Arcadia in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
First Avenue School
History Lives Here
In 1907, this yellow clapboard schoolhouse was built on the southwest corner of First Avenue and California Street, and it was named the Arcadia Grammar School. It replaced the temporary buildings, a packing shed, and a vacant remodeled saloon, which were used since Arcadia’s incorporation in 1903. This new school had two classrooms and a library to accommodate the 65 students and two teachers. Grades one through four were taught in one classroom, while grades five through eight were taught in the other. The library was located in the front of the building and the classrooms in the rear. Another school was constructed in 1913 on Santa Anita Avenue close to where Wistaria Avenue ended. It was a two-room schoolhouse that was used until the 1933 earthquake rendered it unsafe.
As Arcadia grew and the school population increased, a new structure was constructed on the same site in 1919. It was built to serve 209 students and was considered to be “… one of the finest examples of school architecture in the state.” The building had eight classrooms, a library, an assembly hall, and a swimming pool. All of the lots extending to Santa Anita Avenue were acquired to provide for growing enrollment. Expansion of the facility occurred in 1921 and again in 1939. The Long Beach earthquake of 1933 seriously damaged the building now named First Avenue School. Only the fact that the earthquake occurred after six o’clock in the evening avoided the loss of many lives. Major reinforcement of the structure was needed and, at the same time, it was given a new and more modern exterior.
Over the years, additions and alterations have been made to the facility. Major reconstruction took place following a disastrous fire in May of 1979. At this time, citizens dismissed the suggestion that the school be demolished. Instead, they rallied for its restoration, rebuilding, and the approval of funds to complete the project.
Arcadia City School Bus. c. 1923. This photograph shows a bus transporting kindergarten children to school. Bus transportation became necessary because of the great distances children had to travel to both Arcadia Grammar and Santa Anita Schools.
Erected 2007 by Arcadia Historical Society. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 34° 8.202′ N, 118° 1.706′ W. Marker is in Arcadia, California, in Los Angeles County. Marker is at the intersection of First Avenue and California Street, on the right when traveling south on First Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 S First Ave, Arcadia CA 91006, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Arcadia Woman’s Club (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Santa Anita Park (approx. ¼ mile away); Seabiscuit (approx. ¼ mile away); Downtown Arcadia (approx. ¼ mile away); Arcadia County Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Derby Restaurant (approx. 0.4 miles away); Zenyatta (approx. 0.4 miles away); Thoroughbred Racing Walk of Champions (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arcadia.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 510 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 15, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.