In the mid-1980s, I started looking into the history of Montclair in Oakland Hills. I discovered that Montclair had residents as early as 1865. Here is “A bit of History” of them.
I will also be doing a piece about the residents from 1900-1920.
Colonel John C. Hays – Fernwood
In the late 1850s, retired Texas Ranger Colonel John “Jack” Coffee Hays purchased about 800 acres of land in the hills of Oakland, behind what is now Piedmont. His beautiful country estate was Fernwood, and he lived there with his wife Susan and their children.
Residence of Col. John C. Hays, Oakland, Alameda County, California.” (Published by Thompson & West, Oakland, Cal., 1878) from Oakland History Room
His home was near today’s Mountain Boulevard and Thornhill Drive in Montclair. The area was frequently referred to as Hays (Hayes) Canyon or “Jack Hays Canyon.” The main road to his property from downtown Oakland would later be Moraga Avenue.
Hays died at home on April 22, 1883, at 66. After his death, Fernwood was sold to William J. Dingee.
William J. Dingee – Fernwood
William Dingee, water magnate and competitor of Anthony Chabot. Dingee enlarged and embellished the gardens, adding fountains, terraces, and statues. The improvements were said to have cost a quarter-million dollars.
Dingee built an opulent 19-room Queen-Anne-style mansion with additional landscaping, gardens, terraces, and waterfalls. He also added such features as a deer park and an elk paddock.
Sometime after 1915, Dr. and Mrs. Nelson M. Percy of Chicago, Illinois, purchased the former W.J. DIngee home “Fernwood” for an undisclosed amount.
Oakland Tribune March 12, 1916
Oakland Tribune Aug 19, 1923
Gibson and Fields
Map showing the locations of the Gibson and Fields
Cote Brilliant
Judge E.M. Gibson owned the property just beyond Thornhill School. Gibson built a beautiful home called “Cote Brilliant, ” later owned by E.M Boggs. The house burned down in 1910. Dr. Mark Emerson bought the land in the mid-1920s, built a lovely home, and lived there until the late 1950s. St John’s Episcopal Church is now there.
Oakland Directory 1889
Oakland Tribune April 23, 1887
Oakland Tribune 1891
J. B. Fields
Joseph B. Fields was born in England. Before moving to Hays Canyon, he was an Oakland Police officer for 12 years.
Oakland Tribune Apr 16, 1890
He owned 25 acres of farming land next to the property of Judge Gibson. His farm was in the general location of Aspinwall Road today.
Glen Kohler was designed by architects Samuel and Joseph C. Newsom (Newsom Brothers) in 1885. The residence was 18 rooms in what was known as a “freestyle.” It cost about $10,000.
Picturesque California Homes, Issue 2 Circa 1890
Picturesque California Homes, Issue 2 Circa 1890
She died at her home in Hays Canyon on November 27, 1894. Her funeral was attended mainly by the old settlers of the county and was held at her home on November 30, 1894. She is buried at Mountain View Cemetery alongside her husband Andrew and her daughter Louisa (1849-1854), who died at age 5.
The “Painted Rock” is a famous, well-known landmark in Piedmont Pines, often fully painted with birthday or anniversary messages. Painted Rock is located at the ‘Y” where Ascot Drive and Chelton Drive
Google Maps
The area was called Sulphur Springs Park.
Google Maps
Some History
In the 1930s, the Rock was placed in a project under the auspice of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). I believe they created the benches.
In the 1960s, residents began painting messages on the rock. This tradition has continued to this day.
The Montclarion 1963
Early on, the area residents complained about the messages that appeared on the Rock. Some called it “grafitti rock.“
A Bufano Statue
There was talk of placing a Bufano statue at the rock.
