It has been awhile since I have published a new post. I have been dealing with an major medical issue in my family. It is still ongoing. This is something I put together a while back.
A bungalow court is a group of small bungalows or workers cottages built around a court or central yard. An apartment court is a group of buildings built around or have a central courtyard.
Reminiscent of the early history of California the Seville was built by Barr and Sons.
886 Cleveland – Google Maps
“The exterior of lime white stucco in monk finish with wrought iron balconies and, rails, the Spanish court effect with landscaped slopes, broken stepping stones and green shrubbery, the tiles roof of handmade Spanish tiles laid as the early day padres would lay them”
20 apartments of 2,3, and 4 rooms furnished from $57.50 up in 1927.
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!)
I thought I would show you a little “Then and Now” images for downtown Oakland.
Enjoy!
Washington St – West Side from 7th and 8th
The 1896 Illustrated Directory of Oakland, California – https://localwiki.org/oakland/The_Illustrated_Directory_of_Oakland%2C_CaliforniaWest side of Washington Street between 7th and 8th Streets. Hersh’s Apparel, Grutman’s Army and Navy Store in view. DATE: 1955 Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.Google MapsSouth side of 8th Street between Washington and Clay Streets. Drug store and pharmacy in view. DATE: 1958, Mar. Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room. FILENAME/TITLE:ohrphoto.dpoa1.050Google Maps
Washington Street West Side from 8th to 9th
The 1896 Illustrated Directory of Oakland, California – https://localwiki.org/oakland/The_Illustrated_Directory_of_Oakland%2C_CaliforniaWest side of Washington Street between 8th and 9th Streets. TV Tradin’ Post, Brick’s in view. DATE:1955 Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.Google mapsWest side of Washington Street between 8th and 9th Streets. Oakland Household Co. in view. DATE: 1955 Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.Google Maps
Ninth Street – North Side from Washington to Broadway
The 1896 Illustrated Directory of Oakland, California – https://localwiki.org/oakland/The_Illustrated_Directory_of_Oakland%2C_CaliforniaNortheast corner of 9th and Washington Streets. Arlington Hotel in view. DATE :circa 1937 SIZE M.L. Cohen Co., photographers, for Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.Google maps
Washington St – East Side from Ninth to Tenth
East side of Washington Street between 9th and 10th Streets. Savemore Dry Goods, Kaplan’s Army Surplus, Acme Market in view. DATE 1955. Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.East side of Washington Street between 9th and 10th Streets circa 1913 Cheney Photo AdvertisingEast side of Washington Street between 9th and 10th Streets circa 1937Google Maps
Broadway West Side from Ninth St to Tenth St
The 1896 Illustrated Directory of Oakland, California – https://localwiki.org/oakland/The_Illustrated_Directory_of_Oakland%2C_CaliforniaWest side of Broadway between 9th and 10th Streets. White Onion, Eagle Loan Co., Moler Barber College in view. DATE 1955 Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.West side of Broadway between 9th and 10th Streets. Lucky Club, A. Binneweg, Hill’s Loan Office in view. DATE 1955 Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.Broadway West Side from Ninth St to Tenth St – Google maps
Wilcox Block, Front and North side, Oakland (c.1860-70) http://www.calisphere.universityofcalifornia.edu/institutions/Society+of+California+Pioneers
The 1896 Illustrated Directory of Oakland, California – https://localwiki.org/oakland/The_Illustrated_Directory_of_Oakland%2C_CaliforniaWest side of Broadway between 8th and 9th Streets. Stag Clothing Co. in view. DATE: 1955. Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.West side of Broadway between 8th and 9th Streets. Stag Clothing Co. in view. DATE: 1955. Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.Google MapsGoogle Maps
There was a temporary station at the corner of Moraga and Hampton (now La Salle). Local builder Cos Williams, a local builder, donated the use of the land.
An average day
Report at 9 am – They would report for duty at the station and 13th and Hopkins (now MacArthur) and drive the hook and ladder to Montclair. They did all their cooking on an outdoor camp stove
Off at 7 pm – At the end, they would pile onto the truck again and drive down the hill.
