugs and crocheted potholders to quilts and handmade lace, discover the many ways the McKinney family made beautiful and useful items for their home. Try your hand at a historic craft to see how similar we are to families long ago! Learn how to recycle t-shirts to make a braided rug, or weave a potholder to take home, and search for clues to the past inside the McKinney home.

2022 Holiday Open House
2022-12-11 14:00 - 16:00 | McKinney House, 8369 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Enjoy holiday refreshments and the new La Mesa Women's Club exhibit
At the MCKINNEY HOUSE MUSEUM located at 8369 University Avenue (at Pine) in La Mesa Village.
On December 11, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.
Raffle prize drawing at 3:15 pm. Tickets will be available at the event for $10 each.
Raffle prizes include a gorgeous custom quilt, gift certificates and more. Free Admission

16th Annual Home Tour "Fabulous Foothill-ers"
2022-11-05 09:00 - 15:00
Tickets available on the day at the event, $30 members / $45 non-members

The La Mesa History Center is proud to associate with the Grossmont High School and Museum to present our 16th Annual Home Tour, "Fabulous Foothill-ers."

Featuring the century-old Grossmont High “Castle” and the rural, suburban neighborhoods of Brier Tract, Mt Helix and Grossmont.

Come experience the breathtaking views, period decor, inspiring architecture and beautiful landscapes. Don't miss the beautiful designs of 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.
Home Tour Parking, Check-In, Ticket Purchase and Shuttle Pick-Up Center Information
Where

Grossmont High School, 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020

When

November 5, 2022 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Check-in starts at 8:30 am, and the first shuttle departs at 9 am

*To ensure time to view all homes- we recommend check-in before 1 pm

More Details

NO printed tickets will be issued, please bring a 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

2022 Home Tour Sponsors
PLATINUM Sponsors

GOLD Sponsors

EDCO Disposal Corporation
La Mesa Lumber
Jim O’Donnell, Realtor
RCP Block and Brick
Anthony's Fish Grotto

History Roundtable Lecture Series: "Fabulous Foothill-ers”
2022-10-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Grossmont Healthcare Auditorium, 9001 Wakarusa St, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
Featuring the Brier Tract, Mt Helix & Grossmont Hills

La Mesa History Center invites all to learn more about the architectural and artistic heritage of the century-old Grossmont High School and its surrounding neighborhoods
Reserve a Ticket
The La Mesa History Center provides historic context and insight into the centennial of Grossmont High and the art & architectural heritage of its surrounding neighborhoods in preparation of the November 5th La Mesa History Center Home Tour, featuring the work of legendary architects Cliff May, Henry Hayden Whiteley and Lloyd Ruocco.
Come hear, learn and participate in a program featuring the heritage of Grossmont’s century-old High School “castle” and its surrounding “foothill” communities' architectural heritage reflected in this year’s tour, including the story of the long-gone La Mesa Knolls neighborhood that featured noted local architect Lloyd Ruocco’s seminal work. LMHC historian Jim Newland will master the ceremonies and present on the school and communities’ development and architectural heritage. Newland will then join Lloyd Ruocco historian Todd Pitman and San Diego art & architectural historian Dave Hampton for a Q&A on the art and architecture of the area. Audience members will also be able to query and speak with these scholars. Don’t miss this historic opportunity to hear, learn and experience more about Greater La Mesa’s unique design heritage.
WHO:
James Newland: historian and author of "Around Mt. Helix"
Todd Pitman: landscape architect & Lloyd Ruocco historian
Dave Hampton: post-war San Diego visual art & architecture historian
PRICES: Free for LMHC Members $5 donation requested from Non-Members
Reserve a Ticket
EVENT INFO: Call 619-466-0197, or email to: info@lamesahistory.com

