Sunalta or Montclair?

The Sunalta District – was almost the name given to Montclair.

In 1919, the Oakland Real Estate Board advertised in Oakland Tribune a “$50 cash Prize” to come up with a name for the area now called Montclair.

Oakland Tribune Nov 6, 1919

The deadline was Jan 1, 1920.

On Jan 11, 1920, the Tribune reported receiving about 2000 suggestions and decided on Sunalta.

Sunalta Wins

Oakland Tribune 1920

C.S. Rice of Oakland proposed Sunalta.

But for some reason, they felt there was yet a better name.

They extended the contest until Feb 15, 1920.

I have yet to find out the winner of that contest. I assume someone came up with Montclair. Thank you!

With 2000 entries, there had to be something better than Sunalta.

The End

Beverly Terrace – The Sunshine Tract

On the Beautiful Scenic Foothill Blvd. of Oakland Ca

Brochure from the OMCA – c:1916 Gift of Fred E. Reed H4599.44

San Francisco Examiner Apr 03, 1916

Panorama from Beverly Terrace

Cheney Photo Advertising c 1916
Previously sold on eBay

Beverly Terrace went on sale in 1916. Located at Foothill Blvd and 99th on the border of the Dunsmuir House and Gardens. M.T Minney Company was the exclusive agent and developer. Later, C.W. Boden Company handled sales.

The first lots were being sold at the same time the new Chevrolet Assembly Plant was being built at Foothill Blvd and 73rd (now Eastmont Mall)

They advertised the area as a “The Automobile City Center” two blocks along Foothill Blvd being reserved for business purposes. – Oakland Tribune Mar 26, 1916

Foothill Blvd and Hollywood Blvd (now MacArthur Blvd)

Cheney Photo Advertising c 1916
Previously sold on eBay
Oakland Tribune Aug 1920
Oakland Tribune Apr 1916
Cheney Photo Advertising c 1916
Previously sold on eBay
Oakland Tribune April 1919

Come out today and view San Francisco form beautiful Beverly Terrace. Unexcelled Climate. No Wind or Fog. $1.00 down payment and $1.00 a week. – Oakland Tribune Aug 1920.

Oakland Tribune Aug 17, 1920
Oakland Tribune May 1924
Oakland Tribune May 1924
Oakland Tribune 1924
Oakland Tribune May 1924

More on Beverly Terrace

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