Thomas Jefferson Senior High School

In 1916, amidst the excitement of recent World Expos in San Diego and San Francisco, Thomas Jefferson Senior High School first opened its doors. It was built on the former “Stadium East Grounds,” a site that had hosted countless rodeos and bicycle races. Thomas Jefferson Senior High School, or “Jeff” as it’s affectionately known, became a cornerstone of the community. The original buildings, designed by Norman F. Marsh in a classical style, featured rug tapestry brick and artificial stone trim. They were meant to be fireproof, with dignified entrance porticos and stone columns. Can you imagine the grandeur? The school started with 24 faculty members and just two completed buildings. Theodore Fulton, the first principal, led the charge. Tragically, he and his wife died in a car accident in 1930, leaving behind their daughter Ruth and three other daughters. Thomas Jefferson Senior High School continued to thrive, becoming known for its strong academics and vibrant student life. Its mascot, the Democrat, or “Demo,” reflected the school’s commitment to civic engagement. Then, disaster struck. The 1933 Long Beach earthquake, a magnitude 6.4, decimated the campus. For weeks, the school was closed while the board assessed the damage. Imagine the students, their familiar halls reduced to rubble. Classes eventually resumed, held in tent bungalows erected on the football field. The school day was shortened to accommodate all the students. Thomas Jefferson Senior High School was reborn from the wreckage. Architect Stiles O. Clements designed the new Streamline Moderne buildings, completed in 1935. Artist Ross Dickinson, funded by the Federal Art Project, painted four stunning murals. They depicted “The History of Recorded Word,” adding an artistic touch to the revitalized campus. By 1936, Thomas Jefferson Senior High School had already produced notable alumni. Ralph Bunche, Woody Strode, and Samuel R. Browne, all African Americans, broke racial barriers in diplomacy, dance, music, and sports. The school became a hotbed for jazz talent, producing more musicians and composers than any other high school west of the Mississippi. Many of them were mentored by Samuel R. Browne. Thomas Jefferson Senior High School continued to grow, becoming a source of pride for the community. It has fostered generations of leaders in various fields, from politics and the arts to sports and business. The school’s mission remains to empower students and inspire greatness. As you stand here today, before this historic building, remember the stories within its walls. The stories of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence echo through the halls of Thomas Jefferson Senior High School.