Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Norris School
One-room school houses dotted the rural Western landscape to serve sparse populations before the automobile made transportation to towns faster and easier.
This one-room school was built in 1882 north of the town of Rosedale on land donated by local farmer Robert T. Norris. Cora Petty was the first teacher employed to educate students ranging from the first to eighth grade.
A new, larger school was built for students residing in the growing Norris district, and in 1914 this building was moved to the Rosedale Ranch and used for storing grain.
The Kern County Land Company donated this school house to the museum in 1958.
Erected by Main Marker by the Kern County Museum. Dedication plaque by the Native Sons of the Golden West.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 35° 23.565′ N, 119° 1.311′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. Marker is on Chester Avenue. Marker is located on the south side of the Bandstand Green section of Pioneer Village at the Kern County Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3801 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Saint John's Episcopal Mission (a few steps from this marker); Weill House (a few steps from this marker); Havilah Courier (within shouting distance of this marker); Blacksmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Fairhaven Pump House (within shouting distance of this marker); Cook Wagon (within shouting distance of this marker); Sentry Statues and Gate Posts (within shouting distance of this marker); Dust Bowl Housing Units (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.
Regarding Norris School. A One Room Schoolhouse experience is offered to school age children on field trips by docents playing the role of schoolmarm or master at this school site.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,287 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 3, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.