Anna Head School for Girls
2538 Channing Way, Berkeley, CAThis remarkable complex of shingle buildings evolved over a thirty-year period and remains a strong architectural statement of the Shingle Style and its interpretation in the Bay Area tradition. The complex is strong architecturally and also has considerable historical significance with its association with historical figures, Anna Head, and architect Walter Ratcliff, and in its role as one of the state's earliest and best-known schools.
The school is historically significant in that it is the original facility of one of the oldest private girls' schools still in existence in California. Since its beginning in 1892, the Anna Head School has served both as a boarding and day school for thousands of girls, many of whom later became prominent figures in California history. The school operated at this location until 1964 when it relocated to new quarters in Oakland. Anna Head's school was an innovative educational institution designed to do away with the useless routine work that encumbers so much of the ordinary teaching and replace it with what was best in the German and English systems.
The school is architecturally significant in that the original building is the first recorded fully shingled building built in Berkeley. The architect of the original building was Soule Edgar Fisher who ran an architectural office in Oakland from 1888 to 1894. Walter H. Radcliff, another prominent architect, designed eight of the buildings in the complex.
The school is representative of a crucial turning point in Bay Area architecture, 1888-1894, seven years which marked the end of the Victorian style as a central architectural form and the beginning of a Bay Area tradition in architecture. Although the Bay Area tradition took root initially in San Francisco, it flourished in the hills of Berkeley during the late 1890s. The completion of the new Anna Head School building on August 22, 1892, marked the beginning of the Shingle Style in Berkeley.
Thus, the Anna Head School remains a significant structure representing the beginnings of the vernacular style which was later to be known as the Bay Area tradition. As the first recorded fully shingled structure built in Berkeley, the building embodies the ideals of the simplicity of the plan, honesty of materials, and harmonious siting with the environment. Reflecting the advanced principles and high standards of excellence that the founders of the Anna Head School had as their goals for their students, the building itself embodies these standards and is a reminder of a standard of excellence from a time past to all who view and use it.
Local significance of the building:
The school is historically significant in that it is the original facility of one of the oldest private girls' schools still in existence in California. Since its beginning in 1892, the Anna Head School has served both as a boarding and day school for thousands of girls, many of whom later became prominent figures in California history. The school operated at this location until 1964 when it relocated to new quarters in Oakland. Anna Head's school was an innovative educational institution designed to do away with the useless routine work that encumbers so much of the ordinary teaching and replace it with what was best in the German and English systems.
The school is architecturally significant in that the original building is the first recorded fully shingled building built in Berkeley. The architect of the original building was Soule Edgar Fisher who ran an architectural office in Oakland from 1888 to 1894. Walter H. Radcliff, another prominent architect, designed eight of the buildings in the complex.
The school is representative of a crucial turning point in Bay Area architecture, 1888-1894, seven years which marked the end of the Victorian style as a central architectural form and the beginning of a Bay Area tradition in architecture. Although the Bay Area tradition took root initially in San Francisco, it flourished in the hills of Berkeley during the late 1890s. The completion of the new Anna Head School building on August 22, 1892, marked the beginning of the Shingle Style in Berkeley.
Thus, the Anna Head School remains a significant structure representing the beginnings of the vernacular style which was later to be known as the Bay Area tradition. As the first recorded fully shingled structure built in Berkeley, the building embodies the ideals of the simplicity of the plan, honesty of materials, and harmonious siting with the environment. Reflecting the advanced principles and high standards of excellence that the founders of the Anna Head School had as their goals for their students, the building itself embodies these standards and is a reminder of a standard of excellence from a time past to all who view and use it.
Education; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Loading...
In 1965, the Watts Riots erupted in Los Angeles after a police officer arrested a Black man for drunk driving. The six-day riot resulted in 34 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and $40 million in property damage. The Watts Riots were a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and helped to spark a nationwide conversation about race relations.
About Alameda County
Alameda County Timeline
Alameda County, located in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ohlone people, who lived along the shores and in the hills of the region. They thrived on a diet consisting of fish, game, and a variety of plants.
In the late 18th century, Spanish explorers, led by Juan Bautista de Anza, arrived in the area. The Spanish established missions, including Mission San Jose, and began to establish settlements. The area eventually came under Mexican rule following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821. During this period, the land was primarily used for cattle ranching and agriculture.
In the mid-19th century, the California Gold Rush brought a wave of settlers to the region, including Alameda County. Settlers came in search of gold, but many also recognized the potential for agriculture and industry in the area. The county became an important transportation hub with the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and the Oakland Long Wharf, facilitating trade and commerce.
As the 20th century dawned, Alameda County experienced significant growth and development. The city of Oakland emerged as a major urban center, with a thriving port and a diverse population. The county also saw the establishment of various industries, including shipping, manufacturing, and automobile manufacturing. Alameda County played a pivotal role during World War II as a strategic military location, hosting naval bases and shipyards.
Today, Alameda County is a vibrant and diverse region, home to numerous cities and communities. It is known for its cultural institutions, tech industry, beautiful landscapes, and diverse population. The county continues to evolve, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and quality of life for its residents.
In the late 18th century, Spanish explorers, led by Juan Bautista de Anza, arrived in the area. The Spanish established missions, including Mission San Jose, and began to establish settlements. The area eventually came under Mexican rule following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821. During this period, the land was primarily used for cattle ranching and agriculture.
In the mid-19th century, the California Gold Rush brought a wave of settlers to the region, including Alameda County. Settlers came in search of gold, but many also recognized the potential for agriculture and industry in the area. The county became an important transportation hub with the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and the Oakland Long Wharf, facilitating trade and commerce.
As the 20th century dawned, Alameda County experienced significant growth and development. The city of Oakland emerged as a major urban center, with a thriving port and a diverse population. The county also saw the establishment of various industries, including shipping, manufacturing, and automobile manufacturing. Alameda County played a pivotal role during World War II as a strategic military location, hosting naval bases and shipyards.
Today, Alameda County is a vibrant and diverse region, home to numerous cities and communities. It is known for its cultural institutions, tech industry, beautiful landscapes, and diverse population. The county continues to evolve, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and quality of life for its residents.
Alameda County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Alameda County, California.
- 1853: Alameda County is created from a large portion of Contra Costa County
- 1855: The city of Oakland is incorporated
- 1868: The University of California is founded in Oakland
- 1872: The first transcontinental railroad connection to the East Coast is completed in Oakland
- 1874: The city of Berkeley is incorporated
- 1900: The city of Fremont is incorporated
- 1906: The devastating San Francisco earthquake also affects Alameda County
- 1916: Alameda County courthouse in Oakland is completed
- 1936: The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is opened
- 1966: The Black Panther Party is founded in Oakland
- 1970: The Alameda County Sheriff's Office is consolidated
- 1997: The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory opens in Livermore