Lemon Grove 'History Alive'—A Fireside Chat with Sally Rae Harris

The Lemon Grove Historical Society's popular series History Alive will continue Thursday “A Fireside Chat with Sally Rae Harris,” a woman whose bucolic childhood in Lemon Grove begs the question, “How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm after they've seen Paree?”

Easy. Just bring on two loving grandparents (Alexander and Lydia Griffith), 2,000 chickens, a few rabbits, fruits and vegetables of every kind, all flourishing on five acres of rolling land in the best climate on earth and you have a recipe for a happy childhood.  

Sally didn't see Paree until years later after she'd discovered the joys of history and become a tour guide in Balboa Park. She hung on to photographs of her grandparents' farm spread out in the western part of town from Central Avenue over to where San Miguel School stands today. She knew that one day those images of Lemon Grove's noble agrarian past would have importance beyond nostalgic family memories; they would show us where we were, who we were and why virtually every yard in town has a fruit tree, why some folks still keep chickens, and why this town hangs on to its people.

Sally is amusing, insightful and a great raconteur. You won't want to miss this look back at the world of her grandparents and “the way we were.”

Questions and answers, and refreshments follow the presentation. History Alive is suitable for ages 13 and over. The series is free, but donations are welcome.

The event starts at 7 p.m. Thursday at the H. Lee House in Civic Center Park.