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
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.”
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”
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
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 forIveywood, 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
The Same area today – google maps10460 Dante Ave. In the photo above
“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.”
Showing Block 26 on 106th between MacArthur and Byron AveLooking South on Voltaire at 106th Ave circa 1911Iveywood ExtensionShowing the National Rubber Plant at 105th and FoothillLooking south on Voltaire at 106th – today.
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.
On 106th in the Iveywood ExtensionLooking East on 108th Ave from Bancroft Ave in Iveywood ExtensionOn 106th Ave – Google MapsLooking East on 108th AVe from Bancroft – Google Maps
Model Homes
Oakland Tribune 1939Oakland Tribune 19392300 108th today – Google Maps2415 106th today – Google MapsOakland Tribune 19402315 and 2321 109th Ave today – Google Maps
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.
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.
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
“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!)
The Toler Heights subdivision changed hands so many times before the 1930, it seems they never really got around to selling the area with photos of new homes being built. The following is all I could find.
Lawlor Street
9703 Lawlor Street
Oakland Tribune Oakland Tribune Oct 27,1913 Address now is 9703 Lawlor St
“The Pines” was the beautiful home and surrounding gardens of Mr. and Mrs. Philip E. Bowles. Built in 1910, it stood at No. 2 Bowling Drivein what is now Rockridge.
In 1909, Philip E. Bowlespurchased 51 acres (58 acres in some publications) of land in “Claremont Hills,” adjoining the Horatio P Livermore Homestead. Bowles was the president of the First National Bank of Oakland and a Regent of the University of California from 1911-22.
He signed a contract to erect a residence that would cost $31,000. The Architect was L.B. Dutton. He engaged an expert landscaper who designed the estate’s grounds by following Bowles’s plans.
The home, built in the Italian Villa style, had twenty-two rooms and a full basement. It had six master bedrooms, dressing rooms, five bathrooms, three sleeping porches, a library, a drawing room, and a conservatory.
Oakland Tribune March 28, 1909
The house and grounds had a fascinating view of the bay and surrounding country.
Inside the home
Gardens
Mr. and Mrs. P.E. Bowles on a garden path at The Pines
The home was surrounded by a veritable forest filled with quail and dotted with miniature lakes stocked with large rainbow trout and a well-stocked bass pond.
There was a Japanese Tea garden with pools containing rare goldfish, golden carp, and unusual aquatic plants.
There was also a tennis court, a swimming pool, an oversized garage, and a horse stable with a trotting park.
Mr. and Mrs. P.E. Bowles on a garden path at The Pines
Mr. Bowles purchased from all over the world; he bought the best. The rhododendrons were especially lovely.
SF Chronicle July 28, 1913
Architecture & Engineer of California Magazine issue featured the home. It states the architect was L.B. Dutton. Architecture & Engineer of California Jan 1911, pg. 204 –
High Society at The Pines
Many dances and social events were held at The Pines.
Oakland Tribune June 17, 1910
In 1912, the Bowles’s daughter Amy married Hiram Johnson Jr., the son of Governor Hiram W. Johnson. The wedding was held at The Pines.
Oakland Tribune May 30, 1912
Death of P.E. Bowles
On January 20, 1926, Philip Bowles died at 67.
SF Examiner January 21, 1926
Possible Park
Mayor Davie urged the city of Oakland Park board to purchase land and a home for $700,000for a public playground or park. That fell through.
Oakland Tribune October 15, 1926
Claremont Pines
Oakland Tribune August 26, 1928
In May of 1927, a year after Philip Bowles died, Mrs. Bowles sold the entire estate to a group of men from southern California, and they hired the York Company, Inc. of Oakland to handle development and sales.
The York company subdivided the land and called it Claremont Pines, combining the name of the nearby district with the name of the Bowles Estate.
In 1927 or 1928, Andrew Williams of the Andrew Williams Store, a local grocery chain, purchased the home at No. 2 Bowling Drive.
Oakland Tribune February 26, 1928
After spending two years remodeling and adding new furniture, including expensive Persian rugs, Williams put the home up for sale in 1932
As for No. 2 Bowling Drive 1931
Oakland Tribune September 05, 1932
The Wrecking Ball
In 1938, the main house was destroyed by the wrecking and sold off piece by piece—a sad ending for a home that was just 28 years old.
Oakland Tribune Feb 1938
Bowles Hall – UC Berkeley
In 1928, in memory of her husband, Mrs. Bowles donated $250,000 to the University of California to build a dormitory for men, wholly and appropriately furnished, on or near the University campus in Berkeley. It is known as Bowles Hall.
A caretaker house was located at the front gates of the estate. It stood at the portal through the high metal-spiked fence around the estate. The five-room bungalow, which formally served as the guardian of the estate, was used as the tract office from 1928- 1948.
It was at this little cottage where the streetcar once stopped.
In 1948, the cottage was sold to Charles Ray Jr. of 1028 85th Avenue, and he placed it on the lot next to his.
