Dr. Baumann’s book on the history of Kensington-Talmadge reprinted and updated in honor of area’s 100th anniversary

By Manny Cruz

In honor of Kensington’s 100th anniversary celebration, the family of the late Dr. Thomas H. Baumann, a well-known civic supporter and dentist, has reprinted the original version of his book, “Kensington-Talmadge 1910-1985.” Ron May of Legacy 106 Inc., an archeologist, has written a new forward to the book to bring it up to the present.
“My Dad loved this community and he wanted to preserve its history for future generations,” said Howard Baumann, 67, the author’s son, a gastroenterologist living in Salem, Ore. “His book documents Kensington as he knew it.” Howard Baumann and his sister, Darlene Baumann Love, 63, who lives in Kensington, announced the publication of the centennial edition.
Dr. Baumann, who died in 1994 at age 86, published 500 copies of the book and designated the profits go to Kensington community projects, in particular the upkeep of the Kensington sign. The doctor was involved in the purchasing of the sign in 1952. Dr. Baumann’s children said they will adhere to their father’s wishes to use the book profits for local projects. Dr. Baumann’s wife, Ruth Elizabeth Baumann, died in 1992 at age 86.
“This book is dedicated to all those who have ever considered Kensington-Talmade their home, and to all those who have a special place in their hearts for Kensington-Talmadge,” Dr. Baumann said.
The book describes the founding of Kensington — the first planned community in the United States — and the streetcars and buses that brought people to the area. It tells of the building of the church, library, historical houses and the architectural styles throughout the community. Dr. Baumann also wrote about famous residents, events and places in the book.
Darlene Love said her father, who was born in 1907 in Beaconfield, Iowa, also wrote a history of his birthplace as well as histories of the San Diego Dental Society and of Villa Portofino, one of the neighborhoods in Tierrasanta that became an architectural showcase when its homes were built in the early 1970s.
“He loved this neighborhood more than anything in this world,” said Love. “He did a lot for Kensington and San Diego. It was important to him to give back to his community.”
Copies of the centennial edition of the book are $40 and can be purchased at
Rex Downing Realtors, 4134 Adams Ave.; Ponces Restaurant, 4050 Adams Ave.; Ken Video, 4067 Adams Ave.; Zen Sanctuary, 4183 Adams Ave.;  the Kensington/Normal Heights Library; and the Kensington Café, 4141 Adams Ave. Orders also can be placed online at ken100th.com.