Legends of Lakeside.
By the Lakeside Historical Society.
Lakeside: Lakeside Historical Society, 1985. Illustrations. Maps. 293 Pages.
Reviewed by Meredith Vezina, Director of the Mountain Empire
Historical Society, Campo, California.
The Lakeside Historical Society has indeed "labored long and
faithfully" in compiling the information found in their book. From the
beginning, the reader is aware of a strong commitment by local residents in
supporting the development and publication of this book. The text is sprinkled
with personal photographs, documents, and ephemera which usually materialize
when there is considerable interest and cooperation from within the community.
The Legends of Lakeside offers a wealth of information
for those interested in the history of this picturesque rural community
approximately twenty miles from downtown San Diego. From the days of the first
white settlements to a bustling country town a century later, Lakeside's
heritage is covered from various perspectives.
The book is divided into seventeen chapters, each focusing on
a central theme. Transportation, education, religion, water, and industry are
but a few of the more general topics. Many chapters are further divided into
subheadings thus highlighting the particular schools, churches, dams, etc. in
the region. For the most part, the chapters are uneven with respect to style and
content. Several of the chapters are quite interesting in that they are filled
with tidbits of information which stimulate the reader's imagination. For
example, the history of the Lakeside Inn is fascinating. Built in 1887 by the El Cajon Land Company, the hotel was soon
nicknamed the "Coronado of the Hills." Cuisine at the inn was said to be
outstanding. Fresh vegetables were supplied by the hotel's 300 acre farm. "Eggs
were fresh from their hennery, butter from their dairy, and squabs from the
loft." The presence of amenities such as livery service, "cement" tennis courts,
golf links, lake, and an outdoor dining room; suggests that Victorian elegance
was not confined to San Diego or Coronado.
The book is filled with many more equally intriguing glimpses
into Lakeside's past. Yet the main thread that could conceivably tie all the
interesting yet disparate pieces together is missing. Regretfully, the book
stops short of conveying a comprehensive picture of the community. In the end,
most readers will want to know more. Is it possible that the Lakeside Historical
Society intended such a reaction, a mechanism for generating continued expansion
on the foundation they have laid?
Undoubtedly, area residents will and should enjoy this book
because their history represents a personal connection to the events. For
scholars, the text may fall short of their expectations. Nevertheless, the book
will serve as a valuable reference tool, a catalyst for more intensive research.
Aside from its shortcomings, the Legends of Lakeside is a welcomed addition to the unique and colorful histories of the many small
communities throughout rural San Diego County.
