Willow Manor School was an elementary school at 1501 Campbell Street, next to the former Willow Manor War Dormitories. The school opened in 1949 and was closed in 1973.
The building was constructed at a cost of $69,904, with 7 classrooms, a kindergarten, a library, and a capacity of 245 students. The March 26, 1949 opening was marked with a parade of 200 students being transferred from Prescott School, led by the Prescott band. Another 50 students were transferred from Cole School. 1,2
When school board member Carl Munck retired in 1971, he noted that the Lazear and Willow Manor schools were built on a "sort of semi-portable plan." Officials had expected to Oakland to become more industrial, and didn't expect so much industry to leave urban areas. 3
The school was closed in 1973. The property sat empty for some years, while the school district discussed selling the property. Finally, in 1982, the Willow Manor town homes were built on the site.
1951 Sanborn excerpt
Links and References
- Parade to Fete School Opening Oakland Tribune March 27, 1949
- Costs Told Oakland Tribune December 30, 1949
- 'Dean' of School Board Looks Back Oakland Tribune May 30, 1971 (p2)
