Tract or Subdivisions - A Bit of History

Homes, Then and Now, Tract or Subdivisions, Uncategorized

Oak Knoll Homes

Posted on September 3, 2020February 11, 2022 by Dorothy Londagin

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.

3500 Calandria Ave
3514 Calandria Ave
3775 Margarita Ave
3478 Margarita Ave
3439 & 3442 Margarita
3448 Margarita Ave
3443 Mirasol Ave
3501 Mirasol Ave
3517 Mirasol Ave
3583 Mirasol Ave
3539 Granada Ave

9408 Granada Ave
3649 Oak Knoll Blvd
3641 Oak Knoll Blvd
3541 Mirasol Ave
3500 Mirasol Ave
3616 Mirasol Ave
3509 Oak Knoll Blvd
3517 Oak Knoll Blvd
9527 Granada Ave
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**

Attractive Home in Oak Knoll

Open in Oak Knoll

This home is located at 3533 Mirasol Avenue

Activity in Oak Knoll

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)

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.

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.

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

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.

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!)

Unique Opportunity!

Bus Service in Oak Knoll

Open to View in Oak Knoll

More Info:

New Oak Knoll Tract Lauded – Oakland Tribune June 13, 1937
Homes Rising at Oak Knoll – Oakland Tribune June 20, 1937
Display Home will Open – Oakland Tribune June 27, 1937
Homes Draw in Oak Knoll – Oakland Tribune July 04, 1937
Oak Knoll Tract Wins Popularity – Oakland Tribune July 11, 1937
Many People See Oak Knoll Homes – Oakland Tribune July 18, 1937
Site Offers Ideal Climate – Oakland Tribune August 01, 1937
Show to get Color Photos – Oakland Tribune October 29, 1937
Oak Knoll Has Great Growth – Oakland Tribune October 01, 1937
Activity In Oak Knoll Continues – Oakland Tribune October 29, 1939
Christmas Home in Oak Knoll – Oakland Tribune December 17, 1939
Active Demand In Oak Knoll – Oakland Tribune April 16, 1940
Oak Knoll Homes Are Open to View – Oakland Tribune January 21, 1940

The End

Buildings, Homes, Tract or Subdivisions, Uncategorized

Mills Gardens

Posted on July 30, 2020 by Dorothy Londagin

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.”

“Fine Home Tract Adjoins Mills College Campus; Many Improvements”
Oakland Tribune May 11, 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.

“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

Brann Avenue

55tth Avenue

Roberts Avenue

More Info:

Adjoins Mills College – Oakland Tribune Feb 03, 1924
Mills Gardens to be Placed on Market – Oakland Tribune Apr 27, 1924
Mills Gardens Sale Is Highly Successful – Oakland Tribune May 18, 1924
Big Demand for Mills Gardens –SF Examiner May 31, 1924
Many Homes Constructed – Oakland Tribune Aug 03, 1924

The End

Tract or Subdivisions

Toler Heights – The Homes

Posted on September 21, 2019October 13, 2025 by Dorothy Londagin

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.

If anyone recognizes the homes above, let me know.

Lawlor Street

In 1931, Scott Street was renamed Lawlor Street.

Liquor Raid 9703 Scott St – Oakland Tribune Jun 22, 1928

**9703 Lawlor St – today**
**Google Maps**

MacArthur Blvd

**Along Foothill Blvd (now MacArthur) circa 1919**
**Photographer: Cheney Photo Advertising Company**

**Another view of the photo above – circa 1919**
**Photographer: Cheney Photo Advertising Company**

**9224 and 9230 MacArthur today – Google Maps**

8802 MacArthur Blvd –

Thermal Street

8727 Thermal Street – built 1917

The End

People, Tract or Subdivisions

The Pines

Posted on July 17, 2019February 28, 2025 by Dorothy Londagin

“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 Drive in what is now Rockridge.

**From the map/brochure** **Rock Ridge properties, Oakland, California**

Land Purchased

In 1909, Philip E. Bowles purchased 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.

