The Toler Heights subdivision changed hands so many times before the 1930s that it seems they never really got around to selling the area, despite photos of new homes being built. The following is all I could find.
SF Call Bulletin Feb 17, 1923SF Chronicle June 03, 1922SF Call Mar 11, 1911The Bulletin May 27, 1922 SF Call Feb 04, 1911
If anyone recognizes the homes above, let me know.
“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.
Melrose Highlands is the area off Keller Avenue to the King Estates Open Space, Field Street, and Crest Avenue – The area is now called Eastmont Hills.
Melrose Highlands to Open
Melrose Highlands is a part of the ‘old Houston ranch” (I have to find out more about Houston, I think it might be Hewston), and a portion of the property was used by the National Guard as a rifle range ( see my blog here). It lies between Leona Heights and Sequoia Country Club and the Upper San Leandro filter plant (7700 Greenly Drive) on the west side.
Oakland Tribune July 17, 1925
The tract opened on July 19, 1925
C.P. Murdock was the developer and sales agent for Melrose Highlands.
Oakland Tribune July 12, 1925
Melrose Highlands location was ideal for the people to be employed in the industrial plants of East Oakland. It was up the hill from the Chevrolet Assembly plant that opened a few years before.
Oakland Tribune July 26, 1925
They offered a lot and a completely built home on easy terms. A homesite and building material, or just a homesite, could be purchased.
3 Offers to pick from
House and homesite complete – $100 down and $1 a day.
Homesite and material for a house – $50 down and 75c. a day
Homesite – $25 down and 50c.a day
These homes were complete and comfortable, from the concrete foundations to the plastered walls. A sink, wash basin, toilet, and bathtub are included in the price. The kitchens had built-in cabinets.
On Keller Avenue – Oakland Tribune August 23, 1925
Oakland Tribune November 8, 1925
A group of 12 homes was almost complete. Oakland Tribune – July 26, 1925
“In Melrose Highlands we are going to give the working man a chance to get the sort of house to which he has long looked for “
C.P. Murdock, Inc. – Oakland Tribune – July 12, 1925
Transportation
CP Murdock established a bus line that ran on a regular schedule designed to appeal to the wage earners of the industrial district.
Oakland Tribune August 23, 1925
“Men can reach their work, women can go shopping, and children can get to high school, from Melrose Highlands”
August 23, 1925
Oakland Tribune January 15, 1926
A.J. Krajnc and His Home In Melrose Highlands
In September 1925, Anton J. Krajnc moved into his new home with his wife and daughter. This was his first time buying a home and the first family on Earl Street.
“It’s Paying Me To Live In Melrose Highlands”
A.J. Krajnc
From the 1928 Directory – 234 is now 7957 Earl Steet
Oakland Tribune 1925
The House Today Google Maps
The Adams home on Earl Street
The new home of William E. Adams on Earl Street. Their home was located at lot No. 232, now 7941 Earl Street, but the houses don’t look the same.
Oakland Tribune November 29, 1925
7941Earl Street -Google Maps
“Croup Cured by Warm Climate of Melrose Highlands”
“I am so glad we moved to Melrose Highlands,” states Mrs. W Booth. “Over on 64th Avenue, I was up almost every night taking care of one or more children suffering from croup.”
Oakland Tribune January 17, 1926
“Melrose Highlands is healtier.”
Mrs Boothe 1926
1927 Directory – Anderson Street is now Kelller Avenue
The Booth Home today 7908 Earl Street – Google Maps
Moved from San Francisco to Melrose Highlands
“I still work in San Francisco as a molder, and find that by taking my car over to the Seminary Southern Pacific Station I get home at night by 5:45.”
Oakland Tribune January 31, 1926
A similar house to theirs – Google Maps
Homes and Life in Melrose Highlands
Oakland Tribune Apr 1926Oakland Tribune August 29, 1926
Many New Homes
Oakland Tribune January 17, 1926
New School for Melrose Highlands
In 1923 the “Columbia Park School” was built on Sunkist Drive. It was next to the home of Susie Thompson and her husband Roy, who lived at6886 Sunkist Drive.
Oakland Tribune 1925
Mrs. Thompson was the custodian of the one-room school building for three years when only 14 families lived in the area.
The school was later destroyed in a high wind, replaced by a new school (down the street), and then renamed the Charles Burckhalter School. Oakland Tribune, May 10, 1969.
Glad I Moved to Melrose Highlands
In January 1927, a new store was opened by John G. Koch. The store was located at 7979 Macarthur (give or take a few numbers). The building was later in the way of construction of the MacArthur Freeway (580).
“We have a fast-growing community here, and as fine a place to live as any could want”
J. Koch, the first grocer in Melrose Highlands
Oakland Tribune March 13, 1927
More Melrose Highlands Homes
Oakland Tribune January 3, 1926
The picture below shows the progress of Melrose Highlands as of June 1926. The streets with the most homes are Earl Street, Winthrop Street, Keller Avenue, and Greenly Drive.
Toler Heights is located on the Foothill Boulevard (now MacArthur Boulevard). The tract is about 157 acres with almost 1,000 building sites.
Toler Heights got its name from the ranch that was on the land previously.
SF Examiner May 20, 1910
Toler Ranch
William Pinkney Toler(1829-1899) and his wife, Maria Antonia (1836-1926), owned 330 (349) acres of land in the foothills of Elmhurst. Maria was the daughter of Hermenegildo “Ignacio” Peralta. William and Maria were married in 1853.
The ranch was located on the foothills road between Elmhurst and San Leandro, later known as Foothill Boulevard, and is now MacArthur Boulevard. The ranch was close to both the Talbot Farmand theDunsmuir Home.
Oakland Tribune Oct 8, 1888
Toler Ranch Sold
After her husband’s death, Mrs. Toler sold the ranch to the Realty Syndicate for $110,000-$120,000. The land was then subdivided and placed on the market.
Oakland Tribune, Mar 26, 1906
SF Call July 30, 1906
The ranch spanned approximately 300 to 349 acres, but according to the newspapers, the tract was 150 acres.
Oakland Tribune Jan 6, 1907
Map of Toler Heights – 1907
Panel title: Map of Toler Heights, Elmhurst, Oakland. Oriented with north towards the left. Cadastral map.the http://oskicat.berkeley.edu/record=b11188562~S1
Opening Day 1907
Large crowds attended the opening on October 6, 1907. On that day, they held a barbecue festival with free food served in tents. A band played lively music, while young boys sold popcorn.
Sf Chronicle Oct 27, 1907
SF Examiner Oct 13, 1907
A group of Investors owned the property, and the Southwest Securities Company was handling the sales for them.
SF Call Sept 28, 1907
Over $200,000 was sold on opening day.
The lots were larger, ranging from 50X125 to a full acre. The business lots fronted on Foothill Boulevard.
Toler Heights is not a newtown, sand dune or a place in the wilderness: But Toler Heights is the Nob Hill, the cream of Elmhurst property, and so cheap in price that is – The Best Buy Offered.” Oakland Tribnune Oct 09 1907
Change of Ownership
In 1910, the Henderson & Tapscotts Company purchased Toler Heights. They made numerous improvements to the tract. Opening day was held on May 22, 1910.
The corner of MacArthur and 90th Avenue,Cheney Photo Advertising Company.Circa 1912.Previously sold on eBay
The photo above might be showing the Silva Ranch on Foothill Blvd
Toler Heights is on the scenic boulevard along the foothills. The area has a slight elevation and an unrivaled view of Oakland and the bay with San Francisco in the distance.
it combines all the beauties and advnatages of Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, and Piedmont Heights, but without the cutting winds, blinding dust, and exasperating fog.” SF Call Oct 06, 1907
Toler Heights was referred to as “The Piedmont of East Oakland” due to its commanding view and surroundings.
Some of the wealthiest families of Oakland and one wealthy banker from San Francisco have their villa homes adjoining Toler Heights.
Looking towards Thermal Street and 90th Avenue. Cheney Photo Advertising Company, Circa 1912
In 1911, the Oakland Traction Company completed a Toler Heights branch line via 90th Avenue from East 14th (now International Boulevard). They called it the Toler Heights Extension. At the time, Toler Heights was 24 minutes from downtown Oakland, via streetcar.
During the auction, buyers were allowed to make their own estimate of the value of each piece of property, and they could bid as low or as high as they pleased.
Oakland Tribune, June 4, 1922
Oakland Tribune Feb 11, 1923
Restrictions
The owners of the Toler Heights imposed certain building restrictions, which were incorporated in the transfer of the property, giving assurance that “neither Orientals or any objectionable persons, or their homes will ever be tolerated on the heights.”
New School – May 1928 – Now Barack Obama Academy
Oakland Tribune, May 23, 1928
Toler Heights School – Now Barack Obama Academy – 9736 Lawlor St
“Quit paying rent; by build and live in HopkinsTown, Oakland’s newest subdivision”
Oakland Tribune Aug 19, 1922
HopkinsTown is located at Hopkins St (now MacArthur Blvd), Georgia, Maple, Peralta Ave (now Coolidge), and Carmel and Morgan Streets.
California Subdivision Company handled the sales. It opened in September 1922.