The Montclarion 1966
At the crossroads
“There’s a rock at the intersection of Ascot and Chelton drives and it’s become almost a national monument in Piedmont Pines”
Peggy Stinnett 1966
Updated from Facebook
The Montclarion – October 12, 1966
“People who live in Piedmont Pines drive past the rock twice a day more or less”
Peggy Stinnett 1966
There was even a “Save the Rock” campaign for a while. They insisted the Rock should stay in its natural state. Others said the Rock should be a “servant to young mankind, a forum for self-expression.” While the groups were going back and forth, city crews came in and sandblasted the Rock. The controversy didn’t happen when the Rock was painted in purple.
“I am a Rock.”
The Rock is Famous
SF Examiner May 1, 1978
The above article was repeated or excerpted in many newspapers across the nation.
The Arizona RepublicThe Paducah Sun KentuckyThe Gettysburg Times PennsylvaniaThe Sun Biloxi Mississippi
Name Change
In 2003, Piedmont Pines residents petitioned the City of Oakland to honor Marjorie Saunders (1909-2009) many contributions by renaming Sulphur Springs Park (“Painted Rock”) to “Marjorie Saunders Park.”
Marjorie Saunders in front of the Rock
On June 26, 2004, more than 100 neighbors and dignitaries turned out for the Park’s dedication in her name.
From the Piedmont Pines Neighborhood Association
From Google Maps
Toxic
Oakland sixth-grader Cameron Cox tests the water that runs off the “painted rock” at Marjorie Saunders Park. Cox, 12, found that people often use toxic paint on the Rock, which pollutes the watershed. (Photo courtesy of Cox)
A middle school student, Cameron Cox, reported on the potential pollution associated with painting the Rock.
“After passing by the rock nearly every day on her way to school, 12-year-old Cameron Cox, decided to test the water that runs off the rock into a creek for a Bentley School project, and found harmfully high levels of levels of acetone, butanone, benzene and other volatile compounds.”
From Bruce GoodmanFrom FacebookFrom Google MapsFrom Google MapsFrom Guy CherryRIP KeithRIP Guy Cherry
Photo by Mark Stauffer April 2023
More Info:
Does anyone have photos of painted Rock that they would like to share? Please let me know. Thanks
Marjorie Saunders Park and the Painted Rock – Fact Sheet
This fact sheet addresses recent concerns associated with potential pollution associated with the painting of the Rock at Marjorie Saunders Park.
“For almost 70 years, PPNA has been the voluntary steward of this Park and has recently been in discussions with the city to address the pollution concerns that have been raised.” – website.
The city confirmed that painting the Rock is not permitted
Montclair East is a shopping center with business offices located at 2220 Mountain Blvd. It is now called Village Square.
James Fernhoff, a local real estate broker, was the initial developer.
The Site
Sidney Chown owned the 2 1/2 acre plot before the building of Montclair East.
California Department of Transportation 1956
Sidney Chown was one of Northern California’s best-known horsemen when he died in 1961. He owned and operated grocery stores in Oakland and Berkeley.
California Department of Transportation 1957
The Chown’s purchased the land in approximately 1920. They were considered some of the founding residents in Montclair.
California Department of Transportation 1956
Chown and his friends organized Piedmont Trails Club. He built up his ranch to include 12 stalls and an arena for horses.
California Department of Transportation 1960
After his death, his wife Lucille sold the property.
Project Approved
During an Oakland City Planning Commission public hearing where Lucille A. Chown was asking for her property at 2220 Andrews St (the site) to be rezoned as commercial.
Fernhoff stated “the project would include parking for 110 cars, rustic architecture with shake roofs and no bowling alleys, drive-ins, car washed or super markets.” He said only ‘high class” businesses would be permitted.
Opponents, including several business owners, complained it would “spilt the business district” and isn’t needed. Apartments would be better, some said.
In August 1963, the city council approved the $750,000 project after the planning commission spilt 3-3 on its recommendation.
Montclair East Fought
In October 1963, a group of twelve property owners near the site brought a suit against the City of Oakland.
