2025 was a milestone year for the Lemon Grove Historical Society, as the group worked tirelessly to preserve the town’s heritage while expanding educational outreach and community engagement. From major restoration projects to new programs in local schools, the society has strengthened its role as a cornerstone of Lemon Grove’s cultural and historical landscape.
“We’ve had a very busy year in restoration,” said Laura Hook, president of the Lemon Grove Historical Society. “Both the Lee House and the Parsonage Museum received new roofs after the rains over the past two years caused damage to the ceilings. Once the repairs were complete, we painted the interiors and installed lighting that really enhances the artwork and improves safety. We also repainted the exterior in the Queen Anne style of the 1890s. After the holidays, we plan to expand the native gardens around the museum and the Lee House.”
Restoration
Restoration work is only part of the society’s broader mission, which Hook described as researching, documenting, and sharing Lemon Grove’s history “in a regional, state, and national context” while managing buildings, resources, and programs that advance this purpose.
The society also recently completed the final phase of a digitalization project funded by a state grant, preserving all editions of the Lemon Grove Review, a local newspaper, and making them accessible online for the public.
Hook said that educational initiatives remain a top priority for the society. “Our partnership with the Lemon Grove School District has been incredible. The art teacher for four schools created a project for K-6 students about the history of Lemon Grove. The resulting artwork was displayed in the Parsonage Museum, and we had an opening reception and awards ceremony. The students learned about events that are important to our history, like the Big Lemon and the Lemon Grove Incident.”
Landmark Incident
The Lemon Grove Incident, a landmark case in 1931, was the first school segregation case in the country. Hispanic students were initially denied entry to Lemon Grove Grammar School, but their families successfully challenged the school board in court. Hook emphasized that the story was largely forgotten until the son of one of the plaintiffs wrote a PhD thesis on the case. “It’s taught in schools today, and it’s a great example of how local history can have national significance,” she said.
Lecture Series
In addition to school programs, the society offers the History Alive lecture series at the Lee House, free to the public. The monthly lectures cover a wide range of topics, allowing residents to explore Lemon Grove’s past firsthand. Hook said, “We’ve seen a big increase in interest in local history because students share what they learn with their families. People are genuinely excited to discover what Lemon Grove used to be like.”
The society’s collection includes rare and unique items, from artwork and hand-crafted bowls to architectural plans by Alberto Treganza, the builder of the Big Lemon, and memorabilia from his daughter, Amorita Treganza, who helped establish the society. Hook encourages residents to get involved, whether through volunteering, donating, or sharing family histories and artifacts. “Once historical information is lost, it’s gone forever. Our archives have family histories found nowhere else, and we want the community to help preserve them.”
Future
Looking ahead, the Lemon Grove Historical Society has a full slate of programs and competitions planned, including the Treganza Essay Competition for 3rd and 8th graders. Third graders write about Lemon Grove then and now, while 8th graders respond to civics prompts inspired by the town’s history. Expansion of native gardens, new museum exhibits, and continued educational outreach are all on the horizon.
“Even long-time residents who’ve lived here for years are amazed when they visit the museum,” Hook said. “We want everyone to understand the story of our little town, how it fits into San Diego County history, and why preserving it matters.”
For more information, visit the Lemon Grove Historical Society at www.lghistorical.org.