Lieutenant F.H. Waldron was the commanding officer.
L.W. Parks – driver
E.E. Terrell – driver
F.W. Cochran – hoseman
C.A Stone
They fought two fires on their first day.
Engine Company No. 24
In June 1926, $11,000 was appropriated for a new firehouse in Montclair. The city purchased the land from the school department in December 1926 for $4,500. The final construction cost was $18,900.
Original Blueprints – Eldred E. Edwards 1927
Construction of the new firehouse got underway in early 1927. Fire Commissioner Colburn officially accepted the firehouse in August of 1927.
The land that the firehouse is on was once the Hays Canyon School.
Eldred E. Edwards of the Oakland Public Works Department drew up plans.
The style of architecture is primarily Old English. The construction method was unique among firehouses at that time, being pre-cast of cement molded on the ground. All the plumbing fixtures, water pipes, and electrical wires conduits were cast in cement.
Storybook-style firehouse in the Montclair district of Oakland, California. 1928 ohrphoto. Fire dept.006.
The roof consisted of 100 curved slabs of concrete set in grooved beams and held in place with slotted bolts.
Doubled copper strips run along the ridges, forming decorative motifs at the gable peaks. These decorations simulate fire, which follows along the peaked roofline and leaps into flames and gable corners. The copper has been painted white.
Work was done in 1934 as part of the WPA. Oakland Tribune 1934
A firetruck for fighting hills fires on view in the foreground. 1934, ohrphoto.districts.031.
Fire Captain Killed in the Line of Duty
Fire Captain Joseph F. Pimentel was killed, and three firemen were injured when their fire truck skidded out of control at the corner of Taurus and Broadway Terrace. Pimentel was pinned against a tree.
The fire truck was headed to a small blaze at the home of Otto R. Johnson at 6356 Crown Avenue.
January 22, 1942
Oakland Tribune January 22, 1942
The injured firefighters were Patrick S. Doyle, John Baratini, and Ray O. Wells.
Oakland Tribune January 22, 1946
Oakland’s Best-Decorated Firehouse
In 1951 Engine Company No. 24 was awarded the first prize of $500.00 for being Oakland’s best-decorated firehouse. The Oakland Tribune also awarded the firehouse a perpetual trophy installed in the house.
The firehouse was an old church scene, with a “Surrey with a Fringe on Top” arriving. Animated choir boys, accompanied by an old pump organ, are shown singing Christmas carols.
Christmas Chapel with Choir –1951
In 1952 they erected an old-time country store with a pot-bellied stove, family photographs, and animated figures. Inside, a clerk shows a blushing customer, a lady, a pair of “long john” underwear. Nearby is a blacksmith shop. There was a large holly wreath on the front of the firehouse.
Oakland Tribune December 1952
In 1953 the firehouse was decorated as a church with a choir loft and organ. A special merit award was given to the house by the S.F. Examiner.
Oakland Tribune December 18, 1953
Montclair Fires and Such
Montclarion 1955
Oakland Tribune 1953
Montclarion 1957 on the 30th Anniversary
Teddy of Engine No. 24
Oakland Tribune
Earthquake Hazard – 1960s
The Hayward Fault runs right down the middle of Moraga Avenue in front of the firehouse.
Because of that, the firehouse was determined to be an earthquake hazard and could not be repaired. The city hired Anderson, Simonds, Dusel, and Campini to provide architectural services for a new firehouse.
Oakland Tribune 1962
The city was prepared to tear down the Montclair firehouse and build a new one for $165,000. After an outside firm determined it was indeed unsafe to that day’s standards.
Oakland Tribune December 27, 1963
City Delays Replacing Firehouse
In October of 1962, Oakland’s City Council held up the money to build a new firehouse and wondered if the money could be used to “repair” it instead.
The firehouse is called ” the country club of the city” and “if it is unsafe so’s my house.”
Councilmember 1962
There was a dispute over the city manager’s report that the firehouse was damaged enough during a recent earthquake (??)to make it a hazard to its occupants. One architect said it could be repaired at little expense with some structural steel.
