Posted in Early Montclair, Tract or Subdivisions

Montclair Highlands – On Top of the World

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The business tract was first offered for sale in 1921, then withdrawn, awaiting further growth in the area.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.

Every night, the tower was illuminated by a large searchlight — the most powerful in the world.”

Oakland Tribune June 14, 1925

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

More Info:

Posted in Tract or Subdivisions

English Village

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.”

Oakland Tribune Dec 10, 1939
76th Avenue – Google Maps

The Salisbury

Oakland Tribune Apr 22, 1928

Model Home Opened – 1939

1552 76th Avenue – Google Maps
Oakland Tribune Dec 10, 1939

English Village Homes

7506 Holly Street – Google Maps
Oakland Tribune, May 1939
7507 Holly St – Google Maps
Oakland Tribune Feb 14, 1941

More Info:

The End

Posted in Real Estate, Tract or Subdivisions

Highland Manor

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 sell Highland 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

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.

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.

The home today.

The End

Posted in Model/Display Homes, Real Estate, Tract or Subdivisions

Pine-Covered Hills

Studio Homes by Phil Heraty

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.

Unusual Studio Homes

“Live in the Pine-Covered Hills”

Oakland Tribune Aug 25, 1940

In 1940, Heraty announced the completion of a new group of “unusual studio homes” located along Broadway Terrace and Taurus Avenue.

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.

More Info:

  • HAMILTON v. HARKINS (1956) – Findlaw

Posted in Early Montclair, Neighborhoods, Real Estate, Tract or Subdivisions

A Log Cabin in Pinehaven

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.

Pinehaven is located in Montclair.

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.

John’s Family

Pitch a TeePee

Oakland Tribune May 21, 1922

Pinehaven Colony

“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 Tribune 1946
Oakland Tribune 1980
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

More Info:

The End

Posted in History, Homes, Tract or Subdivisions

Grand Avenue Heights – By The Parks

Grand Avenue Heights went on sale in 1907.

Frank K. Mott Company were the sales agents in charge.

Fronts on Grand Avenue with Boulevard Way, Crofton, Fairbanks, Walker, and Weldon Avenues. Overlooks Piedmont Park

A part of the development is in Piedmont.

Grand Avenue Heights is situated on Grand Avenue between the head of Lake Merritt and Piedmont. At one time, this area was called Pleasant Valley.

“Soon to be the center of Oakland’s most exclusive residence district” Oakland Tribune

Grand Avenue Heights By The Parks – Haiti Trust

The above photos are from a brochure by Frank K Mott, showing some of the features of Grand Avenue Heights from 1907.

“Grand Avenue Heights enjoys the finest climate in Oakland (and that means the best in the State). It is the greatest place in the world for children who can sleep out upon the sleeping porches 365 nights in the year.”

Oakland Tribune Feb 11, 1910
Oakland Tribune Oct 21, 1908

Over 3,000 people attended the opening day sale, and they sold between $50,000 and $79,000 in lots that first day. The average lot was about $2000 with $300 down and $25 a month.

“It is between the two most fashionable residential districts in the county – Adams Point and Piedmont”

Oakland Tribune Feb 11, 1910

By 1910 at least 25 new houses were built or had been built. They were sold for $4,000 to $10,000.

In the above Cheney Photo Advertising photo, you see from left to right 1098, 1092,1086, and 1080 Grand Avenue (now 3850, 3840, 3838, and 3824).

Showing 1098, 1092, and 1086 Grand Ave – Oakland Tribune Jan 19, 1910

In 1911, the Oakland Tribune reported that the home on the left cost $ 10,000, and the one next to it cost $8,000.

The area today – Google Map
1080 (now 3824) Grand is still standing in 2024 – Google Maps

“It is free from fog and heavy winds”

Oakland Tribune Feb 11, 1910

Then and Now

The above clipping is from 1909 and shows 1025 and 1031 Walker Avenue. Below is another view of 1025 Walker Avenue

The below clipping is from 1910 and shows 530 and 534 Boulevard way In Piedmont.

Below is View of some of the homes in Grand Avenue Heights on Grand Avenue. This is from Vermont Avenue.

