Torrez Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians

66-791 Martinez Street
Thermal, CA 92271

Preservation and Restoration of 1907 School House

In 1906, the Department of the Interior Office of Indian Affairs authorized $1,917 to buy materials to build a schoolhouse, agent's cottage and office on the Torres-Martinez reservation. The structures were completed a year later. Before the school house was constructed, the nearest school was eight miles away, which was too great of a distance for children to travel everyday.

It was the late 1990's when these buildings were no longer habitable. The tribe was given a grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to begin the restoration process for all three buildings. In April of 2012 Orr Builders began the restoration and preservation process of the school house. Original wood and hardware were used to make it look and feel authentic. The main goal of the restoration project is to preserve the Torres Martinez history. "I'm thrilled that construction on the school is finally coming to appoint where I can see what my family saw in the past." Joseph Mirelez, member of the Torres-Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla Indians.

The tribe is still trying to raise funds to complete the other two historical buildings.