“two independent consultants said the building is unsafe and should be replaced.“
Oakland City Manager 1962
I can only assume that Oakland had money problems. They would no longer build a new firehouse. Instead, the council approved $22,000 for structural reinforcements, waterproofing, and more habitable.
Contract Awarded
Oakland Tribune January 22, 1964
In January 1964, a contract was awarded to M.W. Garing for $13,975 to repair the firehouse.
Loma Prieta – 1989
The firehouse was damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta quake. The house was decommissioned in 1991.
Oakland City Landmark #34
On March 18, 1980, the old fire station was designated as Oakland City Landmark #34
Address: 6226 Moraga Avenue, Oakland, California
Firehouse Today
Fire Station was decommissioned around 1993 due to concerns that a facility for first responders should not be located on an active earthquake fault,” a city report stated.
In 2018 City officials announced they were seeking development or purchase proposals for two parcels on Moraga Road. One is a vacant property totaling 24,000 square feet, and the other totals 16,000 square feet and contains the Montclair Fire Station, also known as Firehouse No. 24.
Before “The Montclarion” newspaper rolled off the presses in 1944, there were two earlier editions. The Montclair Garden Club published a newsletter called the Montclair Clarion in the early 1930s and then the Montclarion.
Montclarion – Thanks to Chris Treadway
Montclair Clarion
In January of 1935, a small booklet of community news and poetry appeared in mailboxes in the Merriewood area. The Merriewood-Pinewood Improvement Club sponsored it.
The Montclair Clarion was distributed free of charge. It included poetry, stories, community activities, advertisements, and a recipe for Pumpkin Chiffon Pie.
The cover was a pen-and-ink sketch by Schuler of two pines, grass, and a view of the hills beyond. The sketch tool had slight variations, reflecting the seasons.
Montclarion 1992
Margery Lane Schuler, who lived at 5646 Merriewood Drive, was the editor. Schuler was also the advertising manager, copyreader, publisher, and art director.
In her first editorial, Schuler wrote that she hopes the Montclair Clarion will “have a great many people become more aware of the beauty of the district of the district and promote a desire for our living amongst the trees and nature, living close to God, thereby establishing us to live richer fuller lives.
” We want them to see our sunset, to breathe our pines; and everyone should hear our birds sing in the morning, they like it too, out here.”
Some news from the Clarion
Mrs. Emerson’s garden party with an entrance charge of 50 cents.
The Women’s club was booked solid.
Realtor Ione Jones had a pine lot available for $1,500.
Montclair Realty at 6466 Moraga announced the permit for the Hamilton Market.
New street sign at the blind corner of Merriewood and Sherwood Drives.
The cover of the April 1935 edition boasted a circulation of 1000, and by September 1935, the little book was less than ten pages.
Montclair Clarion Feb-Mar 1935 –Thanks Chris Treadway
In 1940, the first issue of the Monclairion, still a typed, mimeographed newsletter, appeared. Promising its readers, “a personal newssheet will keep you informed on the interesting and important events in your community.
July 13, 1940 –Thanks Chris Treadway
The area’s monthly news source was published by the Montclair Townsite Association, “of, by and for the people of Montclair from Piedmont to Skyline.” The yearly subscription price is $1.00.
Thanks, Chris Treadway
The editor, realtor Beatrice Pause of The Montclair Realty Co., had a staff of three nurserymen: Elmer Warren, local resident Damond Woodlee, whose forte was “scandal,” and her sister Pierette DeVincenzi.
Vol 2 No 54 July 1941
A popular and controversial column, “Well What Do You Know” by Yehudi, reported the goings-on of hill residents and merchants. “Yehudi” kept things stirred up by tattling on everyone, even himself.
“What local golf wizard took what local scribe’s pants at what club?” began a column in July 1940. “Little did he suspect this local scribe had shed his longies.” (and editors’ note read: Yehudi to be released from local klink Monday)
Vol 2 Oct 1941 Thanks, Chris Treadway
Five months after that first issue appeared, The Montclarion became a weekly, six to eight-page publication that included the “important events of the community” gossip, meetings, gardening and cooking tips, new neighbors, and help-wanted columns.
