Anthony F. Sonka Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-0242

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Anthony F. Sonka Papers (1906-1972) document Sonka's business activities in Lemon Grove, including his role with the Lemon Grove Chamber of Commerce. Of particular interest is an anecdote of the famous Hatfield Flood (1916) in the Tony Sonka Day file, and Sonka's involvement with the installment of Lemon Grove's giant lemon. Arranged alphabetically, the collection includes correspondence, photographs, golf score cards, membership cards, a Padres ticket from 1947, and personal writings. The majority of material dates from the 1930s.

Dates

Creation: 1906-1972

Creator

Sonka, Anthony F. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The copyright interests in some or all of these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with the creator(s) of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of archival collections is such that multiple creators are often applicable and copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine. In any case, the user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, obtaining publication rights and copyright infringement. When requesting images from Special Collections & University Archives for publication, we require a signed agreement waiving San Diego State University of any liability in the event of a copyright violation.

Biographical Note

Anthony Sonka and his family moved to Lemon Grove in 1907. His father purchased Lemon Grove's original general store shortly thereafter. In 1909, upon Sonka's father's death, Sonka and his brothers took over the general store, renaming it Sonka Brothers General Mechandise. The store served residents in Lemon Grove, La Mesa, Spring Valley, and Jamul. During this time, Sonka also served as postmaster. He later became an active member of the Lemon Grove Chamber of Commerce, and was partially responsible to installing the giant lemon on Main Street. In 1945, the brothers sold the general store. Sonka passed away in 1974.

Extent

0.21 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Mrs. Marjorie Kezar

Accruals

1978-022

Related Materials

Lemon Grove Chamber of Commerce, 1922-1978
Lemon Grove Coordinating Council Records, 1959-1963
Lemon Grove Historical Society Records, 1978-1979
James B. Pearce Papers, 1924-1963