Weedpatch Camp
In 1936, the Farm Security Administration opened 12 camps in the
San Joaquin Valley, one of which became known as Weedpatch Camp. Leo Hart, head
counselor in the Kern County High School District, had been in the Unites States
Army in WWI, had a lung and kidney removed due to tuberculosis, and had earned a
Master’s Degree in Education, and he knew that the Okie kids just needed some
caring and education. Leo Hart won the office of Superintendent for the school
district, leased 10 acres of land beside the camp, hired the best teachers, and
started Weedpatch School in 1940. Leo Hart got donations from others, and along
with the teachers and Okie children, actually built the school themselves.
Teachers in the school actually taught history, geography, math, science,
health, typing, English, plumbing, electrical wiring, sports, carpentry,
plastering, masonry, shoe cobbling, sewing, music, and aircraft mechanics. The kids that tried to go to local schools couldn’t hide who they were“because they spoke differently and wore shabby clothes.” Due to this, they faced constant prejudice from other students
and teachers. The camp had one room cabins and tents that housed 300 people, but
at least the Okies now had food, shelter, and a school.
San Joaquin Valley, one of which became known as Weedpatch Camp. Leo Hart, head
counselor in the Kern County High School District, had been in the Unites States
Army in WWI, had a lung and kidney removed due to tuberculosis, and had earned a
Master’s Degree in Education, and he knew that the Okie kids just needed some
caring and education. Leo Hart won the office of Superintendent for the school
district, leased 10 acres of land beside the camp, hired the best teachers, and
started Weedpatch School in 1940. Leo Hart got donations from others, and along
with the teachers and Okie children, actually built the school themselves.
Teachers in the school actually taught history, geography, math, science,
health, typing, English, plumbing, electrical wiring, sports, carpentry,
plastering, masonry, shoe cobbling, sewing, music, and aircraft mechanics. The kids that tried to go to local schools couldn’t hide who they were“because they spoke differently and wore shabby clothes.” Due to this, they faced constant prejudice from other students
and teachers. The camp had one room cabins and tents that housed 300 people, but
at least the Okies now had food, shelter, and a school.