They charged that a new shopping center was unnecessary, would create traffic problems, and damage residential property values.
The Montclarion Oct 1963
James Fernhoff contended that the site is unsuitable for residential development because it was the site of the future interchange of the Warren and Shepherd Canyon(unbuilt) Freeways.
Now Leasing
Oakland Tribune Jan 09, 1964
Groundbreaking
The Montclarion Feb 17, 1965
The groundbreaking was held in February of 1965. A gold-plated shovel was used to break the hard old ground.
The Montclarion Feb 17, 1965
Construction and Design
Truck hauling dirt down the hill at a construction site on the north west corner of Scout Road and Mountain Boulevard in the Montclair district of Oakland, California. Circa 1960s Oakland History Room.
Construction for Montclair East, a 1.2 million dollar shopping center, began in May of 1965.
The Montclarion 1966
The plans called for a 28,000 square foot building with 20,000 feet on the ground floor devoted to a restaurant and 12 shops and 7,600 feet on the second floor to eight offices. The parking lot would accommodate 111 cars.
The Montclarion 1966
The center was designed by Robert B. Liles, an architect from San Francisco.
First Store to Open
Fox’s Market
The Montclarion Sept 21, 1966
Jim Fox opened his fourth supermarket located in Montclair East on September 21, 1966.
From Bill Fiset Column Sept 16. 1966
The new store featuring wall-to-wall carpeting was the first to open at the shopping center. The store occupied 6,000 square feet
Captain Satellite made an appearance at the formal ceremony held the following weekend.
I know some of you may have noticed that I have slowed down posting here and on Facebook.
I thought I’d let you know my situation.
In Need of a Heart
On May 5th of this year, my husband, my daughters’ dad, had a sudden cardiac arrest at work. He works at the Oakland Airport for Southwest Airlines.
When this happened, he was walking down a hallway going to the break room when he fell to the ground. His co-worker saw him out of the corner of his eye and called 911.
But here’s the good part he just happened to fall outside of a classroom where a CPR class was in session. He became the class! CPR was initiated immediately, and the paramedics were within minutes.
They brought him back to us. Yeah CPR!
He was rushed to Highland Hospital where he was put into a medically induced coma. He came out of it two days later with no memory of the previous days.
at Highland
Teff was discharged from Highland Hospital on May 13th after having a defibrillator inserted and an ok’d to go back to work on June 1st.
He went back to work on June 4th and did fine, just a little slower than usual. He went back to work on June 7th; he left early because he wasn’t feeling well. I took him to the VA clinic in downtown Oakland, and they determined he needed to be rushed back to the ER at Highland Hospital. He went via an ambulance, and I went via our car.
Long story short, the doctors at Highland (shout out to them) determined that he needed to be transferred to California Pacific Medical Center(CPMC) in San Francisco for them to evaluate him for either a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or a heart transplant.
He was transferred to CPMC on June 11th.
Hayley and her Dad
On June 18th, they determined he was a good candidate for a transplant and added him to the UNOS list.
Today, July 4th, he is still in the hospital, attached to many machines waiting for a heart.
A real heart.
My heart is breaking having him so far away from us.
He has been very supportive of me writing this blog and all the research I do for the various groups on Facebook. But the little I do make is not be enough to cover our living expenses, the cost of going back and forth to SF, and the mounting medical bill (our share.)
My daughter set up this is June.
https://gofund.me/03159441
Thank you, everyone, for all the excellent comments you have left or have told me in person about how much you love my blog.
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.
Oakland’s first black city councilman Joshua Rose from 1965 to 1977, served on the Oakland City Council representing District 2.
Joshua Rose pictured in 1928 (University of Pittsburgh)
Early Life
Joshua Richard Rose was born in Lexington, Virginia, on September 11, 1906, to George and Mary (Charles) Rose.
His family relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Joshua attended Schenley High School.
