I previously wrote about Merriewood in 2019. Many of the images on that post were lost when I transferred my blog to a different hosting site. So this is a new and improved post. I’m reviewing my posts one by one to address any issues.
Merriewood lies on the west side of Thornhill Drive, from Merriewood to Broadway Terrace. It includes some of Florence Terrace and Capricorn Avenue on one side and Valley View Road on the other.
Merriwood lies just back of Piedmont looking upon the magnificant scene of the city and the bay.” Oakland Tribune Sept 12, 1924
The Realty Syndicate Company announced that the Merriewood Tract (Montclair District) would go on sale on Sunday, September 14, 1924. There were 100 lots available. $10 would hold one for a potential buyer. Within the first week, six houses were started.
A $10 deposit would hold any lot in the tract on the opening day.
Oakland Post Enquire September 13, 1924
The Realty Syndicate had sold thousands of lots in Oakland before offering up Merriewood. They knew the challenge that most buyers faced after purchasing a lot was “How to Build.” They offered an unprecedented opportunity in Merriewood.
Oakland Tribune August 9, 1925
If the buyer wanted the house built for him, the Realty Syndicate would handle the construction, with labor costs included.
Oakland Tribune, September 12, 1925
The Merriewood tract is about 100 acres in the Oakland Hills, at elevations ranging from 500 to 1300 feet. One advantage that made Merriewood so attractive was its proximity to transportation; it was only 15 minutes to downtown and 50 minutes to San Francisco. The bus lines had recently been extended in Montclair.
To get to Merriewood (Sundays only), visitors could catch a free bus to Merriewood at the 40th and Piedmont Avenue station.
A highly admired feature of Merriwood was the remarkable marine panorama of San Francisco Bay.
Sunday you can take the step that means freedom,independence, and home ownership” Oakland Tribune Sept 12, 1924
The opening drew hundreds of people on that opening day. Within 48 hours, six houses were started.
Oakland Tribune 1926
a drive through Merriewood is all that is needed to convince one of its many advantages as a place of family residience,” C.P. Murdock – Realty Syndicate.
Oakland Tribune April 4, 1926
Healthy Climate and New Community
The hills of Merriewood were (and still are) thickly wooded with oaks, pines, and redwoods. The full force of the sun’s rays shone through the trees, resulting in a moderate, even climate.
Oakland Tribune, April 15, 1926
“The natural beauty of the tract, its pines and oaks covering the slopes, and attractive hidden away beneath the trees.” C.P. Murdock Feb 1926
Oakland Tribune 1924
Oakland Tribune, September 24, 1924
More Units
Oakland Post Enquirer March 12, 1927
By the end of September 1924, a second unit of Merriewood was on sale and included many of the level-view lots in the tract.
The same proposition of providing all the materials for a three-room house was carried over to this unit.
You never saw anything develop as fast as Merriewood. Houses going up all over the two units of the tract already sold. Oakland Tribune Oct 17, 1924
Unit No. 3 was on sale by the end of October 1924. The price of a house was as low as $ 1,975, built by the builder.
80 cozy homes were in various forms of construction by May 1925
The Realty Syndicate announced in December 1925 that Merriewood was one of the company’s most successful subdivisions since opening in 1924. They also announced the opening of the sixth unit and that 130 homes were now complete.
The experience of building homes in the earlier units of Merriewood enabled the Realty Syndicate to identify ways to reduce costs in materials and labor. The sixth unit, with no additional costs to the buyers, included built-in kitchen features and a complete bathroom with a tub and sink.
Oakland Post Enquirer April 24, 1926
Nearly 150 homes were nearing completion, the Realty Syndicate reported in March 1926.
Oakland Tribune, March 21, 1926
A Growing Community
Oakland Post Enquirer January 9, 1926
In early 1926, Montclair was also changing to keep pace with the new homes. The residents of the area built a new clubhouse, the Montclair Community Center. The clubhouse later became the home of the Montclair Women’s Club.
