Merriewood

Posted on January 31, 2026January 31, 2026 by Dorothy Londagin

I previously wrote about Merriewood in 2019. Many of the images on that post were lost when I transferred my blog to a different hosting site. So this is a new and improved post. I’m reviewing my posts one by one to address any issues.

Merriewood lies on the west side of Thornhill Drive, from Merriewood to Broadway Terrace. It includes some of Florence Terrace and Capricorn Avenue on one side and Valley View Road on the other.

Merriwood lies just back of Piedmont looking upon the magnificant scene of the city and the bay.” Oakland Tribune Sept 12, 1924

The Realty Syndicate Company announced that the Merriewood Tract (Montclair District) would go on sale on Sunday, September 14, 1924. There were 100 lots available. $10 would hold one for a potential buyer. Within the first week, six houses were started.

A $10 deposit would hold any lot in the tract on the opening day.

**Oakland Post Enquire September 13, 1924**

The Realty Syndicate had sold thousands of lots in Oakland before offering up Merriewood. They knew the challenge that most buyers faced after purchasing a lot was “How to Build.” They offered an unprecedented opportunity in Merriewood.

If the buyer wanted the house built for him, the Realty Syndicate would handle the construction, with labor costs included.

The Merriewood tract is about 100 acres in the Oakland Hills, at elevations ranging from 500 to 1300 feet. One advantage that made Merriewood so attractive was its proximity to transportation; it was only 15 minutes to downtown and 50 minutes to San Francisco. The bus lines had recently been extended in Montclair.

To get to Merriewood (Sundays only), visitors could catch a free bus to Merriewood at the 40th and Piedmont Avenue station.

A highly admired feature of Merriwood was the remarkable marine panorama of San Francisco Bay.

Sunday you can take the step that means freedom,independence, and home ownership” Oakland Tribune Sept 12, 1924

The opening drew hundreds of people on that opening day. Within 48 hours, six houses were started.

a drive through Merriewood is all that is needed to convince one of its many advantages as a place of family residience,” C.P. Murdock – Realty Syndicate.

Healthy Climate and New Community

The hills of Merriewood were (and still are) thickly wooded with oaks, pines, and redwoods. The full force of the sun’s rays shone through the trees, resulting in a moderate, even climate.

“The natural beauty of the tract, its pines and oaks covering the slopes, and attractive hidden away beneath the trees.” C.P. Murdock Feb 1926

More Units

**Oakland Post Enquirer** March 12, 1927

By the end of September 1924, a second unit of Merriewood was on sale and included many of the level-view lots in the tract.

The same proposition of providing all the materials for a three-room house was carried over to this unit.

You never saw anything develop as fast as Merriewood. Houses going up all over the two units of the tract already sold. Oakland Tribune Oct 17, 1924

Unit No. 3 was on sale by the end of October 1924. The price of a house was as low as $ 1,975, built by the builder.

80 cozy homes were in various forms of construction by May 1925

The Realty Syndicate announced in December 1925 that Merriewood was one of the company’s most successful subdivisions since opening in 1924. They also announced the opening of the sixth unit and that 130 homes were now complete.

The experience of building homes in the earlier units of Merriewood enabled the Realty Syndicate to identify ways to reduce costs in materials and labor. The sixth unit, with no additional costs to the buyers, included built-in kitchen features and a complete bathroom with a tub and sink.

**Oakland Post Enquirer April 24, 1926**

Nearly 150 homes were nearing completion, the Realty Syndicate reported in March 1926.

A Growing Community

**Oakland Post Enquirer January 9, 1926**

In early 1926, Montclair was also changing to keep pace with the new homes. The residents of the area built a new clubhouse, the Montclair Community Center. The clubhouse later became the home of the Montclair Women’s Club.

Home life is never complete until facilities of the community are adequate to the standards of the home.” Oakland Tribune Feb 13, 1926

A school was being built down the street from the clubhouse.

In 1927, the Thorn Road Bible School opened up on Thornhill, on the site of the present-day Montclair Presbyterian Church.

The first store in Montclair opened in 1925, and the building remains behind the present-day 7-Eleven on Thornhill.

Tract Office and Model Home

**Oakland Post Enquirer, September 25, 1925**

To help sell the plan, the Realty Syndicate built a demonstration model home using the same materials the buyer would receive. The material was enough to make a 3-room house.

