School History

"Lou Henry Hoover School is located on a small, quiet residential street, nestled into the Whittier hills, not far from some of the most beautiful, historic homes of the area. We are proud of the beauty of our school, which was designed in 1938 by renowned architect William Harrison. It was built as a WPA Project and the craftsmanship used is remarkable. The building's style is Art Moderne and the Whittier City School District has taken special care to maintain its historical and aesthetic integrity. Students and staff are greeted daily by an intricately sculpted mural which depicts a scene of the early Quakers who founded the city of Whittier more than one hundred years ago, and a sign which bears the words: "What you would want in the life of a nation you must first put into its schools." This quote by Von Humbold[t] provides us with a daily reminder of our mission to help students develop the skills and character necessary for leadership."

This frieze by Bartolo Mako stands over the school's entrance and depicts a scene of the early Quakers who founded the city of Whittier more than one hundred years ago.

Front of Lou Henry Hoover Elementary School

Source Notes:
Kevin Starr. "Endangered Dreams: The Great Depression in California." 1996: 318
Reference - The Living New Deal Website:
(visit link) http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMEPBJ_Lou_Henry_Hoover_Elementary_School_Whittier_CA