The above photos are from a brochure by Frank K Mott, showing some of the features of Grand Avenue Heights from 1907.
“Grand Avenue Heights enjoys the finest climate in Oakland (and that means the best in the State). It is the greatest place in the world for children who can sleep out upon the sleeping porches 365 nights in the year.”
Over 3,000 people attended the opening day sale, and they sold between $50,000 and $79,000 in lots that first day. The average lot was about $2000 with $300 down and $25 a month.
“It is between the two most fashionable residential districts in the county – Adams Point and Piedmont”
Worden, W. E., and Frank K. Mott Company. Some Features of Grand Avenue Heights (by the park): the Park And Boulevard Residence District of Oakland. Oakland, Cal.: Frank K. Mott Co., 1907. Haiti Trust
Toler Heights is located on the Foothill Boulevard (now MacArthur Boulevard). The tract is about 157 acres with almost 1,000 building sites.
Toler Heights got its name from the ranch that was on the land previously.
SF Examiner May 20, 1910
Toler Ranch
William Pinkney Toler(1829-1899) and his wife, Maria Antonia (1836-1926), owned 330 (349) acres of land in the foothills of Elmhurst. Maria was the daughter of Hermenegildo “Ignacio” Peralta. William and Maria were married in 1853.
The ranch was located on the foothills road between Elmhurst and San Leandro, later known as Foothill Boulevard, and is now MacArthur Boulevard. The ranch was close to both the Talbot Farmand theDunsmuir Home.
Oakland Tribune Oct 8, 1888
Toler Ranch Sold
After her husband’s death, Mrs. Toler sold the ranch to the Realty Syndicate for $110,000-$120,000. The land was then subdivided and placed on the market.
Oakland Tribune, Mar 26, 1906
SF Call July 30, 1906
The ranch spanned approximately 300 to 349 acres, but according to the newspapers, the tract was 150 acres.
Oakland Tribune Jan 6, 1907
Map of Toler Heights – 1907
Panel title: Map of Toler Heights, Elmhurst, Oakland. Oriented with north towards the left. Cadastral map.the http://oskicat.berkeley.edu/record=b11188562~S1
Opening Day 1907
Large crowds attended the opening on October 6, 1907. On that day, they held a barbecue festival with free food served in tents. A band played lively music, while young boys sold popcorn.
Sf Chronicle Oct 27, 1907
SF Examiner Oct 13, 1907
A group of Investors owned the property, and the Southwest Securities Company was handling the sales for them.
SF Call Sept 28, 1907
Over $200,000 was sold on opening day.
The lots were larger, ranging from 50X125 to a full acre. The business lots fronted on Foothill Boulevard.
Toler Heights is not a newtown, sand dune or a place in the wilderness: But Toler Heights is the Nob Hill, the cream of Elmhurst property, and so cheap in price that is – The Best Buy Offered.” Oakland Tribnune Oct 09 1907
Change of Ownership
In 1910, the Henderson & Tapscotts Company purchased Toler Heights. They made numerous improvements to the tract. Opening day was held on May 22, 1910.
The corner of MacArthur and 90th Avenue,Cheney Photo Advertising Company.Circa 1912.Previously sold on eBay
The photo above might be showing the Silva Ranch on Foothill Blvd
Toler Heights is on the scenic boulevard along the foothills. The area has a slight elevation and an unrivaled view of Oakland and the bay with San Francisco in the distance.
it combines all the beauties and advnatages of Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, and Piedmont Heights, but without the cutting winds, blinding dust, and exasperating fog.” SF Call Oct 06, 1907
Toler Heights was referred to as “The Piedmont of East Oakland” due to its commanding view and surroundings.
Some of the wealthiest families of Oakland and one wealthy banker from San Francisco have their villa homes adjoining Toler Heights.
Looking towards Thermal Street and 90th Avenue. Cheney Photo Advertising Company, Circa 1912
In 1911, the Oakland Traction Company completed a Toler Heights branch line via 90th Avenue from East 14th (now International Boulevard). They called it the Toler Heights Extension. At the time, Toler Heights was 24 minutes from downtown Oakland, via streetcar.
During the auction, buyers were allowed to make their own estimate of the value of each piece of property, and they could bid as low or as high as they pleased.
Oakland Tribune, June 4, 1922
Oakland Tribune Feb 11, 1923
Restrictions
The owners of the Toler Heights imposed certain building restrictions, which were incorporated in the transfer of the property, giving assurance that “neither Orientals or any objectionable persons, or their homes will ever be tolerated on the heights.”
New School – May 1928 – Now Barack Obama Academy
Oakland Tribune, May 23, 1928
Toler Heights School – Now Barack Obama Academy – 9736 Lawlor St