Four months later, the paper was delivered by carriers every Friday to 2,150 homes.
Advertisements on the letter-size news sheet reflected the hill area growth.
Charles Huenneke had taken over the Montclair Pharmacy at the corner of Moraga and La Salle.
Gil’s Market opened at 6120 La Salle.
Edward’s Cleaners and Hatters opened.
Thanks, Chris Treadway
The following year, four days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, urged residents to enroll in civilian defense classes.
Vol. 3 No 1 Jan 1942 – Thanks Chris Treadway
But despite its popularity—2000 papers every week—the Montclarion died quietly sometime in 1942, a victim of wartime shortages and rising production costs.
For nearly two years, the Montclarion was nothing more than a copyrighted title.
The Montclarion
Fred and Micky Graeser bought the title for $100.00, rented printing equipment, and set up shop in their home on Sobrante Road. They sold the paper in 1977.
Montclarion
The first issue was on October 27, 1944, and started as a four-page semi-tabloid whose pages varied in size.
Over the years, The Montclarion moved their offices at least eight times.
Montclarion
Various Issues
Monntclarion June 1949 – Thanks to Chris Treadway
Montclarion March 1952 Thanks, Chris Treadway
MontclarionAugust 1953Montclarion Nov 17, 1955Montclarion May 1957Montclarion April 1957Montclarion 1962
A bit of history of 2062 Mountain Blvd. According to the OHA, the building was constructed in 1946 for Klee’s Smorgasbord and designed byFrederick Dyer-Bennet. An addition was made in 1951, designed by John Carl Warnecke. The building was divided, and the facade changed c.1990.
If I could only find one photo of the Equinox.
Klee’s Smorgasbord
From the collection of Dorothy Londagin
Johnnie Lee Jackson was the chef from 1948-1949. Johnny Radell was the chef in 1949
From the collection of Dorothy Londagin
Flagg’s Restaurant
Forgotten Montclair Group
In 1951, the restaurant was purchased by A. J. Flagg and John S. Flagg, who already owned Pland’s Restaurant. A. J. spent considerable time and money remodeling it before opening it in March 1952. Joe Kiklas was manager, and famed maitre d’hotel, Jerome DeFelice was host.
Walsh & O’Brien’s Store, junction 18th, Peralta & Center Sts., Oakland, CA, ca. 1898″ OMCA – Gift of Mrs. Brent Howard H26.1429
Oakland Tribune Dec 21, 1901
Oakland’s oldest flatiron building resides at the juncture of Peralta, Center, and 17th Streets in West Oakland. It was built for William Walsh in 1879; the two-story redwood structure initially housed the Center Junction Exchange Saloon with apartments above.
Oakland Tribune Feb 11, 1884
A native of Ireland, Mr. Walsh purchased the Peralta Street lot in 1877. Peralta Street was one of the main avenues to Berkeley.
Oakland Tribune Dec 21, 1901
By 1877, the saloon had evolved into the Junction Cash Grocery and Liquor Store. In 1894, Mr. Walsh partnered with Austin O’Brien. The firm of Walsh & O’Brien was described as:
“importers selling direct to families, groceries, wines, cigars, home furnishing goods, hay, feed, and grain.”
Mr. Walsh bought out O’Brien’s share of the company in 1901 and changed the name to Walsh & Co.
Oakland Tribune Apr 18, 1901
Plate 100
From Oakland 1902 Vol 1, California Published by Sanborn Map Company in 1902
Most who grew up in the Montclair District of Oakland have fond memories of Mort’s Drive-in on the corner of Moraga and Medau. My memories of Mort’s are from when it was on Thornhill Drive next to the 7-11. The smell of french fries (the best!)wafting through the air into our classrooms would make our mouths water. I can still remember how good they smelled and tasted. Yum!
Before Mort’s opened at the corner of Moraga Avenue and Medau Place, the land was part of the Medau Dairy.
