The first time I saw Hemet Elementary School I was just a kid, and I remember wishing my school was as pretty. And then I found out my Grandma attended school there, back when she was a kid – and I was a little jealous! The buildings that made up my elementary school, back in San Diego County, were way too modern, and way too plain for my taste!
But that was years ago, and I had totally forgotten about Hemet Elementary School. And then I took a wrong turn, and accidently drove past the school on Kimball Avenue, and all my love for that beautiful historic building flooded back, and I couldn’t help wishing, once again, that I’d gotten to attend a school as pretty.
Unfortunately the very pretty main building is sinking, and the school board was forced to first move classes, and then close the school last June. The parents, students, and teachers all protested the closing, and they met with some temporary success, but ultimately budget woes caused the campus to close.
Built in 1927, the building faces an uncertain future. Can it be saved? That’s an expensive question, but if there’s any chance at all, I hope the school district and the community pursue it!
The landscaping in front of the building includes ornamental bushes with different kinds of berries. I’m sure many a kid over the years, spent time picking the berries off, one by one…
For more on the closing of Hemet Elementary School, see http://www.pe.com/localnews/hemet/stories/PE_News_Local_D_ehemet11.25404c9.html
And for more on efforts to save the historic 1927 main building, see http://www.pe.com/localnews/banning/stories/PE_News_Local_W_eschool11.40b81de.html
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I attended Hemet Elementary when I was a child in the early 1963. It was a grand old school. The auditorium and stage was wonderful. It also was our cafeteria. I loved the hallways as well.
Thanks Steven! Hopefully they’ll be able to save it, and more kids will get to attend such a grand old school!
i miss this school :( i cant belive its gone
I went to this school. I miss it a lot! I never realized how epic it looks in comparison to all other elementary schools… even middle schools and high schools! I really hope the city eventually decides to save it, I’d like to walk through it again.
I used to teach at this school. It was a beautiful, historical building. I have many fond memories of it and the students I taught. I hope they are able to save this building and keep it for the beauty it holds.
Formerly Miss Foster