A new exhibition journey through La Jolla’s automotive past.
(October 16, 2009) – Our cars are such a regular part of our daily lives today that it can be difficult to imagine how much they have changed the world.
Beginning December 3rd through February 20, 2010 to coincide with its new hosting duties of the sixth annual La Jolla Motor Car Classic, the La Jolla Historical Society is opening a new temporary exhibition, All Roads Lead to La Jolla: A journey through our automotive past. Through images and maps from the Society’s collection, guests will see that although there was resistance from some, most La Jollans got behind the steering wheel and made their cars a big part of their lives. Visitors will see that from the appearance of the first automobiles in La Jolla in 1903 to the emergence of car dealerships and gas stations in the 1930s when the dusty roads in and around La Jolla were paved, La Jolla’s landscape was forever altered.
Michael Mishler, the Society’s archivist and curator, pointed out how the landscape of our cities changed once cars made their appearance. “Because of cars, we have paved roads, great for cars bad for horses.” Our houses have changed, too. In the 1900’s you wouldn’t have attached a barn to your house, and with the first cars, fear of fires kept them outside in barns or sheds. By the 1920’s attached garages were a luxury item on a house, and of course, by the 1950’s garages became the front of most suburban homes.”
As a result of the number of cars out on these newly paved roads gas stations and car dealers became a regular part of life. Mishler said, “In 1959 there were sixteen service stations throughout La Jolla, and seven car dealers.” Mishler said that as property values increased by the 60’s and our shopping habits changed Ford, Chevy, Chrysler and other dealers moved out. “We now have three luxury car dealers and only three gas stations remaining,” Mishler noted.
Car ownership involved other emotions, as well. “The image of Grace Aller in front of her car is a perfect example of the pride and affection we have in owning and driving cars. Most of us have a picture taken with a car we have had but how many times have we ever taken a picture standing next to our new sofa?”
Admission to the exhibit is free, though donations are gratefully welcome. Open Thursdays and Fridays, December 3, 2009 to February 20, 2010, 12-4pm, Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect Street, La Jolla. Join the fun and become a La Jolla Historical Society exhibit gallery docent! Call (858) 459-5335, Ext. 3 or email: volunteers@lajollahistory.org.
La Jolla’s connection to its rich heritage, the La Jolla Historical Society's offices and archives are located at 7846 Eads Avenue, La Jolla. Open to the public Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Exhibition Gallery open Thursday and Friday’s, noon – 4pm. (858) 459-5335. www.lajollahistory.org.
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