History Alive: A Fireside Chat with Estelle Lauer

The History Alive lecture series continues Thursday as the Lemon Grove Historical Society presents “A Fireside Chat with Estelle Lauer.”

This warm and witty writer, teacher, and former columnist for the Valley Grove News and Life News, is a walking repository of often hilarious tales that reveal the backstory of Lemon Grove and its unique cast of people and institutions. 

Cases in point:

• Those garlic necklaces recommended for every school child.

• The anti-bathing movement to avoid chills.

• Iron-rich vegetables with rusty nails—once a must for Grovians.

• The year snow fell in Lemon Grove and more than 200 Santas practiced for the big day.  

When her children were growing up, Lauer chaired the Palm Junior High PTA, served on the Mount Miguel Citizen Advisory Committee and the Grossmont High School District Academic Readiness Committee. She was a witness to civic incorporation and the founding of the Lemon Grove Historical Society.  

She was active in Lemon Grove's historic First Congregational Church, taught English to successive waves of immigrants from some 13 nations, and, with husband Ron Lauer, camped, hiked, sailed and skied from Lemon Grove to points around the globe.

Along the way, Lauer amassed a fund of portraits and memories that ultimately emerged in print. With the affection, humor and insight of a true writer and raconteur, she will share as many as we can squeeze into this very special fireside chat.  

History Alive starts at 7 p.m. Thursday at the H. Lee House Cultural Center in Civic Center Park. The series is free and suitable for ages 13 and over.  

A Q&A period will follow the presentation, and refreshments will be served.  

For more information, call 619-460-4353.