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

Vineyard School

1891-1957

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, January 16, 2010

1. Vineyard School Marker

Inscription. Education was important to settlers in San Benito County, who would start a school with as few as five pupils, a place to hold class and a teacher. Early schools were placed 'about 5 miles apart' because the students had to travel on foot or on horseback. Often built by subscriptions from neighboring settlers, schools such as this served as a community center when class was not in session. This structure served as a physical assurance to people who had been through tough times that their children would have a better life. Its humble appearance belies the fact that the quality of life at Vineyard School was competitive. Improvements in transportation and consolidation of population doomed most of the small country schools, and the county contracted with the Cienega District for education of Vineyard School's pupils in 1958-59.

Dedicated Saturday, June 2, 2007

Monterey Viejo Chapter 1846
Mountain Charlie Chapter 1850
and
El Viceroy Marquez de Branciforte Chapter 1797
E Clampus Vitus

Erected 2007 by Monterey Viejo Chapter 1846, Mountain Charlie Chapter 1850, and El Viceroy Marquez de Branciforte Chapter 1797 of E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 2, 1850.

Location. 36° 45.485′ N, 121° 23.845′ W. Marker is in Hollister, California, in San Benito County. Marker is on Cienega Road, 3 miles south of Southside Road, on the left when traveling south. The marker location is on Cienega Road, about halfway between the entrance to the Hollister Hills State Vehicle Recreational Area and the DeRose Winery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hollister CA 95023, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Site of the Tres Pinos Hotel (approx. 4.7 miles away); 19th Hole Rendezvous (approx. 4.9 miles away); Cottage Corners (approx. 4.9 miles away); Palmtag Cutting Shed (approx.

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4.9 miles away); San Benito County Historical Park (approx. 4.9 miles away); John Charles Fremont (approx. 5.9 miles away); Fremont Peak (approx. 5.9 miles away); Fremont Peak Memorial (approx. 5.9 miles away).

Also see . . .
1. Historic Structures. The California State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Division's page on historic structures within their parks, including a short paragraph and picture of the Vineyard School. (Submitted on January 22, 2010.)

2. ECV1850 Plaque: Vineyard School 1891-1957. The Clamper Mountain Charlie Chapter's page for this marker, with pictures and driving directions to the marker. (Submitted on January 22, 2010.)

Vineyard School and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, January 16, 2010

2. Vineyard School and Marker

The marker is visible mounted on a monument in the right of the picture.

Vineyard School and Hollister Hills sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 25, 2014

3. Vineyard School and Hollister Hills sign

The school and marker are at the entrance to the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation area.

Across the road from Vineyard School image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 25, 2014

4. Across the road from Vineyard School

Possibly an outbuilding for the school, bushes are very overgrown.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,435 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 22, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3, 4. submitted on October 27, 2014, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.