East of Piedmont

Posted on July 7, 2022 by Dorothy Londagin

“New Residential Section East of Piedmont“
SF Examiner Nov 13, 1920

The Oakland Real Estate Board held a contest to name the new residential district along Moraga Road in the hills behind Piedmont. The syndicate owned the area comprising 2500 acres of residential land and a business section. The prize for the best name was $50.00.

“The one condition was they had to describe what they saw in the district to suggest the name they submitted.

Montclair was the winner.

Montclair Subdivsions

Development of the hill section was first envisioned in the early 1900s when the Realty Syndicate Company purchased the Dingee and Medau properties.

The first unit would open in 1920, extending across Moraga Avenue from the present business district up and over to the Piedmont border. They called this unit Montclair Acres, and the great demand for lots resulted in the opening of Montclair Estates in 1921.

“The wisdom in buying a homesite in Montclair Estates is bulwarked by ever increasing joy of ownership.”
Oakland Tribune Oct 22, 1922

Streets for the two units were named after famous WWI generals such as Pershing, Dawes, McAndrew, Liggett, Bullard, and Harbord.

They both offered half-acre and one-acre lots.

Country Club Acres was also put on the market in 1921. It was located on the other side of Moraga Avenue, extending to Holy Names School and Masonic Avenue was in it.

Montclair Vista adjoining Country Club Acres opened in 1922 and extended from Harbord Drive to include Maxwelton and Hiltop Crescent. They held a “huge bonfire” (wow!) to announce the opening of Montclair Vista.

Sierra Vista opened in 1922.

Across the valley, Merriewood was opened in also in 1922. In addition to selling lots, the company also sold lots with small bungalows, the purchaser choosing the style of home to be built. Within two years, they sold 250 of these homes.

In Merriewood there are streets named for some of the signs of the Zodiac like Aquarius, Aries (no longer used,) Capricorn (my street,) Leo, Taurus, Uranus, and Virgo.

There is also a group of streets named in honor of Robin Hood. They are Nottingham, Robin Hood, Sherwood, Merriewood (Merry Men?), and Crown (Crown of England?.)

Hampton Highlands opened in 1925 and was located starting where Park Blvd meets Estates Drive.

Montclair Highlands was the large area adjoining the business center, and streets in it were named for explorers; Cortez, Balboa, Magellan, and Drake, among others.

In this section, the syndicate built an Observation Tower, which burned down a few years later. Montclair Highlands was so successful that Montclair Highlands Extension was opened, including Cabot Drive and Colton Blvd.

**Montclair Observation Tower – Montclair Highlands c 1925**

Smith Reserve included some 1,600 lots, now known as Piedmont Pines, opened in 1926, and the streets were given English names, such as Ascot, Chelsea, Beaconsfield, Holyrood, and Keswick.

Smith Reserve Beauty Spots — Oakland Tribune May 23, 1926

A lot of work went into preparing Smith Reserve; they had to remove trees, open roads, and put in storm drains.

Scenic Beauty Smith Reserve — Oakland Tribune May 30, 1926

It was in Smith Reserve that they built one of the finest model homes in all of California. Check out Casa Alta Dena here.

In 1927 they opened “Smith Reserve Highlands” after closing out Montclair Highlands.

The Townsite

In 1919 the Realty Syndicate announced the plans for a civic /business center for the area in the hills behind Piedmont.

Site of the new Townsite – Oakland Tribune Nov 7, 1920

When the business district officially opened in 1925, it was known and publicized as “Montclair Townsite.”

Big Promotional Campaign

An extensive newspaper campaign was carried out on both sides of the bay, with advertising bills amounting to thousands of dollars weekly. Banners and flags flew along Moraga Avenue. Two bus lines provided free transportation into the hills.

The syndicate built a large lodge used for sales promotion. A prominent artist on the Examiner staff named Virgil Theodore Nahl painted a large mural painting in the lodge of the hill district looking towards the bay.

The lodge was later converted into an attractive home. I’d love to find out which one on Lodge Court is “The Lodge.”

Following the collapse of the Reality Syndicate in 1929 Raymond Emge who had worked for them took over the management of Montclair Highlands. Emge organized a home building company that promoted homes designed by architects and held architectural competitions. From then until WWII scores of new homes were built throughout the hills.

