Hockinson's postwar population growth put increasing pressure on its school facilities. Historical building records describe first graders using a house beside the bus garage and third graders attending class in the basement of the Community Congregational Church while the district expanded.
The community eventually approved a new school program and acquired additional land. McCoy & Bradbury served as architects. The initial plan called for two rooms and a boiler room, but the project expanded as enrollment and funding needs grew.
By 1953, additional rooms had been added, and the older four-room school was used primarily for special classes such as art, music and physical education. The completed newer facility included seven classrooms, lavatories, an office, health room, kitchen, multi-purpose room, storage and space planned for future expansion.
The surviving dedication program is dated Friday, November 12, 1954. It carries an architectural rendering and identifies McCoy & Bradbury.
Historical cost records list a total project cost of $145,212, including contracts, architectural fees and state sales tax. Funding was recorded as $57,264 local, $26,080 federal and $61,868 in state matching funds.
Contractors named in the record included L. E. Raley of Vancouver for general construction, Friberg Electric Co. of Portland for electrical work, and Wahl Plumbing and Heating of Vancouver.
Explore the 1954 Hockinson school heritage collection. Original designs are independent local-history artwork and do not reproduce official school marks.
Historical sources
- Hockinson Elementary School Dedication Program, Nov. 12, 1954
- From a Forest Clearing: A History of Hockinson School
- Historic Hockinson school-building cost and funding record
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