Murphys in Calaveras County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Murphys Grammar School

Photographed By James King, March 9, 2013

1. Murphys Grammar School Marker

Inscription. Built in 1860, second oldest building in California used continuously for school purposes. Cost four thousand dollars for two rooms as at present. Called "Pine Grove College" by pupils. J.A. Smith, Calaveras County Superior Court judge for 37 years, began teaching career here in 1904. Dr. Albert Michelson, Nobel Prize winner in physics, is the most famous pupil. Wm.L. Redding taught longest here, 32 years.

Erected 1968 by Murphys Parents Club.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.

Location. 38° 8.167′ N, 120° 27.468′ W. Marker is in Murphys, California, in Calaveras County. Marker is on Jones Street, 0.1 miles west of Hwy 4 (California Route 4), on the left when traveling west. Turning off of Highway 4 onto Jones Street, the marker is on the bank on the left, just before the Buena Vista Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 65 Jones Street, Murphys CA 95247, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Buena Vista Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); Dunbar House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Valente Building (about 600 feet away); Batten-Davies Store (about 600 feet away); Murphys' Oldest Wooden Home

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Joseph Schachten (approx. 0.2 miles away); Murphys (approx. ¼ mile away); Murphy Brothers (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Murphys.

Also see . . . Murphys Grammar School. Murphys Grammar School holds the distinction of being California’s oldest school building in continuous use as a school. (Submitted on June 18, 2013, by James King of San Miguel, California.)

Additional commentary.
1. Date Discrepancy
The sharp eyed reader may notice a discrepancy in the date this school was founded. The plaque and other references all state 1860 but the sign above the entrance to the school says 1850. I'm not certain which is correct.

— Submitted June 19, 2013, by James King of San Miguel, California.

Photographed By James King, March 9, 2013

2. Murphys Grammar School & Marker

National Register of Historic Places Listing #73000398

Murphys Grammar School Sign at Entrance image. Click for full size.

June 20, 2013

3. Murphys Grammar School Sign at Entrance

Murphys Grammar School image. Click for full size.

June 20, 2013

4. Murphys Grammar School

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2013, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 553 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 18, 2013, by James King of San Miguel, California. 3, 4. submitted on June 23, 2013. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.