1891-1957

Education was important to settlers in San Benito County, who would start a school with as few as five pupils, a place to hold class and a teacher. Early schools were placed 'about 5 miles apart' because the students had to travel on foot or on horseback. Often built by subscriptions from neighboring settlers, schools such as this served as a community center when class was not in session. This structure served as a physical assurance to people who had been through tough times that their children would have a better life. Its humble appearance belies the fact that the quality of life at Vineyard School was competitive. Improvements in transportation and consolidation of population doomed most of the small country schools, and the county contracted with the Cienega District for education of Vineyard School's pupils in 1958-59.

Dedicated Saturday, June 2, 2007

Monterey Viejo Chapter 1846

Mountain Charlie Chapter 1850

and

El Viceroy Marquez de Branciforte Chapter 1797

E Clampus Vitus

Marker is on Cienega Road 3 miles south of Southside Road, on the left when traveling south.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources: