The La Jolla Historical Society inspires and empowers the community to make La Jolla's diverse past a relevant part of contemporary life. Office: 7846 Eads Avenue - By appointment only 10am to 4pm Monday - Friday.
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Appointments for research will be limited to one person or two from the same family. Gallery: 780 Prospect Street Open Noon to 4pm Thursday – Sunday by appointment only. Appointments to visit the gallery will be limited to six people. Free Admission Appointments can be made by calling Deputy Director Dana Hicks at 858-459-5335 ext. 3 or emailing us at [email protected].
Operating as usual
You can visit our beautiful Venturi Pergola and Garden any time, just like Bernie! And the Wisteria Cottage Gallery is open by appointment for groups of six individuals or less. The Office & Research Center is also open by appointment. To schedule an appointment call 858-459-5335 ext. 3 or email us at [email protected].
There were a number of businesses in La Jolla in the late 1920s that you may never have heard of. Shops along Prospect Street in 1929 included, from left to right, the La Jolla Chocolate Shop Café, Dr. Carter Osteopathic Physician, Pickwick Stages System, H. & R. Grocery Co., Geo. Henderson Jewelry, and the Shoe Repair store. The H. & R. Grocery was located at 1006 Prospect, which is approximately where the Living Room Restaurant is today.
Here's a great throwback video from CBS 8 - San Diego News of La Jolla's own Dr. Seuss back in 1986 talking about a retrospective exhibit of his work. Did any of you see this exhibit? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaeqdslOyoc&t=18s
5-14-86In May 1986 Dr. Seuss From Then to Now exhibit premiered at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. It was the first time in 60 years Geisel allow...
From all of us at La Jolla Historical Society, wishing you a happy and heathy New Year! We value and appreciate your membership and support. Enjoy a view of La Jolla Shores from 100 years ago in 1921.
Although many of the stores and businesses we remember from years past are not with us any longer, we still have a number of long time businesses still operating. During this difficult time, we encourage you to shop locally in La Jolla and support the stores, restaurants and businesses who add so much to our community. If we missed any of your favorite La Jolla businesses, please tag them here to remind others to patronize them this holiday season. #shoplocal #lajolla Ascot Shop Warwick's Harry's Coffee Shop Brockton Villa NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar Everett Stunz Ark Antiques Adelaide's La Jolla Pannikin La Jolla The Marine Room
Today we take a look back over 100 years ago to 1917 for the annual Christmas tree lighting at the La Jolla Rec Center. The first La Jolla Christmas tree was lit by Ellen Browning Scripps in 1912 at The Cove. When the Rec Center was dedicated in 1915, they placed a tree where the basketball courts are today. So nice to see the community all together singing carols around the tree.
We are so glad to see the La Jolla Christmas Parade is still taking place this year, although as a "reverse parade" with ticketed spectators driving by while the floats are stationary. Here's a look back at parades from previous years. To learn more about this year's parade https://www.ljparade.com/
On this Giving Tuesday we want to thank all of our members and supporters! We know 2020 has been a difficult year for all and your membership and financial support are appreciated!
https://lajollahistory.org/support/donating/
As we count down to Thanksgiving this year, we take a look back at a previous Thanksgiving. The landscape at La Jolla Cove was pretty desolate on Thanksgiving 1908, and not just because of the holiday. The neighborhood had only 800 or so people then, with today's population and prosperity many years into the future.
A CBS 8 - San Diego News video from their vault includes the opening of La Jolla Country Day School as well as the opening of Mesa College in 1964. Also shown is the koala exhibit in 1966 on the 50th anniversary of the San Diego Zoo. Do you see anyone you know in these videos? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5bYzr5E0RY&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1XwRx1OtK-XkNq6zXWnyjIKYWjag1uqwiFrGQWcOHL_waKXiVa47M-68c
From the 1960s to the 1990s San Diego experienced a tremendous amount of growth. In 1963 the population was 940,000. Construction was booming to accommodate ...
Thank you to Jim Debello and Earl Edwards for joining us last night for an informative discussion as we explored issues of race informed, in part, by the context of sports. If you missed Race Talks: A Webinar or would like to watch it again, you can find it on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/96k0S5kS5Qo
Join us for this important discussion with Jim Debello and Earl Edwards to explore issues of race informed, in part, by the context of sports. This moderated...