FYI – I don’t know why McKeen’s was sold. I think the owner’s political life took up much of his time. But that is just my opinion.
The Corner of Moraga and Medau – 6420 Moraga
Here is what the corner looked like in 1954.
Moraga and Medau in 1954 Public Works Photos, Oakland Cultural Heritage Survey
McKeen’s Charcoal Broiler
McKeen’s in 1958 Montclarion
On a shakedown run, they sold three hundred “Big Mac’s” in four hours.
“Big Mac” & “Little Mac”
Montclarion July 1958
In 1958, Robert “Bob” Mckeen, a local realtor, opened a delightful contemporary-style barbecue restaurant. The ex-Cal basketball star planned on eventually having a chain of them, and Montclair was the first one. It offered both take-home and on-site dining.
Bob McKeen 1958
“Montclair claims Big Bob and his natty new spot.”
Oakland Tribune July 1958
Mort’s Drive-In
Montclarion March 1961
Morton “Mort” and Gertrude Saunders bought McKeen’s in 1961 and reopened it as Mort’s Drive-In.
Montclarion March 1961
Montclarion March 1961
Arson Suspected!
In April of 1966, fire swept through Mort’s Drive-In, causing several thousand dollars in damage.
The building was broken into through a rear window. Police believe the intruders were disappointed that they did not find cash on the premises. Papers and rubbish were piled in the middle of the room and set on fire.
Mort Sauders, the owner, offered a reward of $100 for information.
Montclarion April 13, 1966
Montclarion April 13, 1966
Montclarion April 13, 1966
Going, going gone!
Crown Liquors and Cleaners
In 1967, a new building replaced the Drive-In. Crown has been there ever since.
Oakland Tribune 1967
Oakland Tribune 1968
More Info:
A special thanks to Chris Treadway for the clippings from the Montclarion.
In the first 36 years, the school changed location five times and gone by eight different names.
A Bit of History
In January 1915, McClymonds High School started in a small building formerly occupied by Oakland Technical High School at 12th and Market with sixty students. Originally called the Vocational High School and was the first public school in California to offer vocational training.
J.W. McClymonds directly inspired the organization of the school, superintendent of the Oakland Schools between 1889-1913 (Oakland Tribune Mar 09, 1924), and the name was changed to McClymonds Vocational School.
In 1924 the school was moved to a new building at 26th and Myrtle, and its name was changed to J.W. McClymonds High School.
It became just plain McClymonds High in 1927. The building was condemned in 1933, and classes were moved to Durant School.
In 1936 McClymonds High School and Lowell Junior High School were merged to form a new high school on Lowell Site at 14th and Myrtle Streets. McClymonds High thereby became a four-year high school.
In 1938 the name changed from J.W. McClymonds to Lowell-McClymonds, then in July of the year to McClymonds-Lowell High School.
Finally, in September 1938, they moved back to the old site at 26th and Myrtle Streets after the buildings were reconstructed at the cost of $330,000. The alumni won out, and once again it was McClymonds High School as it is today.
Dedication
The new high school occupying the entire block at 26th and Myrtle Streets, erected at the cost of $660,000 was dedicated in March of 1924.
The school was named in honor of J.W McClymonds, who had died two years earlier. The ceremony was held on Mar 09, 1924.
Oakland Tribune 1924
McClymonds High School was completed in 1924 as a part of the school building program of 1919. The new building contained 35 classrooms, 11 shops, administrative offices, storerooms, science, millinery, and art rooms and an auditorium with a seating capacity of 1000. There were shops for forge work, auto repair, machine work, pattern making, woodworking, electrical engineering, and printing. The machinery in the shops costs several thousands of dollars.
Mcclymonds High School – undated Oakland History Room
Millinery Courses
The milliner’s art “so dear to the hearts of the fair sex” was introduced as a course for girls in schools of Oakland. Mcclymonds had a shop with machinery for fabricating and molding the millinery.
“The girls are virtually flocking to the new course, which teaches the latest in chic, feminine headgear.”
In 1954 a new three-story reinforced concrete structure was dedicated.
