North Park History
A Booming Demand for Grocery Markets
In the commercial district of North Park, there were 11 major commercial projects either under construction or completed in 1926. These 11 were estimated at just under $140,000 in construction costs. Six of those 11 were for grocery markets, including a new facility for Piggly Wiggly at 3829 30th Street. That building was ordered by Jack Hartley. A reinforced concrete structure, it was estimated to cost $12,000. William E. Gibb, a contractor associated with the Hartley firm and a notable North Park builder, was responsible for the project.
Two markets opened back to back with a continuous façade on Wightman Street (now North Park Way). One of those stores with an entry on 30th Street was a reinforced concrete structure built for George Walter Hopkins. The contractor for the job was Charles M. Williams, a prolific North Park builder and resident responsible for several of the commercial buildings in the 30th and University district. The building housed the Wig Wag Grocery from 1927 to 1931.
The building that backed onto Mr. Hopkins’ store opened onto Ray Street at 3804. This building, also constructed by Charles M. Williams, housed the Ideal Grocers branch franchised by George B. Wittman, who lived next door with his family at 3812 Ray Street. Wittman was president of the Ideal Grocers Inc.
U.S. Post Office, North Park Branch
Prior to 1927, postal service in North Park was limited to over-the-counter purchases of stamps. These counters were part of the service area in local drugstores. The one longest in use was the Robertson Drugstore in the Stevens & Hartley building. Delivery of mail came directly from the downtown post office and later the Hillcrest branch. Then on October 11, 1927, a permit was issued to Hostetter, Goss & Norris, contractors, for a $7,000 stucco and tile store at 3830 Ray Street. This site became a full service Post Office Branch office from 1927 until 1951, when it was moved to a new building at 3791 Grim Avenue.
In 1931, Jack Hartley converted the old bakery ovens on Ray Street into a new storeroom and apartment at No. 3836.
“North Park: A San Diego Urban Village, 1896-1946 by Donald Covington”, and reprinted with permission from the North Park Historical Society.
