COLUMBIA SCHOOL HOUSE.

Since 1860

© Columbia State Historic Park.
School House - c1990.

1860 February - the school lot is purchased and the building plans are selected; it is to be built by Mr. Donegan and is to be open by July 1. The lot is supposed to be planted with trees and ornamental shrubs and vines. The cost is estimated to be $4800.

1860 May - the cornerstone was laid.

1860 October 8 - the school building was completed: it has a tin roof and cupola.

1860 November - dedication ceremonies were held. The ladies of the town held a grand calico party to raise money for a school bell.

1861 March 18 - students are in the building but there are no desks. The school term runs through the end of July. (four months)

1861 September 9 - the school reopens with new furnishings and equipment, 125 trees are planted. The total cost was $4898.

© Columbia State Historic Park.

School House 1860s viewed from town.
1872 School renovated and a partition built to divide the lower room in two.

1881 School renovated again, a fire escape at the north end of the building is rebuilt.

© Columbia State Historic Park.
School House 1930s.

1937 School closed as it did not meet earthquake safety standards. School held in tents on the grounds until the new buildings were completed.

© Floyd D.P. Øydegaard Collection.
Public Schools of T.C. 1938-39

1947 State purchased from the Columbia Historic Park Association for $1.00

1960 School building restored for $60,000, $52,000 of which was raised by teachers and students as well as funds raised by California Teacher's Assn.

This page is created for the benefit of the public by

Floyd D. P. Øydegaard

Email contact:
fdpoyde3 (at) Yahoo (dot) com

A WORK IN PROGRESS,
created for the visitors to the Columbia State Historic park.
© Columbia State Historic Park & Floyd D. P. Øydegaard.