Rubidoux Dorm Life in 1953

I was among the first 56 students to start at a brand new school in February 1953. All pioneer boys and girls lived in the temporary coed dorm while other dorms were still under construction. The school was finally completed in 1958, the largest building in Riverside’s history. I treasure my 13 years in dorms as a home away from home.

In the above photograph, I wore metal skating shoes for sidewalk skating. On Sunday, my grandfather planted a kiss on my cheek to bid farewell for a new week of school and dorm life. On the right was the first dorm to open for the Lower School students.

Unlike the other thirteen dorms, I am happy to know her first dorm, Rubidoux I, has been saved from a bulldozer for a new lease on its life as a new Student Counseling Center.

Above was my Dad that drove me from Los Angeles to Riverside on Sundays. He made the habit that he waved goodbye to me from his vehicle as he drove out of the Horace Street parking lot.

Thank you, CSDR, for my round education and happy memories.

Love

Karen Kleiman, ‘66

CSDR Student 1953-1966

This framed picture and Karen’s accompanying words of appreciation were donated by CSDR Historian Kevin Struxness, ‘76, on the 72nd anniversary of the school’s opening in 2025.