South Berkeley in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Longfellow School
City of Berkeley Landmark
— designated in 1995 —
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 21, 2012
1. Longfellow School Marker
James W. Plachek, Architect, 1930
John Reid, Jr., Architect, 1935
ELS/Elbasani & Logan Architects, 1998
As electric streetcar transportation improved and expanded in the early 20th-century, this section of Berkeley became a desirable residential area. In 1905 a wood frame school with four classrooms was moved to this site to meet the needs of a growing population. A larger brick-faced building was constructed in 1922 and enlarged in 1930. In the mid-1930s it was altered for earthquake safety. The Depression-era, Moderne-style school has spacious classrooms, fireplaces in the kindergarten and library, and a grand auditorium. After Longfellow became a middle school, the building was once again remodeled and a new building along California Street was added in 1999. The school was named for American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882).
Erected 2000 by Berkeley Historical Plaque Project.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1922.
Location. 37° 51.526′ N, 122° 16.737′ W. Marker is in Berkeley, California, in Alameda County. It is in South Berkeley. Marker is on Derby Street
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic McGee-Spaulding District (approx. ¼ mile away); Burl Toler, Sr. (approx. 0.3 miles away); William Byron Rumford (February 2, 1908 - June 12, 1986) (approx. 0.3 miles away); Santa Fe Railroad Tracks (approx. 0.3 miles away); Rumford's Pharmacy (approx. 0.3 miles away); Frances Albrier (approx. 0.3 miles away); Exxon Super Service Station (approx. 0.4 miles away); Becky Temko Tot Park (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berkeley.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 21, 2012
2. Longfellow School
The marker, just visible behind the bush, is to the right of the entrance below the left most set of upper windows.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 648 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on March 25, 2012. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 23, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