Oakland Tribune 1925
Home life is never complete until facilities of the community are adequate to the standards of the home.” Oakland Tribune Feb 13, 1926
A school was being built down the street from the clubhouse.
Oakland Tribune February 17, 1926
In 1927, the Thorn Road Bible School opened up on Thornhill, on the site of the present-day Montclair Presbyterian Church.
The first store in Montclair opened in 1925, and the building remains behind the present-day 7-Eleven on Thornhill.
Tract Office and Model Home
Oakland Post Enquirer, September 25, 1925
To help sell the plan, the Realty Syndicate built a demonstration model home using the same materials the buyer would receive. The material was enough to make a 3-room house.
Showing the corner of Grisborne and Thornhill, Oakland Post Enquirer, October 24, 1924
One of the model homes was located on Thornhill Drive and Grisborne Avenue. The address was 5815 Thorn Road (now Thornhill Drive). It served as the model home and tract office for Merriewood.
The Tract Office at 5815 Thornhill Drive,SF Call Bulletin October 11, 1924
Tract Office 5815 Thornhill Drive
Later, it was the offices of Phil Hearty, who sold real estate in Montclair for years and was also involved in the development of many tracts in Oakland.
“Many of the old houses on Merriewood Drive were built as vacation cabins, and several retain their original clapboard siding: 5574 (1924), 5826 (1925), 5844 (1925), 5857 (1925), and 5876 (1926)”. An Architectural Guidebook to San Francisco and the Bay Area
5826 Merriewood Drive5857 Merriewood Drive
5876 Merriwood Drive
Street Names
Merriewood has two sets of unique street names. The first is named after the signs of the zodiac: Aquarius Way, Capricorn Avenue, Leo Way, Taurus Avenue, Uranus Avenue, and Virgo Road—the other one honors Robin Hood, with Nottingham Drive, Robin Hood Way, and Sherwood Drive. I grew up on Capricorn Avenue.
Public Stairways
The Merriewood Stairs are divided into two sections: the Lower Merriewood Stairs (from Thornhill Drive to Marden Lane to Merriewood) and the Upper Merriewood Stairs (from Merriewood Drive to Valley View Road to Merriewood again). Merriewood Stairs _ Oakland Local Wiki.
This is an updated version of a post I wrote in 2019. Many of the images were lost when I transferred my blog to a different hosting site. I’m looking through them one by one to correct any issues.
The 1928 Model View home was (is) situated at “The Top of the World”; in reality, the top-most peak of Montclair Highlands overlooking the entire bay and a little bit of the Pacific Ocean.
Oakland Tribune, March 25, 1928
Open for Inspection
This is a picturesque California Spanish type residense built for Paul Pause on the crest of the hill just above Piedmont.”
The 1928 Model View Home was open for inspection in March 1928. Paul Pause (see above quote) was the president of Montclair Realty Co. at the time and remained in that position for years afterward.
With a view of the bay region in which Baedecker (a travel expert) described the area “as the second finest in the world,” the 1928 Model view home on the crest of Montclair Highlands was complete and ready for inspection on
Oakland Tribune, March 25, 1928
The home was built by Elmo H. Adams, who at that time had built over too hundred fine residences in Oakland, including the $25,000 Calahan residence next door. Hamilton Murdock was the architect.
Oakland Tribune, May 6, 1928
A new type of setback style architecture was employed for the first time on the 1928 Model View Home. It was a marked stride forward in the adaptation of a Spanish-type residence to the requirements of hillside and hill-top dwellers. The house made the most of the view without incurring any extra costs.
The Observation Tower was nearby, where visitors could view many points of interest around the bay through a powerful telescope.
The Observation Tower circa 1925 Cheney Photo Advertising Co.
Great care was taken in the landscaping by Howard Gilkey and Wila Cloys Carmack, both of whom lived in Montclair. A sense of privacy was ensured by a pergola across the rear and tall shrubbery plantings along the lot’s boundaries.
