Ardsley Heights is part of Bella Vista Park and is now considered part of Ivy Hill. The streets of Ardsley Heights are Park Blvd, East 28th Street, Bay View Avenue, Lake View Avenue Elliot Street, and East 34th Street.
Ardsley Heights went on sale in October 1912 by the Realty Syndicate.
Adjoining F.M. Smith’s home
Directly across from the Home Club
Twelve Minutes by car from Broadway
Oakland Tribune Oct 12, 1912
Oakland Tribune Sep 1912
A sign advertising the Ardsley Heights tract Circa 1915
Cheney Photo Adv. Co., photographers.
Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.
ohrphoto.districts.148
The above photo shows the house at 1011 Bay View Ave. It was built in 1915.
Bayview Avenue between East 28th and Elliot Streets
in the Ardsley Heights tract, circa 1915 Cheney Photo Adv. Co., photographers.
Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.
ohrphoto.districts.147.
The above photo shows the house at 985 Bay View Avenue –
Park Boulevard in Ardsley Heights c 1915 Cheney Photo Adv. Co., photographers.
Previously sold on eBay
View from Ardsley Heights
Showing the Home Club (later the German Pioneer Home) and the Smith Cottages (Home for Friendless Girls). The German Pioneer Home was demolished to make room for Oakland High School.
Home Club and Smith Cottages from Ardsley Heights C 1915 Cheney Photo Adv. Co., photographers
Previously sold on eBay
Hays Canyon or sometimes called “Jack Hayes Canyon,” was the area in hills behind Piedmont. Now known as Thornhill Canyon, Thornhill Drive, and Moraga Avenue. For more info, please see here – Oakland Local Wiki – Hays Canyon
On June 6th, 1894, Manuel Souza Quadros was murdered on the old Thorn Road in the “Jack Hayes Canyon” (Hays Canyon) by an unknown man while returning home. “The assassin did his work well and left no trace behind him.” Quadros had a wife and three children. He had a very “good reputation as a sober and industrious fellow.” He was returning home after delivering milk to the Oakland Creamery.
To reach the Moss Ranch (not sure where this was will have to research more), he had to pass through the canyon pass Blair Park. When found, he was lying on the seat of his wagon “in a lonely place” in the canyon. He was shot in the breast. He was killed instantly by a 44 caliber pistol.
Theodore Medau, a rancher, gives an only clue to the murder. He says, “a middle-aged man, who was very excited,” stopped him and said that a man was dead down the road. The man said he had 15 miles to drive, and he was in a hurry. Medau went down the road a few hundred yards and found the deceased. San Francisco Chronicle June 07, 1984
Miller does not seem to be frightened at the prospect of a noose.
San Francisco Call Nov 14, 1894
Acquitted of Murder
Frank Miller Will Not Have to Stand a Trial
The moment Miller walked out of the courtroom, he said he was going to “start to walk East at once.”
San Francisco Chronicle Nov 21, 1894
Discharged and Rearrested
San Francisco Chronicle Nov 21, 1894
Murdered Man’s Estate
San Francisco Chronicle Nov 24, 1894
Cold Case
Now the question is who killed Manuel Quadros? I can’t find anything on it…yet.
Is this considered a “cold case”?
Is it still on the books?
Does the modern-day Oakland Police Department even know about this murder?
Was he murdered for his estate?
Inquiring minds want to know.
More to come, I hope.
Update
In January of 1886, a man by the name of John Schneider (the name he gave them) was arrested for a stagecoach robbery in Ukiah. When he was arrested, the SF Call published a picture of him. See Below
Attorney Tom Garrity recognized the man as Frank Miller. Garrity was Miller’s attorney during the Manuel Quadros’s murder case. Two other men also identified Schneider as Miller.
Growing up in Montclair (for me), Thornhill Drive was always just Thornhill Drive. But come to find out it was once called Thorn Road (sometimes Thorne Road). Thornhill is a more delightful-sounding name than Thorn. But there is a perfectly good reason why it was called Thorn Road.
The name goes back to 1856 when a man named Hiram Thorn (Hiram Thorne) built the road at a hefty expense. Thorn’s road brought redwood logs to Oakland out of the vast forest known as the Moraga Redwoods, where he ran a lumber mill on Pinehurst Road. Thorn was later given a franchise to run and collect tolls for the road, it was one of 3 toll roads in Oakland. In 1933 Thorn Road officially became Thornhill Drive.
From the 1870 Oakland City Directory
Since I found out about Thornhill Drive, I have been inquisitive about the names of our city streets. You can read more at the Oakland Local Wiki page Street Names if interested.
Every day while taking my kids to school, we would pass a street called Rifle Lane. I thought that was a weird name, and I wondered why (they named it that), as I do many times as I drive around Oakland.
Fast-forward a few years. I looked up the area’s history. I lived in the area until 2012. The area is now called Eastmont Hills (boring). Its history goes back to 1925 when the C.P. Murdock Company sold it as Melrose Highlands. It was just up the hill from the new Chevrolet Assembly Plant (now Eastmont Town Center), an excellent place to live if you work there.
