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

San Joaquin Valley College

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 8, 2009

1. San Joaquin Valley College Marker

Inscription. Built through subscription by the residents of Woodbridge and dedicated as Woodbridge Seminary in 1879 by the United Brethren Church, this was the site of San Joaquin Valley College from 1882 to 1897. It was then used as Woods Grammar School until 1922, when the building was dismantled. Dedicated to the memory of the teachers and students of the college.

Erected 1954 by The California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Northern San Joaquin County Historical Society, May 15, 1968. (Marker Number 520.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.

Location. 38° 9.007′ N, 121° 18.273′ W. Marker is in Woodbridge, California, in San Joaquin County. It can be reached from Lilac Street. Marker is located on the grounds of Woodbridge Grammar School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 18500 North Lilac Street, Woodbridge CA 95258, United States of America.

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Regionally, this marker is in the San Joaquin Valley

and specifically in the Central Valley.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: William Lewis Manly (approx. ¼ mile away); Salem School Bell (approx. 0.7 miles away); Woman's Club of Lodi (approx. 1.8 miles away); Laura de Force Gordon (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Valley Review (approx. 1.9 miles away); Hotel Lodi (approx. 2 miles away); Lodi Opera House (approx. 2 miles away); The First A&W Root Beer (approx. 2 miles away).

Regarding San Joaquin Valley College. This site was designated at California Registered Historical Landmark No.520 on July 13, 1954.

Additional commentary.
1. Woodbridge Seminary and San Joaquin Valley College
The Church of the United Bretheren in Christ established its

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 8, 2009

2. San Joaquin Valley College Marker

California headquarters at Woodbridge, near Lodi (1878), and shortly thereafter opened a preparatory school, Woodbridge Seminary (1879). This institution subsequently became a four year college (1883) graduating its first class in 1885. As such it was the first institution of higher learning in the San Joaquin Valley. Before San Joaquin Valley College closed its doors (1897) due to competition from better financed institutions in the Bay Area, it had graduated some fifty students, the most notable of which was probably Congressman, later U.S. Tax Collector for the Port of New York, Marion DeVries. The school curriculum included the traditional classical courses of the day, as well as business, music and art.
Source: Register of the San Joaquin Valley College Collection, 1878-1912.
http://content.cdlib.org/view?docId=tf1000018z&doc.view=entire_text&brand=oac

— Submitted February 9, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 8, 2009

3. San Joaquin Valley College Marker

State Historical Landmark Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 8, 2009

4. State Historical Landmark Sign

Located on street across from entrance to Woodbridge School

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,797 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 9, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.