Here's what Downey's high school curriculum looked like in the 1930s

In September, the Downey History Center received five annual yearbooks for Downey Union High School for the years 1933-37.

Each book has several articles about the history of Downey and since we are getting very close to the 150-year anniversary of the city in 2023, I wanted to share some of the writings.

They are “Our School History” by F.F. Otto, superintendent and principal of Downey Junior-Senior High School in 1937; “The Depot” from 1936; “The Old Presbyterian Church” from 1937; “The Old High School” from 1936; and “Departments,” a listing of Downey school departments in 1933.

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

“Our School History”

The Downey Union High School was organized in 1902 and was at that time housed in the auditorium building on the grammar school site. In 1903 the first high school building was erected on the present high school site. This building was located directly at the end of 2nd Street, where the present gymnasium now stands.

In 1921 a new, up-to-date building was erected to accommodate fourteen classes. This building also included the present auditorium with a seating capacity of five hundred, which was later enlarged to a seating capacity of seven hundred and fifty.

In 1926 funds were voted to purchase additional ground and erect a gymnasium in the place of the original high school building and a Manual Arts Building. In 1928 further bonds were voted and the Junior High School site was purchased and building erected.

The growth of the Downey Union High School in the earlier years was slow, which is indicated by the record of student enrollment:

1907, there were 66 students; 1915, there were 94 students; 1920, there were 97 students; 1928, just previous to the addition of the Junior High School, there were 196 students; 1936, there are 562 students.

Marked changes have been made in the course of study from the early school of 1902, where the subjects were limited to English, Latin, mathematics, history and science, up to the present school, where in addition to the academic subjects a large variety of vocational and industrial subjects are offered. With the addition of the swimming pool and the locker rooms, which no doubt will be completed sometime during the year 1936, Downey Union High School will have facilities which will be equal to any school in the state of California.

“The Depot”

Way back in 1876, the late Mr. M.D. Crawford, pioneer Downey resident, donated part of his land to the Southern Pacific Railroad Company for the purpose of a railroad station. Because of the site of the station, far away from the original part of Downey, then situated in the vicinity of 12th Street and called Gallatin, the town obligingly moved to its present site.

A gala day marked the event of the first train through Downey. Construction of the depot began a few weeks after that. Mr. J.K. Banks was the first station agent. The station was a gathering place for scores of people on Sunday, the day when most of the trains went through the town. An interesting feature has been noticed, a double row of palm trees, which shaded the travelers who went from the depot into town to “refresh” themselves during stops.

Parts of the station are still the original structure. Sixty years ago, the depot was a new and novel place. We scarcely are aware that it is here now – how time does change!
Martha Jane Legg, ‘36

“The Old Presbyterian Church”

The old Presbyterian Church was founded in 1886 by Reverend W.J. Browning. During his pastorate the church on 2nd Street between New Street and La Reina was built. There were fifty members when the church started.

In 1890 Rev. Browning resigned from the church and moved away. For two years the church was without a pastor. The Sunday School still existed, although there were no church services.

On Sept. 1, 1892, Reverend H.P. Ingram was called from Sacramento to become the minister. In April 1893, he reorganized the church with twenty-two charter members. In 1923 the “Pepper Tree Hut” back of the church was built around a pepper tree. It is still standing. This became a meeting place of the clubs in Downey. The Kiwanis Club was founded in this hut.

It was enlarged and became the center of social life in Downey, being the initiation of the fine recreation hall which now exists.
Juanita Hemperly, ‘37

“The Old High School”

Since we have become “Downey History” conscious, our attention turns to the old high school erected in 1903, on the present grammar school property. The first class to graduate boasted only four students - Adelaide Ball Travis, Hazel Ralph Berstrom, Oliver Butler, Grey Skidmore.

In the early 1920’s plans for a new building were decided upon. During its erection it was necessary to install a pipeline, and in doing this the cornerstone of the original building was almost covered. Fortunately, however, Mr. P.J. Burbeck prevented the action, and the original cornerstone is now located in the southeast corner of the gym.

The 1922 graduates hoped that they would be first to graduate from the new building. But alas! The seats of the auditorium failed to arrive in time; therefore the class of ‘23 was accorded the privilege of having the first commencement in the new building.
Patricia Miller, ‘36

Departments

The Art Department: Art is man’s effort to create beauty. Students are taught the fundamentals of arts and crafts. Through these he develops skill, originality, imagination, appreciation, and a desire to create.

The Athletics Department: The aim of the athletic program is to improve the mental, moral, social and physical well-being of our students through the cooperation and individual enterprises of the department.

The Commercial Department: Commercial courses offer training in practical business principles which all citizens should have, as well as training that is preparatory for vocations. Bookkeeping, typewriting and shorthand provide the best and most practical foundation for this purpose.

The English Department: There are two distinct courses in the study of English: Literature and Composition. The former, an expression of the life of the past and the present in forms of beauty and truth, presents a broader idealism; the latter gives the opportunity for correct oral and written expression.

The Home Economics Department: The aim of Home Economics is to teach the student how to become a worthy member of the home by developing a working knowledge of the everyday problem of the home. The understanding of how to save and spend wisely is a question of vital concern. Proper health habits are taught in relation to foods, clothing and housing.

The Latin Department: The work of the Latin Department creates an appreciation for Roman history and shows the linguistic relationship between English and Latin by a study of grammar fundamentals and derivatives.

The Modern Language Department: Modern foreign language courses furnish a profitable and enjoyable acquaintance with the language, customs, ideas, problems and ideals of our foreign neighbors and aid in developing the international social concept necessary to prevent misunderstanding and distrust between nations.

The Mathematics Department: In the Mathematics Department, in addition to developing skill in computation, an attempt is made to develop the ability to use formulas and tables, an appreciation of geometric forms and space relations, an acquaintance with logical thinking and mathematical thought, and some idea of what these have contributed to world progress.

The Music Department: The Music Department is composed of various musical organizations, both vocal and instrumental. Four glee clubs, two orchestras, and several smaller ensembles are the regularly scheduled group. These organizations are always eager to assist in school or community programs.

The Science Department: A more complete understanding and intelligent use of the things that make up one’s daily environment is an important value of our science course. In Biology, in addition to the problems involving plants, insects and birds, an additional project on shrubs and flowers has been included. In Science the nature and use of inventions, process for treating or manufacturing fonds and other materials, and tools with which man has surrounded himself is given a large place.

The Speech Department: The work of the classes include a study of voice and diction, parliamentary practice, speech construction, history of drama, pantomime, playwriting, and acting. Several assembly programs have been presented, demonstrating the type of work studied.

The Social Science Department: The Social Science Department offers a five years' course of study: three in Junior High School and two in Senior High School. Present day political and economic problems have intensified the interest shown in our Social Science courses this year.

The Machine Shop: The machine shop offers the student an opportunity to develop habits of thrift and consistency. He is given a chance to find the type of work he likes best and to develop a hobby. Thus the shop aids the student to fit himself to earn a living, and also to have something useful to do in leisure time.

The Wood Shop: The wood shop courses are planned on a graduated scale, teaching the Junior High students fundamental operations through selected projects, and continuing through Senior High School, where cabinet work requiring higher skill is taught. Mechanical Drawing is based on the same plan as shop work. By following the necessary fundamental knowledge and skill, the work is made as practical and useful as possible.