Complete electrification is one of the outstanding features of the home.” Paul Pause Oakland Tribune Mar 25, 1928
The “1928 Model” View Home “The Home Electric.” All the latest features of proven merit – the things you have wondered about are used in the “1928 Model” home, including Oakland Tribune, Mar 25, 1928
In November of 1928, they held a movie screen test for children in the “1928 Model View “ home. The screen test was under the direction of the Sherman Clay Company.
Oakland Tribune, Nov 11, 1928
Montclair Highlands Commands Ones of The World’s Finest Views, and Only 15 Minutes From Downtown
Montclair Realty – 1928
The “1929 Model View” Home
For a few weeks, “1928 Model View” became the 1929 Model View.
Oakland Tribune Dec 23, 1928
On the Market
In 1936, Paul Pause announced that the home was again open for inspection.
Oakland Tribune, Nov 8, 1936
The cost to build is $13,500, and it was being sold for $8,750.
Oakland Tribune, Sept 13, 1936
For sale in 1954 for $17,500.
Oakland Tribune, May 9, 1954
Again in 1969.
SF Examiner, May 4, 1969
The Callahan Home
Next door to the “1928 Model View Home” is the R.B. Callahan home. His home was built in August 1926 by Elmo H. Adams, with Hamilton Murdock serving as the architect. The cost was between $20,000 and $25,000, which was a substantial amount at the time.
In the above photo, the Callahan home is visible on the left-hand side. The house is located at 1989 Asilomar Drive, the corner of Balboa Drive. The Observation Tower is seen on the right side.
From what I can tell, the Callahans lived there until the early 1940s.
On the Market
Oakland Tribune April 5, 1942
The Truitt family resided there from approximately 1945 to 1980. George Truitt was part-owner of Truitt & White Lumber in Berkeley, CA
The home of James Landon, located at 2057 Asilomar Ave, was built in 1937.
Oakland Tribune, Mar 2, 1937
In May 1937, the construction of a Spanish-style residence was underway. The home was for Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Cochran of Cochran & Celli. The house is located on the same site as the Observation Tower.
This is an updated version of a post I wrote in 2018. When I moved my blog to a different host (server), some of my posts didn’t fare well in the move. I’ve been reviewing my posts one by one, making corrections and updates as needed.
October 27, 2025
In May 1925, the Realty Syndicate Company offered two developments. They were both in Montclair.
Oakland Tribune, May 17, 1925
“It is said that the elevation of Montclair Highlands affords a view which surpasses anything from any other point in Oakland.” Oakland Tribune, May 17, 1925
SF Call Bulletin May 16, 1925
The first was the Montclair Business Center, as the name indicated, which was a tract for area businesses. The second was Montclair Highlands, a residential tract directly behind the business center.
you get a marine panorama not surpassed by any view in the world. Our free buss will bring up to the site.” Oakland Tribune Jan 07, 1925
The business tract was first offered for sale in 1921, then withdrawn, awaiting further growth in the area.
This post is about Montclair Highlands.
Oakland Tribune, May 31, 1925
Montclair Highlands and Montclair Highlands Extension are located behind the present business district in Montclair. The tract goes up about Saroni Drive with Colton Blvd and Shepherd Canyon on either side. It includes a few houses on Thornhill Drive and Mountain Blvd from Thornhill to Colton Blvd.
Opening
Baedecker, Tourist Authority Rates View From This Tract as Third Finest in The World.” SF Examiner May 23, 1925
Montclair Highlands was separated from the original Montclair tract by the business center. It overlooks the bay and the earlier Montclair units.
The Realty Syndicate sold Montclair Highlands, a district of very high-class, beautiful homes with large lots and strict building restrictions.
Oakland Tribune June 7, 1925
Many flocked to Montclair Highlands during the opening week. They enjoyed the remarkable panoramas from the level lots.
