READERS' FORUM
Lemon Grove memories
Editor, San Diego Jewish World
Couldn't help but chuckle when I read your story about Lemon Grove.
Having just moved to San Diego in 1959 and living in a triplex our
first few years of marriage, my late husband and I decided we needed
a bigger place since we were expecting our first child. That was in
1963. After combing the various neighborhoods and realizing we
couldn't afford buying a place, we spotted a sign on Massachusetts
Ave for an opportunity to 'rent with the option to buy.' The gentleman
who made the offer had just built a new community off 69th and Mass.
in Lemon Grove. We jumped at the chance and 'bought' the house (our
first) and our first two daughters were born there. The question of
our Jewishness never came into the conversation although I had been
aware of the restrictions in La Jolla. I guess it never occurred to
any of us that it might be an issue, although we were most likely the
only Jews in the neighborhood. In fact some of our neighbors had
never met a Jew before, but we all got along.
The house we bought was a three bedroom, hardwood floors and a huge
back yard and, yes, we did plant lemon trees there. I have vivid
memories of the giant lemon in the middle of the 'city'. It was a
great experience and we were able to sell that house and 'move up' the
food chain to the present house in San Carlos. I seldom get back
there, but it was a landmark in our lives in San Diego. All good
memories.
Carol Davis, San Diego
11:13 A.M., January 6, 2008