After high school, he enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), where he completed the required credits for a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in 1934. He did post-graduate work in economics, philosophy, and psychology at New York University.
YMCA
While at Pitt, he worked at the Hill District Center Avenue YMCA. The Y served as a residence for Black students at Pitt who were not allowed to reside at the university residence halls.
The Montclair Times Jun 18, 1935
After graduation, Rose accepted a position with the YMCA in Montclair, New Jersey.
The Pittsburgh Courier – February 23, 1935
Montclair Times – Feb 1939
In 1939, Rose moved to California with his wife Virginia and their two children, Richard and Virginia, to help establish a branch of the Oakland YMCA for the local African American community.
Oakland Tribune April 23, 1939
He helped create what was later known as the Northwest Branch, initially located at 36th and San Pablo but later moved to 3265 Market St. in the early 1940s.
Rose was responsible for introducing summer day camps incorporating arts and crafts with sports and outdoor activities, including an annual trip to Yosemite National Park.
Oakland Tribune March 28, 1943
Rose worked throughout his career to provide many Oakland youth with constructive activities and summertime employment through the YMCA’s programs. In 1967 Rose retired as Associate General Secretary of the Metropolitan Branch of the YMCA.
Board of Playground Directors
SF Examiner July 18, 1947
In 1947, the city council selected Rose to be the first African American member of the Board of Playground Directors, a group that would eventually become the Oakland Recreation Commission.
Oakland Tribune June 1, 1959
Rose was a board member for 17 years, including serving as chairman from 1961 to 1962.
Oakland Tribune May 9, 1957
Oakland City Councilman
On August 27, 1964, he was asked by Mayor John Houlihan if he would complete the unexpired term of Robert V. McKeen on the Oakland City Council. Rose agreed and became the first African American to sit on the Council.
Oakland Tribune August 30, 1964
He represented the 2nd District. Rose, a Republican, was re-elected three times in 1965, 1969, and 1973.
“I have a deep interest in Oakland’s future. To secure that future, dedication and sacrifice based on sound academic training and reliable experience are necessary.”
Joshua A. Rose April 1965
He was a respected member of the Council, particularly for his work in easing racial tensions in the city in the late 1960s when the Black Panther Party, founded in Oakland in 1966, challenged the local political establishment.
After sustaining severe injuries in an automobile accident, Rose officially retired from the Council on June 30, 1977.
Death
“Josh was a symbol for us” “A symbol of success.” Mayor Lionel Wilson Septe 1987
Joshua Rose passed on April 13, 1987, from Parkinson’s disease. He was 81.
Open to the public (again) in June of 1940, “Maison Normandie” represented France’s famous Normandy style of architecture, both exterior and interior. The house is located on a large corner lot high up in the hills of Oakland.
The large living room with a large window affords a view of the Golden Gate, the bridges, and Treasure Island. Double french doors open onto a large tiled terrace in the rear with a built-in barbecue.
Oakland Tribune 1940
It cost more than $20,000 to build and was advertised at $16,500.
Three bedrooms, two tiled baths, and a maid’s room with a bathroom. The large basement with laundry room and large storage closets. Two doors gave access to both the front and rear of the house, and a short passageway that leads into the two-car garage with a large area suitable as a workshop.
The “Coronation House,” a display home for Mitchell & Austin, opened on May 2, 1937, in the Le Mon Parksection of Piedmont Pines. It is located on Castle Drive. The display home was furnished by Breuner’s with the Coronation theme (King George’s Coronation May 1937.)
Oakland Tribune May 2, 1937
“English architectural riches have been transplanted to Piedmont Pines in Coronation House” the ad goes on the say ” Coronation House “fit for a king” in the beautiful Le Mon tract… the crowning achievement of the season”
Oakland Tribune May 2, 1937
Oakland Tribune May 2, 1937
“this six-room home with three bedrooms and a bath, with gorgeous living room and un-impaired view, delightful recreation room and kitchen.”
