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San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
 

Mason Street School

 
 
Mason Street School Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 28, 2005
1. Mason Street School Marker
Inscription. First public schoolhouse in this county. Erected at this site in 1865 and known as “Mason Street School – District No.1” when San Diego County covered an area larger than three New England states. Restored by popular subscription in 1955.
 
Erected 1955 by San Diego County Board of Supervisors and The Historical Markers Committee. (Marker Number 538.)
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: EducationNotable BuildingsNotable PlacesSettlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.
 
Location. 32° 45.222′ N, 117° 11.851′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. Marker is located on the grounds of the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3966 Mason Street, San Diego CA 92110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. La Casa de Machado y Stewart (within shouting distance of this marker); First San Diego Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); La Casa de Rodriguez (within shouting distance of this marker); Estudillo House (within shouting distance
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of this marker); First Raising of U.S. Flag (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); La Casa de Estudillo (about 300 feet away); Casa de Pedrorena de Altamirano (about 400 feet away); Birthplace of The San Diego Union (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.
 
Also see . . .  California State Parks: Old Town San Diego. (Submitted on September 19, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
 
Additional commentary.
1. Mason Street School
The school was built in 1865 and school was in session year-round and was free and open to all children. The building featured such modern amenities as an iron stove for heat and a water bucket and dipper for plumbing. Its first teacher, Mary Chase Walker, was paid $65 a month. She resigned after only 11 months and married Ephraim Morse who was the President of the school board at that time.

The one room Mason Street School was San Diego's first public school. San Diego Historical Days Association now operates the historical landmark, holding adult education classes on California
Mason Street School Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Adam Margolis, March 21, 2021
2. Mason Street School Marker
history and 4th grade field trips. Desks made around the turn of the century fill the small class room.
    — Submitted September 19, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
 
Mason Street School image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 28, 2005
3. Mason Street School
Postcard - Mason Street School image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Road Runner Card Co., San Diego, Ca
4. Postcard - Mason Street School
Built 1865, first in San Diego County, then 14,800 square miles in area. Soon outgrown, it was moved, became a residence and later, The Old Town Tamale Factory. Returned to original site, restored and maintained by San Diego County Historical Days Association. The Mason Street School hosts San Diego Unified School System Fourth Graders every school day, and conducts adult classes in California history.
Mason Street School Sign image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 28, 2005
5. Mason Street School Sign
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,750 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on May 2, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos:   1. submitted on September 19, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.   2. submitted on February 16, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California.   3. submitted on September 19, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.   4. submitted on September 21, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.   5. submitted on September 19, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

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Mar. 19, 2024