In the fall of 1882, W.H. Sifford led the effort for a new school district on the west side of Honey Lake.  The two nearest schools were nearly five miles away in either direction—Milford to the south and Lake to the north. In May 1883, the Oak Grove School District became a reality. The nucleus of the student population came from Clark, Decious and Raker families. It should be noted that the Wales, Wilburs, Lindsay, Fisher and Grass families also contributed to the student population. Like so many rural schools in 1920, the enrollment had declined to such an extent it was closed.  In 1922, with no indication that the school would be resurrected,  it was annexed to the Lake School District. The school was torn down in February 1926.

Support

In 1952, the Johnstonville School went through a remodel “modernitzation” process with an addition to the school, transforming from a one room school to two rooms. For reasons unknown, the school bell was removed. Five years later, in March 1957 that situation would be corrected. The bell all that time had been stored in a barn in the nearby Jenkins Ranch. Through the efforts of Johnstonville School Principal John White and School Board member Harry Reuck, they spent several days in putting the bell back in its original perch. In 1961, a new school was built to replace the original one that was constructed nearly a century ago.

Tim

This was a query received about the past and present Lassen High School buildings. For a certain amount of seasoned residents they still have a bit angst when the old school was torn down in 1968

As Glenn Wemple, Class of 1948 relayed to me, as he served on the High School/College Board of trustees they were advised when it came time for demolition, to do it as quickly as possible because emotions in the community would become a very sensitive issue. The trustees took that advice and the old school was quickly demolished.

Tim