Emerson tribune article 5-23-33
Description:
Oakland Tribune article about the semi-annual Oakland elementary schools boys regatta on Lake Merritt. The boys rowing crew from the Temescal district's Emerson Elementary broke the record for the 100 yard race, having finished in 35.1 seconds bettering its own championship time from the previous year. Emerson also took second place in the 150 yard race. The junior high schools had discontinued their crew program on Lake Merritt two years previously, threatening the program at the grade school level. Emerson s principal, W. A. Benner, is credited with lobbying the city to ensure that the elementary school rowing program continue.
Date of Document:
23-May-33
Document Author:
Oakland Tribune
Geographic Location:
385 49th Street, Oakland, Calif.
Context:
There had been a public elementary school at a different location in Temescal prior to the completion in 1913 of this facility on the block bounded by 45th Street, Shafter Avenue, 49th Street, and Lawton Avenue. The Oakland School District paid a total of $212,260 for the land ($49,016) and construction of the building ($163,244). The school was designed by architect John Galen Howard and supervising architect, John J. Donovan (architect of the Board of Education). The building was demolished in 1978, and a new school and children's center were erected that year on the former playground. The contract for the new school, totaling $1,928,400, was part of the Oakland school district s earthquake safety program. The plan included 13 new classrooms, a multi-purpose room, library, teachers lounge, administrative offices, playground, and a kitchen. An attached children s center was to include four classrooms, a dining area, and offices.