100 Years of Sunset Stories
For a century, Sunset has been a schoolhouse, a stage and a gathering place. These are the memories of the people who lived it, in their own words.
Sunset School alumna; three generations of her family attended
1920s-1950s
"We were her first class and adored her."
Sunset School alumnus, K–8, 1946–1954; son of a Sunset kindergarten teacher
"When I was in 8th grade, my pet tarantula, Oscar, which I had brought to school, escaped."
Sunset School alumna
1940s
"It had 2 stories, a wooden ladder & we could get into it!"
Sunset School alumna, K–8
1940s-today
"We consider ourselves more like cousins than friends."
Sunset School alumna
School years
"Those of us who have been fortunate to live here still treasure our early school days at Sunset with wonderful teachers."
Community member; daughter of photographers Wynn and Edna Bullock
1950s-today
"I felt like a princess at a ball."
Sunset School alumnus, 1954–1955; founding member of The Fleetwoods
1950s
"great memories of Carmel."
Sunset School alumna; longtime Monterey Symphony usher
1950s-today
"Sunset Center is our greatest asset."
Sunset School alumni, final eighth-grade class of 1962
1950s-1960s
"Students gave one of them the memorable nickname 'Johann Sebastian Bat."
Sunset School alumna, fifth through seventh grade
School years
"It was magical."
Sunset School alumnus, fifth grade 1964-65
1960s
"I am proud to say I attended school in this iconic venue."
Daughter of photographer Cole Weston
Weston family years
"I spent many hours working for my father, Cole Weston, in his darkroom in the bottom part of Sunset Center."
Performer since fourth grade; Old Flannel Pajamas
1970s-today
"Maybe one day, my band can play at Sunset Center."
Community member; second-generation Sunset family, married at Sunset in 2024
1980s-today
"If you had told me I'd be walking my daughter down the aisle here 70 years later, I wouldn't have believed it."
Monterey Symphony patron
Today
"This would not have happened without the years of planning and commitment from Nancy and Bill Doolittle."
20-year Sunset Center volunteer; Classroom Connections
2000s-today
"For Kit, these moments represent the true magic of Sunset Center."
Concert presenter and promoter
2007-today
"I toured the Sunset Center and loved the venue."
Community member and neighbor; producer of fundraising performances
2020s
"That evening proved that the Sunset Center is much more than a beautiful building."
Artist, author and Carmel Public Library Foundation board member
2007-today
"Sunset Center is the beating heart of Carmel."
Carmel Bach Festival volunteer and audience member
1940s-today
"It's the people who make Sunset what it is, just like the rest of the town."
Sunset School alumna, class of 1950
1940s
"Our lives are still connected and that began in the fifth grade at Sunset."
Carmel Bach Festival musician since 1984
1980s-today
"When I look up at it nowadays, it takes me back to the people I played with."
Sunset School alumnus, fifth grade, fall 1963
1960s
"Even a relatively brief time at Sunset can leave memories that last a lifetime."
Donor and supporter; led the theater and backstage renovation
2020s
"There's so much detailed machinery hidden behind the curtain."
Sunset School alumna, 6th and 7th grade
"It was a place where young people learned, discovered their interests, built friendships and created memories that have lasted a lifetime."
Sunset School alumnus, sixth grade, 1956; composer
1950s
"A dedicated teacher, a young student and a simple music lesson can create an impact that lasts a lifetime."
Sunset School alumna; Chartwell School co-founder
"Carmel was a great place to grow up and Sunset was a great school to attend."
Performer
"Gifted performers on the Sunset stage and joy to share."
Sunset School alumnus, first grade in 1947
1940s
"For one young student, learning to shape copper and work with wood became the beginning of a career."
Sunset School alumna, sixth grade 1961-62
1960s
"A magical space that enhances any performance, production or event."
Performer, Christmas Capers
1970s-today
"It was truly a wonderful time to be a young person in Carmel!"
Granddaughter of Sunset School alumna Donalee Gravelle Masters; Sunset Center neighbor
1940s-today
"A place where families in Carmel-by-the-Sea of every generation can learn, perform, and gather."
Sunset School alumnus
1950s-1960s
"His one wish for the next 100 years? Bring back the woodshop."
Sunset School alumna, fifth grade in 1962
1960s
"Every so often, Schatzi and her friends would slip off campus at lunch to buy cinnamon Red Hot Life Savers."