The structure designed for 1200 students and contains 42 classrooms, an auditorium, cafeteria, and library. Corlett and Anderson of Oakland were the architects.
The auditorium is in the two-story south wing and classes in the three-story building.
A class of 75 students was the first to graduate from the new McClymonds High in 1954.
New Gym
The Old Gymnasium – 1928
In 1953 the old gym was condemned as an earthquake hazard and wasn’t replaced until 1957.
The new Gymnasium 1956
The new gym was the first Oakland school building to be built with tilt-up wall construction in which concrete wall sections are poured flat on the ground then raised into place.
Folding bleachers will seat 875 spectators. A folding partition will divide the main gymnasium into boys and girls for physical education classes.
The building also included an exercise room, shower and locker rooms, first-aid rooms, instructor’s office, and storage areas. Ira Beals designed it at the cost of $427,000.
McClymonds Field Dedicated – 1960
Oakland Tribune 1963
The new $625,095 track and field facilities was touted as one of the finest in the East Bay when the it was dedication ceremony was held.
The new tennis courts adjacent to the gym were dedicated to the memory of Earl M. Swisher, a former teacher, and tennis coach.
The Field Today – google maps
In 1964 three McCLymonds High School seniors drowned in the icy waters of Strawberry Lake in Tuolumne County.
Oakland Tribune 1964
The victims were:
Gloria Curry – Age 17
Carolyn Simril – Age 17
Melvin Lee Moore – Age 16
The trip was for the about 150 students called “honor citizens” because of outstanding community and school service.
Pinecrest Lake 1964
Most of the students were on the ski slopes, and sled runs at Dodge Ridge. Between 15 and 20 of them were on the frozen lake when the ice gave away.
The students said there were no signs on the lake warning of thin or rotten ice.
A heroic rescue by three boys and two men saved the lives of at least ten students when the ice broke about 150 yards from the shore.
Carolyn Simril died while trying to pull somebody out and fell in herself.
Feb 1965
A large crowd waited in front of Mcclymonds High for the three buses to return. They knew that three students had drowned, but they didn’t know who they were.
Photo by Joanne Leonard circa 1964 Gift of the artist in honor of Therese Thau Heyman 2003.139.35
McClymonds Today
McClymonds High School is a highly valued icon of the West Oakland community as it is the only full-sized OUSD High School in the region. It is located near the intersection of Market Street & San Pablo Avenue in the Clawson neighborhood, which contains a mix of residential and commercial development with a handful of industrial yards
The school is located at 2607 Myrtle Street Oakland, CA 94607
This was posted before, but I had to update it because some of the photos were lost when I switched hosting sites.
In the summer of 1931, a group of property owners in the central downtown section formed the Downtown Property Owners Association.
One of their first projects was modernizing some of the “elderly buildings” in the downtown area. They were losing tenants to the new modern buildings being built there.
The association took care of all the details of the program.
“Just try to find a vacancy!”
D. Frost
Oakland Tribune 1933
A committee was formed to study older buildings. Buildings were photographed, and data was gathered, including finances, taxes, leases in effect, rentals, accurate measurements, and complete descriptions of the buildings.
By 1934, there were seven completed projects, with three more started.
The Jonas Building
The Jonas Buildingis located at thecorner of Broadway and 11th Street in downtown Oakland, California.
Abraham Jonas owned the building and ran a clothing store for men.
Jonas building, Oakland, California. 1932 Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division (Oakland, Calif.)
The Jonas building was the first to be remodeled and modernized.
Jonas building, Broadway and 11th Street in downtown Oakland, California 1934 – Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division (Oakland, Calif.)
The Abrahamson Building
The Abrahamson Building is located on the corner of 13th and Washington Streets.
It was opened in 1893 as Abrahamson’s Dry Goods and is owned by Jules and Hugo Abrahamson.
Abrahamson Building – circa 1931 Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division (Oakland, Calif.)
The second project in the modernization program was a five-story structure. J.H. King supervised its transformation, and E.T. Foulkes was the architect.
