In Oak Knoll…

Posted on September 2, 2020 by Dorothy Londagin

In 1926 it was announced that development of the Oak Knoll Country Club and the land surrounding it would handled by Carroll L. Post, the former president of Post Food Products Company. They began building the first group of model homes in April of 1926. Ezell-Phebus were the sales-agents.

Oak Knoll residential development was built around the new Oak Knoll golf course and Country Club .

E.B. Field Co. took developing the project in 1927.

5, 000 people standing on a hillside AGREED! That: Oak Knoll is Oakland’s finest Homeland!“
Oakland Tribune Oct 02, 1927

Spanish Style Home

This six room Spanish style bungalow was built in 1927 and was designed by R.E. Neikirk of Oakland. You enter the home from a terraced entry to a large living room with chapel style ceiling. There are three sunny bedrooms, a kitchen and a dining room.

..Beautiful Oak Knoll – The Heart of Oakland’s Country Club Districts”
E.B. Field Co.

Casa De La Vista

I haven’t been able to find the location of this home.

The attractive Spanish type residence opened in March of 1928. The architect was Harris Allen and the home was furnished by Whithone & Swan.

The Windsor House

Located on a spacious corner lot at Oak Knoll and Granada Avenues. The English style home was attractively adapted to the hillside setting. The house has five bedrooms and three bathrooms.

It was put on display to show how artistic a moderately priced can be with s comparetly small amount spent in furnishing it. Furnishing by Breuner’s of Oakland.

The Beautiful,Completely Furnished “ Windsor House”
Oakland Tribune

The home has beautiful hardwood floors and high coved ceilings. An expansive deck off the kitchen leads to a private back patio. A main-floor master suite makes for convenient living, with two more bedrooms and a playroom upstairs with the second full bathroom.

Calafia Avenue Home

**3610 Calafia Avenue** – **Google Maps**

A Beautiful Home

Live in Oak Knoll and Play Golf at Home“
Oakland Tribune Jan 20, 1927

Overlooking the Oak Knoll Clubhouse

In 1937 a new home overlooking the Oak Knoll golf course and clubhouse was completed. The home was built for Domino Merlino at an approx. cost of $20,000.

**4001 Sequoyah** **Road – Google Maps**

Calandria Avenue Home

Construction of the new $13,000 home for Thomas King began in April of 1930. The outstanding feature of the home was the large living room window with a spectacular view of Oakland, San Francisco and the Bay.

**The view from the Living Room – 3539 Calandria**

Panorama of Oak Knoll Home – Dorisa Avenue

**Oakland Tribune Feb 01, 1931** – **3687 Dorisa**

3687 Dorisa Ave – Today

New Developer at Oak Knoll

David D Bohannon well-known subdivider and developer of San Francisco property, formed a new company called Oak Knoll Land Development Company. This was the third company sell and develop the Oak Knoll area. (Please see Oak Knoll Homes)

An Oak Knoll Home

Freeway

In June of 1938, the Alameda-Contra Costa County joint highway district filed a lawsuit to condemn four parcels of land in the Oak Knoll Tract.

The suit was in preparation for when work would begin on the $3,000,000 traffic artery via Mountain Blvd.

The Defendants:

A.A. Thiel
James R. Pennycook
Raymond Cann
Irving M. Bossie

More Info:

The First Section of Oak Knoll On Sale – Oakland Tribune April 1926
First Unit of Oak Knoll – Oakland Tribune April 18, 1926
Your Castle in Spain – Oakland Tribune April 18, 1926
Mission Type Entrance for Oak Knoll – Oakland Tribune Jan 23, 1927
5,000 People – Oakland Tribune October 02, 1927
Casa De La Vista – Oakland Tribune March 25, 1928
Casa De La Vista opens – Oakland Tribune April 01, 1928
Oak Knoll Site – Oakland Tribune Feb 09 1930

