In 1903 Kate Sessions began buying up land in Mission Hills. She
chose this area because of its good soil, moist sea breezes and because it
was so far away from everything, she hoped she wouldn't be disturbed for
years. In 1907 Kate and Alice Rainford (later of Rainford Florists)
began circulating a petition asking property owners to support extending
the electric trolley car line from First Avenue and Washington to Lewis
Street. Since many property owners did not live in the immediate area, the
duo traveled all over by horse and buggy rounding up signatures. With
property owners' approval, the city widened the necessary roads in 1908
and J.D. Spreckels, the owner of the San Diego Electric Railway Company,
began extending the trolley line. By 1909 you could go from Market Street
in downtown to Lewis and Stephens Streets.
Mission Hills was officially born January
20, 1908. That's when subdivision map #1115 was filed at the County
Recorder's Office. While Sessions and Rainford were circulating their
trolley petition, a group of investors proved J.D. Spreckel's theory that
development followed the trolley tracks. Knowing the trolley was coming,
the investors bought a tract of land north of Johnston Heights. One
of the investors was George Marston who named the subdivision "Mission
Hills".
Today Mission Hills is a busy community that offers several restaurants
and shops.
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