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