Spanish Type Fairway Home Open to View – Oakland Tribune March 30, 1930
Spanish Home at Oak Knoll Draws Crowds – Oakland Tribune April 06, 1930
Visitors Given Chance to See Model House – Oakland Tribune October 12, 1930
Oak knoll’s Homes Have Fine Outlook – Oakland Tribune June 21, 1931
New Developer At Oak Knoll – Oakland Tribune May 17, 1936
300 Homes for Oak Knoll Tract – Oakland Tribune June 06, 1937
Home Building Plan Ad – Oakland Tribune June 06, 1937

The End

Fairway Estates in Oak Knoll

Posted on August 31, 2020 by Dorothy Londagin

When this area was first built up in the mid-1920s it was part of Oak Knoll. Now it is considered to part of Sequoyah

“Fairway Estates is in the heart of the country club district and consists of a group of estates with building sites of generous size.” Oakland Tribune, August 18. 1929

Fairway Estates and Country Club Fairway Estates and Oak Knoll Unit C are all in the area known as Oak Knoll. Sequoyah Hills on three sides surround Oak Knoll.

The Oak Knoll Land Corporation handled the development.

In Fairway Estates

There are two large bedrooms with a sewing room and bathroom and a large dressing room with many different built-in fixtures and cabinets. On the lower are the maids’ quarters, with separate shower and billiard room. The bathrooms and kitchen are beautifully finished in colored tile.

**3968 Turnley Avenue** – **Google Maps**

In Fairway Estates

The Jefferson Home

The Jefferson home is a seven-room, two-story residence of Spanish design. With a large living room and a massive oak stairway leading to a balcony overlooking the Oak Knoll golf course and country club.

“Another reason is the beautiful setting of Fairway Estates – overlooking the Oak Knoll Country club and golf course and views of wooded hills, the harbor, the bay cities, and the Golden Gate.” Oakland Tribune, August 18. 1929

Oak Knoll Country Club District

The Nine room Spanish Style home.

In Fairway Estates

Model Homes in Fairway Estates

Spanish Type Model Home

Spanish in architecture.

The Fairway Estates model home opened in March of 1930. The home was designed by Watson Vernon to fit the lot-on which it stands, to utilize the view possibilities of the property to the best advantage.

Model Country Club Residence

The Spanish home takes greatest advantage of the two way view the wooded hillside on one side and the bay on the other. This six room home has a spacious master bedroom with a sunroom on the upper floor. The dining room window overlooks the golf course.

Beautiful Spanish Model Home

Fairway Estates Home

La Casa Bella

Artistic in the extreme…”

La Casa Bella opened in November of 1930. The home is of Spanish architecture showing the Moorish influence.

A master bedroom that will lull you to sleep after a gallon of coffee…”
Oakland Tribune Nov 16, 1930

A living room almost large enough for a country dance…”
Oakland Tribune Nov 16, 1930

Spanish Home at Oak Knoll

“…with the liquid silver of the moon lying in the pools of mystery the patio will coax you out of doors all hours of the day or night” – Oakland Tribune May 04, 1930
Oakland Tribune

More Info:

Great Activity in Fairway Estates Tract – Oakland Tribune August 18, 1929
Many Homes Being Bought in Oak Knoll – Oakland Tribune September 01, 1929
Home Buying Very Active – Oakland Tribune September 29, 1929
Pretty Homes Are Planned – Oakland Tribune October 13, 1929
Model Homes For Fairway Estates Tract – Oakland Tribune October 27, 1929
New Home For Fairway Estates – Oakland Tribune November 17, 1929
Spanish Home at Oak Knoll – Oakland Tribune April 6, 1930
Spanish Type Fairway Home Open to View – Oakland Tribune March 30, 1930
La Casa Bella in Oak Knoll – Oakland Tribune November 16, 1930

The End

Claremont Pines Model Home

Posted on August 20, 2020 by Dorothy Londagin

Claremont Pines was formally the P.E. Bowels estate “The Pines.” It is bounded by Broadway Terrace, Country Club Drive, Acacia Drive, and Romany Road.