Oakland Tribune May 1937
“the coronation motif is carried out throughout, the crown drapes furnishing a fitting background for pieces following the English provincial motif ”
Oakland Tribune May 1937
Today
6301 Castle Drive – Google Maps
Coronation House
Early Colonial
6301 Castle Drive
Le Mon Park – Piedmont Pines
1937
Mitchell & Austin Real Estate
Still there
Fremont House
When General John C. Fremont hiked to a vantage point in the vicinity of Piedmont Pines in time to the setting sun.
“That we shall call the Golden Gate.”
General Fremont – Oakland Tribune Aug 8, 1938
Oakland Tribune May 9, 1937
From the windows of Fremont House, you can see the Golden Gate.
Fremont House
Castle Drive
Style – Early California
Le Mon Park – Piedmont Pines
1937
Mitchell & Austin
Need Location
“See the world from Piedmont Pines”
Sales Manager Mitchell Austin
Thousands of visitors passed through Fremont House and Coronation House and admired the attractive architecture and the natural advantages of the grounds on which they are located. Sweeping views of the bay, Mount Tamalpais, and both bridges could be seen from the windows of both homes.
Villidor – House of Gold
“Commanding a sweeping panorama of the bay and the hills, it offers magnificent views of sunrises and sunsets.”
Oakland Tribune Jun 20, 1937
Oakland Tribune June 27, 1937
Villador, the house of gold, opened to the public in June of 1937.
Fannie Wall Children’s Home and Day Nursery, an orphanage and daycare center, was established in 1918 by African-American clubwomen in West Oakland. Sometimes it is called the Fanny Wall Home.
“Charity is the Golden Chain that reaches from heaven to earth.”
from the letterhead
The Beginning
In 1914 the Northern Federation of California Colored Women’s Clubs President Fanny Wall and Financial Secretary Hettie Tilghman began working on a children’s home and day nursery to support black working mothers and care for orphaned black children. After years of planning and fundraising, the home opened in 1918 on Peralta Street in West Oakland.
“Care for the Orphans
“Shelters the Half Orphans”
“Keeps the Children of Day Workers.”
Oakland Tribune April 1920
Initially, the home was called the“Northern Federation Home and Day Nursery.” It was subsequently renamed to honor Fannie Wall who was the first woman to run the charity on a daily basis.
The Fannie Wall Children’s Homeand Day Nursery was open to children of all races, ethnicities, and religions, it was the first facility in Northern California to provide various services including housing, boarding, and daycare for black orphans.
It was located at 1215 Peralta Street in West Oakland from 1918-1928.
Fannie Wall ( 1860-1944) came to Oakland with her family in the early 1900s. She was born in Gallatin Tennessee in 1860. She was married to Archey(Archy) H. Wall (18?? -1931), was a staff sergeant in the US Army. They had two daughters, Lillian (Williams) and Florence (Murray), and one son Clifton. Archey was transferred to the Presidio in San Francisco and they ultimately ended up in Oakland. Wall was an early community activist who participated in several organizations that promoted African American economic empowerment
She served several terms as the president of the California Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs.
She co-founded the Art and Industrial Club of Oakland in 1906. Under her presidency, the club joined the Child Welfare League. Wall also help establish the “Colored Y” of Oakland.
In 1936 Archie Williams her grandson (Lillian)won a gold medal in the 400-meter run in Berlin.
Oakland Tribune Aug 8, 1936
Fannie Wall died on April 14, 1944, in her home on Telegraph Avenue. She is buried in the same plot as her husband in the San Francisco National Cemetery.
Oakland Tribune Apr 20, 1944
Linden Street Site
In 1928, having outgrown its original location they moved to a new one on Linden Street.
