Then & Now – Oakland Schools Part 3

 In this series of posts, I hope to show Then and Now images Oakland Schools.  Along with a bit of history of each school, I highlight. Some of the 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 Dec 26, 2919

E. Morris Cox School (Elmhurst Annex)

The new Elmhurst Annex Elementary School was completed in Oct 1926. The Italian Renaissance-style building was designed by Howard Schroeder. The new school contained thirteen classrooms, a kindergarten, and an assembly hall. It cost $140,000 to build. The school is located at 98th Avenue and Sunnyside Street.

Renamed

The Elmhurst Annex school was renamed to honor of E. Morris Cox who died in 1925. Cox was the Assistant Superintendent of Schools.

In 1960 a new building was added to the school.

Located at 9860 Sunnyside Street

• E.Morris Cox School Dedicated – Oakland Tribune Nov 10, 1926
• Cox Academy Website – OUSD

Garfield School

Garfield Grammar School opened in March of 1887 with two classes the seventh and the eighth grades. The teachers will be Miss Murray and Miss Ellen Gibbs.

The school was named for the 20th U.S. President, James A. Garfield, who was assassinated in 1881.

The school was designed by John & T.D. Newsom (Newsom Brothers)

In 1910 Miss Ellen Gibbs retired after 16 years as the principal of Garfield Grammar School.

Fire

In 1926 a suspected arson fire destroyed the original school that was built in the 1890s. The school was a combined elementary and junior high. This was the fourth school to be destroyed by fire in nine months.

• 2 Arsonist Hunted for School Fire – Oakland Tribune Sept 11, 1924

New School Built

A new Tudor style building was approved by the school board. The new three-building with 26 classrooms was designed by Miller and Warnecke.

A cornerstone for the new school was laid in Sept of 1926.

1959

Bids were open to build a new school on the present site.

Located at 1640 22nd Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94606

• President J A Garfield – White House
• Newsom Brothers Architects of Garfield – Oakland Tribune April 16, 1887
• East Oakland to Honor Miss Gibbs – SF Call Sept 10, 1910
• New Garfield Junior High Dedicated – Oakland Tribune Jan 17, 1927
• Suit Filed for New SIte – Oakland Tribune May 22, 1958
• Garfield’s Website – OUSD

Jefferson School

Jefferson School was designed by John J Donovan and Washington J Miller. The school was built around 1911 to 1913.

In 1959 bids were open to build a new school at the same site.

2035 40th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601

It is now the Global Family Elementary is a TK – 5th grade, dual immersion school located in the East Oakland-Fruitvale corridor near Foothill avenue. Our dedicated staff prepares students to be bilingual and bi-literate to meet the challenges of the 21st century. 

• John J. Donovan – about
• Artistic Schools – Oakland Tribune Aug 22, 1915
• Bids on New School – Oakland Tribune May 27, 1959
• About Global Family – OUSD finder

Lazear School

Lazear School originally designated as the Park and Division School was built in 1913-1914. The school cost $75, 595. Fred Voorhees was the Architect.

The school was named after Dr. Jesse Lazear was an American physician and member of the commission that proved that the infectious agent of yellow fever is transmitted by a mosquito.

New School

In 1959 a new school with 12 classrooms, a kindergarten, library, and offices was built to replace the old one. The new school cost $162,456.

824 29th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601

It is now Lazear Charter Academy 

• Park and Division School Architect – Oakland Tribune April 02, 1912
• Lazear School Dedicated – Oakland Tribune Aug 15, 1959
• Lazear Charter Academy – about

The End

Updated Oct 21, 2019