Palatial Home to be Built

In July 1928, a palatial residence, the Tribune-Schlesinger Home, was to be built in the new subdivision Claremont Pines developed by York Company Inc.

The Spanish-Mediterranean-style home was sponsored by the Oakland Tribune and was furnished by B.F. Schlesinger and Sons.

The house was designed by Frederick H. Reimers, an Oakland architect, and was constructed by C. Dudley de Velbiss, a well-known builder.

Drive Out Today

The Oakland Tribune columns fully describe each phase of the construction. The site was open to the public during construction.

Great care was taken in selecting the residence, which occupies a prominent corner overlooking the Claremont golf course and facing the Golden Gate.

“The Mediterranean type of architecture was selected to conform to the contour of the site and to the general rolling nature of the terrain.”
Frederick Reimers July 29, 1928

The house has sixteen rooms, each with an individual style. It also has a ballroom, library, and smoking room.

The halls and library have floors of colored, hand-made tile and arched doorways.

It is further enhanced by a series of walled-in courts and terraces.

The landscaping was done under the supervision of Johannes Reimers, a local landscaper and artist who was also Frederick’s father.

Tribune-Schlesinger Home Breaks Ground

On August 09, 1928, the official groundbreaking was held in the presence of a large group of Eastbay notables.

Home Nearing Completion

“Plastering is now ready to start.”

$55,000 was invested in the project, exclusive of the furniture and furnishings.

Unique Feature of Home

“a haven of rest and peace from the busy world.”
Frederick H. Reimers Architect

The exterior brick fireplace and terrace brick walls leading to the entrance are the same color as the stucco.

A Firm Foundation

Another feature was the concrete foundation installed by J.H. Fitzmaurice, Inc., a local concrete contractor. The foundation’s material was of the very best quality at the time.

All bearing walls are twelve inches in thickness.

Shows Rapid Progress

Significant progress was reported on November 04, 1928. It was expected to open on December 02, 1928.

Under the guidance of A.L. Abrott of B.F. Schlesinger & Sons, a rare harmony of late Renaissance furnishings, promised to make the home of exceptional interest.

The upper floors followed the lighter moods of the seventeenth century when Venice was still at the height of her glory.

The ballroom or social hall on the ground floor was decorated in the spirit of modern jazz and twentieth-century amusement.

Magnificent Vestibule

Upon entering the vestibule, one is impressed by the tremendous Castillian effect of the entrance and the monumental stairway—the curving staircase with artistic hand-wrought iron railing.

The main stairway leads to a secondary vestibule, giving access to four bedrooms.

New Type of Telephones

Convenience was the new type of telephone installation by Pacific Bell. Each telephone is placed to obtain the highest possible comfort and privacy for the users and blend in with the decor.

Two main lines were installed: one for the family’s use and the second primarily for the servants’ use.

A hand telephone with a key box was installed in the master bedroom. The keys could cut off the servant’s phone for privacy.

A wall telephone connected to the servants’ line was placed in the garage.

Formally Opened

The formal opening was held on Sunday, December 30, 1928. Lucile Webster Gleason of the Dufwin Theater, star in “The Shannons of Broadway,” formally opened the doors.

Large Crowds

Ten thousand visitors viewed the home in its first opening week, and seven thousand attended the opening day.

Tribune-Schlesinger Home Claremont Pines

Claremont Pines Homes

More Info:

Claremont Pines – Oakland Local Wiki

Splendid Home To Be Eastbay Masterpiece – Oakland Tribune July 29, 1928
Breaks Ground – Oakland Tribune August 12, 1928
Near Completion – Oakland Tribune October 21, 1928
A Vision Almost Realized – Oakland Tribune October 21, 1928
Unique Feature of Home – Oakland Tribune October 28, 1928
Environment – Oakland Tribune October 28, 1928
Will be Triumph of Interior Decorator’s Art – Oakland Tribune November 04, 1928
Valuable Ideas – Oakland Tribune November 11, 1928
Progress Made on Display Home is Reported – Oakland Tribune November 11, 1928
Hospitality and Comfort – Oakland Tribune November 18, 1928
Display Home Entrance – Oakland Tribune November 18, 1928
New Type Telephones In Home – Oakland Tribune November 25, 1928
A Foregone Conclusion – Oakland Tribune November 25, 1928
Convenient Arrangement – Oakland Tribune December 02, 1928
Good Progress Reported On Display Home – Oakland Tribune December 02, 1928
Formal Announcement of the Opening – Oakland Tribune December 08, 1928
Magnificent Model Home Opens Sunday – Oakland Tribune December 09, 1928
Formally Opened – Oakland Tribune December 30, 1928
Model Home Opens – Oakland Tribune December 30, 1928
Large Crowds At Claremont Pines Home – Oakland Tribune January 06, 1929
10,000 See Claremont Pines Home – Oakland Tribune January 06, 1929
“Fait Accompli” – Oakland Tribune January 06, 1929
Refrigerator in Model Home – Oakland Tribune January 13, 1929

Today

2 Westminster Drive
Frederick H. Reimers, architect
C. Dudley de Velbiss – builder
York Company Inc. – Developers
Built-in 1928
Sold for $2,3 million in 2008

The End

Mills Gardens

Posted on July 30, 2020 by Dorothy Londagin

Mills Gardens is bounded by 55th and Seminary Avenues, Mills College, and the Nelson Estate.

Mills Gardens, the centrally-located subdivision, was placed on sale on May 03, 1924. The Fred T. Wood Co. were the owners and developers.

The land that Mills Gardens was once a part of Mills College and was known as the “old meadow.”

“Fine Home Tract Adjoins Mills College Campus; Many Improvements”
Oakland Tribune May 11, 1924

“In Mills Gardens, we have the finest home subdivision in East Oakland.”
Fred T. Wood – May 11, 1924

A Big Demand for Mills Gardens Lots

The opening sales in Mills Gardens established a record for 1924, with transactions totaling $139,500.

“Beautiful Level Lots that are 40 feet and 120 feet deep for $900 to $1250 each.”

“The lowest prices ever asked for high-class, fully-improved homesites.”

New Homes in Mills Gardens

Brann Avenue

55tth Avenue

Roberts Avenue

More Info:

Adjoins Mills College – Oakland Tribune Feb 03, 1924
Mills Gardens to be Placed on Market – Oakland Tribune Apr 27, 1924
Mills Gardens Sale Is Highly Successful – Oakland Tribune May 18, 1924
Big Demand for Mills Gardens –SF Examiner May 31, 1924
Many Homes Constructed – Oakland Tribune Aug 03, 1924

The End

A Hermit’s Companion

Posted on July 24, 2020 by Dorothy Londagin

“One month before his death, Charles Kruse was leaving for the county hospital, which he never expected to return.” Kruse gave G.W. Brusseau a package with a few intimate belongings, the key to his house, and the note.

Oakland, March 15 (?)

“This is my gift of Deed all is in my possession to Mr. G.W. Brusseau after my daet”

“Chas. Kruse”

Only Man He Trusted

According to Brusseau’s attorney, Kruse only had one trusted friend. Kruse helped care for the hermit for 13 years. He never had the money to pay Brusseau for his labor but intended to see that he ultimately received his property.

Brusseau saved the 10-acre plot from being sold for taxes and paid off the mortgage. It was claimed.

In March of 1923, Kruse applied for admission to the county infirmary on the grounds he was penniless. He had cancer.

Following Kruse’s death at the county hospital, preparations were being made to bury him in the potter’s field. Brusseau stepped in and said he would pay for his funeral.

Mountain View Cemetery – plot 48 Photo by REHM – Find A Grave

Brusseau purchased a plot in Mountain View cemetery that bordered his property.

He could see the grave from his porch.