Showing the corner of Grisborne and Thornhill, **Oakland Post Enquirer, October 24, 1924**

One of the model homes was located on Thornhill Drive and Grisborne Avenue. The address was 5815 Thorn Road (now Thornhill Drive). It served as the model home and tract office for Merriewood.

**The Tract Office at 5815 Thornhill Drive,** **SF Call Bulletin October 11, 1924**

Later, it was the offices of Phil Hearty, who sold real estate in Montclair for years and was also involved in the development of many tracts in Oakland.

Today, it is the home of the Montclair Community Play Center.

Cabins?

“Many of the old houses on Merriewood Drive were built as vacation cabins, and several retain their original clapboard siding: 5574 (1924), 5826 (1925), 5844 (1925), 5857 (1925), and 5876 (1926)”. An Architectural Guidebook to San Francisco and the Bay Area

Street Names

Merriewood has two sets of unique street names. The first is named after the signs of the zodiac: Aquarius Way, Capricorn Avenue, Leo Way, Taurus Avenue, Uranus Avenue, and Virgo Road—the other one honors Robin Hood, with Nottingham Drive, Robin Hood Way, and Sherwood Drive. I grew up on Capricorn Avenue.

Public Stairways

The Merriewood Stairs are divided into two sections: the Lower Merriewood Stairs (from Thornhill Drive to Marden Lane to Merriewood) and the Upper Merriewood Stairs (from Merriewood Drive to Valley View Road to Merriewood again). Merriewood Stairs _ Oakland Local Wiki.

More Info:

5876 Merriewood Drive – Reality of America
Street Names – Oakland Local Wiki

Merriewood Site on Sale – Oakland Tribune, September 12, 1924
Work Begins on Six Homes – SF Examiner, September 20, 1924
2nd Unit Onsale– SF Examiner September 27, 1924
Merriewood Sites On Sale – SF Examiner September 13, 1924
Model House Visited By Hundreds – Oakland Post Enquirer, September 20, 1924
Merriewood Offers Rent Independence Oakland Post Enquirer, October 4, 1924
A House with Every Lot – SF Call Bulletin October 11, 1924
Merriewood is Mecca for Home Buyers – Oakland Tribune, April 4, 1924
Merriewood’s Health Climate – Oakland Tribune, March 7, 1926

Montclair Highlands – On Top of the World

Posted on October 27, 2025October 27, 2025 by Dorothy Londagin

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.

“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

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.

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.

Many flocked to Montclair Highlands during the opening week. They enjoyed the remarkable panoramas from the level lots.

Lots were priced from about $500 up, with 10% down and 1% a month.

Observation Tower

The Realty Syndicate Company built an observation tower equipped with a special telescope and field glasses in June 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.”

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.

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.

The increased popularity of the two tracts made this an essential step in their development.

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:

Two New Montclair Units – SF Call Bulletin May 16, 1925
Lot Dimensions – SF Examiner May 23, 1925
Unsurpassed View – Oakland Post Enquirer May 30, 1925
Many Buy in New Tract – Oakland Post Enquirer June 6, 1925
Fine Telescope – Oakland Tribune June 20, 1925
Great Montclair Activity – Oakland Tribune June 21, 1925
Realtor Gives Growth Figures – Oakland Post Enquirer July 25, 1925
Luncheon on Top of the World – Oakland Tribune August 15, 1925
New Bus Service – Oakland Tribune July 22, 1928

Tract or Subdivisions

English Village

Posted on June 20, 2025June 20, 2025 by Dorothy Londagin

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.

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.

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.”

The Salisbury

Model Home Opened – 1939

English Village Homes

More Info:

New Homes Announced – Oakland Tribune Mar 18, 1928
Open ‘English Village Group’ – Oakland Tribune, Mar 25, 1928
The Salisbury to Open – Oakland Tribune Apr 22, 1928
Unique Home Section – Oakland Tribune April 21, 1929
Model Home Open to View – Oakland Tribune Dec 12, 1939

The End

Real Estate, Tract or Subdivisions

Highland Manor

Posted on March 21, 2025March 21, 2025 by Dorothy Londagin

Highland Manor is located off of Broadway Terrace, before Lake Temescal.

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

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.

