Harris Newmark High School, Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Board of Education approved the name for what had been the Belmont Continuation High School on June 2, 1975. “ Harris Newmark (1834-1916) who is memorialized by the new name was one of Los Angeles’ most significant pioneer Jews. He was a founder of the Los Angeles Public Library, laid out what is now the City of Montebello, served as president of Congregation B’nai B’rith, was one of the important commission grocery and wholesalers of Los Angeles, and wrote the most useful historic reminiscences of the early Southland My Sixty Years in Southern California, 1853-1913. Educators noted that the new name of this high school should remind the students of the success of this pioneer figure and he should serve as symbol of making a NEW MARK in their lives.”

*I first heard of Newmark Hi at my gym in West L. A. in the middle 1980s. I was talking to this woman and I asked her what her profession was and she said she was a principal at a High School. I said which one and she responded “ Harris Newmark High School.” I said you’re joking and told her who I was. Her name was Dr. Jean Pedersen and apparently she heard about him at Wilshire Blvd. Temple (Congregation B’nai B’rith) and when she had the opportunity she suggested that the new school be named after him. She was also nice enough to bring me some copies of their annuals, one of which is above.