1883 Schoolhouse

The Encinitas Historical Society is situated in the 1883 Schoolhouse, the oldest extant building in Encinitas, three blocks west of Coast Highway 101. The building’s exterior and interior are maintained in original style, with a thriving garden on the grounds.

Inside, our docents take guests on an unforgettable journey through time. Step across the original wood floor and imagine the one-room schoolhouse during its 44-year career, which began in 1883 with the arrival of English immigrants Edward and Jane Hammond and their seven children. The moment they all stepped off the train on its new tracks, the population of Encinitas surged to twenty-two, so Edward and his son Ted, looking to the future, built a schoolhouse large enough to accommodate eight grades taught by a single teacher. The first teacher, Cecilia Santiff, began with eight pupils; at its peak, a teacher had to contend with perhaps thirty, ages 6-14.

As Encinitas grew and more modern schools were established, the Hammond schoolhouse fell into disuse. By 1928, the building itself had been shunted to Fourth and H Streets and converted to a private residence. In 1980, rising real estate prices and crumbling plaster threatened demolition.

Thanks to the efforts of a newly-formed Encinitas Historical Society, the Schoolhouse was returned intact to its original site and restored to its original era. Under the guidance of two dynamic and unflagging advocates for local history, Lloyd O’Connell and Ida Lou Coley, the Schoolhouse during the following decades was enriched with exhibits encompassing much of San Dieguito’s past, even as the EHS became a repository of valuable donations of photographs and papers in addition to a series of oral histories of Encinitas pioneers.

Visitors may now immerse themselves in the fascinating history of this part of North County, learning how a small town of carpenters, fishermen, beekeepers, and dry-crop farming families grew into the vibrant city it is today.

Open Saturdays 10:00AM to 3:00PM. Entry is free.

Donations

The EHS relies on grants, bequests, and donations to fulfill its mission.

We have 501(c)3 status, so all donations are tax-deductible; receipts will be issued for all forms of payment.

Donate at your convenience:

a) Point your camera at the QR code to pay with credit card, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc.

b) Click this line to donate with credit card, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc.

c) Mail a check payable to the Encinitas Historical Society, and addressed – 1883 Schoolhouse, Re: Donation, 390 West F Street, Encinitas CA 92024. Please provide your email address and phone number.

d) Visit our Schoolhouse and be amazed by our racks of thematic gifts!