We're still open! Executive Director Heath Fox says “We are keeping the Wisteria Cottage Gallery open in compliance with state of California guidance for in-store retail. We appreciate our visitors’ compliance with posted public health requirements and we are comfortable remaining open under retail guidelines. The Office & Research Center will also remain open to the public on a by-appointment basis only. Visitors to both facilities are required to wear face masks, observe social distancing guidelines and provide their name and contact information.” Make an appointment and come see us soon!
Join us for “Race Talks: A Webinar” at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18th moderated by Heath Fox. The discussion will feature UC San Diego Athletic Director Earl Edwards and congressional candidate Jim DeBello exploring issues of race, informed in part by the context of sports. To register for this free event, email [email protected] with “Race Talks” in the subject line.
Great article about San Diego's Crucial Role in Getting Women the Vote and Ellen Browning Scripps' role in pushing for women’s suffrage. “San Diego helped California come through for suffrage, and that was a shot in the arm for the national movement,” said University of San Diego historian Molly McClain, author of a 2017 biography of Scripps. “What happened here mattered.” https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/news/suffragette-city-san-diegos-crucial-role-in-getting-women-the-vote/
Just in time for Halloween, this wonderful CBS 8 - San Diego News video from 1966 showing window painting on Girard Ave! The stores, cars and clothing will make you feel nostalgic! What are your memories of Halloween window painting? Thanks to Barb Johnson Nielsen for sending us the video! https://youtu.be/qKDXqJqIBBY
This beautifully clear footage from the News 8 archives features window decorating in La Jolla, carnivals at San Diego elementary schools, spooky decorations...
We are so sorry to hear the news that La Jolla’s Red Roost and Red Rest cottages, considered The Village’s oldest structures, were seriously damaged by fire early Oct. 26. The fire department has called the cause of the blaze “undetermined". Our Heath Fox went to the site to examine the damage, He said “You can see all the way through to the back; the roof has collapsed, the steps in the front are burned. The damage looks, from the street, to be very severe”. Speaking for the owners, La Jolla architect Paul Benton said their intent was to preserve the property as much as possible until the cottages could be rehabilitated or restored. Benton said the owners are committed to restoring them to historical accuracy. We are all hopeful that they reconstruct Red Rest and rehabilitate Red Roost to their former glory. https://www.lajollalight.com/news/story/2020-10-26/fire-destroys-la-jollas-historic-red-rest-cottage-and-damages-red-roost
La Jolla’s Red Roost and Red Rest cottages, considered The Village’s oldest structures, were seriously damaged by fire early Oct. 26.
Many of you know that Ellen Browning Scripps, the journalist and philanthropist who was the founding donor of several major institutions in La Jolla, was born today, October 18, 1836. But did you also know that La Jolla Park was renamed Ellen Browning Scripps Park on this day in 1927?
Situated atop a stony bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this 5.6-acre park was originally part of the purchase of 400 acres of former pueblo lands by speculator Frank Botsford in 1886. One year later, Botsford and business partner George Heald surveyed and subdivided the land to create a coastal village called La Jolla Park. Inspired by the nineteenth-century City Beautiful Movement, the two men set aside a segment of land adjacent to the La Jolla Cove for use as a public park. The development of the park was, in part, guided by New York City landscape architect Samuel Parsons, who encouraged the planting of salt resistant flora, including the cypress tree groves, which have since become an integral feature of the landscape. Known alternatively as La Jolla Park and La Jolla Shoreline Park, the landscape was renamed Ellen Browning Scripps Park in 1927 in honor of the local journalist and philanthropist.
We're so happy to announce we are re-opening Thursday Oct 15th! Visitor occupancy will be limited to 30 at a time in Wisteria Cottage Gallery and one person at a time (or a maximum of two from the same household) in the Office & Research Center. If you missed our exhibit “Tijuana 1964: The Photography of Harry Crosby,” or want to see it again, it will be on display through Jan 10th. You can read more about the exhibit and other upcoming activities in this article. https://www.lajollalight.com/news/story/2020-10-09/la-jolla-historical-society-to-reopen-oct-15-and-continue-tijuana-1964-exhibit
With the intent of a sustained opening, the La Jolla Historical Society will reopen Thursday, Oct. 15, with new coronavirus-related restrictions.
