Corky Lang Talks About the Past, Agriculture and Mistaken Identity

My name is Corky. I am not the famous surfer, nor do I own a local pest control company, and I have never been part of an aquatic animal act at the Zoo or Sea World. But I am a native San Diegan who wants to share stories and anecdotes about the community of Lemon Grove.

Here is a brief synopsis of the town's history. First off, let's talk pre-lemon. The earliest known inhabitants of Lemon Grove were small groups of hunter-gatherers in the prehistoric stone age (no lemons yet). Then several thousand years ago the Kumeyaay (loosely "the people") arrived on the scene. Named the Diegueños by the Spanish conquistadors, they were a pretty laid-back group. No real agricultural endeavors (so still no lemons), and no canoes. They would weave a basket or two if they really, really, needed it. They ran around (mostly unclothed), painted their bodies colorfully, and hung out at the beach—the start of an enduring San Diego lifestyle was taking shape.

Unfortunately the Spanish ended that lifestyle for them in a rather quick and brutal fashion, then Mexico with its independence ended it for Spain, and finally the U.S. ended it for Mexico with the discovery of gold in California. By 1892 the town of Lemon Grove was on the map, and by 1900 we had (yes) lemons, plus other citrus trees, as far as the eye could see. This, coupled with a railroad stop in the center of town, made for easy nationwide distribution. Our fruits were getting recognized ... big time.

Lemon Grove sunned in its citrus glory until the 1930s. The Great Depression and WWII changed the area dramatically. The once idyllic lemon groves with the overpowering scent of blossoms in the air were replaced by housing tracts, businesses and parks. With the postwar boom in full swing, it was just too nice a place (plus perfect weather) to continue its quaint agricultural existence. Our touchstone reminder of that time is "The Big Lemon" in the center of town.

This column is a little slice of that Lemon ... more to come. I'll try to keep it tart, with a little sweetness as needed. Please feel free to e-mail me anecdotes or inquiries about the colorful history of Lemon Grove.