In this series of posts, I hope to show Then and Now images of Oakland Schools. Along with a bit of the history of each school, I highlight.
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.
Montera Junior High
Montera and Joaquin Miller Schools are located where Camp Dimond, owned by the Boy Scouts, once was. The camp opened in 1919 and closed in 1949 when the board of education purchased the land.
Groundbreaking
The groundbreaking ceremony was held in December 1957. The school was next to Joaquin Miller Elementary School. Speakers at the event were Peter C. Jurs, board member; Mrs. Robert Hithcock, President of the Joaquin Miller PTA; Zoe Kenton, eighth-grade student; Jim Ida, seventh-grade student; and Supt Selmer Berg. Rev Robert H. Carley led the invocation.
Malcolm D. Reynolds and Loy Chamberlain designed the school. The new school featured: Administration Offices.
Construction
Russ Reed Photo
Naming the School
The school was temporarily called Joaquin Miller Junior High because it is adjacent to Joaquin Miller Elementary School.
As in all new Oakland Schools, the students, faculty, and community help choose the school’s name.
Recommendations to the school board from the school’s parent-facility club were as follows:
- Jack London Junior High
- Montera Junior High
- Pineview Junior High
They were set to vote on the name at the next board meeting. Before they could vote, they received a second letter from the parent-faculty club at the school withdrawing the recommendation of Jack London Junior High.
The parents said that.
London was not a fit person for the honor.“
Parent – Faculty
A student representative said, “Montera Junior High” was the top choice for those attending the school. The area was known historically as the Montera District.
School Dedication
The school was formally dedicated as Montera Junior High on November 10, 1959
Film Festival
Montera Today
Montera is located at 5555 Ascot Drive.
- Website – OUSD
In 2011, Montera became a California Distinguished School. The woodshop is another source of school pride, having celebrated over 50 years of teaching children the arts of woodcraft. It is the only remaining woodshop in an Oakland middle school.
More Info:
- Savings Sought for School Jobs – Oakland Tribune August 22, 1956
- School Plans Ok’d – Oakland Tribune September 19, 1956
- Contract Awarded – Oakland Tribune November 20, 1957
- Quellmalz Named Principal – Mar 11. 1959 Oakland Tribune
- Jack London Name Urged – Oakland Tribune October 21, 1959
- Is Named ‘Montera’ – Oakland Tribune November 04, 1959
- Film Festival – Oakland Tribune March 31, 1971
I really enjoy reading all you have to offer. I love learning about the area and your writing makes it very interesting. Thanks for all the information.
Thank you! I am glad you are enjoying my blog.
Thank you!
Thanks, Dorothy. As someone who was at Montera from the beginning, I have great memories of this wonderful school. I spent 7th grade at Bret Harte, then Montera in 8-9th, then on to Skyline. I have many lifelong friends that I first met at Montera and remember many of the teachers I had there including, Des Leonard, Betty Bispo, and Mr. Davies, my art teacher. As always, thanks so much for this fantastic website! Bob
Thank you and I’m gald you’ve enjoyed my blog. I also had Des Leonard and Betty Bispo as teachers.