Josiah Rose Farm
HopkinsTown was once the farm of Josiah Rose, who settled there in 1864. When Rose lived on his farm, Antonia Mario Peralta was his neighbor.
Rose Property 1877 Map
Josiah died on August 25, 1894.
Oakland Enquirer – Aug 25, 1894
In 1922, Rose’s daughter Mary Mulrooney (Mulroony) and her son James still lived on a small piece of the farm on Peralta Street (now Coolidge). I found that in 1933, Mary lived at 2844 Georgia Street, part of a small commercial area where Loard’s Ice Cream is today. Mary died in 1933. – Oakland Tribune Aug 19, 1922
From 1933 Directory
“Hopkinstown Like City Within a City ;In Oakland”
Oakland Tribune August 14, 1922
“Get a Home — Your Own Buy — Build –Live In Hopkinstown All for $49 First Payment”
The Oakland Post Enquirer Sept 2, 1922
“The fastest growing “small home” community in the state.”
Oakland Tribune 1922
The Oakland Post Enquirer Sept 2, 1922
“Every lot is a GOOD lot, and NO HILLSIDES!”
His home was on Georgia Street – Oakland Tribune Aug 20, 1922
“From Bare Ground to Housekeeping in Two Days”
Oakland Tribune Sept 14, 1922
Free Home Plans
California Subdivision Company prepared plans to construct an ideal one-room home economically.
Oakland Post Enquirer Sept 8, 1922
Oakland Tribune Sept 7, 1922S
The one-room bungalow included every convenience needed in a modern home, including bathroom, built-in features, kitchen sink, etc.
Oakland Tribune Sept 16, 1922
Church for Hopkinstown
Oakland Tribune Sept 14, 1922
I didn’t find many homes built in HopkinsTown, at least not advertised. This is the area I live in now. I drove around the area, trying to locate some of the homes. I did notice small homes on deep lots.
In the late 1950s, the unsold Hopkins Town lots were being rezoned for duplexes or apartment buildings. The large lots zoned for single-family homes have long caused problems for the planning department.
Oakland Tribune Dec 17, 1959
I have noticed a lot of construction around Morgan Street. They are converting a few of the Hopkins Town Tract “lots” into duplexes or triplexes.
Claremont Circle is a real estate development by the E.B. Field Company. It opened in 1935.
Oakland Tribune Sep 1935
Claremont Circle has a magnificent panorama view of SF Bay, Golden Gate, Marin County, and Mount Tamalpais
Oakland Tribune 1935
Oakland Tribune Sep 1935
Oakland Tribune Sept 1935
Oakland Tribune 1935
Oakland Tribune 1935
The homes of Claremont Circle
Oakland Tribune Aug 1936 38 Sonia Street
Oakland Tribune Sept 1936 Not sure of the location
Oakland Tribune Oct 1936 Not sure of the location
Wide Horizons Display Home
Oakland Tribune Feb 14, 1937 34 Sonia Street
In February of 1937, the E.B. Field Company held a contest to name their newest display home that opened. The winning name was “Wide Horizons.” The house was located at 34 Sonia Street
The Home of Today is located Claremont Circle, a small real estate development by E.B. Fields Co. on Sonia Street. It opened in May of 1937. The address is 58 Sonia Street.
Oakland Tribune Apr 1937 58 Sonia Street
The Home of Today was designed and built by Earl R. MacDonald and Herman A. Schoening
It is located where Foothill Blvd meets Trask Street and 55th Avenue. 55th Avenue was formally called Central Avenue, and Foothill Blvd was often referred to as the Scenic Boulevard. Central Terrace also includes Ruth Avenue, Laverne Avenue, El Camille Avenue, and Kingsland Avenue. The area now is considered to be an extension of Maxwell Park or the Fairfax District, depending on who you talk to.
Mutual Realty Co.’s Central Terrace office,
Foothill Boulevard at 55th Avenue and Trask Street looking north
Cheney Photo Adv. Co., photographers. C 1912
Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.
Brochure for Central Terrace
The Mutual Realty Company put the Central Terrace Subdivision on sale in April of 1912. The agent was Fred T. Wood, who later took over the project. Then they added the Central Terrace Extension and Scenic Park Knoll
Earth Sciences and Map Library,
The University of California, Berkeley -Cadastral map. Historic Maps of Bay Area
“Central Terrace is surrounded by modern schools and educational institutions of the very highest standard, the John C. Fremont high erected at the cost of $140,000, the Melrose School, the W.P. Frick School and the Lockwood Grammar School and the famous Mills Seminary for young ladies, all are within short walking distance from any part of Central Terrace”
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.
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
