Forrest V. Routt -- Keeper of Two Alhambra High Schools
Mr. Routt held the distinction of serving as Superintendent of Alhambra Union High School District as well as Superintendent of the Martinez Grammar School District from 1933 to 1950. This biography is dedicated in his honor for his service and dedication to the students and citizens of Martinez.
Born on October 7, 1882 in Cairo Missouri, he was the only surviving child of John Henry Routt and Sarah D. Landrum with his older sister Lidy passing on at the age of 17 months.
The family moved to California in 1885, with his father becoming a prominent businessman in Lemoore, CA with the San Joaquin Lumber Yards. The family also owned and operated a forty acre fruit ranch. When Forrest was nine, the family relocated to Merced, Ca where Forrest met his childhood friend, Nellie Yoakum, who would later become his wife.
His education began with his reading of newspapers at the age four. He attended local schools in Merced and graduated from Merced High School in 1900. By the age of eight, it was apparent that Forrest had a remarkable singing voice. His booming tenor voice is remembered by many former students at AUHS as he would often close out assemblies by singing.
During his teen years, he would often work, when not in school, for the railroads from Oakdale to Jamestown and actually lived in a passenger car. He drove teams of horses over the mountain roads in the building of those rail lines.
Although a very serious man he knew how to enjoy life and have fun. His children often spoke of the happy times in their childhood spending time at the beach with their father and riding the roller coaster with him. His grandchildren have fond memories of numerous fishing trips and of sitting at his feet listening to stories as Forrest was a gifted storyteller.
On July 4, 1904, Forrest married his childhood friend, Nellie C. Yoakum, in Merced and spent the next 61 years together with her until her passing in 1965. They had a wonderful marriage and were never seen to argue or raise their voices. Forrest always referred to Nellie as “Girl”, and she was truly his girl.
They had one daughter Rosamond Routt Locke and two sons Forrest Routt Jr. and Hugh Burt Routt (AUHS-1936). They had six grandchildren.
He graduated from UC Berkley in 1906 with a major in education. There was no graduation service held that year at the University due to the great San Francisco earthquake. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, a member of the UC Glee Club, and the first UC Quartet.
After graduating in 1906, Forrest taught English and French and coached basketball and baseball at Alhambra High School in Alhambra, California. Forrest served as a vice principal and in 1911 became principal. In 1925 he became Superintendent in that southern California District.
Forrest came to Martinez in 1933 and was hired by Mr. W. T. Van Voris, superintendent of the Alhambra Union High School District, to become the next superintendent over the Alhambra Union High School District and the Martinez Grammar School District. The two districts, although still separate until 1963, ran concurrently under one administration from 1932 to 1963 when the unification of the Vine Hill Grammar School, Martinez Grammar School and Alhambra Union High School Districts formed the Martinez Unified School District. There is a body of evidence that Forrest also served concurrently in 1934 as Alhambra’s Principal.
Forrest was an active member of the American Red Cross during World War II.
Forrest retired from the Superintendent of the Alhambra Union High School District on June 30, 1950. At this point in his life his sight was beginning to fail. The school board was reluctant to accept resignation and only did so when Forrest remained firm on his decision to retire.
Supt. Routt’s letter of resignation follows:
“By the end of the present school year, 1949-1950, the building program in which we are now engaged should be so near completion that it could be considered as practically finished. A long period of planning and working will be crowned with success.
When the present year closes I shall have completed seventeen years as superintendent of the Martinez public schools. It will also complete forty-four years of service in the public schools of California; forty-three of them in the field of public school administration.
During the seventeen years in which I have served the public schools of Martinez I have seen them united into one well-coordinated school system. I have seen them gain not only statewide but also, in some fields, national recognition. I now see them on the verge of being adequately housed in modern buildings.
The accomplishments I have just mentioned seem, to me, to complete a cycle, and it is my intention to retire from public school work at the close of the present school year. Please accept my resignation to become effective at the close of my present contract, namely June 30, 1950.
My seventeen years in Martinez have been busy, happy, and satisfying. The schools of Martinez have become a part of me, and I hope I have left my imprint on them.
Mrs. Routt and I expect to remain in Martinez and as private citizens. I shall always retain an active and constructive interest in our public schools and the best educational services to our boys and girls.”
He loved Martinez which was evident by his numerous memberships during his retirement years. When ever in town it would take him hours to complete errands as he would stop and speak to all the people he passed. He had a lifelong love as an avid reader and gardener. He even built a green house in the back yard of his Martinez home. After his retirement he and his wife took many trips to Santa Cruz and Yosemite.
He had a great love for education and students, and in later years received letters from many former students. One postcard he received tells of the joy that Forrest instilled in his students. The AUHS year book, commonly called the Torch, was dedicated in his honor in 1937.
During his professional life, he was an active member of the National and California Retired Teachers Association; The Association of School Administrators; and the California Association of School Business Officials. He was honored with a lifetime membership to the Alhambra and Martinez Parent-Teachers Associations. He was a 58 year member and Past Master of the Masonic Lodge and past Patron of Los Cerritos Chapter 234, Order of the Eastern Star.
In his civic life he was a member and past president of the Martinez Kiwanis Club in 1937 and also served as Lieutenant Governor in 1943. He also held membership in the Martinez Chamber of Commerce.
He was active in his faith being a member of the First Congregational Church in Martinez. He was a deeply religious man which was demonstrated through his acts of kindness. He always had a copy of “The Daily Word” by his big leather chair.
Forrest passed away at the home of his daughter Rosamond on December 28, 1972. Funeral services were held at Connolly and Taylor under the direction of Martinez Lodge Number 42, F. & A.M. He was laid to rest at the Sunset Mausoleum in Berkeley CA.
Forrest set a lifelong example of the value of hard work, kindness, integrity, faith, and education. He left his mark on education in Martinez and its community. He lives now in the treasured memories of his family and so many others that he touched with his life.
My thanks to his granddaughter Diane Locke Heitkam for providing assistance in this research.
This biography can be found on the Alhambra Alumni website along with over 1500 stories on the history of Alhambra and the Martinez Schools. We invite you to come visit and join us at http://www.AlhambraAlumni.org
Submitted by David A. Rich
May 25, 2013
Update: April 25th 2016
We were fortunate enough to receive a copy of The Alhambran (1925) with a letter from Mr. Routt (see page 15).