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Spotlight on David Lakin
July/August 2024
 Robin and David Lakin. Photo by Sandé Lollis |
SOHO welcomes David Lakin as our new caretaker and facilities manager for the Marston House Museum.
An integral part of SOHO since 2001 and a native San Diegan with an avid interest in history, David worked for three decades as a bartender at the Old Town Saloon, directly across the street from the Whaley House Museum. From there, he dutifully watched over the historic site late at night when we were closed. Before that, in 2000, when the County of San Diego selected SOHO as the museum’s operator, David attended all public meetings in support of the transfer of stewardship to SOHO.
With a background in theatrical productions at Helix High School, David promptly answered SOHO’s casting call to portray local historical figures for the first Halloween production at the Whaley House. David portrayed Yankee Jim Robinson, a notorious boat thief, at the Whaley House Museum courtroom in reenactments of his infamous trial and at his gravesite in El Campo Santo Cemetery for several Halloweens.
For the past 24 years, David has been a versatile SOHO volunteer, serving as a museum docent, supporting events like the grand opening of the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House and People in Preservation Awards ceremonies, and providing countless moving, delivery, and repair services.
David's background in customer service, and onsite property and apartment management is complemented by his proficiency in electrical work, plumbing, and miscellaneous repairs. He possesses the necessary strength and agility for heavy lifting and excels in navigating challenging situations. When SOHO's longtime Marston House caretaker, Robert Veres, retired in 2023, David's exemplary qualities made him a natural choice to take on the role. This position demands utmost trustworthiness to ensure the care of our building and collections, alongside historical knowledge and the ability to deliver engaging tours every weekend.
Education and Communications Director Alana Coons happily shared, "David is so pleasant to be around and such a thoughtful individual, always looking out for what he can do to help. He is a real asset for both SOHO and the museum."
A natural fit for both caretaking and facilities management for the Marston House, David has easily adapted to a new life at the museum, with all its old building quirks and issues. He resides onsite with his wife Robin, who serves as the Marston House site manager, volunteer and event coordinator, and curator. In addition to giving museum tours to a wide range of visitors, he has established a positive rapport with our Seventh Avenue neighbors, park rangers, and the City groundskeeping crew. David’s efforts are essential in maintaining the Marston House in top shape and the gardens as a lovely and safe environment for visitors.
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