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

Model/Display Homes, Real Estate, Tract or Subdivisions

Pine-Covered Hills

Posted on August 26, 2024October 10, 2025 by Dorothy Londagin

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.

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.

Below is one of the Studio Homes. It was located at 6192 Ruthland Road and was lost in the 1991 fire.

The Temescal, a furnished 6-room display home, was opened in November 1938. It was listed for $4950.00

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

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

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:

Oakland Local Wiki – Phil Heraty

Demand Increases for Smaller Homes – Oakland Tribune April 3, 1938
Lake Aids in the Sale Homes – Oakland Tribune May 15, 1938
Home Financing Helps Buyers – Oakland June 28, 1938
‘Studio Home’ Break Heraty Sales Record – Oakland Tribune September 4, 1938
Studio Homes By Heraty Attract Throngs – Oakland Tribune August 25, 1940
Heraty In New Office – Oakland Tribune November 10, 1940
Broadway Terrace Slide Victims Sue $135,000 – Oakland Tribune Jun 11, 1952
Slide Resumes Wrecking Homes – Oakland Tribune Jan 21, 1953
Eight Property Owners Sue – Oakland Tribune Jan 27, 1954
Demolition Broadway Terr. Homes – Oakland Tribune Jan 05, 1957
Hill Sliding an Inch a Day – Oakland Tribune Apr 1957
Phil Heraty Obit – Oakland Tribune October 13, 1969
Philip Heraty, Dies – Concord Transcript October 13, 1969

HAMILTON v. HARKINS (1956) – Findlaw

Early Montclair, Neighborhoods, Real Estate, Tract or Subdivisions

A Log Cabin in Pinehaven

Posted on August 11, 2024August 11, 2024 by Dorothy Londagin

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.

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.“

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.

Lots of Building

Building Bungalows in Foothill Canyons

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

Pinehaven Colony

“In a rustic setting of ferns and pines and little streams among rolling hills is located Pinehaven” Oakland Tribune

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.

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.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/7135-Pinehaven-Rd-Oakland-CA-94611/24818860_zpid/

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:

Pinehaven Goes On Sale – Oakland Tribune April 8, 1922
Summer Homes in City Limits – Oakland Tribune April 9, 1922
Pinehaven Looms As Summer Colony – The Oakland Post Enquirer April 29, 1922

The End

I did a blog on this before, but it was messed up when transferring my site.

History, Homes, Tract or Subdivisions

Grand Avenue Heights – By The Parks

Posted on January 26, 2024January 26, 2024 by Dorothy Londagin

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

**From the Grand Avenue Heights Brochure**

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

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.

**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:

Grand Avenue Heights – Oakland Tribune Oct 18, 1907
Investors Show Faith in City – Oakland Enquirer Oct 19, 1908
Oakland’s Magnificent New Residential District – Oakland Tribune Feb 12, 1910

The End

Real Estate, Tract or Subdivisions, Transportation

The Garden Spot of East Oakland

Posted on October 16, 2022October 16, 2022 by Dorothy Londagin

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

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.

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.

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

Showing Block 26 on 106th between MacArthur and Byron Ave

Showing the National Rubber Plant at 105th and Foothill

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:

Iveywood – Oakland Localwiki
Iveywood Ad – Oakland Tribune Feb 1910 and Pt 2
The Electric Loop – SF Call July 15, 1911
Model Home – Oakland Tribune August 6, 1939
Ivywood Home Open to View- Oakland Tribune December 3, 1939
Two New Model Homes Displayed – Oakland Tribune Apr 14, 1940
Ivywood Homes Open to View – Oakland Tribune August 18, 1940

The End

Early Montclair, History, Tract or Subdivisions

The Home Place of Romance – Smith Reserve

Posted on December 13, 2021May 21, 2026 by Dorothy Londagin

Smith Reserve was a subdivision in Montclair and is now called Piedmont Pines.

Smith Reserve is located at the top of Park Boulevard, with borders on Shepherd Canyon and Joaquin Miller Park, and extending up to Skyline Boulevard.

Smith Reserve Opens

The Realty Syndicate announced in May of 1926 that they were putting 300 acres in the hills behind Piedmont for sale. F.M. Smith once owned the land.

