Hale Whitaker purchased the hilltop from W.E. Oaks, and they built a house from native moss-faced stones on the hill, affording protection against the chill winds of winter and a barrier against the heat of summer. The site for the home was selected carefully. Hale cautiously bulldozed the long private road and a level area without disturbing the contour of the hill. The interior of the house combined comfort and beauty in a floor plan designed by Hale and Mildred. The focal point of the living room is an immense fireplace also made of stones, some of which came from Death Valley. It has a unique raised hearth. Construction was not a hasty thing. From its start in 1935 until its completion in July 1940, every step was carefully planned and supervised and many of the less technical jobs Hale and Mildred did themselves. Mildred dipped shingles in creosote and laid them in position on the roof and Hale followed with hammer and nails. Their teamwork also resulted in the beautiful laid hardwood floors throughout the hous.
  The southwest bedroom became the personal apartment for Mildred's mother, who made her home with them until her death in 1955.
  Landscaping has been done with a constant consideration for the natural look and every effort has been made to preserve the unobstructed view. The Hilltop home is surrounded by trees, shrubs and flowers, each one planted lovingly by the Whitakers. Directly in front of the house are two Pyracantha Formosa trees. These in season are smothered with enormous clusters of bright crimson berries. The spectacular night blooming Cereus Peruvianus Monstrosus from South Africa planted in 1940 when it was a foot high, now stands more than 15 feet and bears more than 1000 blooms in the summer. Over the years a dozen cuttings from the mother plant have been planted around the hill - some now larger than the mother. The Hilltop's Gardenia and Camellia blossoms have graced many homes, businesses and meetings in Lakeside over the years.

  A big thank you to everyone for making the Holiday Home Tour so successful, and a special thanks to the chairmen:
Cathy Hanson - Publicity
Grace Parrott - Design & Printing
Betty Mahan - Signs
Lee Bost - Food display
Alice Slagel - Cookies
Neta Padilla - Church decoration
Mary Neal - Music entertainment
Janis Shackelford - Presenter
County of San Diego Parks & Recreation for allowing The Whitaker Home to be seen and providing transportation.
  The following docents and homeowner's gave their time and efforts in making the Home Tour memorable:
Whitaker Home - Randy Ford & Park Staff, Patty Hayden, Dixie Landsdown and Peggy Bowman
Castle Home - Mr. David Layman (owner) and daughter Victoria Gilbert, Cathy Hanson, Bobbie Pough and Susan Brown
Robbins Home - Whitney & Dustin Robbins, Barbara de Young, Debbie Thurman
Janes Home - Scott & Kim Janes, Margaret Tuitle, Dora Campbell
Koons Home - Edna Koons, Jean Angus & Kristi Malm, Cori & Jordan Koons and Donna & John Swink
Sneak-peak - San Diego River Conservatory, Betty McMillan

Music - Ferrie Nichols and The Oldies But Goodies Kitchen Band
Photography - Lora Gruner
Ticket Sales - Elaine Brack
  And a special thanks to Lee Bost's sisters, Jerri Schmid and Rose Gilbert for all their help at the Old Church, Ron Badgerow at the parking facility and Barbara and Ray Whitlock for keeping the museum open extra late. Plus, a special thanks to Dolores Gruner for all her help.