865 Vermont Street across Grand Avenue circa 1930’s from John Chaix

More Info:

Links

  • Worden, W. E., and Frank K. Mott Company. Some Features of Grand Avenue Heights (by the park): the Park And Boulevard Residence District of Oakland. Oakland, Cal.: Frank K. Mott Co., 1907. Haiti Trust

The End

Posted in Real Estate, Tract or Subdivisions, Transportation

The Garden Spot of East Oakland

Iveywood and the Iveywood Extension are subdivisions in the Elmhurst District.

1911 City of Oakland Map

It was the site of the old Ludovina Peralta Ivey homestead. Ludovina was Ignacio Peralta’s daughter and Luis Maria Peralta’s granddaughter.

The Peralta Land Company was the exclusive agent for Iveywood, and The M.T. Minney Company(Minney-Morse) of Oakland was the exclusive agent for the Iveywood Extension.

Oakland Tribune

Both tracts had building restrictions that required each house to cost from $ 1500 to $2000 and that all the homes on each street would be in harmony with those adjoining, ensuring a standard value for both the lot and the house that sits on them. There were also restrictions that prohibited the sale of a lot to Chinese, Japanese, Hindus, Negroes or people of their type.

Iveywood

Iveywood is located between East 14th (now International) to Bancroft Ave and 100th Ave and 104th Ave, including Sunnyside St., Birch St., Plymouth St., and Walnut St.

Looking North Across 106th towards Dante Ave Photo by Cheney Photo Advertising

“you live in the city and country both”

Oakland Tribune Mar 17, 1910

Iveywood Extension

Along the Foothill Blvd. Photo by Chaney Photo Advertising.

Iveywood Extension is located between Bancroft Ave and Foothill Blvd and 104th Ave to the San Leandro border, including Sunnyside St and Dante Ave. Byron St., Voltaire Ave., and Longfellow Ave.

Iveywood Extension fronts the north side of Foothill Blvd and East 14th Street.

SF Call 1910

“A beautiful tract containing 400 lots was placed on the market on October 1, 1910.” 

Electric Loop – Southern Pacific

Southern Pacific Electric Loop -Photo by Cheney Photo Advertising

Southern Pacific spent several million dollars building the electric interurban train service to Iveywood and Broadmoor. The Southern Pacific electric “Loop System” insured purchasers of lots in Iveywood with perfect transportation to downtown Oakland and San Francisco.

Model Homes

More Info:

The End

Posted in Model/Display Homes, Tract or Subdivisions

High Street Park Homes

In early 1926 J.B. Peepin announced that his company would be building approximately thirty-one in the High Street Park Tract on Culver Street.  Prices averaged $5950 for five rooms, with a down payment of only 10% and 1% of the balance.

Oakland Tribune Nov 14, 1926

Peepin was already well known in Oakland and San Leandro as a builder of Bungalows. 

Living rooms have studio ceilings, and the newest wall treatments. Hooded fireplaces, in latest designs. Each house has a breakfast room, with a hand decorated breakfast set, included in the purchased price.”

Oakland Tribune July 26, 1926

Charming hand stenciled kitchens, with linoleums, and every built-in convenience including kitchen cabinets and refrigerators.”

Oakland Tribune July 26, 1926
Oakland Tribune Aug 22, 1926

Gardens are laid out to suit each home, with lawns, shrubs, patio entrances and fish ponds.”

Oakland Tribune July 26, 1926

Casa Linda

  • 4100 Culver Street
  • Built 1926
  • Price $5950-$6200

Casa Linda opened on July 18, 1926. The home was entirely furnished by Montgomery Wards & Company.

Oakland Tribune 1926

The Home Beautiful”

Oakland Tribune July 18, 1926

Casa Linda, as the name implies is an unusually beautiful Spanish home, and embodies in its design and ornamentation new and pleasing innovations by our architectural service.   Oakland Tribune July 18, 1926

Orange was the kitchen tile color, the hand-decorated furniture, and wall-paper in the breakfast room. Spanish galleons are the motif of parchment shades.

Oakland Tribune July 18, 1926

 The exterior of “Casa Linda” was enhanced by the patio entrance with stepping stones and a fish pond.

