Res. & farm of P.A. Finigan, Brooklyn Tp.
The Alden Farm (Alder Farm) once stood on the land where Holy Names University is located today.
In 1874 Charles Low owned the property. A barn was located where Tobin Halls and the university’s gymnasium are today. He built a house for his family on the site where Brennan Hall stands today. You can see a map of the campus here.
In 1877 Peter A. Finigan (Finnegan) purchased the property from Low and built a second house near where Cushing Library is today.
In 1884 Thomas Magee of Thomas Magee & Sons Real Estate Firm purchased the farm. I bet Magee Avenue was named after him.
Magee added a second story to the house that Finigan built.
During the early years, the Magee would spend winter at their home in San Francisco and summer on Alden Farm. After the 1906 earthquake and fire, they made their home permanently at Alden Farm.
Alden Farm was considered one of the premier showplaces in Oakland. Many social events and weddings were held there over the years.
Many Fires
Fire Destroys Alden Farm
Holy Names University
Deaths of the Magee’s
- Mrs. Magee dies at Alden Farm – Oakland Tribune Jan 1950
- Mr. Magee dies at Alden Farm – SF Examiner May 1950
More Info
- Oakland Heritage Alliance Newsletter – Vol.31, No.1- Spring 2011
- Mrs. Magee dies at Alden Farm – Oakland Tribune Jan 05, 1950
- W.A. Magee Rites Held – Oakland Tribune May 14, 1950
- Holy Names University – Flickr – Campus Construction 1957