Albany is now 102 years old. As such, there are a few institutions in the city that have influenced the lives of residents for decades. Albany Preschool is one of them.

Operating for more than 70 years on Masonic Avenue, the preschool continues to be the foundation of the Albany school experience for many families. My own children attended the preschool, which has been run as a parent cooperative for many years, and I greatly enjoyed the experience. As the preschool approaches its 75th anniversary, in March 2012, here is a look back at this community-building organization.  

Like its counterpart to the north, El Cerrito Preschool (which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary), Albany Preschool was started during the Depression with money from the Works Progress Administration (WPA). A reported 15 children were originally enrolled when the program began as an outdoor play center at Memorial Park in 1937. The concept of a PRE-school was newer in the 1930s, but one that was embraced enthusiastically. Attendance quickly increased and it became clear that an indoor space was required.

Albany's first high school was also being built at this time with WPA help, and it was likely the completion of these buildings that freed up two portable units that were shipped from the high school site to four city-owned lots on Masonic near Solano Avenue.

It was here that the Albany Recreation Department established both the preschool and the recreation center, the latter eventually becoming the site of the Senior Center.

Originally, the preschool was not a parent cooperative, but parents have always had an active role in the school. In the beginning, a Mother's Club organized fundraising activities to help supply the new school with toys and equipment.

Families soon began maintaining the preschool building as well—weekend work parties have now been happening for decades. When WPA funding was withdrawn in 1942 (due to World War II), parents began assisting teachers in the classroom and have continued to do so ever since.

In looking at history, it's interesting to note what changes and what remains the same. For example, the preschool has always had a play-based philosophy (essentially that children learn through play). Nell Curran, the school's director from 1941 to 1971, described the approach this way: "You shouldn't press a child to learn. If they are exposed to a natural environment, they naturally learn."

An international influence has also been a part of the school for years.  

"During the early years, there were many people from foreign countries," Curran said. That diversity is still part of the school today, and observed through various music, art, stories and celebrations.

In 1937, families paid just 25 cents per month for juice and cups. Today, their monthly tuition covers much of the school's operating expenses. Vintage preschool photographs show children from years ago sitting together for circle time and playing with rhythm sticks. Other pictures show parents from the 1950s sitting in small toddler-sized chairs at school meetings. These same photos could be taken today.

Teachers and participating parents—both mothers and fathers—usually wear comfortable pants and flat shoes at the preschool today. Mothers from yesteryear wore skirts and stockings.

Perhaps most importantly, the preschool was and still is a rich community-building entity where families meet each other, get involved in education and share valuable information and experiences about raising children.  As a parent, I'm glad I experienced that—I'm also glad I didn't have to navigate the sandbox in high heels.

Everybody makes mistakes ... even us! If there's something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, give editor Emilie Raguso a ring at 510-459-8325 or shoot her an e-mail at emilier@patch.com.