El Cajon Things to Do Tips by Yaqui

Olaf Wieghorst Ranch Home

This home was originally located at Sunshine and Renette when this was a rural area and when horses were allowed. He lived here since 1947 till his death. He loved his family, painting and his horses. He was a good friend of John Wayne and was even in two of his movies. He often decorated his home inside and out with his paintings. Now the home is part of the historical society of El Cajon. The house was moved and is part of the Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center.

Address: 131 Rea Street, El Cajon, Ca

Directions: Downtown Map Page 2

Phone: (619) 590-3431

Website: http://www.wieghorstmuseum.org

Sophie's Art Gallery

This wonderful art gallery caught my eye because of the little chairs that decorate the outside wall. This is a gallery and gift shop that sells wonderful pieces of art that was created by adults with disabilities. I cannot tell you that we do not have enough facilities like these. If you know of friends and relatives or have experience raising children with disabilities, then you would understand the on going challenges of every day life. So places like this, are hero's to the community!

Address: 109 Rea Avenue El Cajon, CA. 92020

Directions: Downtown Map Page2

Phone: 619-593-2205

Website: http://www.stmsc.org/programs_gallery.shtml

Utility Box Art

Many cities are starting to decorate their cities utility boxes, which adds a lot of character to the city.
North Magnolia & West Park • Northwest corner • Artist: Midge Hyde • Whimsical Southwestern
North Magnolia • 190 North Magnolia • Artist: Lucy Murphy & Cindi Garris • Magnolias & Hummingbirds
South Magnolia & East Main • Southwest corner • Artist: Elizabeth Washburn • Wildflowers

Directions: Down town Map Page 2

Phone: (619) 401-8858

Website: http://www.downtownelcajon.com

Arts Alley #3

Located between Rea and Main Street are all kinds of lovely and fun paintings.
Wall Mural • 120 East Main • Artist: Carlos Castrejon • Sleeping Lions
Wall Murals • 109 Rea • Artists: Josh Bellty & David White • Reproductions of Masters
Utility Box • 109 Rea • Artist: Jack Madi • Cat Paintings
Wall Mural • 119 North Magnolia • Artist: Geraldine Larson • Catpolian

Directions: Downtown Map Page 2

Phone: (619) 401-8858

Website: http://www.downtownelcajon.com

Arts Alley #2

Once again the local artist painting just about everything along the alley. They even painted the dumpsters with a variety of Cats themes. The alley is located between Rea and Main Street. Although, during the day it is ok to explore, I would still take caution during the evening. There is some homeless that pass thru here.

Directions: Downtown Maps Page 2

Phone: (619) 401-8858

Website: http://www.downtownelcajon.com

Arts Alley #1

There seems to be a wonderful trend across America with so many cities are revitalizing their old down towns. I will explore a old down town main street all day before visiting a mall. Absolutely no interest. What is very unique about El Cajon is one of the alleyways is a lovely representation of what local artist can do to even make a alleyway pleasurable, if not fun.

Starting with the back of the Main Street businesses is:

Wall Art -172 East Main • Artist: Thom Guerra • Black & White Cat
Wall Art -168 East Main • Artist: Attention Getters • Bird of Paradise
Utility Box -131 Rea • Artist: Thom Guerra • Horse in Stall
Wall Mural- 115 Rea • Artist: Ron Juncal • Herding Cats

Directions: Downtown Map Page 2

The Olaf Wieghorst Museum

Olaf Wieghorst,(1899-1988) was born in Viborg, Denmark and was one of the most prolific western artist of his day with painting or sketching hundreds of beautiful art and many of those are limited additions. He specialized in painting horses, Indian peoples, the U.S. Cavalry, or cowboys as well as beautiful Southwestern landscapes. He drew from his own personal experiences as a trick rider, cowboys, member of the U.S. 5th Cavalry, and later a mounted police officer. His art hangs is numerous popular museums across the country and many of those are private owners who are lucky to own his pieces. What is really neat is he lived in this very area for over 40 years after his retirement in 1945 from the police force and continued to paint till his death in 1987. His home was moved to the museum and is one of El Cajon’s landmarks.

The ladies who volunteer at the museum are really sweet. When I walked in they were beginning to close. They asked if I live locally and of course I said no. They immediately told me to go ahead a enjoy the museum, while they prepare for a meeting. Wonderful hometown hospitality.

Address: 131 Rea Street, El Cajon

Directions: Map of Downtown-Page 2

Phone: (619) 590-3431

Website: http://www.wieghorstmuseum.org

The Knox House Museum

By 1869, this area like so many others became popular with gold miners passing thru for supplies and searching for their next dig. Amaziah Knox moved here and was hired to manage Lankershim’s wheat farm and build him a house. For his services, he was paid a wage and given ten acres of land of his choice. He chose what is near Main Street and Magnolia Ave and built himself a hotel and corrals by 1876 to services the needs of so many travelers. It was here that was the first post office with him as the first postmaster.

Now it is a wonderful museum for everyone to enjoy!

Address: 280 North Magnolia Avenue. El Cajon

Directions: Map of Dowtown-Page 2

Phone: (619) 444-3800

Website: http://www.elcajonhistory.org

Olaf Wieghorst Mural

Painted by Artist Thom Guerra. This lovely mural was painted in honor of Olaf Wieghorst,(1899-1988) that was born in Viborg, Denmark and was one of the most prolific western artist of his day with painting or sketching hundreds of beautiful art and many of those are limited additions.

Address: 181 Rea Avenue

Directions: Downtown Map-Page 2.

Phone: (619) 590-3431

Website: http://www.wieghorstmuseum.org