History, Model/Display Homes

The Ward-Way – Homes by Montgomery Ward Co.

Posted on January 28, 2018September 24, 2025 by Dorothy Londagin

Oakland Tribune Apr 28, 1940

In the 1940s, Montgomery Ward, through its building services department, sold pre-fabricated homes to be built by local contractors. They would supply everything necessary to build your home.

“The Ward Way method of building and furnishing is a simplified system of obtaining built to order home,” states Ralph Jarvis Ward-Way representative
Oakland Tribune Oct 27, 1940

I found information on ten or so homes built “The Ward-Way.” I am basing this solely on what I see in the Oakland Tribune. With that in mind, my list may not be perfect due to errors in the paper. I am not perfect, either. If possible, I have included a picture of the house as it is today. All these homes were built in 1940.

Oakland’s Home Built The Ward Way

4225 Lincoln Ave – Lincoln Highlands
4215 Lincoln Ave – Lincoln Highlands
3598 Lincoln Ave – Upper Dimond
3917 Whittle Ave – Upper Dimond
3001 Logan – Meadow Brook Fruitvale
1991 Magellan Dr. – Montclair Highlands
6024 Leona St – Leona Heights
9909 Murillo Ave – Oak Knoll
7879 Michigan Ave – Eastmont Hills
2227 85th Ave – Castlemont
1615 82nd Ave – Webster

Here are a few:

4225 Lincoln Ave

4225 Lincoln Oakland_Tribune_Sun__Jun_9__1940_

3917 Whittle Ave

1991 Magellan

9909 Murillo Ave

Oakland Tribune Oct 27, 1940

7879 Michigan Ave

2227 85th Ave

1615 82nd Ave

1615 82nd ave — Google Map

6024 Leona St

The End

Buildings, Early Montclair, Tract or Subdivisions

Montclair Observation Tower

Posted on January 18, 2018September 25, 2025 by Dorothy Londagin

The Montclair Observation Tower was a two-story tower constructed by the Realty Syndicate in 1925 to aid in the sale of homes in the newly developed area of Montclair Highlands.

Montclair Observation Tower 1925 - Oakland History Room — Montclair Observation Tower – Montclair Highlands 1923 – Oakland History Room

Every night, the Observation Tower was illuminated by the Idora Park searchlight – “the most powerful searchlight in the world.”

“On a clear day, it is said you could see points as far away as the Farallon Islands.”
Oakland Tribune June 25, 1925

Oakland_Tribune_Sun__Jun_21__1925_ — Oakland Tribune June 25, 1925

Oakland Tribune August 16, 1925

Oakland Tribune Jun 21, 1925

The tower was still standing in July 1929. I don’t know when the tower was removed. I have heard that the was heavily damaged in a late-night fire in 1929 or 1930. But I have no proof.

Location of the tower

Near the intersection of Asilomar Drive and Aztec Way.

observation tower

The End