Fight for Estate

Judge George Samuels was informed of the case when Brusseau filed a petition for probate of the paper as the last will, Kruse.

Because the completed date was omitted, Judge Samuels refused probate and granted administration letters to Albert E. Hill, a Public Administrator.

Thrown Out As A Will Upheld As Deed

In June 1923, a petition was submitted to the Almeda superior to record the scrap of paper as a gift deed. In this claim, Judge James G. Quinn decided that Kruse never intended the piece of paper as a will but intended to constitute an immediate conveyance of land as a deed.

In the meantime, Brusseau had lost a third suit filed against the estate for reimbursement for his unpaid labor.

The public administrator appealed to the California Supreme Court for a decision on the title to the property.

Dying Hermit’s Note Valid

In May 1927, the Supreme Court affirmed Judge JG Quinn’s decision that the note given to Brusseau from Kruse constituted a deed to the 10 acres of land.

A Bit of History

Hays Canyon

David Rumsey Historical Map Collection -William J. Dingee’s Map of Oakland and vicinity. Compiled from Official Surveys and Records 1899 https://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~275209~90048562

Charles Kruse owned and lived on 10 acres of land in Hayes Canyon since 1888.

The property bordered William J. Dingee’s land, and in 1888, Dingee sued Kruse for $93 to cover the cost of a fence.

Kruse peddled flowers to florists’ shops in the Eastbay for many years.

After his death, it was discovered that he owned one of the largest nurseries in Alameda County. The nursery and the tiny shack where he lived were hidden behind a high fence and tall cypress hedges.

The 10 acres were valued at more than $10,000 in 1923.

In 1898, George Washington Brusseau purchased a 2-acre lot at 3200 Edith Street (now 4901 Harbord Drive).

In 1926, Brusseau lived in a cottage called the “Bat House” because of the number of animal skins tanned and nailed to the outside walls.

He farmed the land with the help of Jimmy, his faithful plow horse. He also had many dogs.

He intended to restore the rose gardens, which brought fame to his friend Charles Kruse and Oakland.

Brusseau lived there until he died in 1953

And now this…

This changes the whole story, or is it just wrong?

Please Note: The dates and addresses vary from article to article. I tried my best to get it right, but oh well.

More Info:

Dingee’s Fence –Oakland Tribune Feb 28, 1888
Sheriff’s Sale –Oakland Tribune Feb 11, 1892
Summons for Suit – Oakland Tribune Aug 08, 1894
Pauper Found Worth $10 100 – Oakland Tribune Apr 10, 1923
Updated Will Causes Tangle – Oakland Tribune June 23, 1923
Lack of Year in Will Date – Oakland Tribune Feb 28, 1926
Fight For Rich Recluses Estate – Oakland Tribune Mar 11, 1926
Court Ruling Makes Life More Rosier – Oakland Tribune Mar 20, 1926
The date on Will May Cost Man His Land – Oakland Tribune Feb 28. 1928
When We Get Our $50,000 – Oakland Tribune May 12, 1926

The End

Sweat-Equity Down Payment

Posted on June 20, 2020 by Dorothy Londagin

Owner-Built Housing

In 1980 the Mckinley family of Oakland was one of seven Oakland families that were approved for a construction loan of $45,000 to participate in the Owner-Built Housing Program of Oakland Neighborhood Housing Services (ONHS).

The homes are located on 73rd Avenue between International Blvd and Holly Street.

Building Training

The families were trained in construction techniques and were supervised by professional construction personnel. They took classes at the Owner Builder Center in Berkeley. The highly technical and most finish work was subcontracted out.

Each family was obligated to provide 40 hours of labor week on the construction of their home.

The couples had to have incomes of between $21,000 and $31,000. They had to be Oakland residents for a year and be first-time homeowners.

Project Design

Architects at the University of California, Berkeley, contributed to the beginning design stages of the project and made the model used in the presentation to the City of Oakland.

