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​Gem in the Center of Crown Heights

10/12/2015

 
Picture
Americanization School Circa 1930's
by Kristi Hawthorne, Oceanside Living Magazine
 
Situated behind the Oceanside High School, on a corner at Division and Center Streets, sits a unique domed building. Built by renowned architect Irving J. Gill, the Americanization School in the Crown Heights neighborhood is a true gem. Gill designed a total of 5 buildings in Oceanside, 4 of which remain. The Americanization School is the most distinctive with both Art Deco and Islamic influences.

Along with its architectural significance, it is also important historically and culturally.  It represents a period of a time when immigrants who did not speak English were being “Americanized.” The school was almost entirely made up of Mexican children who were immersed in the English language. 
PictureToday the facility serves as the Crown Height Resource Center
In the late 1920's the Oceanside School District began to segregate non-English speaking students into "Americanization classes."  They were enrolled and sent to school in an old telephone building on North Tremont Street between what is now Mission and Pier View Way.  As the number of non-English speaking students increased, a larger building was needed to accommodate them. 
 
Most of these students lived in the Eastside neighborhood and the downtown location was a long distance for younger students to walk.  It was determined that a new school should be built closer to the school grounds on Horne Street.  Land was purchased, and grammar school Principal J. R. Tenney hired Gill to design a new school building. The Americanization School was built in 1931 by local contractor Omer Nelson at a cost of $4400.  
 
Teacher Beth Harris French, who spoke no Spanish, taught the students in English.  Years ago Pete Magana, former student of the Americanization School, recalled that Mrs. French would often use a student who was bilingual to help her in class.  Magana said of French, "The students used to love that teacher."  Class sizes were large compared to today’s standards and ranged from a low of about 40 and a high of 55 students.
 
The Americanization School closed in the 1940’s with the building being used as a regular elementary school and renamed the Division Street School.  In the 1950’s the building was declared unfit for use and was eventually boarded up.  After years of neglect and abuse by vandals, the Americanization School had become an eyesore and was in jeopardy of being demolished. 
 
In 1992, with an eye toward preservation and redevelopment, the City of Oceanside began a $316,000 restoration project.  The Americanization School building was saved from the scrap heap and restored and renovated.  It is now known as the Crown Heights Resource Center and operated by the Housing and Neighborhood Services Department of the City of Oceanside.

Dee Rose
10/12/2015 08:49:27 am

My Mom and Aunts attended that school in the 1930's. When My Uncle and I were young, we use to play in the deserted building. We graduated from OHS in 73 and 74. Nice to see that this building was restored.

Serena
10/13/2015 09:25:06 am

I have been trying to find someone who attended this school for a radio program at Palomar College. Would anyone in your family like to be interviewed??

louis ojeda
11/8/2018 11:31:53 am

HELLO' i went to this school in 1932-33 i lived at 709 short street now oceanside blvd my name at that time was fermin ojeda i am now 93 years old world war two veteran and go by louis ojeda.(just reminisce).

Beatriz Palmer
9/23/2020 02:51:46 pm

Mr. Ojeda, are you still able to talk about this experience?

Lou OJEDA
2/5/2021 03:05:56 pm

i do remember some things but its hard to put them into words i hope you understand thanks for asking.

surfboard shops Auckland link
3/3/2020 04:32:51 am

Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog post. Thanks for sharing this post with us.


Comments are closed.

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928 N. Coast Highway | Oceanside, CA 92054
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  • Oceanside
    • About Oceanside >
      • History of Oceanside
      • Demographics
      • Arts and Culture
      • Education
      • Employment
      • Health Care
      • Religious Organizations
      • Local Government and Services
      • Retiring in Oceanside
      • Oceanside Maps
    • Visitor Information >
      • Beaches
      • Accommodations
      • Groups and Meeting
    • Things to Do >
      • Oceanside Events >
        • Downtown History Walks
        • Farmers Market
        • Sunset Market
      • Shopping >
        • Coupons
      • Dining
      • Surfing
      • Regional Attractions
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Business Directory
    • All Categories
    • Coupons
    • New Members
  • Media
    • Advancing Oceanside Podcast
    • Blog
    • Member News
    • E-Newsletter
    • Publications >
      • Advertising Your Business
      • Best of Oceanside Magazine
      • Annual Community Guide
      • Military Publications
  • Chamber
    • Membership >
      • Member Portal
      • Membership Packages
      • Application
      • Testimonials
    • Advocacy >
      • Chamber Political Action Committee
      • Public Policy Guidelines
      • The Advancing Oceanside Report
    • Our Work >
      • 2021 Annual Report
      • 2023 Strategic Priorities
      • Committees - Task Forces - Forums
      • Oceanside Young Professionals
    • Economic Recovery >
      • 2021 Small Business Grant Program
      • 2020 Shop Local Oceanside
      • 2020 North County Cares Program
    • Workforce Development >
      • SOCAL Workforce
    • Kindness
    • Oceanside Leadership Academy
    • Our Team >
      • Board of Directors
      • Chamber Staff
    • Privacy Policy
  • Events
    • Signature Chamber Events >
      • Armed Forces Day Operation Appreciation
      • Heroes of Oceanside and Camp Pendleton
      • Meet the City of Oceanside
      • North County Health Fair
      • Oceanside Senior Expo
      • Rising Star Student Program
    • Monthly Chamber Events
    • Oceanside Community Events
  • Resources
    • Community Resources
    • Local Business Resources
    • Military Resources