Oakland Post Enquirer June 6, 1925
Lots were priced from about $500 up, with 10% down and 1% a month.
Oakland Post Enquirer June 13, 1925
Observation Tower
Observation Tower circa 1925 – Location Asilomar Drive and Aztex Drive
The Realty Syndicate Company built an observation tower equipped with a special telescope and field glasses in June 1925.
The Realty Syndicate Company built an observation tower equipped with a special telescope and field glasses in June 1925.
Oakland Tribune Dec 23, 1925
From the observation tower high on the hill above the Montclair Business Center, all the interesting points around the San Francisco Bay were visible.
On a clear day, you could see as far as the Farallon Islands.
Open daily 9 am to 9 pm, the tower was free to the public.
From the Top of the World, as Montclair Highlands is called, there is an unobstructed view for many miles south, out across the bay to San Francisco, north to Mt. Tamalpais.
Oakland Tribune Aug 16, 1925
Transportation
In July 1928, the Smith Reserve- Montclair Highlands bus line was inaugurated by the Realty Syndicate. Leaving from the terminal, the buses would alternate their runs between Smith Reserve (now Piedmont Pines) and Montclair Highlands.
Oakland Tribune, July 1928
The increased popularity of the two tracts made this an essential step in their development.
Oakland Tribune Oct 7, 1928
With the completion of the new $18,000 bus terminal and depot in the Montclair business center, local transportation lines terminated at its slopes. The tract was also accessible by the Sacramento Northern Railroad.
you get a marine panorama not surprassed by any view in the world. Our free buss will bring you up to the site.” Oakland Tribune June 07, 1925
Over the years, I have conducted extensive research on the tracts and subdivisions throughout Oakland, with a particular focus on the Montclair area.
A few years ago, I created a map of the model/display homes I came across. This map is a work in progress and not perfect. In most cases, you will see a photo or clipping of the house, along with a link to one of my blog pages if I have written about it.
Enjoy, and maybe your home is on it.
Oakland Tribune, June 20, 1926
Model Homes
Model homes, also known as display homes or show houses, are typically fully furnished and decorated by local companies, often with high-end finishes and appliances.
They are open to the public, allowing prospective buyers to walk through and experience the home firsthand.
More Info:
Model Home
a house in a newly built development that is furnished and decorated to be shown to prospective buyers.
English Village is located on Holly Street between 74th and 77th in East Oakland.
New Homes Announced
English Village consists of fifty-six homes, all modeled after English cottages, according to the announcement. Walled-in gardens with quaint gates, gabled roofs, and paneled front doors were among the notable exterior features.
Oakland Tribune, March 1928
An English gate marked the entrance on Holly Street.
W.W. Dixon, the architect who designed Normandy Gardens (Picardy Drive), also worked on the English Village homes.
The homes in English Village are typically five or six rooms in size and range in price from $6,500 to $7,000.
Oakland Tribune, May 6, 1928
The first five homes served as a sample of the 51 other homes to be completed, all of which were modeled after beautiful little cottages.
Every house is uniquely designed compared to its neighbors. The builders were particularly proud of the beautiful breakfast rooms, furnished with hand-decorated furniture, and the kitchens, which were varied with colorful tile.
“Large closets. marvelously arranged and furnished kitchens and beautiful bathrooms are just a few of the features.”
Highland Manor is located off of Broadway Terrace, before Lake Temescal.
Highland Manor Oakland, Alameda Co., Cal., 1915 / P.A. Haviland, County Surveyor. Filed at request of Realty Syndicate Company – UC Berkeley Library
In 1917, the Realty Syndicate Co. was preparing to sellHighland Manor, a restricted residential subdivision adjoining Rockridge. The engineering work on the 31 acres was completed, and the tract map was filed. The street work reached completion on McAdam Street (now Broadway Terrace), the main artery through the property.