Another great "This month in La Jolla History" from La Jolla Light Newspaper! Board member Molly McClain provides insights into Ellen Browning Scripps, who was born 184 years ago, from her book “Ellen Browning Scripps: New Money & American Philanthropy.”
Also, on Oct. 11, 1899: the first telephone in La Jolla was installed, in the home of Dr. Foster Post.
These wonderful factoids and more for the month of October!
https://www.lajollalight.com/news/story/2020-10-05/this-month-in-la-jolla-history-prolific-philanthropist-ellen-browning-scripps-was-born-184-years-ago
This Month in History is a recurring feature in the La Jolla Light highlighting local happenings from yesteryear.
The San Diego Public Library, San Diego Writers, Ink, Write Out Loud and La Jolla Historical Society invite San Diego County authors to submit stories for the San Diego Decameron Project. The project seeks 100 stories based loosely around the theme of the current pandemic. In 2021, selected authors will have their stories posted on one of the collaborating organizations websites. The 10 most compelling stories will be read by Write Out Loud actors and presented virtually and/or in person. To learn more or to submit a story visit https://lajollahistory.org/education/san-diego-decameron-project/
The San Diego Public Library, San Diego Writers Ink, Write Out Loud, and the La Jolla Historical Society invite San Diego County authors to submit stories for the San Diego Decameron Project. This project is inspired by a book written shortly after the Black Death overtook Florence in 1348, and is a...
They called it Braemar, named after the remote 17th century Scottish castle and hunting retreat in the isolated lands of the Aberdeens. They were Frederick Tudor Scripps, one of the last in the line of James Mogg Scripps many children who built the great newspaper empire of the 19th century, and Sarah Emma Jessop, oldest daughter of Joseph Jessop, the foremost jewelry family in San Diego for more than a hundred years. Fred and Emma (preferred over her given first name) married in 1893 despite disproval of the Scripps family. In 1901 Fred, a frequent investor in real estate, purchased six acres of bayside land in Pacific Beach and built Braemar in 1906 as the new home for his wife and children in an area of Pacific Beach that was made up of mostly fruit orchards.
Braemar, the estate, grew into a large Tudor mansion with a surround of many buildings. Notable amidst the architecture were a Music Room (also called Fun Land), a replica of the Mayflower used as a playhouse, and a 24-by-35-ft. dining area with arched beams that could seat 75 persons. In the mid 1920's the dining room, (which was moved and became the Rose Creek Cottage 1900), was added on so that Mrs. Scripps could entertain in an even grander fashion. A bridge led to a garden folly in the Chinoiserie style built out onto the bay. Frederick Sr. died in 1935. After Emma’s death in 1954, Braemar was demolished and became Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa and grounds.
Great article featuring a story by our board member Professor Molly McClain about the "new" Scripps Memorial Hospital - new that is, in 1924! The idea for the hospital came to Ellen Browning Scripps “while recovering from a broken hip in a poorly equipped sanitarium in La Jolla,” according to historical information. This and more La Jolla history can be found in "This Month in History":
https://www.lajollalight.com/news/story/2020-09-15/this-month-in-la-jolla-history-glimpses-into-la-jollas-past
This Month in History is a recurring feature in the La Jolla Light highlighting local happenings from yesteryear.
Please welcome our new interns for academic year 2020-21! Calvin King and Aaron Morales are UC San Diego history majors and their internships are funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). They are working on a database project preparing the La Jolla Historical Society archive so it can be accessible on the Online Archive of California. We are so happy to have them working on this very important project! #ucsdah #ucsdhistory #sandiegomuseumcouncil #sandiegoartsandculture
RSVP to attend the Council District 1 Candidate Forum on Arts & Culture tonight Thursday, Sept 10 at 5:30pm.
Council District 1 includes La Jolla, University City, Torrey Hills, Torrey Pines, Carmel Valley, Pacific Highlands Ranch & Del Mar Mesa. If you live or work in this district, learn what the candidates have to say about Arts & Culture. Your attendance demonstrates just how important Arts & Culture are to you. Join this Zoom Webinar from 5:30pm - 6:50pm and learn more about Will Moore and Joe LaCava.
