A People’s History of the Inland Empire Digital Archive

2011 January Calendar page 2, Mendoza Market Postcard

2021.004.002

Document

A postcard reflecting on the history of Mendoza Market by Linda Salinas-Thompson. The month of January is written in English as well as in Spanish (Enero). The images on the page consist of the exterior of the Mexican-American family-owned business ("Mendoza Mkt") as well as photographs of Victor and Lola Mendoza. The postcard reads, "Mendoza Market: In 1913 Victor Mendoza moved to the United States from Michoacan, Mexico, and settled in the community of Casa Blanca. In 1915 he married; where he and his wife Lola, and opened their first market on Bunker Street in 1920. Two months later they moved a block away to 7450 Evans Street; the Mendozas because people were leaving without paying their bills. In 1936 he prepared to close the store, being in debt for $7,000.00, but friends came forth to help him. After the Depression, businesses started growing again, people started coming back from Mexico. After WWII, started picking up. IN 1945, Mendoza Market was relocated to 3199 Madison Street. The Mendoza's had five children, who all helped and worked at the store. His customers included children and grandchildren of long-time patrons. After operating a grocery store for more than 50 years the Mendozas retired, stating they had many happy moments with customers that came in. Linda Salinas-Thompson."

Mexican-American History

Great Depression

World War II

Inland Empire, Michoacan (Mexico)

20th Century, 21st Century

Unknown

2011, 1913-1915, 1920-1945

Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society (RCMAHS)

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English

Spanish

2021.004.056