Highland Manor
“with a bang war was declared“
Oakland Tribune August 12, 1920
Oakland Tribune May and August 1920
Further expenditures were stopped because America was at war. The completed advertising campaign gathered dust until it was revived in 1920 by new agents, with prices for quarter, half, and acre lots at $5.00 per front foot.
Highland Manor
“From where you look down upon your city Oakland. Whose streets spread like the arteries of a maple leaf until they sink into the Bay Beyond. From whence her lights at night glitter like a million diamonds set in the ebony of night – a panorama nowhere surpassed in the world.” Oakland Tribune
The home in the above photo is on Broadway Terrace at 6327. It is a two-story English-style home with a cement basement and a separate garage.
Oakland Tribune Jan 27, 1929Oakland Tribune Feb 15, 1970
In 1929, it sold for $7850.00, and again in 1970, it sold for $29,950. It is now estimated to be worth $1,612,215.
“Where the Air is Laden With the Sweet Breath of Nature“
Oakland Tribune August 13, 1922
The home in the photo below is at 6333 Broadway Terrace
“Where Quiet Reigns and Man Feels at Peace with Himself and the World”
Oakland Tribune August 13, 1922
Oakland Tribune
New Highland Manor Model Home
The home, which is of Spanish architecture, commands a marvelous view from the living, dining, and kitchen rooms. The living room runs the entire length of the house.
Oakland Tribune June 8, 1930
The first floor also has two bedrooms and a bathroom. The lower floor has a large bedroom that could be used as a child’s playroom or social hall, bathroom, laundry, furnace, and storage rooms.
Phil Heraty (1896-1969) was a Bay Area Builder and Developer responsible for homes in Concord, Walnut Creek, San Leandro, and Oakland. I covered Melrose Highlands in Oakland here.
In 1940, Heraty opened new offices at 3625 Hopkins Street (now MacArthur Blvd.) and announced that this would be the headquarters for all company operations. The branch office at 5815 Thornhill, the original tract office for the Merriewood Development, is now home to a daycare.
It is now Medical Offices – Oakland Tribune November 10, 1940
This post will cover a group of homes built in the Broadway Terrace area by Lake Temescal.
Lake Temescal Studio Homes
The development of Lake Temescal in 1938 as a recreation center with swimming and picnic grounds significantly increased the demand for building homes in the wooded hill district adjacent to the lake.
Oakland Tribune 1938
In May 1938, Phil Heraty announced the completion of a new group of eight studio homes he called ‘Lake Temescal Studio Homes.’ The previous year, he sold 37 studio homes in the area.
Oakland Tribune May 1938
Below is one of the Studio Homes. It was located at 6192 Ruthland Road and was lost in the 1991 fire.
Oakland Tribune 1938
The Temescal, a furnished 6-room display home, was opened in November 1938. It was listed for $4950.00
Oakland Tribune 1938
The Temescal is located on Florence Terrace, where it meets Capricorn Avenue.
This is the area where I grew up. I used to walk to school with a girl who lived there. They moved sometime in the mid-1970s. I then babysat for the next family that lived there. I watched their daughter from about six months to three years old. I love this house! I fantasized about living there.
In 1940, Heraty announced the completion of a new group of “unusual studio homes” located along Broadway Terrace and Taurus Avenue.
Oakland Tribune 1940Oakland Tribune 1940
The new two-bedroom homes would cost less than $4900 to less than $6000. They featured large living rooms with beamed ceilings and corner fireplaces, corner tiled sinks in an airy kitchen, and elevated bedrooms on a huge lot. The largest home in the group had a rumpus room finished in knotty pine.
Sliding Down
Oakland Tribune 1953
In the spring of 1952, a group of studio homes in the Upper Broadway Terrace area at Taurus Road began sliding down the hill. I’m not saying they had anything to do Phil Hearty and the construction.
7075 Broadway Terrace
7081 Broadway Terrace
7085 Broadway Terrace
7093 Broadway Terrace
9009 Broadway Terrace
9025 Broadway Terrace
9033 Broadway Terrace
9041 Broadway Terrace
Oakland Tribune May 18, 1952
The following year, during the winter rains and after the city of Oakland had done extensive work on the slide, the homes began to slide again. This turned what was left of the homes into rubble and further damaged others.
