Sherman Indian High School

school
location=Riverside, California

Sherman Indian High School is a high school for Native Americans. The school is located in Riverside, California, United States. [http://www.bia.edu/bie/contact_bie/school_directory.cfm] The school serves grades 9 through 12. [http://www.bia.edu/bie/docs/BIE%20SchoolMAIN(1)_3_21_07.xls] The mascot is the Brave, and the school colors are purple and yellow.

There are 7 dormitory facilities in total. Male facilities are Wigwam, Ramona, and Kiva. Female facilities are Wauneka, Dawaki, and Winona. There is and Honor Dorm called Sunset and a Transition Dorm called Hogan.

Origins: Originally known as Perris Indian School which was established in 1892 under the direction of Mr. M. S. Savage's. This was the first off reservation Indian Boarding School in the state of California. The enrollment was made up of Southern California Indian Children from Tule River Agency to San Diego County. Students ranged in age from 5 years old to early 20s. The 80 acre site in Perris, California was at the corner of today's Perris Boulevard and Morgan Street. The main subjects taught were agricultural and domestic science. Due to an inadequate water supply to conduct these subjects at the school a better location was sought. By 1901 a site in the City of Riverside was found on the corner of Magnolia and Jackson Streets. On July 19, 1901 the corner stone was laid for the new school building of Sherman Institute. Perris Indian School remained in operation until December 1904 when the remaining students were transferred to the Riverside School site

In the Beginning ...

COLORS. Sherman Institutes colors of royal purple and gold were chose at the Perris school, Sherman's predecessor in 1900.

LONE STUDENT. Romaldo LaChusa (Mission) was the first student to enroll several days prior to July 18, 1902, when a contingent from Sacaton, Arizona, enrolled. Mr LaChusa also constitued a class of one graduating from the eighth grade in 1903. SCROUNGERS. First school equipment in 1902 included scrounged dry goods boxes which served as desks and dining room seats. Some students stood for their meals. September 1, 1902, school opened for the first time with a full complement of students.

March 3, 1903 marked the official opening. 1904. Sherman graduated its first class. No funds were available for diploma purchase. 1905. First meeting of returned students. 1906. "The Purple and Gold", became Sherman's official school song. 1907. Alumni Association organized. 1916. There were four Indians in Congress - - two each in the House and Senate. 1917 April 18. Sherman Institute is now under martial law from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. every day. Guard duty is standard routine. 1918. Richard E. Barrington, Washoe, was acting bandmaster. He was an outstanding baritone player, composer and lumber mill owner. He was once honored by the state of Nevada. May 1, 1919. Frank Martin, Fernando Lyons, Alexander Palmer and Paddy McGill became too familiar with poison oak near the Santa Ana River.

November 20, 1920. The SS California 28-member band played in Riverside. Nine of the players were former Sherman Institute bandsmen.

References