Casa Palomar or Palomares

  • 4150 Culver Street
  • Built 1926
  • Price $5950-$6200

Opened in September of 1926 and was furnished by Montgomery Wards and Company.

Oakland Tribune Sept 19, 1926
Oakland Tribune Oct 17, 1926
4150 Culver Street – Google maps

Casa Novia

  • 4157 Culver Street
  • Built 1926
  • Price $5950-$6200

Casa Novia opened to the public on December 5, 1926 it was furnished by Lachman Brothers of San Francisco.

Display Home Is Especially Designed for Newly-Weds, Builder Says”

Oakland Tribune Dec 5, 1926
Oakland Tribune Dec 5, 1926

An arched doorway opens into the front hall affording a glimpse of a large living room with arched windows. The dining room and breakfast room are separated by columns and the kitchen is decorated with orange tiles.

Sold in 2020

In August of 2020 “Casa Novia” was put on the market for $789,000 and sold for $820,000 in October of 2020.

Culver House

  • 4132 Culver Street
  • Built 1927
  • Price $6250

The furnished home went on display on April 24, 1927.  

Oakland Tribune May 1, 1927

Large rooms, with plenty of sunshine make this home appeal to the housewife.”

Oakland Tribune Apr 24, 1927
Oakland Tribune April 1927

Sold in 2020

The was listed for $889,000 in November of 2020 and sold for $955,000 in December.

Villa Romancia

  • 4145 Culver Street
  • Built 1927
  • Price $6775

Villa Romancia opened to the public in January of 1927.

Oakland Tribune 16, 1927

“Castles in Sunny Spain”

ROMANCE! MYSTERY! That is what you think of when you see Villa Romanica.”

Oakland Tribune Feb 13, 1927
Oakland Tribune 1927

Open House 2021

In January of 1921 Villa Romancia is for sale. The listed price is $699,000. An open house was held on January 3, 2021.

Culver Street Homes

Oakland Tribune Aug 21, 1927

List of Model Homes:

  • 4100 Culver Street – Casa Linda
  • 4132 Culver Street – Culver House
  • 4145 Culver Street – Villa Romancia
  • 4150 Culver Street – Casa Palomar
  • 4157 Culver Street – Casa Novia

More Info:

  • 4157 Culver Street – website
  • The Bungalow Book By J.B. Peppin – flickr

The End

Posted in Homes, Then and Now, Tract or Subdivisions, Uncategorized

Oak Knoll Homes

Rolling Hills, Pleasing Climate

Situated in eastern Oakland’s rolling hills, it enjoys a warm, balmy climate and provides ideal home sites with an unobstructed view, a perfect place for children

New Developer at Oak Knoll

David D Bohannon well-known subdivider and developer of San Francisco properties formed a new company called Oak Knoll Land Development Company.  The company was to sell and develop the Oak Knoll area.

300 Home Building Plan

In June of 1937, David D. Bohannon Organization announced a vast building program of 300 new homes for Oak Knoll.

“beautiful detached homes of distinctive and individual architectural design, all situated on lots of generous dimensions.”

said: Bohannon

The Plan

  • Distinctive Architecture
  • FHA Inspection
  • FHA Financing
  • Restrictions Guard Oak Knoll*

*In developing Oak Knoll, reasonable restrictions have been set up to maintain what Nature has already done so well. Oakland Tribune June 06, 1937

Photo was taken 1929-1930 by Milton W. Molitor.

The building in the distance is either Holy Redeemer or Oak Knoll Country Club. If the photo is of Oak Knoll Ave (was Cabrillo Ave) then it would be Holy Redeemer.

3649 Oak Knoll in the late 20s Built by Milton W. Molitor.
Photo was taken 1929-1930 by Milton W. Molitor.

The Plan in Action

The photo below shows the progress of their building plan. This is from the Oakland Tribune 1937. You can see Molitor home in the bottom right-hand corner

List of homes in the above photo.