In 1954, eight Broadway Terrace property owners sued the city of Oakland and the Oakland Sewer Construction Company for $135,000. The suit alleged the damage was caused by seepage from a ditch the sewer construction company dug.
“eight houses in a hilly portion of Oakland, which, prior to 1949, were serviced by septic tanks. The area is a natural drainage area” Findlaw
“prior to the sewer installation, had leaking septic tanks, and possibly some springs.” Findlaw
The area now has big homes built after the 1991 fire.
Growing up, I heard stories about Montclair having summer homes that belonged to the rich people of San Francisco and a few cabins that belonged to hunters. This is what I found.
Oakland Tribune 1922
In 1922, few people outside the hikers of the Contra Costa Hills Club knew much about Pinehaven and its beautiful canyon. Pinehaven has all the characteristics of the most picturesque parts of Marin County. Roads have now been opened up. The property was initially laid out as Upper Piedmont, but the owners changed the plans and decided to put it on the market for those who want summer home cabins close to downtown and transportation.
Lawrence Block of the Villa Site Sales Company was in charge of the sale of the property, and Block said:
“Pinehaven is a summer home colony with its pretty cottages and cabin homes nestling in the side-hills, overlooking canyons and within twenty minutes from City Hall. You awaken in the morning to the song of the birds refreshed and full of vigor and imagine you have traveled a hundred miles to the wilds of some distant state.“
Oakland Tribune Mar 27, 1922
This was Villa Site Sales Company’s first big sale, offering it at mortgage prices. The sale price was as low as $175.00. More than 50 cabins and cottages were being planned. Pinehaven went on sale on April 9, 1922.
Oakland Tribune Feb 19, 1922
Lots of Building
Oakland Tribune Apr 9, 1922
Building Bungalows in Foothill Canyons
Oakland Tribune June 1922
Oakland Tribune May 1922
Oakland Tribune May and June 1922
Cabin Sites of 1/4 acre each sold for $85 to $385 each with payments of $2.00 a month.
“In a rustic setting of ferns and pines and little streams among rolling hills is located Pinehaven” Oakland Tribune
Oakland Tribune May 1922
Oakland Tribune May 21, 1922
Log Cabins
6466 Pinehaven Road was advertised as a “Log Cabin” in 1946, 1956, and 1980. There is no picture avaiable online for this home. I will have to venture into the world and check it out myself.
Oakland Tribune1946
Oakland Tribune1980
Oakland Tribune 1956
I believe this is one of the Log Cabins. It is advertised as being built in 1890, but I doubt it. It is located at 7135 Pinehaven Rd, close to Broadway Terrace.
Another possibility might be this log cabin on Heather Ridge Way. Built in 1922, it is in the correct time frame.
“The log cabin harmonizes seamlessly with the natural surroundings, inviting you to step into a world where old-world charm meets modern comfort. The rustic, cozy living/dining room has preserved the cabin’s historic appeal.”Redfin.com
I hope you enjoy this. I had written about Medau before, but the post was messed up when I changed my blog to a new host. I hope this post will get me back into the swing of things; I have had a lot on my plate these last few months. Dorothy
In 1857, J.H. Medau purchased approximately 500 acres in what was then Piedmont, or hills in the back of Piedmont. He bought the property as a ranch. Some of the land was priced at $30.00 an acre, and “the poorer land,” located in East Piedmont, sold for $10.00 an acre.Oakland Tribune 1916
The ranch was located in what is now the Montclair Business District,Montclair Park, and part of Piedmont.
J H Medau -Thorn Road – Oakland Directory 1898
When Medau first bought the land, it was covered with weeds, grass, flowers, and rattlesnakes—lots of rattlesnakes! He spent the next 36 years cultivating the land to be one of the finest of its kind at the time.
