Fernwood was the beautiful country estate of Col. Jack C. Hays and his wife Susan in 1852.
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After Hays died in 1883, the estate was sold to William J. Dingee. Dingee built an opulent 19-room Queen-Anne-style mansion and had additional landscaping with gardens, terraces, and waterfalls. He also added such features as a deer park and an elk paddock.
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Sadly, the home and countless artworks were destroyed in a fire in 1899. Oakland Tribune Oct 19, 1899
In 1915 Dr. and Mrs. Nelson M. Percy of Chicago, Illinois, purchased the former W.J. DIngee home “Fernwood” for an undisclosed amount.
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More of Fernwood
- Historic Dingee Estate to be a Home Again – Oakland Tribune Oct 10, 1915
- Fernwood Estate has New Owner – Oakland Tribune Oct 10, 1915
- Old Estate Cut into Lots – Oakland Tribune Aug 18, 1923