Click here to register http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Zjn9xs1-90X7u_9PjEQc14kizoCYXVQGbtIfVh3m8fhgnaMbVoep6oV_SeKnQs_xEO85TPXELMBeobSY4yZpav4IIs46gZ9_1089qhxmv-R6a6zBbow1KbxW_C9eI6y_gtc3u9LgTvjkQSlp7dawXZ9UIoWyI9i2xpr4FdTT91cas0hg4hhJ7vdnkM8LOOn2W4vQzVb3SXdCFk3IAAe4ypKaXb-874u2rGB7Y3mY4o54CjGe5whxxDU0cWVtGXUVvA8TxC48v2_y9U-FnceGNuHX48k4210luniDhBa5wpL4djcPe0IKLw87CBX4PnkzuCQIbbO88c6jWGpJsbQWCuGF0CcKNUn00nu3DqLJoV5D3bIRJEqyx1m5jq1a5BS4&c=cD4uifRbYFgzGlRG_rmm7BTlCma42RdozfVzYHTgQO2iTgakEnYbVw==&ch=sqAXpsdUncNe8lG4bGRlDbyE_mVx7110hhGK53-h9dvMFXOq9KdGtA==
Sponsored by the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition and Arts+Culture:San Diego
As hot as this weekend is supposed to be, it was even hotter on September 26th 1963, when 111 degree temperatures (yes, 111 degrees in La Jolla!) drove members of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club to move beach chairs into the ocean to cool off. Not a bad idea! Stay cool everyone!
It's an understatement to say back to school in 2020 is a lot different than it has been in previous years. Today we take a look back at our local schools in days gone by. So whether you attended La Jolla High, The Bishop's School, Balmer School/La Jolla Country Day or any of the La Jolla elementary schools (some of which, such at Decatur and Scripps, are no longer operating as public schools) we hope these photos bring back good memories.
Katherine Olivia (Kate) Sessions was born on Nob Hill in San Francisco November 8, 1857. She entered the University of California at Berkeley in 1877, where she studied science and graduated in 1881. Her horticultural career began after teaching briefly at San Diego High School in 1884. As owner of a flower shop and nurseries in San Diego, she became a central figure in national horticultural circles with her landscaping, plant introductions, and classes.
Together with Alfred D. Robinson she co-founded the San Diego Floral Association in 1907, the oldest garden club in Southern California. The garden club was influential in teaching San Diegans how to grow ornamental and edible plants, at a time when most San Diego landscaping consisted of dirt and sagebrush.
It is in Balboa Park that the legacy of Kate Sessions is most obvious. She leased land in what was then called "City Park" in 1892 for a nursery and planted one hundred trees a year. She is called the "Mother of Balboa Park" and a bronze statue of her was erected there in 1998. Kate Sessions Elementary school in Pacific Beach bears her name, as does Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park on Mount Soledad. Kate Sessions died in San Diego March 24, 1940.
To learn more about Kate Sessions, check out "The Complete Writings of Kate Sessions in California Garden New Edition" available at http://www.sdfloral.org Kate Sessions published hundreds of articles in San Diego Floral Association’s magazine and all are captured in this new book. Her enthusiasm and knowledge add depth to the incisive, readable and informative articles in this book, many of which are as useful today as when written. The book is illustrated with vintage nursery advertisements and rare historic photographs.
780 Prospect St
La Jolla, CA
92037
| Thursday | 12:00 - 16:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 16:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 16:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 16:00 |
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The La Jolla Historical Society invites you to send us your stories of life during the Coronavirus Pandemic for what we call The Corona Chronicles. In this video you will hear the observations of three long time residents not only of their recent experiences but also how they correlate to what their families lived through in the past. Let us know how this historic event is affecting you, your neighbors, and our community. We will archive your stories, make them available to future historians and researchers, and they will become part of La Jolla's history! Write to us at [email protected] #lajollahistory #sdmuseumsathome
A virtual tour of La Jolla Historical Society Exhibit Tijuana 1964: The Photography of Harry Crosby. Did you miss our exhibit or want to see it again? Although our gallery is temporarily closed, we have created a mini tour of the exhibit hosted by our Executive Director Heath Fox and the exhibit curator Melanie Showalter. It's a great behind the scenes look! We've also extended the run of Tijuana 1964 through Sept 6 so you can come see it for yourself when we reopen. https://lajollahistory.org/exhibitions/current-exhibitions/ Vanguard Culture Outside The Lens University of California San Diego #lajollahistory #sdmuseumsathome
Join us for the 2020 La Jolla Secret Garden Tour along with Friday Night Garden Soiree and Secret Garden Boutique Aug 7-8!
