Toler Heights

Toler Heights is located on the Foothill Boulevard (now MacArthur Boulevard). The tract is about 157 acres with almost 1,000 building sites.

Toler Heights got its name from the ranch that was on the land previously.

Toler Ranch

William Pinkney Toler (1829-1899) and his wife, Maria Antonia (1836-1926), owned 330 (349) acres of land in the foothills of Elmhurst. Maria was the daughter of  Hermenegildo “Ignacio” Peralta. William and Maria were married in 1853.

The ranch was located on the foothills road between Elmhurst and San Leandro, later known as Foothill Boulevard, and is now MacArthur Boulevard. The ranch was close to both the Talbot Farm and the Dunsmuir Home.

Toler Ranch Sold

After her husband’s death, Mrs. Toler sold the ranch to the Realty Syndicate for $110,000-$120,000. The land was then subdivided and placed on the market.

The ranch spanned approximately 300 to 349 acres, but according to the newspapers, the tract was 150 acres.

Map of Toler Heights – 1907

Opening Day 1907

Large crowds attended the opening on October 6, 1907. On that day, they held a barbecue festival with free food served in tents. A band played lively music, while young boys sold popcorn.

A group of Investors owned the property, and the Southwest Securities Company was handling the sales for them.

Over $200,000 was sold on opening day.

The lots were larger, ranging from 50X125 to a full acre. The business lots fronted on Foothill Boulevard.

Toler Heights is not a newtown, sand dune or a place in the wilderness: But Toler Heights is the Nob Hill, the cream of Elmhurst property, and so cheap in price that is – The Best Buy Offered.” Oakland Tribnune Oct 09 1907

Change of Ownership

In 1910, the Henderson & Tapscotts Company purchased Toler Heights. They made numerous improvements to the tract. Opening day was held on May 22, 1910.

The photo above might be showing the Silva Ranch on Foothill Blvd

Opening day was one of the most auspicious days for selling residential properties. Oakland Tribune, May 24, 1910

Toler Heights is on the scenic boulevard along the foothills. The area has a slight elevation and an unrivaled view of Oakland and the bay with San Francisco in the distance.

it combines all the beauties and advnatages of Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, and Piedmont Heights, but without the cutting winds, blinding dust, and exasperating fog.” SF Call Oct 06, 1907

Toler Heights was referred to as “The Piedmont of East Oakland” due to its commanding view and surroundings.

Some of the wealthiest families of Oakland and one wealthy banker from San Francisco have their villa homes adjoining Toler Heights.

In 1911, the Oakland Traction Company completed a Toler Heights branch line via 90th Avenue from East 14th (now International Boulevard). They called it the Toler Heights Extension. At the time, Toler Heights was 24 minutes from downtown Oakland, via streetcar.

Another change in ownership

In 1922, the new owners put the property up for sale at an auction. “Sales way down.” Oakland Tribune, May 28, 1922

During the auction, buyers were allowed to make their own estimate of the value of each piece of property, and they could bid as low or as high as they pleased.

Restrictions

The owners of the Toler Heights imposed certain building restrictions, which were incorporated in the transfer of the property, giving assurance that “neither Orientals or any objectionable persons, or their homes will ever be tolerated on the heights.”

New School – May 1928 – Now Barack Obama Academy

Location

More Information on Toler Heights

• Ready to Rush to Toler Heights – Oakland Tribune Oct 05, 1907
• Toler Heights on the Market – Oakland Tribune Oct 07, 1907
• Birdseye View of Toler Height Advertisement – SF Examiner Oct 13, 1907
• 90th Avenue to be Boulevard – Oakland Tribune, Jul 12, 1914
• The Men Who Will Try an Auction – Oakland Tribune Jun 03, 1922
• Absolute Auction – Oakland Tribune June 04, 1922

---

• Toler Heights – Oakland, CA
• The Oakland Neighborhood Project – Toler Heights

The End