Catheys Valley Schoolhouse

In 1879, Andrew Cathey donated land to establish an elementary school, and James Cliff directed construction of a one-room schoolhouse about one mile southwest of where it now stands. Over the years, the schoolhouse also served as a church, a community hall for dances and hard time parties, and a meeting place for the Home Guard during World War II. The Home Guard were aircraft spotters stationed at the Charles Gordo Ranch where there was a telephone, and this information in enemy hands probably discouraged any plans to invade the United States. The schoolhouse was lit by coal lamps until 1947, when electricity finally reached the area.

Catheys Valley, California · United States