Ad for Medau Dairy – Alameda County: The Eden of the Pacific 1898
The Medau’s home was located in what is now Montclair Park. Beautiful gardens surrounded it and it was a stone’s throw from the pond, stocked with German Carp and Trout.
His herd consisted of forty-five cows. He also grew grain and hay on the ranch.
“famous Medau Ranch”
Oakland Tribune Oct 1916
Undated photo of the Medau Family in front of their home on the ranch. (Courtesy of Oakland History Room)
He was a school trustee for Fruitvale and Hays Districts for over twenty years, and some of his children attended the Hays School.
May Day Festival
In 1879, Medau hosted a May Day Festival and invited the children from Fruit Vale School.
Scenic Park
In 1897, Medau offered to sell his land (476 acres) to the city of Oakland for a park.
The land is less than four miles from city hall. The county road to Contra Costa County passes through nearly the entire length of his land.
Oakland Tribune November 22, 1897
From Valley to Hillside
The lower part of the ranch comprises stretches of level and slightly rolling land; to the northward, the land extends up the sloping hillsides to the crest of the ridge, where the dividing line between Alameda and Contra Costa counties is located. The highest peak of the land is 1,300 feet above sea level.
Oakland Tribune November 22, 1897
The views from the highest point are unrivaled. A sweeping of the Contra Costa, San Joaquin, and Sacramento Valleys. Both Mount Diablo and Hamilton can be seen.
Many Natural Advantages
Oakland Tribune November 22, 1897
A mountain stream flows along the eastern border. Near the Meadau residence, a natural lake (the pond in Montclair Park) of an acre in extent is fed by springs from the adjacent hillside.
He said he would sell the 476 acres for $210 an acre.
For Sale
Oakland Enquirer July 9, 1901
In 1901, Medau sold his ranch for $95,000 to the Reality Syndicate.
He retired to a new home he had built on East 12th near 2nd Avenue, where he lived for the rest of his life.
Oakland Tribune October 25, 1905
The Medau Family
John Heinrich “Henry” Medau (1831-1918) was born in Holstein, Germany, emigrated to the United States in 1851, and became a naturalized citizen in 1857.
San Francisco
When Medau was sixteen and still in Germany, he apprenticed to learn the trade of a tobacconist, and he did that for about three years. In 1851, he and his brothers set sail for the United States, first staying in New York and then heading to San Francisco. He first took any available jobs, then in 1853, he purchased a cigar store and worked it for several years with his brothers. He retained interest in the store until 1864.
In June 1860, he married Regina Raubinger (1860-1916), also born in Germany. They had the following children, all born at the ranch.
Edward 1863-1918
Pauline 1865-1930
Matilda 1866-1954
Adelphine 1868-1958
Theodore A. 1870-1953
Edith S. 1872-1962
Henry 1874-1874
Louisa 1875-1954
Henry O. 1880-1970
California Daily Alta June 12, 1860
Regina Raubinger came to San Francisco at 18, married Medau a year later, and moved across the bay to Oakland.
Oakland Tribune June 12, 1910
Medau passed away in 1918; his wife preceded him in 1916.
Henry Medau, the last remaining son, died in 1970.
Oakland Tribune Aug 31, 1970
From the Montclarion
From Henry Medau – Printed in the Montcarion April 1960
In 1963, Henry Medau, one of Medau’s sons, was interviewed by the Montclairion. He loaned the above photo for use in the article. This is the same ad as the photo at the beginning of this post.
Top- left – the family orchard
Top- middle – cows grazing in hills.
Top- right – a corner of the pond with cedars in the background
Middle-left Medau family home, which faced Moraga Road.
Middle- some of the dairy buildings
Middle-right, another view of the Medau home.
Bottom-left view of the yard around the home
Bottom-middle the pond created by springs a view of “Indian hill.”
Bottom-right Moraga Road is lined with eucalyptus.
