Did you know that a giant lemon is the ultimate statement about a town’s purpose? That is Lemon Grove for you. This city boasts a unique history. It proudly displays its 1928 “Big Lemon”. You will find it in the center of town.
Lemon Grove’s story begins long before it was a city. The area was part of Mission San Diego de Alcalá. Later, it became a Mexican rancho. In 1850, Robert Allison arrived. He purchased thousands of acres. This land became Lemon Grove.
Allison’s son, Joseph, filed subdivision maps for “Lemon Grove” in 1892. His mother, Tempa Waterman Allison, gave the town its name. The climate was perfect for growing fruits and vegetables. Farmers came from the East and Midwest. In 1893, they formed the Lemon Grove Fruit Growers Association. By 1894, the San Diego Union called Lemon Grove “a sea of lemon trees”.
Two immigrants from Bohemia, Joseph and Anton Sonka, opened A. Sonka and Son. It was a well-known general store. Later, in 2023, the historical building became Lemon Grove Bistro. Anton’s eldest son, Anthony “Tony” F. Sonka, supported building the town’s lemon landmark.
In 1928, architect Alberto Treganza designed the giant lemon as a parade float for the Fiesta de San Diego parade. It carried the town’s first Miss Lemon Grove, Amorita Treganza. In 1930, they plastered the float. It became a permanent sculpture. It was displayed near its current location.
The “World’s Biggest Lemon” weighs about 3000 pounds. It is approximately 10 feet long and six feet wide. You’ll see it on Broadway and Lemon Grove Avenue. The base reads “Best Climate On Earth”.
Lemon Grove faced a significant challenge in 1931. The Lemon Grove Incident involved Mexican American parents. They fought the local school board’s decision to segregate Mexican American students. The court ruled in their favor. Alvarez v. Lemon Grove was the first successful lawsuit against school segregation.
By World War II, the citrus groves began to disappear. Suburbanization took over. After four failed attempts, Lemon Grove finally incorporated on July 1, 1977. It became California’s 414th city.
Lemon Grove is in San Diego County. According to the 2020 census, the population was 27,627. The city covers 3.88 square miles. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate.
Today, Lemon Grove maintains a vibrant community. It is known for its “small town charm”. The city still boasts the “Best Climate on Earth”. The giant lemon remains a symbol of the town’s identity. So, next time you see a lemon, remember Lemon Grove. Remember its history and its landmark. It is more than just a fruit; it is a symbol of community.