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.

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.

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.

Death of P.E. Bowles

On January 20, 1926, Philip Bowles died at 67.

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.

Claremont Pines

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.

After spending two years remodeling and adding new furniture, including expensive Persian rugs, Williams put the home up for sale in 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.

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.

Announcement of Mary Bowles’ Gift: March 19, 1927

Caretaker House

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.

More Info:

Horse Show – Oakland Tribune July 27, 1924
The Pines sold – Oakland Tribune May 03, 1927
Magnificent Estate Placed on Market – Oakland Tribune October 09, 1927
Claremont Pines Opens – SF Examiner October 08, 1927
Work on Claremont Pines Tract – Oakland Tribune October 30, 1927
Last of the Bowles Home Moved – Oakland Tribune July 18, 1948
Claremont Pines: An Estate Transformed – OHA Spring 2013

Photographs

Views of “The Pines” Estate – by Gabriel Moulin, ca. 1927
Claremont Pines – By Cheney Photo Advertising

The End

Homes, Neighborhoods, Real Estate, Tract or Subdivisions

Melrose Highlands is Healthier!

Posted on July 9, 2019June 6, 2023 by Dorothy Londagin

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.

The tract opened on July 19, 1925

C.P. Murdock was the developer and sales agent for Melrose Highlands.

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.

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**

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.

“Men can reach their work, women can go shopping, and children can get to high school, from Melrose Highlands”
August 23, 1925

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

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.

“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.”

“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.”

**A similar house to theirs – Google Maps**

Homes and Life in Melrose Highlands

Many New Homes

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 at 6886 Sunkist Drive.

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

More Melrose Highlands Homes

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.

More Info:

In Melrose Highlands – Oakland Tribune January 31, 1926
Large Sales in Melrose are Reported – Oakland Tribune May 2, 1926
Own Homes in Melrose Highlands – Oakland Tribune April 24, 1927

To be continued with the next phase of homes built in the 1930s to 1940s

Updated June 2023

The End

Tract or Subdivisions

Toler Heights

Posted on June 11, 2019October 10, 2025 by Dorothy Londagin

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.

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 Farm and the Dunsmuir Home.

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.

The ranch spanned approximately 300 to 349 acres, but according to the newspapers, the tract was 150 acres.

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.

A group of Investors owned the property, and the Southwest Securities Company was handling the sales for them.

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

Opening day was one of the most auspicious days for selling residential properties. Oakland Tribune, May 24, 1910

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.

Another change in ownership

In 1922, the new owners put the property up for sale at an auction. “Sales way down.” Oakland Tribune, May 28, 1922

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.

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

**Toler Heights School – Now Barack Obama Academy – 9736 Lawlor St**

Location

More Information on Toler Heights

Ready to Rush to Toler Heights – Oakland Tribune Oct 05, 1907
Toler Heights on the Market – Oakland Tribune Oct 07, 1907
Birdseye View of Toler Height Advertisement – SF Examiner Oct 13, 1907
90th Avenue to be Boulevard – Oakland Tribune, Jul 12, 1914
The Men Who Will Try an Auction – Oakland Tribune Jun 03, 1922
Absolute Auction – Oakland Tribune June 04, 1922

Toler Heights – Oakland, CA
The Oakland Neighborhood Project – Toler Heights

The End

Tract or Subdivisions

HopkinsTown – in the Dimond District

Posted on June 9, 2019August 3, 2024 by Dorothy Londagin

“Quit paying rent; by build and live in HopkinsTown, Oakland’s newest subdivision”

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.

Josiah died on August 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

“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”

Free Home Plans

California Subdivision Company prepared plans to construct an ideal one-room home economically.

The one-room bungalow included every convenience needed in a modern home, including bathroom, built-in features, kitchen sink, etc.

Church for Hopkinstown

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.

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.

