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1927 2

Lowell Junior High School was at 12th and Market Streets beginning in 1924. It was originally called the Market Street Junior High School, but the name was changed in April 1924 at the request of students and staff. The school opened in January 1924 in the former Manual Training and Commercial High School building. George E. Furbush was the first principal. 1

Beginning in 1927, a new building was constructed. It was designed by architect Howard Schroder, who designed a number of Oakland school buildings. 2

McClymonds High School shared the building in 1936. In January 1936 it was known as Lowell-McClymonds; in July it was McClymonds-Lowell. 3

The entrance to the main building was declared unsafe in 1954. The building was badly damaged by an earthquake in October 1955 and condemned. The 9th grade students were sent to McClymonds, and the other students were taught in non-damaged buildings at Lowell. 4

1955 4 1955 4

A new building was constructed, and dedicated in 1959. The new campus took up most of 4 square blocks, between Market and Myrtle and 12th and 14th. It was designed by Warnecke and Warnecke. 5

1959 51961 Sanborn map excerpt

By 1977, it had been changed to a middle school. The campus is now the home of the West Oakland Middle School.

Links and References

  1. Staff Named For New Schools Oakland Tribune January 20, 1924
  2. New Lowell Jr. High School Is Nearly Ready Oakland Tribune August 14, 1927
  3. Latest 'Edition' of McClymonds High To Be Bright Link in 36 Year Chain Oakland Tribune January 14, 1951
  4. School Is Evacuated As Quake Hazard Oakland Tribune October 30, 1955 (p2, p3)
  5. New Lowell Jr. High School Set Thursday Oakland Tribune October 25, 1959
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