In Fullerton, School Went to the Students
The photo at top right, circa 1908, shows one of Orange County’s great innovations in education--free rides to Fullerton Union High School. It was the first time in California that a school district provided free transportation for students, according to Orange County historian Doris Walker.
Previously there had been no need. Few children continued their education past the eighth grade, and the local school was within walking distance.
But it took a confederation of seven small school districts to afford a high school, which was built in Fullerton in 1893. Outlying students had to get there any way they could. A shed was built on campus where students could tie their horses and rigs.
The school’s four horse-drawn buses brought students from La Habra and Olinda, but their service was brief. By 1911, the district had switched to three automotive buses, which for a short time were driven by students themselves to save money.
Nowadays, the Fullerton Joint Union High School District has six campuses, 33 drivers and 43 modern buses like the one at bottom right.
And while most districts now charge for transportation, Fullerton’s service is still free.
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O.C. Then and Now calls: (714) 966-5973; e-mail: OCthenand now@latimes.com.
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