Join the History Center and help the City Parks and Recreation Department develop the new Re-Use Plan for the City's Historic Landmark Collier Park Spring House. Public meeting to gather input and ideas for its future use.

50 Facts about the La Mesa History Center # 28: The Lemon Trees
In addition to his work for the Methodist Episcopal Church and his furniture store, Henry McKinney also tried his hand at being a lemon farmer. The original property site was around 2 ½ acres and was covered with lemon trees. While this did not prove a successful business endeavor for the McKinneys, the Historical Society wanted to honor the history of agriculture in La Mesa. The four trees currently on the site were donated, at the request of long time volunteer and Board member Betty Teague, by the SPRITES of East County, a philanthropic organization of mothers and daughters dedicated to volunteering their time and resources to San Diego County charities. In 2024, the History Center added a distribution box on the edge of the property along Pine Street to share the bounty of the trees with the community.

Where is it Wednesday? Can you identify this La Mesa Building and tell us its location and if it is still standing? #WhereIsItWednesday #lamesavillage

We are honored to announce we are the recipient of a matching gift from the Ripples 4 Ever Fund of up to $7500 to be used to finish the site interpretive signage. Every dollar donated helps us reach our goal of doubling this generous gift and allows us to better tell the stories of our area. Make a gift today! https://lamesahistory.com/product/donation/ #ripples4ever #SupportHistory #lamesavillage

50 Facts about the La Mesa History Center #27: Awards
On June 29th the La Mesa History Center held their annual business meeting and picnic. In addition to voting on the slate of Board members for 2025-2026, the meeting was an opportunity to recognize some of our community partners and volunteers.

LMHS Sponsor/Business of the Year - San Pasqual Winery - This award is presented to an active business, sponsor or institution within the Greater La Mesa area whose work and efforts clearly supports the La Mesa Historical Society in preserving and educating the community to its heritage. (Pictured here are Mike and Linda McWilliams with LMHC vice-president Jim Newland and president Veronica Martzahl). @sanpasqualwinery

La Mesa History Maker of the Year - La Mesa Woman's Club - This award is presented to an individual or family or a business or institution that is currently making a positive influence in the Greater La Mesa community in social, civic, business or educational activities. (Pictured here are representatives of the Woman's Club (Sandi Phoenix, Darcy Barghols, Pat Spear, and Margaret Mendez along with Jim and Veronica)

La Mesa Historical Preservationist of the Year - Todd Pitman and Carmen Pauli - This award is presented to an individual or property owner whose efforts are exemplary in the preservation of the historical properties within the Greater La Mesa area. (Todd and Carmen were unable to attend so pictured is Jim speaking to their contributions in this area).

Lifetime Achievement Award - Carol Lockwood - Normally we would award a volunteer of the year award, but this year that just did not seem sufficient to recognize the contributions of Carol Lockwood. From her work with the Quilters group through her work in the McKinney House and our docent program, a lifetime achievement award was the only fitting recognition for all she has done over the 50 years of the La Mesa Historical Society/History Center! (Carol pictured here)

Many thanks to Steven Churchill and John Loughlin for the photos!

50 Facts about the La Mesa History Center #26: Lookout Ave. Newsletter
Lookout Ave. has been the newsletter for the La Mesa Historical Society and La Mesa History Center going back to February, 1977. While the cadence of publication has changed over the years, the name has stayed the same! Digitized copies of many of the newsletter are available on the the La Mesa History Center's website at lamesahistory.com and physical copies are also available for research at the Research Archives on Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm each week. These newsletters have been an amazing resource for this "50 Facts" posts and for the creation of the 50 Years of the La Mesa History Center exhibit newly installed in the McKinney House!

What is it Wednesday? Another fun find in the McKinney House Museum. Any guesses what it is? Sometimes you will still see these used. #WhatIsItWednesday

50 Facts about the La Mesa History Center #25: The Yard Sign

The sign welcoming guests to the McKinney House has changed with the times! The original sign is still onsite as part of our collections. The current sign was installed in 2023 and reflects our updated name as well.

50 Facts about the La Mesa History Center #24: Christmas and Holiday Parties

Let's celebrate Christmas in July! One of the most consistant and longest lasting traditions for the organization has been an Annual Open House during the winter holiday session. Members and guests have gathered at the McKinney House across five decades to share tasty treats and stories of La Mesa’s history. Early on the organization’s quilters group would raffle off quilts and other quilted items. In more recent years, the annual raffle has included a variety of themed gift baskets filled with gift cards, spa items, coffee and wine.