“Elmhurst Community Design Center,” *Environmental Design Archives Exhibitions*, accessed June 19, 2020, http://exhibits.ced.berkeley.edu/items/show/3213.

The three-bedroom, two-bath homes were designed by Architect Richard McCarty of Morro Bay.

The project took about a year to develop, arrange for the money, and purchase the lots.

The City of Oakland purchased the lots for $3000 each.

The first seven homes took about ten months to build. In all I believe there were 14 homes built.

The Families:

Charles and Yolanda Bird – 1808 73rd Ave
James Davis
Jake and Pauline Evans
Bariwynn and Mary Jane Howard – 1616 73rd Ave
Stanley and Mary Mckinley – 1468 73rd Ave
Tony Stevens
Willie and Denise Sumtter

More Info:

Owners Build Test Project – SF Examiner June 29, 1980
The Downpayment is Sweat- Berkeley Gazette Feb 01, 1981
Downpayments of Hardwork – SF Examiner April 1981
American Dream Gets Helping Hand – SF Examiner April 1981
Do-It-Yourself Home Builders- LA Times May 22, 1981
Do-It-Yourself Home Builders – Pt 2 – LA Times May 22, 1981
Do-It-Yourself Home Builders – Pt 3 – LA Times May 22, 1981
Sweat Equity – LA Times Jan 09, 1983

Building a Dream – PBS

Fountain of Serenity

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Dorothy Londagin

Updated March 19, 2020

Fountain of Serenity in Knowland State Arboretum and Park. “Serena,” the statue which tops the fountain, inspires calm and courage in the face of worldly troubles. Oakland Tribune

Previous Location

The fountain once graced the gardens of the home of James H. Latham. Latham purchased the land in 1878 from Samuel B. Merritt.

Latham sold the home to Horace H. Seaton in 1885, who sold it, S. Murray, in 1892, who then sold it to Edward G. Lukens in 1897. Lukens, son, was state Senator George R. Lukens.

In its heyday, the old mansion was a showplace. The home was a three-story structure with 25 rooms, a billiard room, a glass conservatory, and a bowling alley in the rear. There was also an ornate two-story barn with a hayloft and with horse stalls.

**Undated – the fountain closer to the right side of the photo.**

The Lukens family lived there until the death of Mrs. Emma Lukens in 1925.

Sometime after the death of Mrs. Lukens, the mansion was purchased by Edger L. Buttner, a civic leader, and electrical contractor.

Oakland Tribune Jan 22, 1928

Barn/Livery Stable

In about 1938, Raoul Pause, a leading Oakland ballet teacher, converted part of the old two-story barn into a ballet studio. Many of the Oakland Ballet’s first dancers were students of Raoul Pause., he was the brother of Paul Pause of Montclair Reality.

In October of 1948, the building was damaged in a fire.

In 1952 the same building was destroyed by another fire. At the time of the fire, the building was being used by the Hotel Senator (a boarding house) as a garage.

In 1957 the mansion was demolished to make room for an apartment complex.

The Fountain Today

The Latham-Ducel Fountain is the centerpiece of Preservation Park. It’s more popularly known as the Diana Fountain. The fountain is cast iron and was forged in Paris in the 1870s.

Latham-Ducel fountain
*photo CC-A from Our Oakland*

My question is that Serena or Diana on the top of the fountain?

More Info:

Western Fuse Company Explosion

E.G. Lukens was the owner of Western Fuse and Explosives Company. See Oakland Local Wiki –

Ordered to Shoot – Alameda Daily Argus Jul 21, 1898

Latham Square Fountain

The Latham Square Fountain is located at the intersection of Telegraph and Broadway in downtown Oakland. It was erected in 1913 as a memorial for James H. Latham and Henrietta Latham by their children and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Lukens Estate Valued at $300,000 – Oakland Tribune Jan 15, 1925
Buggy Found in Old Yard – Oakland Tribune Jan 22, 1928
Landmark is Razed by Fire – Oakland Tribune Mar 23, 1952
$3000 Loss as Dance Studio/Stable Burns – Oakland Tribune Mar 24, 1952
Old Mansion Wrecked – Oakland Tribune May 17, 1957
Fountain of Serenity – Oakland Tribune Aug 31, 1958
Latham Mansion – Oakland Apr 20, 1962

The End.

