Charles H. Wilkinson

Charles Howard Wilkinson was born on March 28, 1893 in Chicago, Ill., the third of eight children of John and Maud (Cass) Wilkinson. His father worked as a carpenter contractor.

In the 1910 U.S. census, 17-year-old Charles was listed as an apprentice carpenter in Chicago, as was his older brother John.

During World War I, Charles served as a private in the U.S. Army with the 21st Infantry. In December 1916, the second battalion of the regiment participated in the Panama-California Exposition, defending against a simulated attack from two Navy cruisers, Frederick and San Diego, and several aircraft. In April 1917, the battalion was transferred to Camp Kearny and subordinated to the 16th Division's 31st Infantry Brigade. His posting in San Diego may have inspired Charles’ later move to the city.

He married Edna Mae Vogt in Chicago on January 7, 1920, and they had four children: Charles Jr., Mary, John, and Frank. In the 1920 census, Charles was listed as a “whole house” salesman in Chicago. In the 1930 census, Charles worked as a carpenter in the building industry.

Charles and Edna first appeared in San Diego city directories in 1934, living at 4219 Highland Ave., with Charles again listed as a carpenter. They continued living at the Highland Avenue address through 1937. This address is just outside of the Talmadge Gates.

In the 1938 city directory, Charles and Edna were listed as living at 4676 Avoca Place, which was soon renamed as an extension of Adams Avenue. Their home is the only one listed on Avoca and therefore the first house built on that short street. The Wilkinson family lived at 4676 Adams Ave. in the 1940 census, and Charles’ occupation was listed as a contractor in the building industry.

While building within Talmadge Park Estates Historic District (TPEHD) Wilkinson lived at 4676 Adams Ave. This was during the 1938-42 Federal Housing Administration (FHS) building boom within Talmadge. During that brief time, Wilkinson built 26 Minimal Traditional homes ranging from 1938 to 1941. In 1948 he built two more homes; one at 4528 Norma Dr., and the other at 4650 Aldine Dr.

By 1943, Charles and his family had moved, and they do not appear in a San Diego city directory again until 1947-48, when they were listed as living at 2232 Dale St. In the 1950 census, Charles was still listed as owning his own contractor business.

According to the Evening Tribune dated April 4, 1945, the Wilkinson family were living at 2620 Euclid Drive. Both of the oldests son were enlisted in the Military, due to WWII. The oldest, Charles Jr., was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Alameda. The second son, John "Jack", was fighting with the Fourth Marines on Iwo Jima in the South Pacific. Sadly he died in battle that same year. He was 20 years old. Private First Class Wilkinson was given the Presidential Unit Citation posthumously. It took 4 years for his remains to be brought home to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetry in Point Loma. 

Charles died on May 4, 1957, in San Diego. He and his wife are buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.