Goffs in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Goffs Schoolhouse

1914

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 18, 2010

1. Goffs Schoolhouse Marker

Inscription. The first school in Goffs opened its doors for the fall term in 1911 serving the needs of cattle ranches, mining districts, homesteaders, the railroad, and, most of all, the people supporting expanding travel on the National Old Trails Road – Later U. S. Highway 66. A new school, featuring a distinctive mission style, was designed by architect A. Beimer in 1914 and constructed by Tom Ware land donated by H. P. Ware.

The new school house was a source of pride for the community. It served their needs for a community center as well as a school until the spring of 1937 after U. S. Highway 66 was realigned and other factors had diminished the population. It reverted to private ownership in 1938 and became a private residence until 1954. During World War II it was in the midst of a large desert training center army camp-their being more than 10,000 soldiers here at some times. From 1954 to 1982 the building was abandoned. In 1982 Jim and Bertha Wold acquired the property and started restoration. In 1990 further restoration by the Friends of the Mojave Road began.

Erected 1991 by Billy Holcomb Chapter E. Clampus Vitus and the Friends of the Mojave Road. (Marker Number 65.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education

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• Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, the Mojave Road (Old Government Road), and the U.S. Route 66 series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.

Location. 34° 55.265′ N, 115° 4.013′ W. Marker is in Goffs, California, in San Bernardino County. Marker is on Lanfair Road, 0.1 miles north of Goffs Road, on the left when traveling north. This Plaque is located at the entrance to the property of the Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural Association just north of the railroad tracks. Goffs is about 30 miles west of Needles. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 37198 Lanfair Road, Essex CA 92332, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Army Camp at Goffs (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Goffs Schoolhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Pah-Ute Creek (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Wilkie Safety Roadside Rest Area At Fenner (approx. 11.6 miles away); Clipper Divisional Camp (approx. 11.7 miles away); Fort Pah-Ute (approx. 14.2 miles away).

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Goffs Schoolhouse and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 18, 2010

2. Goffs Schoolhouse and Marker

this marker. The restoration of the schoolhouse was completed in January 1998 and, along with the one acre school yard, was deeded to the Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural Association by the owners, Dennis & Jo Ann Casebier. The restoration would not have taken place without the cooperative efforts of the Casebiers and The Friends of the Mojave Road. There are many artifacts on display from the past including a ten-stamp mill.
SOURCE: Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 35th Anniversary Plaque Book by Phillip Holdaway

Also see . . . Goffs School. A history of Goffs and its school. (Submitted on April 5, 2010.)

Goffs Schoolhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 18, 2010

3. Goffs Schoolhouse

Dennis Casebier image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of Desert Dispatch / Lara Hartley Staff Photographer

4. Dennis Casebier

1934 - 2021. Benefactor of the schoolhouse and yard.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 13, 1991

5. Event Patch

Fall Clampout 1991 ECV. 84th Inf. 93rd Inf. Goffs School House & Camp Clipper

Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,333 times since then and 23 times this year. Last updated on November 3, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 3, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4. submitted on December 20, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 5. submitted on August 8, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.