Donald Greaton Gardena Collection

Collection

Identifier: SPC-2014-002

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Donald Greaton Gardena High School Collection (1890-2004; undated) consists of twelve boxes and 5 linear feet of various school related materials beginning from its establishment in 1907 until 2009. The collection includes Gardena High School Yearbooks from their first year in 1907 until 1955.Versions of the yearbooks are in original and photocopied form. Boxes 3, 11, and 12 (1907-1955) contains the only original copies of the yearbooks, boxes 4 – 9 (1907-1955) are of the scanned copies of the yearbooks. Box 10 includes various school related publications such as the school’s history; reunion, commencement, and anniversary programs; description of class gifts; and copies of the school’s paper, "The Lark". Contents also include extensive research relating to location and inhabitants of various streets and lots in Gardena, including plats, computer print-outs, directories, clippings, correspondence, and other materials.

Dates

1890-2004; undated

Creator

Greaton, Donald (Person)

Availability

There are no access restrictions on this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Gardena High School History

Gardena High School began offering classes in 1904, however, it was not until 1907 when the school became a part of the Los Angeles School district. In 1910, the Los Angeles board decided to make Gardena High School into Gardena Agricultural High School because of its location near agricultural lands. Subsequently, the school bought more land and built buildings that were more suited for agricultural learning and application. The yearbook was named, “El Arador” meaning “The Plowman” in Spanish. However, the agricultural learning project was abandoned in 1920 because of increasing expenses. In 1950, 50 acres were bought to build a new school and facilities located on 182nd St. between Normandie and Vermont. In 1956 the new site for the school held its first classes and still stands today as the current location of the Gardena High School.

Extent

12 boxes

5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Donald Greaton Gardena Collection consists of yearbooks, plats, and various related school publications from Gardena High School. The yearbooks included in this collection range from 1907 until 1955 and consists of original and scanned photocopies versions. The collection also includes plat maps surrounding the Gardena High School; school-related publications, commencement and reunion programs, clippings, and other documents related to Gardena school history; and material related to Gardena history such as a land lease, a Gardena family's correspondence, and other documents.

Arrangement

Arranged in two series

Series I: Plats, Gardena City History (1890, 1892, 1901, 1909,1914, 1916, 1934, 1938, 1957, 1966, 1980, undated)
Series II: School Publications, Programs, History (1907-2004)