In the Curator’s Words is an occasional series that takes a critical look at current exhibitions through the eyes of curators.
As a volunteer at the Lemon Grove Historical Society, Leo Zizzo was the perfect person to curate its newest exhibit on Lemon Grove’s Old Time Days.
Zizzo recently graduated from California State University Chico with a bachelor’s degree in history. With familial roots in Lemon Grove, he has a strong connection to the city and its history.
He took some time to talk about the exhibition, which opened in early December.
The Lemon Grove Historical Society’s Parsonage Museum, where a current exhibit showcases the city’s Old Time Days. (Ariana Drehsler / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Q: For those who aren’t familiar with Lemon Grove’s history, this exhibition showcases a longtime community event called Old Time Days. Can you tell us more about it?
A: Lemon Grove’s Old Time Days aimed to bring the community together by celebrating the history and heritage of Lemon Grove. People from across San Diego County gathered in Lemon Grove for a weekend filled with festivities, culminating in a parade down Broadway and onto Lemon Grove Avenue. Clubs, organizations, businesses, individuals and schools from across the county participated with elaborate costumes and floats. Onlookers lined the streets to cheer on participants, support loved ones, and share in the joyful and nostalgic atmosphere. Lemon Grove residents cherished Old Time Days and looked forward to it with great anticipation each year.
Laura Hook, president of the Lemon Grove Historical Society, which is presenting an exhibit titled “Old Time Days” exhibit at the Lemon Grove Historical Society’s Parsonage Museum. (Ariana Drehsler / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Q: It started in the 1950s and ended in the early 2000s. What happened?
A: The beginnings of Lemon Grove’s Old Time Days can be traced back to the Pow-Wow Days of 1949 and 1950. Organized by Lemon Grove’s Chamber of Commerce, the Pow-Wow Days featured a parade, beauty contest and onstage entertainment. The event evolved through several iterations, including Pow-Wow Days, Lucky Lemon Days, Crazy Daze, Old Fashioned Days and Olde Tyme Days, before becoming Old Time Days in 1966. Old Time Days ran continuously until 2004 when the city decided to discontinue the event. The City of Lemon Grove later created the Community Bonfire as a new annual community event. The Community Bonfire takes place on the first Friday in December at Treganza Heritage Park and features a bonfire, entertainment, crafts and a special appearance by Santa.
Q: While putting this exhibition together, was there anything that came as a surprise to you?
A: Aside from the size of the crowds, the most surprising discovery while researching Old Time Days was the “Mobile Lemon.” While the Big Lemon on the corner of Broadway and Lemon Grove Avenue is a cherished Lemon Grove landmark, the once-famed Mobile Lemon is a lesser-known piece of Lemon Grove history. The 12-foot lemon on wheels, once used in local car dealership commercials, debuted in the 1980 Old Time Days parade painted to match the Big Lemon. The Mobile Lemon has since been put out of commission, leaving many museumgoers stunned to see photos of it. Many people have also questioned whether the Mobile Lemon is the same as the Big Lemon, but to clear up any confusion, they are two different lemons.
Old photos from the Lemon Grove Junior High Band along with band memorabilia are displayed at the “Old Time Days” exhibit at the Lemon Grove Historical Society’s Parsonage Museum. “The band hat was likely worn around 1990-2000,” according to Laura Hook, the historical society’s board president. (Ariana Drehsler / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Q: What can attendees see at this exhibition?
A: At our exhibit, attendees can truly relive the Old Time Days. Our exhibit mainly focuses on the parade and the different groups who took part in it, featuring photos, videos, firsthand accounts and memorabilia from the event. The exhibit is a great way to relive the event and learn about the history of one of Lemon Grove’s most beloved traditions. We hope that our exhibit will help bring the community together and not only celebrate the history of Lemon Grove but also inspire its future.
“Old Time Days” is an exhibit at the Lemon Grove Historical Society’s Parsonage Museum. (Ariana Drehsler / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Lemon Grove Historical Society presents “Old Time Days”
When: On display indefinitely. Saturdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or for tour groups and classes, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Where: Lemon Grove Historical Society’s Parsonage Museum at 3185 Olive St., Lemon Grove
Admission: By donation and free for children 12 and under
Phone: 619-460-4353
Online: lghistorical.org