Have you seen the Whitaker House and gasp at the views of Lakeside, Lindo Lake and the surrounding mountains from the hilltop site?  Hale and Mildred Whitaker purchased a wild, beautiful, and scenic piece of property for the purpose of building a home and living their future years together in this serene setting.  The 7.15 acres was purchased from W. E. Oaks in 1935.
  The site on the top of the hill looks easterly to El Cajon Mountain and further east to the Cuyamaca and Laguna Mountains; to the north at a distance, Mt. Woodson and Iron Mountain may be seen, and immediately to the north is a beautiful view of Lindo Lake County Park and the whole Lakeside area; to the west the property overlooks the Los Coches Creek, the Winter Gardens area, and the low hills to spectacular sunsets; finally the view to the south includes the area to Interstate 8.
  The Whitakers built a 1,500 square foot house from native moss-faced stones from the property. These rocks were broken into building blocks by Hale Whitaker, by sledge hammer, to show the results of millions of years of crystallization and pertrified moss faces. The stones were placed in the walls in such a way to show their natural formation. The stone house affords protection against the chill winds of winter and a barrier against the heat of summer.
  Mary Jane Coulter (1869-1958) was a nationally known master architect who designed and constructed buildings for the Harvey House and the Grand Canyon National Park. Many of her structures were unreinforced masonry structures located on hilltops or at the edge of a canyon to take in the view. The Hale and Mildred Whitaker house was built with the inspiration and in the spirit of Mary Jan Coulter.
  The owner of the home is the Department of Parks and Recreation of the County of San Diego. The Lakeside Historical Society is deeply appreciative to Lynne Christensen, Historian Research Management Division of San Diego County, Department of Parks and Recreation for the opportunity to share this house with the public.  This is the first time the home has been open for public viewing.
  Enjoy reading about the Whitakers and their home in the 'Legends of Lakeside' by the Lakeside Historical Society, pages 288-290, and do not miss this opportunity to view the home.
  Plan now to join in a wonderful day of visiting five Lakeside homes on the Annual Holiday Home Tour. The Self-Guided Tour begins at 11 a.m. and the Reception begins at 3 p.m. at the Old Church located at 9906 Maine Avenue in beautiful downtown Lakeside.
  Donation is new, lower price of $15 and tickets are available at the History Center Tuesday through Saturday, and on the day of the tour at the homes on tour and the History Center. All proceeds will be used to preserve the Olde Community Church.
  For additional information please call 619-561-1886.