College Elementary School (CES) Collection, 1920-1991

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Summary

Title:
College Elementary School (CES) Collection
Dates:
1920-1991
Creators:
Virginia Anderson Shaffer Patsy Givins Charlotte Cooper Helen Macpherson Ellen Givins Gail A. Williams CES Reunion Committee
Abstract:
Extent:
4 cubic feet (2 boxes and 6 scrapbooks)
Language:
Preferred citation:

College Elementary School (CES) Collection. Cal Poly Humboldt, Library Special Collections and Archives

Background

Scope and content:

The collection primarily consists of donated materials from past CES faculty, staff, and students from the 1920s until 1978 when the program was discontinued. Photographs, biographical information, memorabilia, scrapbooks, student work, and student records make up the bulk of this section and help to establish the significance of CES to both the HSU campus and the local community. Items found within the donated materials illustrate the day-to-day operations of the elementary school as well as highlighting some of the unique features of the program, including Camp Ravencliff. The CES collection also includes administrative materials related to the 1991 reunion including name lists, invitations and responses, receipts, photographs, and VHS tapes documenting the event. One of the strengths of this collection can be found in the invitation responses, where a significant number of people sent back letters to the Reunion Committee recounting their experiences at CES along with personal information about their current lives.

Biographical / historical:

The CES program at HSU started in 1914 as part of the teacher training program at what was then Humboldt State Normal School. The program continued to grow in size and curriculum throughout HSU's development, becoming an integral part of both the Education and Psychology departments. Relocated in 1933 to what is now Gist Hall, CES functioned as a prominent feature on campus until 1978 when the elementary school was closed, along with other laboratory schools in the State.

Acquisition information:
The collection was donated to the Library in 1991 by the CES Reunion Committee.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by Cal Poly Humboldt, Library Special Collections and Archives staff.
Date Prepared:
1920-1991
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for research by appointment

Terms of access:

Copyright has not been assigned to Humboldt State University. To obtain permission to publish or reproduce in any format please contact the Special Collections Librarian.

Preferred citation:

College Elementary School (CES) Collection. Cal Poly Humboldt, Library Special Collections and Archives

Location of this collection:
Third Floor, Room 303
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521-8299, US
Contact:
(707) 826-3419
archives@humboldt.edu
Website