Page from 1928 Brochure of Smith Reserve, courtesy of Chris Treadway

“Smith reserve is the most beautiful tract of land opened by the Syndicate Company”
Oakland Tribune

“Much of the beauty of Smith Reserve is due to the varied groupings of oaks, ecualyptus and pine trees which cover the entire tract. The different shades of green, together with the variety of sizes and shapes of these trees afford an almost endless variety of choice to people in search of unusualsettings for distinctive homes.”
Oakland Tribune

Huge Sales!

In July of 1926, two months after the subdivision was open, the Realty Syndicate reported nearly $250,000 in sales. They also said a bus transportation system would be implemented, connecting with both local and San Francisco electric lines. – Oakland Tribune, July 18, 1928.

“Scenic Beauty”

Oakland Tribune 1926

“The Princely Estate of F.M. “Borax” Smith”

“Selected years ago by F.M. “Borax” Smith as a private estate when thousands of acres of the finest residentioal property in the East Bay were owned by him, Smith Reserve was set apart for eleborate development.”
Oakland Tribune

**1912**: Map of Oakland and vicinity published by the Realty Union, compiled from optical and other data by T. J. Allan; T. R. Morcom

Smith built Arbor Villa on the site further down on Park Boulevard.

Arbor Villa estate, as seen from across Park Boulevard

Camp Dimond

In 1919, 25 acres of the Smith Reserve were sold to the Oakland-Piedmont Council of the Boy Scouts of America for a camp. It was called Camp Dimond and operated from 1919 to 1948.

In 1948, the Oakland Public School District acquired the land and constructed Joaquin Miller Elementary and Montera Junior High Schools.

Bus Service

In July of 1928, the Realty Syndicate inaugurated a regular bus service into Montclair Highlands and Smith Reserve from the terminal at Moraga Ave and Hampton Road ( now La Salle Ave.) The buses had a regular schedule but alternated their run. It would go to Smith Reserve first on one trip and go to Montclair Highlands first on the next trip.

In Smith Reserve

In September 1928, they broke ground for two new Spanish-style homes, with building costs ranging from $10,000 to $15,000. Architect Hamilton Murdock completed plans for four additional homes, with three more on the drawing board. They embraced various types of architecture. Two of the homes were in the modified Spanish hacienda style, featuring balconies overlooking the East Bay and the Golden Gate.

One of the homes, built in 1928, was the residence of G.O. Thomas. This home was Spanish-style and was to cost $20,000.

The Harry S. Stockman is a nine-room English-type home that cost $25,000 to build. The house offers panoramic views of the hills, the East Bay, and landscaped grounds, and is located at 5640 Castle Drive and Mountain Gate.

**5640 Castle Drive, Piedmont Pines** – **Realtor.com**

Panorama Home

This home is located at 17 Ascot Court.

Hacienda Monterey

“the brave days of dashing dons and senoritas live again at “Hacienda Monterey” in Smith Reseve.”
Oakland Tribune

Piedmont Pines

In the early 1930s, Smith Reserve was re-subdivided and renamed Piedmont Pines.

New Light Beacon – Giant Eye

More Info:

Boy Scouts Get Land for Camp – Oakland Tribune January 20, 1919
300 Acres of Fine Land is Put on Sale – S.F. Examiner, May 22, 1926
Smith Reserve Selling – S.F. Examiner May 29, 1926
Syndicate to Open Big Estate – Oakland Tribune, May 1926
Visitors Crowd to New Tract – Oakland Tribune, May 30, 1926
Huge Sales Total for Reserve – Oakland Tribune July 18, 1926
New Oakland Homes – Oakland Tribune August 21, 1926
Many Homes Building in Smith Reserve – Oakland Tribune, September 2, 1928
Smith Reserve Attracts Home Buyers – S.F. Examiner October 13, 1928
Noted Actress Praises Smith Reserve – Oakland Tribune October 21, 1928
New Tract Office for Smith Reserve – S.F. Examiner October 28, 1928
Smith Reserve Romance Told – S.F. Examiner April 6, 1929
Smith Reserve to Have Idora Search Light – Oakland Tribune January 27, 1929
Giant Eye to Be Tested – Oakland Tribune, March 3, 1929

The End

Model/Display Homes, Tract or Subdivisions

High Street Park Homes

Posted on January 5, 2021May 3, 2022 by Dorothy Londagin

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.

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

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.

“The Home Beautiful”

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.

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.

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

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.