Meet Me at the McKinney House
2022-05-14 13:00 - 16:00 | McKinney House, 8369 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
"Meet Me at the McKinney House" Special Event!
Saturday May 14th 1pm to 4pm
Join us for the third of our themed, family-friendly events this Saturday.
The theme is "Growing Up in the McKinney House" and we have a lot of great activities for kids planned!
See you there this Saturday!
McKinney House
8369 University Ave
La Mesa, CA 91942

Meet Me at the McKinney House
2022-04-09 13:00 - 16:00 | McKinney House, 8369 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
"Meet Me at the McKinney House" Special Event!
Saturday April 9th 1pm to 4pm

Join LMHC for the second of our themed, family-friendly events on April 9, 2022, from 1pm to 4pm.
Come for family friendly activities and crafts, explore the McKinney House, and learn more about your neighborhood!
Come learn and trace the evolution of La Mesa and surrounding communities. Find historic spots and places in Greater La Mesa, connect with historic objects from the collections, play games.
Activities for children and adults.
Don't Miss it!

Meet Me at the McKinney House
2022-03-19 11:00 - 16:00 | McKinney House, 8369 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
"Meet Me at the McKinney House" Special Event!
Saturday March 19th 11am to 4pm
Join LMHC for the first of our themed, family-friendly events on March 19, 2022.
Visit us at our McKinney House from 11am to 4pm
Create a historic-style craft, share a La Mesa memory, tour the McKinney House Museum, visit the research archives, and test your "then and now" knowledge!
This event’s theme is “Changing La Mesa.”
Come learn and trace the evolution of the City and surrounding communities. Find historic spots and places in Greater La Mesa, connect with historic objects from the collections, play games.
Activities for children and adults.
Don’t Miss it!
Also, LMHC President Jim Newland will be leading a walking tour of Downtown La Mesa that morning as part of the San Diego Architectural Foundation’s Open House San Diego regional event.
The Tour will end at the McKinney House.
See sdaf.wildapricot.org/event-4737877 for more information on La Mesa’s part in this annual event.

Mid-Century La Mesa Arrives: The Fight for, Development and Legacy of Grossmont Center
2021-10-09 10:00 - 11:30 | "The Well" at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, CA, 91942
History Roundtable Lecture: La Mesa History Center invites all to learn more about Grossmont Center’s construction, often unrecognized architectural heritage and its role as an economic catalyst for the City of La Mesa and Greater La Mesa Region
WHEN: Saturday October 9, 2021 (10am to 11:30am)
WHERE: “The Well” Event Space, Grossmont Center
(next to Barnes & Noble on mall interior)
WHO: James Newland: historian and author of “Images of America: La Mesa; Around Mt. Helix, and Grossmont Hospital District: Legacy of Community Service
Come hear, learn, and participate in a new historical presentation featuring the story of the owners, developers, designers, contractors, and memorable and long-standing retail and commercial tenants of this seminal Regional Mall.
LMHC President and historian Jim Newland will present the fascinating story of La Mesa’s efforts to land a cutting-edge Mid-Century municipality’s commercial dream—A Regional Shopping Mall. Audience members will also be able to query, speak and share memories after the presentation.
Don’t miss this historic opportunity to hear, learn and experience more about the fascinating history of Grossmont Center.
Photo: Grossmont Center opening day October 5, 1961

14th Annual Home Tour "Stone Age to Space Age"
2019-11-02 09:00 - 15:00
"Stone Age to Space Age." This year we're featuring Modern, Rustic and Classic designs embodying rural suburban Grossmont/Mt. Helix.
The La Mesa History Center is proud to associate with San Diego Home & Garden Lifestyle Magazine, Modern San Diego, Alpine Windowerks, and Tracey Stotz Broker to present our 14th Annual Home Tour.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the synergy between nature and architectural design in these fantastic La Mesa homes!
Pre-sale Price:
$25 for LMHC members
$40 for Non-LMHC
Buy Tickets
NOTE: La Mesa History Center patron level members ($100+) receive two complimentary tickets with their membership.