Oakland Tribune July 17, 1925
In my research, I came across the following article from July 1925: The Upper San Leandro filter plant (7700 Greenly Drive) and the State Rifle Range are adjacent to Melrose Highlands. I thought, “Wow, there was a rifle range right about where Rifle Lane is now.” I solved that one. Well, not really, but close.
Oakland Tribune July 26, 1925
Maybe now, some smart people who read this blog can help me determine where the range was. Maybe someone remembers it.
From the Oakland Tribune October 29, 1929 – Major fire in the Oakland Hills – threatens the rifle range. Map of the fire below –
Oakland Tribune October 29, 1929
A bit of history
The range has been called the following:
National Guard rifle Range
California National Guard rifle range
State Rifle Range at Leona Heights
Leona Heights Rifle Range
Oakland Tribune April 11, 1917
In 1917, the National Guard rifle range was transferred from Marin County to Leona Heights in Oakland. They had purchased “140 acres of land directly back of the quarry for the purpose”. The land was formally the property of the Realty Syndicate. The range opened in 1920. The location varies. Close to Mills College, 2 miles from Mills College, at the top of Seminary Drive, and the back of the Leona Quarry.
It may have also been the location of the stables of the 143rd Field Artillery Regiment. I know there were horse stables there.
Oakland Tribune March 10, 1927
California Guardsmen Brochure circa 1925
The California Guardmans highlighted the rifle range in their Feb-March 1925 issue. You can see it here.
“A California National Guard range and local training area located in the Oakland Hills of Alameda County. It may have also been the location of the stables of the 143rd Field Artillery Regiment. The site was developed approximately 1919 and was actively used until at least 1941. The site supported elements of the 143rd Field Artillery, 159th Infantry, and 250th Coast Artillery Regiments. The April 1919 edition of The American Rifleman, stated that there were 60 firing points for rifles with targets placed between 200 and 600 yards. There was also a pistol range with 14 firing points. The range was described as one of the finest ranges west of Camp Perry, Ohio.”
The “Highlands of Oakland” went on sale in November of 1925. It is located area of Tunnel Road and behind what is now the Parkwoods Condominiums. This area was burned during the 1991 Oakland Firestorm, and I assume there are no original homes left.
The “Highlands of Oakland” includes the following streets Bristol Drive, Buckingham Blvd, Charing Cross Road, Devin Way Marlborough Terrace, Norfolk Road,, Sherwick Drive and Westmoreland Drive. The area is right on the border of Berkeley. That area is now called the Claremont Hills.
Cheney Photo Advertising c 1925
Showing the “Highlands of Oakland” of in the distance
The Highlands of Oakland faces on Tunnel Road and is 20 minutes from the business district of Oakland. It consisted of 300 large parcels for a low price of $225.
Fred T. Wood Co. developed this beautiful scenic tract high in the hills of Oakland.
“Highlands of Oakland Entrance to our tract from Tunnel Road. A weekday average of over 6000 automobiles passes this point.”
Cheney Photo Advertising Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Howard-Gibbon
OMCA H89.64.15
In the months before the opening of the “Highlands of Oakland” force of men had been actively building streets. The winding roads cover some of the most beautiful scenic property in the San Francisco Bay –
Highlands of Oakland
The steam shovel, an unfailing sign of progress. Cheney Photo Advertising Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Howard-Gibbon
OMCA H89.64.15
More pictures of the Highlands of Oakland can be seen here – OMCA
Oakland Tribune Oct 1926
“The Oakland Hills has been compared to the Seven Hills of Rome.”
Oakland Tribune November 29, 1925
Oakland Tribune May 1926
Oakland Tribune June 1926
Oakland Tribune May 1926
Oakland Tribune April 11, 1926
“Miss Australia” Beryl Mills visits the “Highlands of Oakland” after touring UC Berkeley.
Just a few of the homes of Forest Park – I will update if I find more.
Oakland Tribune May 1927 – 6415 Oakwood Drive
Oakland Tribune May 1927 – 6415 Oakwood Drive
Oakland Tribune Feb 28, 1928
6415 Oakwood Drive
6415 Oakwood Drive – Present Day – Google maps6415 Oakwood Drive – Google mapsThe Forest Park Home of Benjamin Locket
Built-in 1927
The original address was Box 411 Idlewild Drive
Now 7087 Thornhill Drive
High above the city on Joaquin Miller Road, he designed and built a log cabin. He used timber that had been cleared close by.
Hal Boyd loved the outdoors so much, so he learned to paint so he could express his love. The log cabin was his studio, where he painted. In 1926 he had an exhibit of his artwork.
During the day, he was employed by the city as a forest ranger to watch over Sequoia Park (now Joaquin Miller Park).
When his parents Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Parker Boyd, lost their home in the Berkeley fire of 1923, he added on to his cabin, giving them a place to live. – Oakland Tribune Jan 06, 1926
Oakland Tribune Jan 06, 1926
For rent Oakland Tribune Jul 23, 1924
Oakland Tribune – 1927 Review from his Berkeley Exhibit
He worked as a special promotion and production manager for the Woodminster Summer Concert Series during the 1945 season.