Fannie Wall Children’s Home, 815 Linden – 2nd site -Courtesy The African American Museum and Library Oakland
The handsome house at 815 Linden Street was purchased for $5000. The upper-middle-class house was designed by Charle Man in the 1880s. It was one of five buildings built by Frances Reichling a surveyor, who subdivided his property at the corner of Linden Street and Eighth Street. The largest of the buildings became the family home and the others were rentals.
Linden Street 1948 -African American Museum & Library at Oakland (Oakland, Calif.)
The home could accommodate up to 20 resident children and 8-15 children for daycare services and be operated by a professional staff of over ten employees that included social workers and a volunteer psychiatrist.
The house was considered a step up from the one on Peralta Street and was across the street from the “Colored Y.”
Women and children seated around the piano at the Fannie Wall Children’s Home and Day Nursery- updated -African American Museum & Library at Oakland (Oakland, Calif.)
New Look
The Linden Street site was given a face-lift in 1953. The “new look,” a two-room addition was used as the administrative offices, releasing the old offices and reception room for nursery classes and a future library. They provided room for 47 children.
In 1962 the Oakland Redevelopment Agency purchased the property at 815 Linden St. in order to demolish the building for the Acorn Project.
Management
“Fannie Wall is Calling”
From the annual report
The Northern Federation of Colored Women Clubs operated the Fannie Wall Home until 1941. The home was then incorporated as an independent organization. At that time it was the only home in California that primarily cared for African-American children.
The home was admitted as an agency of the Community Chest-United crusade in 1923
Fannie Wall was elected as the first president and served more than 20 years as the head of the 21 board of directors. She was succeeded by Mrs. Lydia Smith Ward who in turn was followed by Mrs. Chlora Hayes Sledge in the 1940s.
The home was managed by a Board of Directors, which largely consisted of members of the Northern Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, a community advisory committee, and an executive director who oversaw the home’s day-to-day operations.
The Board of Directors of the Fanny Wall Home – Chlora Hays Sledge, President, center-left.Courtesy The African American Museum and Library Oakland
Girls with fans at the Fannie Wall Home, in the 1940s.Courtesy The African American Museum and Library Oakland
Fundraising
The home received funding from a variety of sources including rent from an apartment in Berkeley donated by Josephine Sutton, Community Chest, the Dreiser Trust, and through fundraising events coordinated by the home.
Ticket to chicken dinner for Fannie Wall Home Benefit-1944 -African American Museum & Library at Oakland (Oakland, Calif.)
Fannie Wall Children’s Home and Day Nursery, Inc. charity ball program – 1946 – African American Museum & Library at Oakland (Oakland, Calif.)- Identifier MS162_B1_F6_001
Oakland Tribune 1958
The third charity ball was held on January 19, 1948, at the Oakland Auditorium.
In 1959 a fashion show was held at Slim Jenkins to raise money for the building fund. Models showed the latest styles.
A Haven For Children
Rodeo artists Schwartz and Grodin entertain children with finger paints at the Fannie Wall Children’s Home and Day Nursery – circa 1947 -African American Museum & Library at Oakland Photograph Collection
Oakland Tribune 1949
In 1949 the Fannie Wall home had 30 children who received daycare while their parents worked. Ranging in age from 3 to 14 years. During the summer months, the children took swimming lessons at the de Fremery Park pool: enjoyed story hours at the West Oakland Branch Library, and had special excursions to other city parks and playgrounds.
Birthday Party 1946
Monthly parties were held to honor the children whose birthdays occurred during the month. They would dress up for a special dinner or an afternoon party.
Oakland Tribune Aug 8, 1948
Integrated Playground at the Fanny Wall Home, the 1950s. Courtesy The African American Museum and Library Oakland
The Final Location
In 1964 they purchased a house at 647 55th Street for $19,000. They initially struggled to obtain a license from the Social Welfare Department, and the home was not re-opened until 1967 as part of a placement program for the Alameda County Welfare Department.
