Historic Schoolhouse Still Alive With Children's Laughter

The landmarks are still standing from one of Larkspur's oldest businesses, even though the Remillard Brickyard has long been closed.

In its place at the brick kiln facility with the soaring chimney sprouted The Melting Pot restaurant.

Near by, on the corner of quiet Neighborhood Park, sits the Children's Cottage Cooperative Preschool in a little white house with green trim near the Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal. The building, originally built in 1891, was the caretaker's cottage for the Remillard Brickyard which was responsible for making the brick that rebuilt San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake.

The Cottage Cooperative is a play-based preschool that is centered around the children's interests, imagination and passions. Teachers and parents lead the children on strolls through the Larkspur Landing neighborhood, the kids skipping, climbing on boulders and laughing all the way.

Pam Brabo is only the third director since The Cottage Cooperative began in 1948. She has been a preschool teacher for 28 years and taught at the Cottage for 14 years before becoming the school's director more than 25 years ago.

“It’s a parent participation preschool where the parents are required to work one morning a week here at the school," said Brabo, the mother of three grown children. "They work as my assistants. Every day I have five or six parents here… There are 44 families here and it’s a huge amount of work.” 

The nature and small scale of the historic cottage is ideal for children, and includes a science area, library, art-room and various play areas. The facility also includes a wonderful outdoor playground, deck and teaching garden. The laughter from the tiny cottage rings across the park, bringing new life to history.

The building was declared a California State landmark in 1978 and renovated in 1985 through the cooperative efforts of The Buck Trust, Robert H. Lee, the City of Larkspur and the Remillard Cottage Board. A plaque set in a stone sits near the front stairs, recounting the history of the building.

Brabo continued, “I’m still here because I love the freedom that these kids have to play. Play is their work. That’s were these kids learn give and take … how to work as a team. Everything we learn here at the school is what is going to take us through our life. (The kids) have that self confidence, that self worth. That’s the best part.”

Kathleen O’Loughlin has a 4 ½ year old daughter at the preschool. Her older son was also at the preschool. She told me, “I really like that I get to be a part of their education. It's such a special time and I get to be here with them. I’m glad that I am not just dropping her off and then I have no idea what’s happening in her day… And I’ve gotten to know great families and the sense of community... When we move on to big kids school I know so many of the kids in the classroom … it’s amazing.”

Margaret Pizzi has a 3 year old daughter at the preschool. She has two older children who were students at the preschool. As she was scrubbing the co-op’s kitchen sink, she shared, “Pam is fabulous, the co-op program is great and … it’s involved… I get to be part of the learning for my kids … and we all are a good community.”

Riley Sutton, 20, came back for a visit. He had been at the co-op more than 15 years ago and as he hugged his former teacher Pammy, a big smile was seen on his face.

“I remember it being the most fun place ever. I looked forward every day coming here," Sutton said. "I remember Pam. I remember certain songs, certain times of the day that were fun.”

Teresa Tachis, 25, came to the co-op more than 20 years ago and now is a volunteer. She remembers, “I used to get so mad when I had to leave early.” When asked why she volunteers at the preschool, she said, “I missed this place… It was always a dream of mine to come back.”

For more information about the Children’s Cottage Cooperative Preschool, please visit their website.

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