A bit of history of the development of the subdivisions in Montclair during the 1920s.
East of Piedmont
Montclair is…
The birth of Montclair. The 1920s were economic boom years in the United States and California.$460,000 worth of property in Montclair during the its first year.
The Home Place of Romance – Smith Reserve
Smith Reserve was a subdivision in Montclair and is now called Piedmont Pines.
The Highest Home in Oakland – 1928
"1928 Model View Home " The 1928 Model View Home - Oakland Tribune 1928 The 1928 Model View Home is situated at the "Top of the World" in reality the topmost peak in Montclair Highlands, overlooking several counties as well as affording a magnificent sweep of the entire bay and part of the Pacific Ocean... Continue Reading →
Million Dollar View Home – 1936
Oakland Tribune Aug 1936 Million Dollar View - 5614 Balboa Avenue Montclair Highlands Conrad T Kett - designer Paul A. Wolter - builder Harry R. Stockman Emge & Stockman 1936 Oakland Tribune 1936 English Tudor with a panoramic view of the Bay. Every room in the homes takes full advantage of the panorama of Oakland,... Continue Reading →
Drake Drive – Montclair Highlands
In 1937 Frederick L. Confer designed a "modernistic' (now art deco) home for Mr. and Mrs. George H. Everest and their two daughters. The Everest family had been living at 1760 Mountain Blvd before moving into their new Montclair Highlands home at 1831 Drake Drive. The home was developed by Emge and Stockman. It was... Continue Reading →
The Ward-Way – Homes by Montgomery Wards
Oakland Tribune Apr 28, 1940 In the 1940's Montgomery Wards, through its building services department, sold pre-fab homes to be made by local contractors. They would supply everything necessary to build your home. "The Ward Way method of building and furnishing is a simplified system of obtaining built to order home," states Ralph Jarvis Ward-Way representative Oakland... Continue Reading →
Montclair Display Homes
Narragansett House Narragansett House is a New England Colonial-style home in the Montclair Highlands Section on Balboa Drive, built as a model home in 1937. Oakland Tribune Feb 7, 1937 The home opened in February 1937; by the end of the first week, 3500 toured the house, and by the end of April 1937, over 25,000 had... Continue Reading →
Montclair Observation Tower
The Montclair Observation Tower was a two-story tower built by the Realty Syndicate in 1925 to assist with the selling of homes in the newly opened area of Montclair Highlands.
Montclair Highlands – Top of the World
Montclair Highlands was one of the earlier subdivisions in Montclair. Located in the hills back of Piedmont and just above Montclair's Business district or the "Townsite" as locals called it in 1925. "Montclair Business Center, as the name indicates, is the tract opened as a community trading district." Oakland Tribune May 17, 1925 "Montclair Highlands is... Continue Reading →