Friday May 17th La Jolla Historical Society kicks off the 2019 Secret Garden Tour with a Friday Night Candlelight Garden Soirée at one of the gardens from the 2018 Tour! This intimate gathering provides an opportunity to mix and mingle with other garden enthusiasts while enjoying hors d'oeuvres, wine and music all by candlelight. This enchanting evening garden experience has a limited number of tickets and will sell out quickly. Tickets: $75 or $65 with purchase of a Secret Garden Tour Platinum tour ticket. Buy today at lajollahistory.org/events/secret-garden-tour/
Buy your tickets today for the Platinum Tour Brunch! Did you know you can see the Secret Garden Tour Gardens without having to drive and have brunch too? If this sounds good, then the Platinum Tour is for you! Your day starts with an elegant brunch followed by transportation to the gardens. Shuttle buses drop you off at the entrance to each garden. You don’t have to worry about driving or parking and our docents will keep you entertained with factoids about each garden, so you won’t miss a thing. La Jolla Secret Garden Tour + Brunch + Shuttle Service direct to the gardens = an awesome day! Tickets: $150 general admission, $140 for La Jolla Historical Society Members. Tickets sell out every year so buy today! https://lajollahistory.org/events/secret-garden-tour/
Members Opening Reception for Tangible Memories: Recollections of La Jolla Pioneer Women
A little video we made of the day the Venturi designed pergola was moved from the Museum of Contemporary Art to its new home.
Join us for The La Jolla Secret Garden Tour & Candlelight Garden Soirée May 18-19! There are six spectacular gardens with beautiful views enhanced with music, tabletop displays, and artists. See some of La Jolla's most exclusive properties with courtyard gardens integrated as part of the architectural design. Experience the gardens with a Self-Guided tour or the Platinum Tour which includes brunch and shuttle service. Free to the public on May 19th, The Secret Garden Boutique provides an opportunity to shop and enjoy a collection of gardening accessories, plants, and gifts available for purchase. The Boutique offers a silent auction, wine tasting and food selections from The Go Go Truck Learn more: https://lajollahistory.org/events/secret-garden-tour/
Join us April 18th for The Lodge at Torrey Pines:Celebration of California Architecture benefiting La Jolla Historical Society. The evening celebrates the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century in Southern California that influenced the design of The Lodge at Torrey Pines. The agenda includes a 6:30-7:30 pm cocktail hour with guitarist Peter Sprague and a 7:30-9:00 pm dinner and program with The Lodge at Torrey Pines project manager David Cherashore. David was the project manager for Evans Hotels when The Lodge was built and his presentation will cover the process of planning the architecture and design details in keeping with the style of Greene & Greene, and the planning team's efforts to reference two of Greene & Greene’s most iconic bungalows, Robert R. Blacker House (1907) and The Gamble House (1908), both in Pasadena. We invite you to participate in the celebration, and enjoy a fun and memorable evening at the fabulous Lodge at Torrey Pines! For tickets or more information https://lajollahistory.org/events/
The La Jolla Secret Garden Tour & Candlelight Garden Soirée May 18-19, 2018 https://lajollahistory.org/events/secret-garden-tour/
Kurt Iuli-Kinsey "La Jolla's Man About Town" talks to Heath Fox about La Jolla Historical Society.
More than 60 years before this years' Torrey Pines Golf Tournament, the area was the site of the Torrey Pines Race Course which drew thousands of spectators to watch classic motorcars careen around a 2.7 mile track. Here is some footage from the 1954 race courtesy of http://thechicaneblog.com/2009/02/02/lost-track-torrey-pines/
The La Jolla Historical Society Wisteria Cottage Gallery is open as of October 15, Thursday through Sunday, 12noon to 4:00pm. The Office & Research Center is open as of October 1 by appointment only. All visitors are required to wear face masks and observe social distancing guidelines.
Office: 7846 Eads Avenue Open 10am to 4pm Monday - Friday Gallery: 780 Prospect Street Open Noon to 4pm Thursday – Sunday Free Admission!
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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Map and Atlas Museum of La Jolla
7825 Fay Avenue, Courtyard Level, Merril Lynch Building
Nautical History Gallery & Museum
1012 Pearl Street