2019 Home Tour Sponsors

Parking and Check-In Information
Where
San Miguel Fire District Station 21
10105 Vivera Dr, La Mesa, CA 91941
When
Check-in starts at 8:30 am, the 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
Can we count on you to help us keep La Mesa history alive?
To learn about sponsorship opportunities contact Steven Christiansen at hometour@lamesahistory.com or download sponsorship flyer

History Roundtable Lecture: Stone Age to Space Age
2019-10-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Grossmont Healthcare Auditorium, 9001 Wakarusa St, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
RSVP

Join us for our Roundtable Lecture: Stone Age to Space Age
Come learn about the homes, the architects and the stories of the 2019 Home Tour as well as the rich architectural heritage of Grossmont/Mt Helix.
Come hear, learn and participate in an unprecedented program featuring the developers, pioneers, and practitioners of Grossmont/Mt. Helix’s distinctive architectural heritage.
LMHC President and historian Jim Newland will master the ceremonies and present on the Grossmont and Mt. Helix community development and architectural heritage.
Modern San Diego website host and historian Keith York will then present on the art and architecture of the area including renown artist/designer John Dirks.
Audience members will also be able to query and speak with these scholars. Don’t miss this historic opportunity to hear, learn and experience more about Grossmont/Mt. Helix’s unique design heritage.
Grossmont Healthcare District Auditorium: 9001 Wakarusa St, La Mesa, California 91942
FREE for LMHC Members, $5 suggested donation from non-members.

The Impossible Railroad: A Centennial Celebration
2019-08-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Grossmont Healthcare Auditorium, 9001 Wakarusa St, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
History Roundtable Series
Program:
Reena Deutsch: author of “The San Diego & Arizona Railway: The Impossible Railroad” will present the history of this amazing engineering and construction marvel that earned its distinctive nickname on the centennial of its completion in 1919.
Reena, also a long-standing member of the San Diego Railroad Museum, will take questions after her presentation. Her book will be available for purchase and signing.
Roundtable Admission: Free for LMHC Members;
$5 donation for non-members

2019 Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration
2019-06-23 16:00 - 18:00 | Harry Griffin Park, Site 2 Eucalyptus Grove, 9550 Milden Street, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
Please join us at one of La Mesa’s wonderful public parks to complete our annual meeting agenda and award Society and Community members for their efforts over the years.
PROGRAM/AGENDA (4:00pm)
Welcome – President Jim Newland
BUSINESS MEETING
Election of 2019-20 Board Officers and Directors
Adjournment
AWARDS PRESENTATION
LMHC Volunteer of the Year
LMHC Sponsor/Partner of the Year
LMHC Historic Preservationists of the Year
2019 La Mesa History Maker
RECEPTION (5:00pm) Tacos and dessert will be served
Bring Your Own Chairs
Also enjoy the San Diego Concert Band, starting at 6pm in the Amphitheater.

Historic Preservation in La Mesa
2019-06-06 18:30 - 20:30 | La Mesa Masonic Lodge, 4731 Date Street, La Mesa, CA, 91941
Join La Mesa History Center and the La Mesa Conversations in our co-presented event: Learn about the La Mesa Historic Preservation program and how to find out if your property applies. What are the benefits? What are the myths? And what is the reality? Plus, learn about the La Mesa's City Historic Property Survey and how you can help!
WHO should attend: All interested residents of La Mesa and local history/preservation aficionados!
Please RSVP here.

Historic Preservation in La Mesa: Myths, Realities and Benefits
2019-04-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Grossmont Healthcare Auditorium, 9001 Wakarusa St, La Mesa, CA, 91942, United States
History Roundtable Series
Historic Preservation in La Mesa: Myths, Realities and Benefits
Including the City’s Historic Property Survey Update
Come learn how historic preservation benefits our community!
Presenters:
Jim Newland, LMHC President & historic resources professional
Nikki Kreibich, historic property appraisal expert
Select city landmark property homeowners

Around Mt. Helix: A Natural & Cultural Community Icon
2019-03-23 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.