  1. 3500 Calandria Ave
  2. 3514 Calandria Ave
  3. 3775 Margarita Ave
  4. 3478 Margarita Ave
  5. 3439 & 3442 Margarita
  6. 3448 Margarita Ave
  7. 3443 Mirasol Ave
  8. 3501 Mirasol Ave
  9. 3517 Mirasol Ave
  10. 3583 Mirasol Ave
  11. 3539 Granada Ave
  1. 9408 Granada Ave
  2. 3649 Oak Knoll Blvd
  3. 3641 Oak Knoll Blvd
  4. 3541 Mirasol Ave
  5. 3500 Mirasol Ave
  6. 3616 Mirasol Ave
  7. 3509 Oak Knoll Blvd
  8. 3517 Oak Knoll Blvd
  9. 9527 Granada Ave
  10. 3606 Oak Knoll Ave

New Oak Knoll Home – 3500 and 3501 Mirasol Ave

Oakland Tribune 1937 – Showing 3456 and 3500 Mirasol Ave

A two-story Early California Style home opened July 4, 1937.  

3500 Mirasol and 3456 Mirasol Google Maps
Oakland Tribune 1937
3500 Mirasol Avenue – google maps

Attractive Home in Oak Knoll

Oakland Tribune 1938
3443 Mirasol Avenue – google maps

Open in Oak Knoll

This home is located at 3533 Mirasol Avenue

Oakland Tribune
3533 Mirasol Avenue – Google Maps
Oakland Tribune

Activity in Oak Knoll

Oakland Tribune 1937
3501 Mirasol Avenue – Realtor.com
Oakland Tribune 1937
3517 Mirasol Ave – REDFIN

Oak Knoll Display Home

“The Home You’ve Read ad Dreamed of…Priced Lower Than You Dared to Hope.”

The first of the Oak Knoll Display Homes opened in June of 1937. The home was furnished by Breuner’s. ( I don’t know the location of this home)

Oakland Tribune June 1937

A spacious central living room with two bedrooms and a bath on one side, and inviting library-guest room with a bathroom and convenient, sunny kitchen on the other.

Oakland Tribune July 11, 1937
  • Beautifully designed electric fixtures in all rooms
  • Extra tile-top kitchen work table
  • Indirect lighting over the sink
  • Generous cupboard and drawer space…carefully planned.

Oakland Tribune July `18, 1937

One of Many New Oak Knoll Homes

Oakland Tribune July 11, 1937, I don’t know the location of this home.

Oak Knoll’s Exposition Home

The ‘Exposition’ home is located 9333 Murillo Ave opposite of Mirasol. The 1700 square foot house has beautiful view of the bay and bridges

  • Built-in bookcases
  • Peerless Kitchen
  • Breakfast Nook
Oakland Tribune 1939

The Golden Gate International Exposition was going happening on Treasure Island in 1939 and 1940. Hence the name Exposition Home and I can imagine they could see Treasure Island from the house.

Oakland Tribune 1939

One unique feature of the home was the 14 x 40-foot children’s playroom. In the backyard, there was a fenced playground with recreation equipment. (I wish I had a picture of that!)

9333 Murillo Ave –
9333 Murillo AveGoogle maps

Unique Opportunity!

Oakland Tribune 1931
Oakland Tribune 1931
3465 Oak Knoll Avenue – REDFIN
3465 Oak Knoll Avenue – google maps

Bus Service in Oak Knoll

Oakland Tribune 1938
Oakland Tribune 1938
Oakland Tribune 1938

Open to View in Oak Knoll

Oakland Tribune 1940
3465 Calafia Avenue – google maps

More Info:

The End

Posted in Buildings, Homes, Tract or Subdivisions, Uncategorized

Mills Gardens

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.”

Oakland Tribune Feb 03, 1924

“Fine Home Tract Adjoins Mills College Campus; Many Improvements”

Oakland Tribune May 11, 1924
Oakland Tribune May 04, 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. 

Sf Examiner 1924

“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

5624 Morse Ave – Google Maps

Brann Avenue

5859 Brann Ave –

55tth Avenue

Oakland Tribune Oct 24, 1924
2886 55th Avenue
2938 55th Ave – today google maps

Roberts Avenue

Oakland Tribune
5801 Roberts – today google maps
Oakland Tribune
5615 Roberts today google maps

More Info:

Mills Gardens

The End