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Mary Ann Ross, known as Mary Annie, her husband C.W. Ross and daughter Josie came from Braintree, Mass to San Diego in 1902. The family moved to Lakeside in 1904. Klauber-Wangenheim had purchased the Lakeside Store from Neal and Forney and named Mr. Ross as manager. The Legends of Lakeside on pages 52-54 share the story of the Lakeside Store. On Page 52 is a photo of the store in 1912 and on page 54 an earlier picture. The cover of Images of America: Lakeside, California, by past LHS President Richard S. White, shows an excellent picture of the store. Page 41 shows the 1898 store exterior and interior. Page 49 has an 1908 picture of the store.
The store carried ready-to-wear clothes, shoes, dry goods, hardware, and groceries.
The Ross family occupied an upper story over the meat market (which was next door to the Store) until they built, in 1905, a house on Maine Street, which is now a Veterinarian Hospital. At that time there were only 16 dwellings in Lakeside. These included the church, Lakeside Inn and the Lindo Hotel. The Legends of Lakeside on page 20 discusses the Neal - Ross Houses. Page 78 of Images of America: Lakeside, California has a picture of the home and a picture of C.W. and Mary Annie.
It was in March, 1910, that Mrs. Ross decided to assist the advancement of civic and social interests in Lakeside. She invited some of her friends to her home and formed the Woman's Club of Lakeside, and was elected the first President, serving one term. In 1915-16 she was elected to serve a second term. The Legends of Lakeside Pages 128-131 discuss the history of the Woman's Club of Lakeside.
The Club's first big project was held in 1911 when they assisted in the building of the Town Hall, collecting the $200 to buy the lot. Dances and dinners were given to raise the funds for the building materials.
Mary Annie gave her whole-hearted support to the town of Lakeside and to the Woman's Club. She had a full and active life and had an amazing faculty for remembering dates. Little is known of other activities. She was slight of build with a quiet demeanor but strong in her convictions.
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