"We're Going To Party Like It's 1911"

With less than two weeks to go, Berkeley Hall parents are busy preparing a one-day day celebration, but this year the school’s annual fair has a once-in-a-life time twist.

“It’s our school’s 100th year,” says staffer Susan Colby.  “The annual fair will honor our history.”

The fair’s theme surrounds 1911. That’s the year that two sisters, Leila and Mabel Cooper, both of them teachers, founded the school. It was located on Western Avenue then, with just 46 students enrolled. After a series of moves, the elite, private school landed in its current location - on 66 acres in the softly rolling hills of the Santa Monica Mountains. The student population has grown to 262. Staffers and parents say the yearly fair is a favorite with Berkeley's pre-school through 8th grade crowd.

“They love it. They are so excited, says the fair’s chairwoman and parent, Emma Myant. “We have something for all grades”

Parents put the fair together. Booths and attractions bear family names. One parent is building a schoolhouse set which re-creates Berkeley Hall in 1914 when the school was at it’s second location on West Adams Boulevard in South Los Angeles. Fairgoers can have their pictures taken on the school set in period costumes - sailor shirts and pinafores.  

“Themes, rides and games will mirror historical aspects,” says Colby. 

To that end, the fair will also feature two Model T cars supplied by parents, plus an alumni event, a general store and a pinball derby race. That’s an old-fashioned game where players shoot water at a target and try to keep little cars afloat. Not all of the events have been finalized, but Colby says families will likely provide entertainment and that may include music by dedicated Berkeley parents who are also prominent musicians.

“About 80 percent of the parents will do something in terms of running the fair,” says Myant.  “The parents will actually run booths.”  

While Berkeley Hall students are enjoying this trip to the past, they are also looking towards the future. Fairgoers can see a time capsule prepared by students to be opened in 50 years. It holds treasures from the present including a CD. Students are dropping in a CD player just in case the players are obsolete by the time the capsule is opened.

Of course, today’s kids are used to modern day amusements. Rides include a ferris wheel, train and a slide as well as a “scat.” That’s the twirling ride that holds you to the sides as you spin and is best to avoid immediately after lunch. Speaking of food, it ranges from cotton candy to gourmet food trucks. 

But, the most curious parent donation appears to be the portable toilets. Unlike early outhouses, these state-of-the art, elegant restrooms, come complete with an attendant. “No one ever wants their name on the restrooms,” Myant laments. But these portable “thrones” were provided by a parent with a keen sense of humor. "We are quite proud of our toilets," says Myant. But teasingly adds, "You’ll have to come to the fair to learn more." 

The April 30th fair is free and open to the public. It runs from 11am to 5pm on the Berkeley Hall School football field. The rides, games and attractions cost a modest fee which helps the fair break even. 

Location: The Berkeley Hall School

Address: 16000 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Phone: 310-476-6421