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First Schoolhouse
Original School House - 2003
Hesperia's first school, constructed in 1883, was the city's initial investment in formal education. The small building, south of Yucca Street and approximately 100 feet west of "C" Avenue, was a one-room schoolhouse for students through grade eight. When the school opened there were only 23 students-a low enrollment that would indicate a tight-knit community with little or no population growth.
The schoolhouse continued to serve until 1926, when an increasing population prompted the demand for a more spacious building. Without much fanfare, that humble building remained and still stands as the oldest standing structure in Hesperia. It has been preserved and renovated and today enjoys a new purpose in life within the Little Country Christian Church. In this adaptive reuse lies its historical and cultural significance, ensuring it will be a tangible link to the history of Hesperia.
In recognition of its importance in the city's history, the Hesperia Recreation and Park District dedicated a historical marker in 1995. The marker remembers the schoolhouse as part of Hesperia's educational heritage and a symbol of the community's survival and growth.
Today, the school building standing at 16754 Yucca Street in Hesperia, California, is on the city's historical landmark list, reminding all of its importance and motivating visitors to reflect on its pioneering spirit. The first schoolhouse of Hesperia is much more than a building. It is a living testament to the foundational history of the city and its ongoing dedication to moving forward through education.
Restored, colorized -- click to view originalArchive
Said to be original Hesperia School school bell. Joshua Circle School, Hesperia