Oakland Tribune Jan 12, 1945
Oakland Tribune Aug 08, 1950
I found this article from 1955. It says the cabin was destroyed in a fire. I don’t know if this true or case of the wrong address. 3543 Joaquin Miller Road is the house next door. The cabin is still there.
San Francisco Examiner April 17, 1955
Sometime in the 1950s, he moved to Carmel, CA – He lived there until he passed away in August of 1990.
In 2014 the cabin sold as a “fixer-upper” for $260,000. REDFIN.Com
Cheney Photo Advertising c 1916
Groundbreaking Pacific Tread Tire Company
Previously sold on eBay
Oakland Tribune 1936
The M.T. Minney advertised in 1916 – The tracts are “Surrounded by beautiful homes, rolling hills, golf links, and wealthy estates and with the building of such plants as the Chevrolet Automobile Factory, the Pacific Tread Tire Factory, and others. The future value is not a matter of speculation, but an assured fact.”
Oakland Tribune Apr 30, 1916
In about 1947 George A. Sturtevant built the Hollywood Shopping Center on Hollywood Blvd at 107th Ave (10715 MacArthur Blvd) across from the Peterbilt Factory
Oakland Tribune
Well, I didn’t have too much luck finding homes that were advertised in papers. I will keep looking and update when I do.
On the Beautiful Scenic Foothill Blvd. of Oakland Ca
Brochure from the OMCA – c:1916 Gift of Fred E. Reed H4599.44
San Francisco Examiner Apr 03, 1916
Panorama from Beverly Terrace
Cheney Photo Advertising c 1916
Previously sold on eBay
Beverly Terrace went on sale in 1916. Located at Foothill Blvd and 99th on the border of the Dunsmuir House and Gardens.M.T Minney Company was the exclusive agent and developer. Later, C.W. Boden Company handled sales.
They advertised the area as a “The Automobile City Center” two blocks along Foothill Blvd being reserved for business purposes. – Oakland Tribune Mar 26, 1916
Foothill Blvd and Hollywood Blvd (now MacArthur Blvd)
Cheney Photo Advertising c 1916
Previously sold on eBay
Oakland Tribune Aug 1920
Oakland Tribune Apr 1916
Cheney Photo Advertising c 1916
Previously sold on eBay
Oakland Tribune April 1919
Come out today and view San Francisco form beautiful Beverly Terrace. Unexcelled Climate. No Wind or Fog. $1.00 down payment and $1.00 a week. – Oakland Tribune Aug 1920.
Oakland Tribune Aug 17, 1920
Oakland Tribune May 1924
Oakland Tribune May 1924
Oakland Tribune 1924
Oakland Tribune May 1924
More on Beverly Terrace
Beverly Terrace Motel Match Book Cover – Frank Kelsey
It is named after the Shepherd Family, who owned about 200 acres and lived there from 1875 to the early 1900s.
Oakland Tribune Feb 16, 1927
You can view the location of Shepherd’s land in a Map of the City of Oakland, Berkeley, Oakland & Brooklyn Townships, and Alameda dated 1889, Published by E.P. Vandercook & Co. Real estate agents.
William J Shepherd (1844-1921) emigrated from England in about 1865 with his parents, Thomas and Ellen Shepherd, brothers John and Thomas, and sisters Mary Ann and Elizabeth.
Oakland Tribune Nov 4, 1876
In 1878 William married Mary Rogers (1842-1907). They had six children, William, James, Mary, Ellen, Louise, and Robert. They attended the Hays Canyon School.
Oakland Tribune Mar 10, 1875
LARGE LANDOWNERS OF 1876-BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF OAKLAND TOWNSHIP-OF ALAMEDA TOWNSHIP-
SF Examiner Mar 25, 1878
1895 Directory
Robert ShepherdLillie ShepherdRobert Shepherd
Hays School Graduation – 1901
William Shepherd died in San Jose in 1921
Oakland Tribune Jun 7, 1921
Shepherd Pass Road –
A few articles discuss building a road that would run through the Canyon to connect to Skyline using County Road 2457 (now Shepherd Canyon Road.)
Oakland Tribune Jun 15,1896
Oakland Tribune Sept 18, 1897
Oakland Tribune Daily Knave 1953. Settling a moot point in Oakland nomenclature from William’s nephew.
Oakland Tribune Jul 6,1953
Shepherd Canyon Freeway – Highway 77
California Highways and Public Works – March -April 1958
“Cal Trans bought up land in Shepherd Canyon with the plan of building highway 77. It was to be an extension of Park Blvd. and would run up the canyon and connect highway 13 with Contra Costa county (much as highway 24 does just two miles north). Fortunately, community activists argued against the plan, and the area was preserved. In 1972, assembly member Ken Meade officially protected the area with AB561. After the downfall of the freeway plan, the Shepherd Canyon Corridor Plan was shaped by volunteers, and now guides the preservation of the canyon.”
