SETTING FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE - People gathered at a dedication ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone of Anderson Union High School on March 1, 1918. Photo courtesy of the Anderson Historical Society

In April of 1916, a decision by the Board of Trustees of the Anderson Union High School District was made to bring before the voters of the district a $60,000 bond issue for construction of a new high school.

The money was to be used to purchase property at the end of Ferry Street on the hill and to build and furnish the new school. They set the date of election for Dec. 12, 1916. The High School had entirely outgrown the old Muellen building on the corner of East and South street.

The school areas included in the high school district are Anderson, Antelope, Bear Creek, Beckwith, Cloverdale, Inwood, Latona, Lone Tree, Oak Knoll, Olinda, Parkville, Pine View, Prairie, Sacramento River, Sheldon and Sheridan.

Prior to the election there was much opposition to the bond issue from the Cottonwood area and other outlying areas. They felt a $60,000 bond was too high.

The election was held. The Anderson area voted five to one in favor and Cottonwood, 65 to one against the issue. Lone Tree, Olinda and Prairie areas also voted in favor of it. The entire district believed they needed a new high school, but the bond amount was too high. There was another election held on May 31, 1917 which was again defeated by the outlying areas, led by Cottonwood, even though some of the people had said they would approve a $40,000 bonding.

After this defeat it was discussed how the school issue could be built by a direct tax, levied by the Board of Supervisors.

The people of Cottonwood were not in favor of a direct tax either, but would support a $35,000 bond.

In the meantime, after six years in the Muellen Building as the high school, nine students from Anderson Union High School graduated at the Anderson Opera House.

The next election was held on July 28, 1917 and the bonds for $35,000 carried by a large majority. The contractors estimated that it would take three months to complete the building.

The new building was built on the beautiful site of six acres donated by the Anderson businessmen.

Dr. W. Scott Thomas, of the State University of California, stated the area was one of the finest and most beautiful sites in the state.

The trustees ordered the architect to place the building straight with the town.

The high school cornerstone was laid on March 1,1918. Speakers were J.H. Girdner, who first conceived the idea for a high school; Charles H. Spann, county supervisor of District 5; Mrs. William P. Donnely, representing the women’s club; B.F. Stroup, representing the Olinda and Cloverdale sections; Adolph J. Shields Jr. representing the student body; Mrs. Charlotta Cunningham, county superintendent of schools; Charles A. Black, president of the Anderson Chamber of Commerce; Fred Dersch, one of the trustees; and John H. Tolan, a prominent attorney of Oakland who represented Cottonwood as a large land holder in Cottonwood. Mrs. Florence A. Buffum concluded the program and with the help of Charles Spann placed the cornerstone in its permanent resting place.

The new high school building was dedicated just prior to the start of the fall semester in 1918. The faculty consisted of Howard R. Gaines, principal, agriculture and shop work; Miss Louise Shepps, English and drawing; Miss H. Violet Hess, history and mathematics; Miss Marie Barney, languages: Miss Ann Lowry, science; Miss Iva Morris, domestic arts; and Mrs. Mary H. Tomsen, commercial subjects.

The Anderson Historical Society wishes to thank the Carters for the research they did for this story.