I hope to show Then and Now images of Oakland Schools in this series of posts. Along with a bit of the history of each school, I highlight. Some photos are in the form of drawings or postcards or from the pages of history books.
Note: Piecing together the history of some of the older schools is sometimes tricky. I do this all at home and online — a work in progress for some. I have been updating my posts when I find something new. Let me know of any mistakes or additions.
Updated December 17, 2019
Montclair Grammar School
The Montclair District held formal dedication ceremonies in their first school on March 14, 1926. The service is under the direction of A.R. Romer, the principal, and Mrs. J.D. Bishop, the teacher in charge of the 71 students already registered to attend the school.
The four-room schoolhouse was built with funds from the building program funded by a $9,000,000 bond issue voted by the people of Oakland in 1924.
In attendance were Mrs. Stanton Lore representing the Montclair Women’s Club, and Mrs. E.T. Jepsen of the Piedmont Avenue PTA
The original brick building with a tile roof was later considered an earthquake risk and razed in 1936. They used portables for many years.
The new school building was dedicated in 1942, with nine classrooms, an administrative suite, an arts and crafts room, a PTA room, and a Library, was created. In 1947, a Cafeteria and Assembly Hall were added.
Montclair is located at 1757 Mountain Blvd., Oakland.
Montclair Today
In 2013, a new building was added to the campus, which houses a modern Multipurpose Room, new classrooms, a faculty lounge, and a living roof. A new learning garden and play structure were also added to the campus.
- Montclair Website – OUSD
Thornhill Elementary School
Plans for a new school in the Montclair District were drawn up by local Montclair residents Robert “Bob” Goetz and Jens Hansen in association with Confer and Willis.
The site on Thornhill Drive at Alhambra was acquired through condemnation proceedings. The court awarded $48,000 to the landowner, Alice Taylor.
The school was to be ready in September 1958 and would have an administration office, a multipurpose room, a library, 11 classrooms, and a kindergarten room.
Dedication – November 12, 1958
Bus Service
The school is located at 5880 Thornhill Dr, Oakland
Thornhill Today
Joaquin Miller Elementary School
The bid was taken in November 1949 for the New Joaquin Miller Elementary School on Ascot Drive in Montclair.
First Graduate
In January of 1950, Judith Lowe, 12 daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lowe, had the honor of being the first graduate of the school – she was the only one. She was the lone pupil in high sixth grade.
The school is located at 5525 Ascot Drive.
Joaquin Miller Today
- Joaquin Miller website – OUSD
The End
Updated November 28, 2019
Thank you for this amazing amount of information you have put together about the Oakland Schools. The only thing I cant seem to find is Parts 10 and 15. Would you be able to provide the link to those 2 pages. Thanks again. Very Interesting.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the series. Here is the link to Part 10 -https://abitofhistory.site/2019/11/25/then-now-oakland-schools-part-10/ and here is the link to Part 15https://abitofhistory.site/2020/01/15/then-now-oakland-schools-part-15/