List of Subdivisions

Country Club Acres – 1921
Fernwood – 1922
Glenwood Glade –
Hampton Manor – 1925
Merriewood – 1922
Montclair Acres – 1920
Montclair Estates – 1921
Montclair Highlands – 1925
Montclair Townsite – 1924
Montclair Vista – 1922
Montera – 1925
Pinehaven – 1922
Sierra Vista – 1921
Smith Reserve (now Piedmont Pines) – 1921
Thornhill Park – 1917

More Info:

Many Montclair Homesites Sold on Sunday – SF Examiner Nov 2, 1920
New Town Designed – Oakland Tribune Nov 9, 1919
Montclair is Forging Ahead – SF Chronicle Nov 13, 1920
New and Close in Section of Montclair Opens – Oakland Tribune June 12, 1921
Montclair Will Have A population of 20,000 – Oakland Tribune July 3, 1921
More Streets For Montclair – SF Examiner Oct 21, 1921
Sierra Vista Latest Plot to Open – Oakland Tribune Nov 21, 1921
Montclair to Hold Opening – SF Examiner Oct 22, 1921
Montclair Vista Opens – Oakland Tribune Mar 28, 1922

The End

Montclair is…

Posted on April 17, 2022 by Dorothy Londagin

The Birth of Montclair

The 1920s were economic boom years in the United States and California.

Economic growth was fueled by the general post–World War I recovery and oil discoveries in Los Angeles and, most notably, the automobile’s widespread introduction.

Oakland expanded during the 1920s, flexing enough to meet the influx of factory workers.

Between 1921 and 1924, 13,000 new homes were built in Oakland, more than 1907-1920.

Many of the large downtown office buildings, apartments, and single-family houses still standing were built during the 1920s, reflecting the architectural styles of the time.

Moraga Road District

After running a contest in Oakland Tribune in 1919, Montclair was the name given to the new area. You can read more about that here: Sunalta or Montclair?

Montclair Opens

Oakland_Tribune_Wed__Jun_30__1920_ — **1920**

They sold $460,000 worth of property in Montclair during the first year.

Her First Birthday

Where is Montclair?

Oakland_Tribune_Sun__Jun_7__1925_ — **The Montclair of the 1920’s – Oakland Tribune**

Today, Montclair covers a much larger area. It includes the neighborhoods (or tracts) of Pinehaven, Merriewood, Fernwood, Glenwood Glade, Forest Park, Montclair Highlands, and Piedmont Pines.

During the first years of the 1920s, much money and effort went into selling property in Oakland, whether through free houses or lot giveaways or providing car service to the sites from downtown (just 15 minutes away). The Realty Syndicate even provided buses ( see The First Bus lines in Oakland ).

I thought I would show you some clever ads from the Oakland Tribune and the San Francisco Chronicle.
In the months leading up to the day Montclair went on sale, they ran small teaser-type ads all through the paper.

Teaser Ads

What is Montclair?

Armistice Day 1920 in Montclair

Oakland_Tribune_Wed__Nov_10__1920_ — **Oakland Tribune**

The End

The Home Place of Romance – Smith Reserve

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Dorothy Londagin

Smith Reserve was a subdivision in Montclair and is now called Piedmont Pines.

Smith Reserve is located at the top of Park Blvd with borders on Shepherd Canyon and Joaquin Miller Park and up to Skyline Blvd.

Smith Reserve Opens

The Realty Syndicate announced in May of 1926 that they were putting 300 acres in the hills behind Piedmont for sale. TF.M. Smith once owned the land.

Page from 1928 Brochure of Smith Reserve courtesy of Chris Treadway

“Smith reserve is the most beautiful tract of land opened by the Syndicate Company”
Oakland Tribune

“Much of the beauty of Smith Reserve is due to the varied groupings of oaks, ecualyptus and pine trees which cover the entire tract. The different shades of green, together with the variety of sizes and shapes of these trees afford an almost endless variety of choice to people in search of unusualsettings for distinctive homes.”
Oakland Tribune

Huge Sales!

In July of 1926, two months after the subdivision was open, the Realty Syndicate reported nearly $250,000 in sales. They also said a bus transportation system would be implemented, connecting with both local and San Francisco electric lines. – Oakland Tribune, July 18, 1928.

“Scenic Beauty”
Oakland Tribune 1926

“The Princely Estate of F.M. “Borax” Smith”

“Selected years ago by F.M. “Borax” Smith as a private estate when thousands of acres of the finest residentioal property in the East Bay were owned by him, Smith Reserve was set apart for eleborate development.”
Oakland Tribune

**1912**: Map of Oakland and vicinity published by the Realty Union, compiled from optical and other data by T. J. Allan; T. R. Morcom

Smith built Arbor Villa on the site further down on Park Blvd.

