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

Goffs Schoolhouse

1914

Photographed by Craig Baker, December 20, 2024

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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

in the Mojave Desert,

in the Peninsular Ranges,

and specifically in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Army Camp at Goffs (a few steps from this marker); Dennis G. Casebier (within shouting distance of 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); The Original Mojave Cross (about 400 feet away); East Mojave History

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 18, 2010

2. Goffs Schoolhouse Marker

(about 500 feet away); Charlie Connell Mining District (approx. ¼ mile away); John Wilkie Safety Roadside Rest Area At Fenner (approx. 11.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Goffs.

More about 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 . . .
1. Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association. - Goffs Schoolhouse Museum. (Submitted on December 24, 2024.)

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

Goffs Schoolhouse and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 18, 2010

3. Goffs Schoolhouse and Marker

National Register of Historic Places image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, December 20, 2024

4. National Register of Historic Places

Goffs Schoolhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 18, 2010

5. Goffs Schoolhouse

Dennis Casebier image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of Desert Dispatch / Lara Hartley Staff Photographer

6. Dennis Casebier

1934 - 2021. Benefactor of the schoolhouse and yard.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, October 13, 1991

7. Event Patch

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

Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,376 times since then and 713 times this year. Last updated on November 3, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1. submitted on December 21, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3. submitted on April 3, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4. submitted on December 21, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on April 3, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 6. submitted on December 20, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 7. submitted on August 8, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.