Only the oldest Downey Veterans may recall the original Old River School, built in 1889 and used as a school house for 50 years. The old building later became a church.
In 1946 it was moved to Quill Drive near Paramount Boulevard where it housed the congregation of the new Grace Baptist Church, Rev. Romey E. Black pastor.
Today the old building at 7948 Quill Drive stands at the rear of the Jung Bu Young Nak Presbyterian Church. While it now bears a coat of stucco on its exterior, the original walls date to 1887. Those of a historical bent say that if you stand quietly beside it you can still hear the echoes of countless classes of young Downeyites who got their early education there, now become our grandparents and great- grandparents.
When first built in 1887 the old school house served a strictly rural area. The sons and daughters of farmers walked or rode horses to school there.
Just before World War II a new school building was erected, and plans to raze the old building were made. But the need for housing necessitated by the war years saved it. And in 1946 it was converted to a church.
Church officers of that Baptist post-World War II congregation included Mrs. J.L. Stalker; Mrs. A.E. Comstock; G.L. Fishel; and Robert M. Davis.
Old River School Superintendent was Roland Adams when the old building was sold and moved.
The sale was a blessing in disguise, as it actually saved the old structure, which outlasted the structures erected to replace it. In 1979 the "new" Old River School at 7547 Quill Drive had become the Ambassador (Pacifica) Christian School on 3.25 acres of valuable campus.
The religious school decided to move, and sold the land to housing developers who subsequently built 18 homes there. The "new" Old River School building came down to make way for progress.
But the original older structure is still with us today, a reminder of our rural days and pioneer origins.
Let’s hope the latest Old River school lasts as long and has as illustrious a history.