Arbor Villa estate, as seen from across Park Boulevard

Camp Dimond

In 1919, 25 acres of the Smith Reserve were sold to the Oakland-Piedmont Council of the Boy Scouts of America for a camp. It was called Camp Dimond and was in use from 1919-1948.

In 1948 the Oakland Public School district took over the land and built Joaquin Miller Elementary and Montera Junior High Schools.

Bus Service

In July of 1928, the Realty Syndicate inaugurated a regular bus service into Montclair Highlands and Smith Reserve from the terminal at Moraga Ave and Hampton Road ( now La Salle Ave.) The buses had a regular schedule but alternated their run. It would go to Smith Reserve first on one trip and go to Montclair Highlands first on the next trip.

In Smith Reserve

In September of 1928, they broke ground for two new Spanish-type homes ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 in building costs. Architect Hamilton Murdock completed plans for four additional homes with three more on the drawing board. They embraced various types of architecture. Two of the homes were of the modified Spanish hacienda type with balconies overlooking the Eastbay and the Golden Gate.

One of the homes started in 1928 was the residence of G.O. Thomas. This h me was Spanish in style and was to cost $20,000.

The Harry S. Stockman is a nine-room English-type home that cost $25,000 to build. The house has a panorama view of the hills, Eastbay, and landscaped grounds and is at 5640 Castle Drive at Mountain Gate.

**5640 Castle Drive Piedmont Pines** – **Realtor.com**

Panorama Home

This home is located on Ascot Court.

Hacienda Monterey

“the brave days of dashing dons and senoritas live again at “Hacienda Monterey” in Smith Reseve.”
Oakland Tribune

Piedmont Pines

In the early 1930s, Smith Reserve was re-subdivided and renamed Piedmont Pines.

New Light Beacon

More Info:

Boy Scouts Get Land for Camp – Oakland Tribune Jan 20, 1919
300 Acres of Fine Land is Put on Sale – S.F. Examiner May 22, 1926
Smith Reserve Selling – S.F. Examiner May 29, 1926
Syndicate to Open Big Estate – Oakland Tribune May 1926
Visitors Crowd to New Tract – Oakland Tribune May 30, 1926
Huge Sales Total for Reserve – Oakland Tribune July 18, 1926
New Oakland Homes – Oakland Tribune Aug 21, 1926
Many Homes Building in Smith Reserve – Oakland Tribune Sep 2, 1928
Smith Reserve Attracts Home Buyers – S.F. Examiner Oct 13, 1928
Noted Actress Praises Smith Reserve – Oakland Tribune Oct 21, 1928
New Tract Office for Smith Reserve – S.F. Examiner Oct 28, 1928
Smith Reserve Romance Told – S.F. Examiner Apr 6, 1929
Smith Reserve to Have Idora Search Light – Oakland Tribune Jan 27, 1929
Giant Eye to Be Tested – Oakland Tribune Mar 3, 1929

The End

Maison Normandie – Piedmont Pines

Posted on March 15, 2021 by Dorothy Londagin

Unique Home Opens

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.

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.

Maison Normandie
Le Mon Park – Piedmont Pines
1938
Mitchell & Austin
Still there
6235 Castle Drive

Today

For Sale

1952

$7000 in the wall-to-wall carpet.

Priced at $1,595,000

More Info:

Maison Normandie Opens – Oakland Tribune June 9, 1940
The Most Unusual Home – Oakland Tribune Sep 29, 1940

The End

In Le Mon Park – Piedmont Pines

Posted on March 15, 2021 by Dorothy Londagin

“a thing of beauty and joy forever.”
Robert Mitchell Mitchell & Austin

Coronation House Opens

The “Coronation House,” a display home for Mitchell & Austin, opened on May 2, 1937, in the Le Mon Park section 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.)

“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

“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

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

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

Villador, the house of gold, opened to the public in June of 1937.

Villador
6324 Castle Drive
Le Mon Park – Piedmont Pines
1937
Mitchell & Austin

More Info:

In Le Mon Park – Oakland Tribune June 27, 1937
Piedmont Pines Homes Open – Oakland Tribune July 18, 1937
Fremont Stood Near Home Site- Oakland Tribune Aug 8, 1937
6324 Castle Drive – estately.com

The End

Donations

Then & Now – Oakland Schools Part 9

Posted on November 6, 2019 by Dorothy Londagin

I hope to show Then and Now images of Oakland Schools in this series of posts. Along with a bit of the history of each school, I highlight. Some photos are in the form of drawings or postcards or from the pages of history books.

Note: Piecing together the history of some of the older schools is sometimes tricky. I do this all at home and online — a work in progress for some. I have been updating my posts when I find something new. Let me know of any mistakes or additions.