Fannie Wall Children’s Home 55th Street – 3rd site Courtesy The African American Museum and Library Oakland
The home was forced to close again in 1970 for remodeling and reopened in 1978 as a child daycare facility and Head Start Center. It is now called Fannie Wall Head Start.
Group photograph of attendees at Fannie Wall Children’s Home and Day Nursery mortgage burning ceremony (first row, left-right): Annie Mae Smith, Albertine Radford, Silvia Parker, Mildred McNeal, Marge Gibson (second row, left-right): Bessie Watson, Euna Tucker, N. Adams, Lela Posey (third row, left-right): Eugene P. Lasartemay, Roy Blackburn, Kermit Scott, Harold Adams – 1981 -African American Museum & Library at Oakland Photograph Collection
Fannie Wall Pre-K Program – 647 55th Street Oakland CA
More Info:
Under Siege: Construction and Care at the Fannie Wall Children’s Home and Day Nursery – Marta Gutman – Researchgate.net
In 1968, Tanya Dennis was crowned Miss Oakland, becoming the first African-American to wear the crown. She then became one of the early African-American to compete for the title of Miss California.
Oakland Tribune 1968
Miss Dennis was the first of three (in a row) African-American Miss Oakland.
Oakland Tribune June 1968
In June of 1969, Miss Dennis competed with 36 other girls from throughout the state for Miss California.
Miss Dennis won the talent division with an exotic African ballet.
Santa Cruz Sentinel June 1968
Miss Dennis was the third runner-up in the Miss California pageant.
Miss Oakland 1969
In 1969, Laomia McCoy was crowned Miss Oakland, becoming the second African – American to wear the crown and compete for Miss California’s title.
Miss McCoy sang a selection from “Porgy and Bess” to win the talent category in preliminary judging, and Miss Redlands, Susan Anton, took the swimsuit honor.
The Californian June 20, 1969
Susan Anton won the title of Miss California, and Miss McCoy was one of the runner-ups.
Miss McCoy was 19 at the time of the competition and a student at Merritt College.
In 1970 Theresa Smith was crowned Miss Oakland, becoming the third African-American to wear the crown and compete for Miss California’s title.
Santa Cruz Sentinel June 4, 1970
Smith competed alongside 35 contestants for the title of Miss California.
SF Examiner June 17, 1970
The Miss Congeniality, an award voted by the contestants, was awarded to Miss Oakland, Theresa Smith; she was also honored for being the most talented non-finalist dancer in the competition.
Oakland Tribune November 12, 1970
Miss Smith was 20 years old at the time of the competition and a student at the University of California.
The officials at the Miss California State pageant refused to allow Miss Smith to perform unless she dropped the “offensive” word “Black,” from her recitation. It hadn’t been offensive in Oakland.
Oakland Tribune October 8, 1970
Black Beauty Queens Denied Rewards
Laomia McCoy and Theresa Smith, Miss Oakland of 1969 and 1970, held a press conference to discuss that they were treated unfairly and racially discriminated against by the Miss Oakland beauty pageant’s sponsors.
“if they had it to do all over again they wouldn’t have competed in the annual pageant.”
Theresa Smith and Laoma McCoy Sept 19, 1970
Negligent
The Oakland Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) was the pageant’s sponsor for the previous 24 years before 1970.
“I feel that they (the Jaycees) have been negligent in communicating with me and supporting me and have failed to bestow upon me the full benefits of my title said, Miss Smith.
Miss Smith charged that she was promised a $1000.00 scholarship but only received $100, was invited to appear at hardly any civic events, and was denied pay for personal appearances.
SF Examiner 1970
The Jaycees president said her complaints were just a misunderstanding about what the title involves and that she received the same as previous winners.
Theresa got a $100 scholarship that was promised before the start of school. The money arrived after final registration at UC, forcing her “to be faced with an additional fee for be late” in registering.
The Jaycees decided to drop their sponsorship of the pageant after 24 years in 1970; they said they were over budget by $1500.
