Columbia in Tuolumne County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Columbia School House

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 26, 2008

1. Columbia School House Marker

Inscription.
In early 1860 the school lot was purchased, building plans selected, and the cornerstone laid. By fall the building was completed by a Mr. Donegan at a total cost of $4898. Dedication ceremonies were held, as was a grand calico party to raise money for a school bell. The school was renovated in 1872 and again in 1881. The school was closed in 1937 as it did not meet earthquake safety standards. In 1947 the State purchased the site from the Columbia Historic Park Association for $1.00. The old school building was restored in 1960 for $60,000, most of which was raised by the students and the California Teacher’s (sic) Association. Dedicated March 8, 1997 Frank A. Milani, Grand President Native Sons of the Golden West

Erected 1997 by Native Sons of the Golden West.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 8, 1855.

Location. 38° 2.315′ N, 120° 23.899′ W. Marker is in Columbia, California, in Tuolumne County. It can be reached from School House Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia CA 95310, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

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

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

are within walking distance of this marker: Columbia Masonic Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); To Honor the Chinese Pioneers (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles Crist Kress (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Columbia Cemetery (about 300 feet away); A Cosmopolitan Society (approx. 0.2 miles away); Claverie Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Prosper Rocher Brewery (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Burns Cottage (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

More about this marker. Marker is attached to the school, directly to the right of the front door.

Regarding Columbia School House. According to the Columbia California Chamber of Commerce, "The Columbia School, California’s first two-story brick schoolhouse, stands alone on a gentle hill near the top of School Street. Built in 1860 of locally made, sun-dried bricks, at a cost of $5,000, the school opened in November of that year with 368 students, two teachers and a principal. The first floor held the elementary classroom, upstairs the older students concentrated on their studies.... Also located on the school grounds are two outhouse buildings, offering seats of differing sizes to accommodate all the students. The school was in continuous use until 1937 when it

Columbia School House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 26, 2008

2. Columbia School House

was closed for not meeting California earthquake requirements.... On display inside each classroom are the old wooden desks with their inkwells, the slate blackboards, and other teaching tools such as flash cards, old books, maps, and the dunce cap."

Also see . . . Columbia School House: the old red brick School on a hill. CalEXPLORnia website entry (Submitted on September 19, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 3,265 times since then and 133 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 26, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.