"The California Polytechnic" was a men's learning institution to be based in Oakland, as of 1871. It is unclear whether this institution successfully launched.
About
Professor Charles Ames Spencer, referenced elsewhere as teaching at the Oakland Seminary for Young Ladies in 1870, placed ads throughout July and August 1871 in papers throughout northern California calling for applications to this new institution.1, 2, 3, 4 The Oakland Seminary for Young Ladies and the Pacific Female College, also in Oakland, merged in the same academic year - fall semester 1871,5 and so it seems likely that Professor Spencer departed as part of this reorganization. The institution is noted to grant diplomas with the degree of Civil Engineer or Mechanical Engineer, but also appears to accept young men of all ages, including a special "preparatory department for lads under ten." There is a strong emphasis on physical activity including the "development of vigorous manly physique." The grounds are described as either a four-acre or six-acre property owned by Dr. Spencer, including a residence and school buildings. The property was at Eighth and Centre streets, and was previously owned by a Mr. James Graves.
Advertisement for The California Polytechnic in Oakland, from Sacramento Daily Union, July 18, 1871, page 3.
Advertisement for The California Polytechnic in Oakland, from the Daily Alta, July 1, 1871, page 3
Advertisement for The California Polytechnic in Oakland, from the Santa Cruz Weekly Sentinel, 9 September 1871
The Sacramento Daily Union advertisement reads:
"The California Polytechnic, Oakland, Cal. Fits young men for Business or for College. Grants Diplomas testifying to proficiency. Confers Degrees of Civil Engineer (C. E.) and Mining Engineer (M. E.) Instruction practical. Field exercise foi scientific pupils in Surveying and Engineering. Special attention to the development of a vigorous manly physique. Suitable exercise daily in the gymnasium. No military drill. Rigid examinations for entrance and for promotion to the several grades. Preparatory Department for lads under ten. No extras, instruction in Latin and Greek, French, German and Spanish, vocal music, mechanical drawing, gymnastic exercise, fencing, etc., and elocution, being free of charge. Grounds ample for exercise and youthful sports. Six acres with residence, school buildings, etc. Property owned by Dr. Spencer, teacher of sixteen years experience, who proposes to model his school after the leading French and German Polytechnics, and to so endow it as to make it superior in every department. First scholastic year opens July 21st. Applications, etc., may be made to CHARLES AMES SPENCER, Ph.D Lock-box 38, Oakland, Cal. iy6-3m3p"
Links and References
1. The California Polytechnic, Sacramento Daily Union, July 18, 1871. All mentions of The California Polytechnic in July and August 1871.
2. The California Polytechnic ad, Daily Alta California July 1, 1871.
3. The California Polytechnic ad, Santa Cruz Weekly Sentinel, September 9 1871.
4. The California Polytechnic ad, Petaluma Weekly Argus, August 19 1871.
5. The Oakland Seminary and Female College of the Pacific, Sacramento Daily Union, July 18, 1871
