Isn’t it remarkable how a neighborhood can be named after silent film stars? Talmadge in San Diego is such a place. It is a historic neighborhood established in 1925.
Talmadge is named after three Hollywood movie stars. Norma Talmadge and her sisters, Natalie and Constance. They were all famous in the silent film era. The neighborhood’s entrances are marked by the historic Talmadge Gates. The Talmadge traffic circle sits at the heart of the community.
Real estate developers Roy and Guy Lichty founded Talmadge. They received substantial capital from Joe Shenick. He was the president of United Artists Corporation. Shenick’s wife was Norma Talmadge. That’s how the neighborhood got its name.
The Talmadge Gates are a significant feature. These ornamental gates line the community’s boundaries. The gates were designed by engineer Frank R. Carlson in the mid-1920s. They were cast in 1927 at Union Machine Works in San Diego. The wrought iron gates are painted silver gray. They stand approximately 15 feet high and 10 feet wide. They feature fanciful curves reminiscent of Andalusian ironwork.
The Talmadge sisters even attended a dedication ceremony. It happened on January 3, 1926. Over 10,000 San Diego residents attended. Famous actors like Buster Keaton were there too. William S. Hunt, a screen cowboy, also joined the celebration.
Talmadge is near San Diego State University. Canyons isolate it on the north and west. This creates a special hidden neighborhood. It’s a cousin to Kensington.
Today, Talmadge has single-family homes and apartments. It is a diverse neighborhood with vibrant residents. The Talmadge Community Council is an open forum. It is for residents and property owners. The Kensington-Talmadge Planning Group advises the city. They discuss land use and community character. The Talmadge Maintenance Assessment District ensures special services. These enhance the quality of life in Talmadge. Talmadge has an acclaimed Watch and Patrol program. Other volunteer organizations help maintain a high standard of living.
Talmadge is more than just a neighborhood. It’s a place with a unique history. It is a testament to Hollywood’s golden age. Its gates stand as a reminder of the silent film stars. They are Norma, Natalie, and Constance Talmadge. They were immortalized in the heart of San Diego.