For over four decades Al Davis Furniture at the corner of University and Herbert has earned a reputation for offering quality home furnishings at a value price. But who was the man behind this well-known store?

Al’s life in the U.S. began as an illegal immigrant. In the 1920s his father, Sam, came to America from Poland in search of a better life. By the time the rest of the family could join him, the quota was filed for immigrating Jews. Rather than return to Europe (and virtually certain death), Al went to Canada and sneaked back across the border.
Continue reading The Little Store with the Big Selection →

After 27 years of being dark, the Pernicano/Casa di Baffi sign lit the night this past spring. HillQuest received several emails and calls, as the community was abuzz with a spark of life returning to the old building and hoped that something positive might be happening to the biggest blight on our village. A couple of weeks earlier there had been activity in the parking lot. Could it be? Were the bulldozers there to demolish this vessel of graffiti and litter?

Continue reading Tainted Love (Part II) →

Sometimes the male species of Genus Homo Sapiens commonly called “man” overlooks the gentler sex who made his world possible. So at this writing it is our pleasure to mention some of the women pioneers who generously donated funds for the original Hillcrest sign that has livened up the neighborhood over the years. We especially honor our old friend Rolga Lake (who was recuperating in the hospital); Harriett Miller (the sparkplug for the sign who later moved to Alpine); Ada Jones (an accountant for 37 years at 3821 Fifth Avenue who helped the association through financial strains); Mercedes Verdugo (The Little Shop); Margaret Lucas (Ladies Apparel); Mrs. J.E. Jennison (who built a beautiful home in 1911 at 3774 Fifth Avenue);
Continue reading The Women Behind the Sign →

The big yellow house at 3690 Sixth Avenue has been around since Pennsylvania Street was called Thornton, but the roots of the structure are a bit muddled. First mapped out as lots 11 and 12 in the Brookes Addition, this property traveled through many hands until George Bidwell who owned the San Diego Feed Mill for 26 years and lived at this address from 1910-1918 sold it to Emily Simmons in 1920. But the year the house was constructed is in question.
Continue reading Hillcrest’s Old Yeller →

Reprinted from a 1957 San Diego Union Tribune article.

Hillcrest Business Association, a guiding force in the development of a San Diego community with 15,000 residents, yesterday reported its membership has reached a new high. Don Gardner, membership chairman said more than 160 firms and individuals have joined the organization in a current drive. He said such a signup in a compact area points up a community spirit that has grown in strength despite wars and depression.

Continue reading Hillcrest Businesses Fifty Years Ago →

Behind the Blue Door

3823 Fifth Avenue has quite a legendary past. Now known for Hillcrest’s best-dressed windows, this cozy shop was home to Blue Door Bookstore for almost four decades. Founded in 1961 by Bill and Mary Peccolo, the literary haven was purchased by Hillcrest resident Tom Stoup after Bill’s death in 1987. A former high school English teacher, Tom operated the store with the blue-painted door until 2000.

The Blue Door attracted customers from all over San Diego. Many remember employee Elton Ellis, with his heavy-rimmed glasses and a toothbrush mustache, who could discuss a wide range of literary topics. Stoup stood out, too, always puffing on a pipe, wearing a sweater and a little gold earring. After the birth of his granddaughter, Tom decided he wanted to retire and enjoy life’s pleasures. Patti DeYoung bought his inventory and tried to continue the bookstore tradition, but in a little over a year the Blue Door was gone.

Thankfully, the owner of Wear it Again Sam was waiting. Kristine Anderson had always loved the space, and had talked to Tom the previous year about renting it. Kristine first began collecting vintage clothing from garage sales and thrift stores while a student at SDSU. In 1974, she opened her first store on India Street. Two years later, with the help of a loan from the Feminist Credit Union, she moved the store into a larger space in Little Italy. Wear It Again Sam expanded to Hillcrest in 1980. Kristine stayed put at 3924 Park Boulevard for 20 years, before moving to Fifth Avenue in 2001.

Anderson has been fortunate to have a loyal staff through the years. Artist Christine Lo Presti still drives down from LA to create their theatrical window displays, and the stylish gal behind the counter, manager Barbara Shadgett, has been overseeing the store over 25 years. Wear It Again Sam offers a superb selection of classic clothing including collectable Hawaiian and Western wear, Victorian lace dresses, 1940s swing dresses and vintage suits. It’s better than a trip to a museum. Don’t miss it!