HISTORY of DAVID REESE ELEMENTARY
Born in 1849 in Llansaint, Carmarthenshire, Wales, David
Reese was the second child of John and Elizabeth Reese. He
emigrated to America in 1854 with his family and settled in
Utah for six years before moving to California. The Reese
Family settled in the San Joaquin Township where Mr. Reese
became a prominent citizen. Shortly before his marriage in
1879 to Mira Kilgore, Mr. Reese bought land and became a
successful farmer. He was described as one who "commenced
with nothing but his own energy, good judgment, and
perseverance…”
Mr. Reese was a charter member of the Odd Fellows’ Society of Florin, Elk Grove Lodge, and Florin Grange. He was heavily involved in establishing the California Fruit Union and the Florin Fruit Growers Association. David Reese served as the sheriff of Sacramento County in 1902. He died in 1910.
The Reese School District was
formed in 1884. Originally located on Bradshaw Road one
half mile south of the Traction line (between Gerber and
Calvine), the school was built on land donated by the Reese
family. The foundation is the only part of the school that
remains. In the 30s, the school served a farming community
where many Japanese families had settled and planted
primarily strawberries. It was during that time that
Caucasian children were the minority attending Reese
school
“When the Reese School
District joined Pleasant Grove District there was no longer
a need for the building. In 1949 it was moved by George
Brooks to his hop ranch on Freeman Road and was used as a
cookhouse. Russell Newland is now donating the school to
the Historical Society for restoration. Built of heart
redwood, with the words “Reese School” still clearly
visible above the ornate doorway, the once grand lady has
definitely seen better days.”
- excerpt from the
Elk Grove Historical
Society website
The school awaits restoration at the Elk Grove Heritage Park. The current school opened in 1966.