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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
On March 16 of 1926, the first civic celebration on record for Hillcrest was held to celebrate the installation of decorative lampposts on University Avenue between Third Avenue and Park Boulevard, on Fourth Avenue from Robinson to Washington and on Fifth Avenue from Robinson to University.
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 […]