Attractive Lynn Homes

Posted on December 2, 2019 by Dorothy Londagin

Lynn Homes on Nicol Avenue

Eight charming five-room homes of Spanish and Mission architecture were built by Willis F. Lynn on Nicol Avenue. Five of the houses were sold before they were completed. The last three went on sale on June 14, 1925.

Each house has:

Breakfast room or nook
Dining room with built-in buffet
laundry room
Hardwood floors throughout
Automatic water heaters
Separate garage

Priced at $5950.00 in 1925.

MapsNicole Avenue today – Google maps

**2639 Nicol Avenue – today Google Maps**

Lynn Homes on Best Avenue

Another group of homes went on sale on November 15, 1925. Located on Best Avenue between Brookdale and Trask. The houses have an attractive and varied style of architecture.

Each of the homes has six-rooms, a garage, and a laundry room.

Large living room windows
Large convertible breakfast rooms
Wards heating system and Trojan water heaters
Bathrooms with tile floors
Base plugs throughout the house
Lawns and shrubs and fences

Priced at $6950.00 each in 1925

**2506 Best Avenue today – Google maps**

**2495 Best Avenue today – Google Maps**

Two Beautiful Lakeshore Highlands Homes

Lynn also built two homes in the Lakeshore Highlands (Trestle Glen) neighborhood. One at 983 Longridge Road and the other at 957 Sunnyhills Road.

983 Longridge Road

Immense living room
Social Hall with cheerful fireplace
Large dining room
Master bedroom with sleeping porches and dressing room
Maid’s room
Radio wiring to the living room

Priced at $30,000 in 1928

**983 Longridge Road today – Google maps**

957 Sunnyhills Road

Large living room
Breakfast room with built-in cabinets
3 bedrooms with porches
3 bathrooms
Maid’s room
Full basement

Priced at $18,500 in 1928

Another home

The End

Grateful Dead House – Oakland

Posted on November 6, 2019 by Dorothy Londagin

The Grateful Dead once partied at 6024 Ascot Drive in the Piedmont Pines section of Oakland.

In 1948 house at 6024 Ascot Drive was advertised as an ‘ A Little Bit of Mexico” in beautiful Piedmont Hills ( Piedmont Pines), nestled in a glorious 2 1/4 acres: balconies overlooking a beautiful swimming pool. All the tiles in the bathrooms came from the Muresque Tile Co. of Oakland, one of the premier West Coast tilemakers in the 1920s and ’30s. Property highlights include a log cabin family room.

In 1968 Michael Leibert, his wife Alexa, and their 5 dogs lived at 6024 Ascot. Leibert was the founder of the Berkeley Repertory Theater.

The house had a routine existence until sometime during the late sixties, the house was rented by Owsley “Bear” Stanley (1935-2011) was an American audio engineer and chemist.

Stanley was the first known private individual to manufacture mass quantities of LSD. By his own account, between 1965 and 1967, Stanley produced no less than 500 grams of LSD, amounting to a little more than five million doses.

Owsley was a crucial figure in the San Francisco Bay Area hippie movement during the 1960s and played a pivotal role in the decade’s counterculture. Under the professional name Bear, he was the soundman for the rock band the Grateful Dead, whom he met when Ken Kesey invited them to an Acid Test party. As their sound engineer, Stanley frequently recorded live tapes behind his mixing board and developed their Wall of Sound sound system, one of the largest mobile public address systems ever constructed.

Bear: The Life and Times of Augustus Owsley Stanley III
By Robert Greenfield
Google Books

Bear: The Life and Times of Augustus Owsley Stanley III
By Robert Greenfield

In 1972 the house was advertised an authentic Spanish “Villa.” Back on the market.

