‘School Days’ exhibit takes a page from the past

A new exhibit at the Clayton Museum provides a well-rounded history of what community schools were like in the late 1800s and early 1900s, “School Days: A Celebration of Historic Schools of the Clayton Area” focuses on three community schools: the original Mt Diablo Elementary School, also known as “the Clayton School,” Morgan Territory School and Lime Quarry School.

“I’m so excited to share this exhibit with the community,” says museum curator Renee Wing. “The exhibit will provide a wonderful history about our schools and share a glimpse of what school was like 130 years ago.”

Many residents are familiar with the Mt. Diablo Elementary site on Clayton Road. The original school opened its doors to students in 1863, situated on the current school’s playing field. In 1890, the two-room wooden building enrolled 111 children and employed two teachers and one headmaster. The school closed in 1947, after 84 years of operation, and was rebuilt in 1955 in its current location.

A monument on the school property is dedicated to the memory of former students, teachers, principals and trustees and to town founder Joel Clayton, who gave the land for Clayton’s first “public school.”

Morgan Territory and Lime Quarry Schools were open around the same time as Mt Diablo, educating children during the height of Clayton’s mining and agricultural prosperity in the late 1800s.

The Clayton Museum has had a small room dedicated to school life for some time. Many existing pieces will be incorporated into this exhibit, along with newly acquired items. The exhibit features a large framed photo of students in front of the original Mt. Diablo Elementary School taken in 1914, plus student report cards, classroom furnishings, the coat of a headmaster and a desk bell with an antique, but stern-sounding chime.

These intimate objects were generously collected from schools and community members, as well as documents and photos from the Contra Costa History Center. Another valuable resource is a group of “old timers” who come together once a month to discuss and share events, history and memories of yesteryears.

“School Days” is the creation of Mike Wendorf, Clayton Historical Society president. “The idea of ‘School Days’ has been a great opportunity to do something new and fun. The history that this exhibit represents, from recognizing street names throughout Clayton that come from the descendants of the pioneering families to possibly recognizing the name of an extended family member in a photo or report card, make this exhibit very special.”

“School Days” will be open Wednesday, Feb. 15, through Wednesday, June 21. The Clayton Museum, at 6101 Main St., is open 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays. Admission is free. For more information, call 925-672-0240.