Oakland Tribune April 12, 1932
The facelift was completed in March of 1934 with the opening of the Union Furniture Company. The firm occupied all five floors of the building.
Oakland Tribune 1934
Modern vertical lines predominate in the remodeled building, replacing the bay windows, cornices, and ornamentation from when it was built. Green tiles was used to cover the brick walls.
Abrahamson Building 1932 – Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division (Oakland, Calif.)
Over the years, other businesses occupied the building.
Abrahamson building, southeast corner of Washington and 13th Streets in downtown Oakland, California. Darling Shop in view. 1942 -Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division (Oakland, Calif.)
The M.K. Blake Building
M.K. Blake Building was a four-story store and office structure at the corner of 12th and Washington Streets.
This was the third modernization project.
M. K. Blake building (the Blake Block), southwest corner of Washington and 12th Streets circa 1935 Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division (Oakland, Calif.)
Oakland Tribune August 1932
The building was stripped of the bay windows, cornices, and other ornamentation removed. A warm ivory shade was used on the exterior walls, with a darker color for the trim.
M. K. Blake Estate Co. building (the Blake Block), southwest corner of 12th and Washington Streets in downtown Oakland, California. Smith’s in view. 1949 Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division (Oakland, Calif.)
The Delger Building
The Delger Building was the ——building to be remodeled under the program.
The project included the removal of the former exterior and the bay windows.
Delger is building at the corner of 13th Street and Broadway Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division (Oakland, Calif.)
Delger building, northwest corner of 13th Street and Broadway in downtown Oakland, California.
The Park Building
In 1933 the modernization of the Park Building begin. The building was locatied on fourteenth street between Broadway and Washington Street across from City Hall.
Park building:circa 1930 Downtown Property Owner’s Association.Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.
Oakland Tribune July 6, 1933
The Park Building marked the eight building in the program.
The Park Building circa 1933
Glenn Building
Work began in 1937 on the Glenn Building at 1308 Broadway as part of the Downtown Property Association’s modernization program.
Glenn building, 1935 Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division (Oakland, Calif.)
According to the Oakland Tribune, the Glenn Family had owned the building for 50 years.
The improvements to the two-story cost $5,000 and included all new tiles on the front of the building. Edward T. Foulkes was the architect of the project.
Most people will recognize the building as the home of De Lauer’s Newsstand.
Glenn building, east side of Broadway between 13th and 14th Streets in downtown Oakland, California. Margaret Burnham’s Cottage Candies, Leighton, Kay Jewelry Company in view. 1935
The Zukor Building
The Zukor building was modernized in 1934. The ancient arches were replaced, and the unsightly exterior features were removed. The wall finish was replaced with a soft shade of green hard glaze.
Zukor’s, Inc. building, Washington Street, between 13th and 14th Streets in downtown Oakland, California. 1932 Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division (Oakland, Calif.)
ScreenshotScreenshotOakland Tribune
Zukor’s, Inc. building, Washington Street, between 13th and 14th Streets in downtown Oakland, California. 1934 Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division (Oakland, Calif.)
The Schutz Building
The Schutz Building, was on Twelfth Street between Broadway and Washington Street, was the twenty-first modernization project.
The three-story building was owned by the F.W. Schutz Estate Company.
Schutz building, north side of 12th Street between Broadway and Washington Streets. Smith’s Shoes for Men, Brunswick Billiards in view. circa 1936 Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.Oakland Public
The builing was the twenty-first project.
The briock exterior was replaced with a hard tile finish in a light tan with black trim.
Schutz building, north side of 12th Street between Broadway and Washington Streets. Smith’s Shoes for Men, Brunswick Billiards in view. circa 1936 Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.Oakland Public
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In total, 31 buildings were rebuilt or given a “facelift.” The program was a success; buildings were filled with stores, and the stores were filled with shopping people.
Plaza Building at 15th and Washington Streets
Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank Building at 13th and Franklin
S.H. Cress Company on 14th and Broadway.
Federal Telegraph Building at 12th and Washington Streets
Fuller-Sparks Building on 14th Street.
Masonic Temple Building on 12th Street for the new Lerner Store
