Portola Valley in San Mateo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Portola Primary School
Photographed By I.G.V.Atajar, November 9, 2009
1. Portola Primary School Marker
[Second Marker:]
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.
Location. 37° 22.922′ N, 122° 13.724′ W. Marker is in Portola Valley, California, in San Mateo County. Marker is on Portola
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hallidie Tramway (approx. 0.2 miles away); Our Lady of the Wayside (approx. 0.3 miles away); Town of Searsville (approx. 1.7 miles away); Casa de Tableta (approx. 2 miles away); First Saw Mill (approx. 2.2 miles away); The Chinese Walls (approx. 2.7 miles away); Folger Stable c.1905 (approx. 2.7 miles away); St. Denis Church and Cemetery (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portola Valley.
Regarding Portola Primary School. The building is currently being used as office space for the Portola Valley Elementary School District.
Photographed By I.G.V.Atajar, November 9, 2009
2. Portola Primary School Marker
Photographed By I.G.V.Atajar, November 9, 2009
3. A Second Portola Primary School Marker
Photographed By I.G.V.Atajar, November 9, 2009
4. Portola Primary School
February 21, 2007
5. Portola School
February 21, 2007
6. Student Quilt Art on Display in the Schoolhouse Window
Library of Congress, Photographer Unknown
7. Portola Primary School
From the Statement of Significance-LOC
The Portola Valley schoolhouse is one of the few remaining turn-of-the-century examples of Mission Revival-styled schools. Its wood construction and use of shingles present a unique expression of this popular style. The architect freely interpreted the popular style with the use of false front curvilinear gables faced with redwood ship-lap and semi-circular fanlights above the front windows and recessed doorway. The exterior is sheathed in cedar shingles and redwood siding lumbered locally. This manipulation of regional materials in a conspicuous effort to execute the style on a small scale resulted in a uniquely attractive design. Built as a one room school house, it remains almost entirely unaltered, and continues to service the neighboring larger school. Its survival is threatened, however, due to its location in the San Andreas rift zone.
[Editor's Note: The "neighboring larger school" mentioned has been torn down due to not meeting earthquake safety codes.]
Click for more information.
The Portola Valley schoolhouse is one of the few remaining turn-of-the-century examples of Mission Revival-styled schools. Its wood construction and use of shingles present a unique expression of this popular style. The architect freely interpreted the popular style with the use of false front curvilinear gables faced with redwood ship-lap and semi-circular fanlights above the front windows and recessed doorway. The exterior is sheathed in cedar shingles and redwood siding lumbered locally. This manipulation of regional materials in a conspicuous effort to execute the style on a small scale resulted in a uniquely attractive design. Built as a one room school house, it remains almost entirely unaltered, and continues to service the neighboring larger school. Its survival is threatened, however, due to its location in the San Andreas rift zone.
[Editor's Note: The "neighboring larger school" mentioned has been torn down due to not meeting earthquake safety codes.]
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2009, by I.G.V.Atajar of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 1,093 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 1, 2009, by I.G.V.Atajar of San Jose, California. 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 1, 2009. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