The house was sold in 2012 for 1.2 million dollars. A September 2012 article, “Rest Your Head Where the Grateful Dead Once Partied,” was posted on the Curbed San Francisco website.

More Info –

LSD King Bail Revoked – Oakland Tribune Jul 22, 1970
LSD KIng held to Answer – Oakland Tribune October 29, 1970
Owsley Stanley – Wikipedia
Rest Your Head Where the Grateful Dead Partied – SF Curbside
Grateful Dead House – Oakland Local Wii
6024 Ascot – Realtor.Com

The End

Melrose Highlands- Part 2

Posted on July 13, 2019 by Dorothy Londagin

In 1935 Phil Heraty, a local real estate agent and developer, took over the sales of Melrose Highlands.

Colonial Village – 1935

A type of English brick was used on the exterior of a few houses that were built in 1935.

**Oakland Tribune June 1935** – **7773 Greenly Drive**

**Oakland Tribune July 1935** – **7765 Greenly Drive**

Both the houses are on Greenly Drive, they are side by side at 7765 and 7775.

Heraty to Build 100 Homes – Jan 1940

Cape Cod Colonial – 7776 Sterling Drive

Six generous sized rooms with light-filled upstairs bedrooms. Downstairs has the living room, dinette, and kitchen. Detached Garage. Price $4150.00.

The present-day photo below. I see they made a room out of the garage.

7225 Sterling Drive – 1940

Heraty Homes – Greenly Drive

Forty new -home owners have moved into Melrose Highlands since his organization became the selling agents
said Heraty – Oakland Tribune Sept 08, 1940
said Heraty – Oakland Tribune Sept 08, 1940

New Economy Home at 8108 Greenly Drive – 1940

Building Progress in Melrose Highlands

Below is about 8032 Fontaine Street, which was lost due to the construction of the freeway.

Beautiful Melrose Highlands – 1941

In May of 1941, a furnished “Model Home’ opened in Melrose Highlands at 8033 Fontaine Street.

Built to Order in Melrose Highlands – 1941

A Garden Showplace on Greenly Drive

The home of R.E. Derby on 7757 Greenly Drive was featured in the garden section on the Oakland Tribune in July of 1939.

their principal concern was, what to do with the “mud hole” in the backyard.
R.E Derby – July 16, 1939
R.E Derby – July 16, 1939

Spanish Style Home

Casa De La Vista

The Windsor House

Calafia Avenue Home

A Beautiful Home

Overlooking the Oak Knoll Clubhouse

Calandria Avenue Home

Panorama of Oak Knoll Home – Dorisa Avenue

New Developer at Oak Knoll

An Oak Knoll Home

Freeway

More Info:

The End

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In Fairway Estates

In Fairway Estates

The Jefferson Home

Oak Knoll Country Club District

In Fairway Estates

Model Homes in Fairway Estates

Spanish Type Model Home

Model Country Club Residence

Beautiful Spanish Model Home

Fairway Estates Home

La Casa Bella

Spanish Home at Oak Knoll

More Info:

The End

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Palatial Home to be Built

Drive Out Today

Tribune-Schlesinger Home Breaks Ground

Home Nearing Completion

Unique Feature of Home

A Firm Foundation

Shows Rapid Progress

Magnificent Vestibule

Formally Opened

Large Crowds

Tribune-Schlesinger Home Claremont Pines

Claremont Pines Homes

More Info:

Today

The End

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A Big Demand for Mills Gardens Lots

New Homes in Mills Gardens

Brann Avenue

55tth Avenue

Roberts Avenue

More Info:

The End

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Only Man He Trusted

Fight for Estate

A Bit of History

More Info:

The End

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Owner-Built Housing

Building Training

Project Design

The Families:

More Info:

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Like this:

Previous Location

More Info:

The End.

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Lynn Homes on Nicol Avenue

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