More Info:

Estate of Josiah Rose – Oakland Enquirer October 12, 1894
Early History of HopkinsTown – Oakland Tribune August 17, 1922
HopkinsTown Attract Buyers – The Oakland Post Enquirer September 02. 1922
From Bare Ground to Housekeeping in Two Days – Oakland Tribune September 14, 1922
HopkinsTown Draws Many Buyers – Oakland Tribune September 16, 1922

The End

Model/Display Homes, Tract or Subdivisions

Claremont Circle

Posted on June 4, 2019 by Dorothy Londagin

Claremont Circle is a real estate development by the E.B. Field Company. It opened in 1935.

Claremont Circle has a magnificent panorama view of SF Bay, Golden Gate, Marin County, and Mount Tamalpais

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

**Oakland Tribune Mar 1937**
**34 Sonia Street**

Home of Today – Display Home – 58 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

**Oakland Tribune May 1937**
**58 Sonia Street**

Home of Today opens – April 11, 1937 Oakland Tribune
Home of Today – April 25, 1937, Oakland Tribune

64 Sonia Street

The End

Homes, Tract or Subdivisions

Central Terrace – 55th and Foothill

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Dorothy Londagin

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”

See brochure below

Central Terr 1915_side — Earth Sciences and Map Library,
University of California, Berkeley –
Historic Maps of Bay Area

centarl-terrace-brochure-front — Earth Sciences and Map Library,
University of California, Berkeley –
Historic Maps of Bay Area

Foothill Blvd at 55th Avenue
Photo By Cheney Advertising c 1912
Previously Sold on eBay

**Laverne from 55th Ave**
**Photo By Cheney Advertising c 1912**
**Previously Sold on eBay**

**Ruth Ave from 55th Ave**
**Photo By Cheney Advertising c 1912**
**Previously Sold on eBay**

**Photo By Cheney Advertising c 1912**
**Previously Sold on eBay**

**Ruth Ave**
**Photo By Cheney Advertising c 1912**
**Previously Sold on eBay**

More to come –

Tract or Subdivisions

Highlands of Oakland

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Dorothy Londagin

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.

Oakland Tribune November 29, 1925

“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

“The Oakland Hills has been compared to the Seven Hills of Rome.”

Oakland Tribune November 29, 1925

“Miss Australia” Beryl Mills visits the “Highlands of Oakland” after touring UC Berkeley.

Rolling Hills, Pleasing Climate

New Developer at Oak Knoll

300 Home Building Plan

The Plan

The Plan in Action

New Oak Knoll Home – 3500 and 3501 Mirasol Ave

Attractive Home in Oak Knoll

Open in Oak Knoll

Activity in Oak Knoll

Oak Knoll Display Home

Oak Knoll’s Exposition Home

Unique Opportunity!

Bus Service in Oak Knoll

Open to View in Oak Knoll

More Info:

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A Big Demand for Mills Gardens Lots

New Homes in Mills Gardens

Brann Avenue

55tth Avenue

Roberts Avenue

More Info:

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Lawlor Street

MacArthur Blvd

8802 MacArthur Blvd –

Thermal Street

8727 Thermal Street – built 1917

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Land Purchased

Inside the home

Gardens

High Society at The Pines

Death of P.E. Bowles

Possible Park

Claremont Pines

The Wrecking Ball

Bowles Hall – UC Berkeley

Caretaker House

More Info:

Photographs

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Melrose Highlands to Open

Transportation

A.J. Krajnc and His Home In Melrose Highlands

The Adams home on Earl Street

“Croup Cured by Warm Climate of Melrose Highlands”

Moved from San Francisco to Melrose Highlands

Homes and Life in Melrose Highlands

Many New Homes

New School for Melrose Highlands

Glad I Moved to Melrose Highlands

More Melrose Highlands Homes

More Info:

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Toler Ranch

Toler Ranch Sold

Map of Toler Heights – 1907

Opening Day 1907

Change of Ownership

Another change in ownership

Restrictions

New School – May 1928 – Now Barack Obama Academy

Location

More Information on Toler Heights

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Josiah Rose Farm

“Get a Home — Your Own Buy — Build –Live In Hopkinstown All for $49 First Payment”