Walker Memories

Here’s some remembrances from David and Lenora Walker Nee Hilton:

Mrs. Walker’s parents, Ed and Honie Hilton, owned Hilton’s cleaners with locations in downtown Oceanside and Carlsbad. Lenora grew up in Oceanside and moved with her parents to 102 S. Barnwell in 1951.

She remembers flying out of the original Oceanside Airport when it was located where Industry Boulevard is today. She flew in a plane belonging to John and Hellen Callis of Walsh Street.

David and Lenora purchased their home on 3 acres at 511 Hoover in 1952 from James Madison in 1952 for $12,500.00.

In those days there was no sewer, gas or pavement in front of the house.

Mr. Walker remembers seeing the chickens, goats and vegetable gardens of the original Foussat farm, which began at the bottom of MacDonald (where Corto Street is today), and extended all the way to the area where present day Foussat Street is.

The Walkers have seen many changes over the years to Loma Alta. People have come and gone, houses have undergone complete remodels, many new homes have been built and a few have been razed.

Mrs. Walker remembers a time when there was a small house occupied by Florence Rodgers on the hill where the "Giant K" market is today.

Across the canyon from the Walker's house, on Crouch Street, there was a home built entirely of native rock owned by Frank and Olga Marlin. Mrs. Walker believes Frank was a sea captain who among other achievements survived the Spanish American War. Olga was one of the staff of the original Loma Alta News.

These days they spend a good deal of time now enjoying a breathtaking ocean view from their home, tending to their gardens, their wild birds, and their pug Nathaniel.

© Greg Root lana 2004