Our Story
The La Jolla Historical Society is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire and empower the community to make La Jolla’s diverse past a relevant part of contemporary life, encouraging exploration of the past in ways that inform the present and shape the future. The Society preserves and shares La Jolla’s distinctive sense of place, and serves as a community resource and gathering place where residents and visitors explore history, art, ideas and culture.
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On Sunday, we went to see the Harry Crosby exhibit at the La Jolla Historical Society. I always love going there. Most folks don’t remember that it was Coles Book Store, back when I was growing up.
I would often take the walk from my home, down on Coast Blvd. to Coles, as a change from the Unicorn, where I spent most of my free time, reading, for free, anything I wanted. I spent many, many hours draped over one of the sofas or chairs littered everywhere. It was better than arguing with my mother all afternoon.
Anyway, Crosby was one of the teachers at La Jolla High School, and I knew him there. I also grew up with his kids. (Some of you locals might recall that Robinn Crosby was in the rock band Ratt, and he subsequently died of an overdose.)
ANYWAY, Crosby was famous for his travels throughout Baja, and his photography of both Tijuana and his travels.
His exhibition at the Society is of his TJ work in 1964, and it is exquisite. It is definitely worth a trip.
Isaac was there, along with part of his family, and also Caro Olten, who was the film critic at the Union
Tribune, back when it was still a real newspaper. (Conservative, but still a real one.)
Go see thevshow.
Happy 4th of July La Jolla.
Don and Bob Okey mid 1920s.
#ljsgt2019
#ljsgt2019
We are the Allisons from La Jolla! Lots of photos from the 1920s and 30s to share.
The Allison Family in La Jolla, 1926
Hi. I worked at the Mobile Gas Station (Owned by Harold Kramer and then "Steve") on the corner of Fay and Prospect in 1976 and 1977 while I was attending SDSU. While working there, I found old automobile license plate frames that read: "British Motors - La Jolla". Do you have any information on that automobile dealership? My internet search came up empty. I have one of the frames.
i wonder if you have anything on the
mithras bookstore and unicorn theater.
I am Soo-Ling Quon Chan..the eldest daughter of King Quon who owned Quon Manes. it was touching to read these stories of my families business and it brought back fond memories. As children we used to play in the store, and as teens we worked in the shop. The apartment behind the shop was decorated as a showroom for the shops antiques. Dad had customers from all over the US. J Edgar Hoover would come in with his Body Guard Clyde Tolson and buy a years supply of Mumtaz incense. Dr Salks wife purchased a Japanese Chest. Architect Frank Lloyd Wrights son and wife visited the shop when in town.
My Dad also owned a Restaurant on Silverado Avenue called King Quon plus a bamboo Shop on Prospect. He had 3 businesses to raise 5 children. As a teen, I worked in the Restaurant and served J Edgar Hoover. He gave me a $9 tip. He heard I had a stamp collection and from then on...he would send me letters and stamps from all over the world. I discovered a Menu he autographed to my Dad thanking him for the special dinners he cooked. J Edgar would vacation every summer in La Jolla at the Del Charro Hotel.
1975 my sister Shar-ling died of cancer, 1977, we lost my father to cancer, and 1998 we lost my mother from a stroke. Prior to that she tried to maintain the love of our shop where she could keep in touch with all the shops friends, but it was too much responsibility at her age.
I moved after college, married and now live in Palo Alto for over 45 years. The store has always been in my blood. I went to my 60th LJHS Reunion Class of 1955, (our last 2012) and would always do a nostalgic tour where QM used to be.
Sadly...My brother died in the family home in Mt Soledad in Dec 2017. Us 3 surviving sisters had to clear the home of my Mom and Dads treasures...many from the store after closing. My Dad had an eye for fine Chinese Art. I now cherish some of his artistic talents in my home.
I surely appreciate those who wrote their memories of QM.
I would love to hear more of your stories.
Thank you,
Soo-Ling Quon Chan
[email protected]
Join us this Tuesday for a sneak peek at this elegant Tom Shepherd gem in La Jolla Shores!
The La Jolla Historical Society inspires and empowers the community to make La Jolla's diverse past a relevant part of contemporary life.