Updated December 17, 2019

Montclair Grammar School

The Montclair District held formal dedication ceremonies in their first school on March 14, 1926. The service is under the direction of A.R. Romer, the principal, and Mrs. J.D. Bishop, the teacher in charge of the 71 students already registered to attend the school.

The four-room schoolhouse was built with funds from the building program funded by a $9,000,000 bond issue voted by the people of Oakland in 1924.

In attendance were Mrs. Stanton Lore representing the Montclair Women’s Club, and Mrs. E.T. Jepsen of the Piedmont Avenue PTA

The original brick building with a tile roof was later considered an earthquake risk and razed in 1936. They used portables for many years.

The new school building was dedicated in 1942, with nine classrooms, an administrative suite, an arts and crafts room, a PTA room, and a Library, was created. In 1947, a Cafeteria and Assembly Hall were added.

Montclair is located at 1757 Mountain Blvd., Oakland.

Montclair Today

In 2013, a new building was added to the campus, which houses a modern Multipurpose Room, new classrooms, a faculty lounge, and a living roof. A new learning garden and play structure were also added to the campus.

Montclair Website – OUSD

Thornhill Elementary School

Plans for a new school in the Montclair District were drawn up by local Montclair residents Robert “Bob” Goetz and Jens Hansen in association with Confer and Willis.

The site on Thornhill Drive at Alhambra was acquired through condemnation proceedings. The court awarded $48,000 to the landowner, Alice Taylor.

The school was to be ready in September 1958 and would have an administration office, a multipurpose room, a library, 11 classrooms, and a kindergarten room.

Dedication – November 12, 1958

Bus Service

The district approved the school bus earlier in the year, stopping at both Thornhill and Montclair schools. The kids were picked up throughout the hills on the roads designated ‘safe.’ The bus service continued until 1959, when the service was going to be pulled but continued a little longer after the parents rallied to raise money to maintain the service.

The school is located at 5880 Thornhill Dr, Oakland

Thornhill Today

Thornhill Website – OUSD
Thornhill 50th Anniversary –blog

Joaquin Miller Elementary School

The bid was taken in November 1949 for the New Joaquin Miller Elementary School on Ascot Drive in Montclair.

**Oakland Tribune November 1950 Tribune**

First Graduate

In January of 1950, Judith Lowe, 12 daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lowe, had the honor of being the first graduate of the school – she was the only one. She was the lone pupil in high sixth grade.

The school is located at 5525 Ascot Drive.

Joaquin Miller Today

Joaquin Miller website – OUSD

The End

Updated November 28, 2019

Montclair Realty – Pioneers of the Hills

Posted on August 5, 2019 by Dorothy Londagin

In 1924 brothers Paul and Herman Pause formed Montclair Realty Co. Before that, Paul worked for the Realty Syndicate.

The business district of Montclair looked like this when Montclair Realty was formed.

**Graded and staked lots in the undeveloped Montclair district’s downtown in Oakland, California Eston Cheney, photographer. from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room. Circa 1925**

Cos. Williams, a builder, was the only other business then.

Sales offices of real estate broker and home builder Cos Williams in the undeveloped Montclair district’s downtown in Oakland, California. Graded and staked lots are visible in the foreground. DATE: [circa 1925] from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.

In 1932 they moved into their new offices at 6466 Moraga Avenue. The building was occupied by George B. Brooks, another real estate agent. The building is still there.

Montclair Highlands

“In All the World No View Like his”
Oakland Tribune 1928

In 1928 Montclair Realty was the developer and selling agent for a new tract behind the business district. One of the first homes was the “Model View Home,” built-in 1928.

10th Anniversary

In 1934 Montclair Realty celebrated its 10th Anniversary. During this time, they specialized in developing the rapidly growing hill area. Some tracts they worked on were Montclair Highlands, Montclair Acres, Montclair Estates, and Fernwood.

That year they opened Piedmont Uplands, a new tract along Moraga Avenue at Maxwelton Road. The Henry Maxwell family owned the land and ran a Maxwelton Farm dairy. Before that, it was the picnic grounds of Blair Park.

13th Anniversary

Montclair Realty celebrated its thirteenth Anniversary by moving into spacious new offices in Montclair Realty Building on Moraga Avenue. Harvey Slocombe designed the new two-story building in an authentic Spanish style, complete with a patio and tile roof. Howard Gilkey developed the garden.

**New Montclair Realty Office – Oakland Tribune 1937**

The unusual feature of the new building was the penthouse display home on the second floor. The living room – reception room had a Homebuilder’s Library, where prospective home builders can look through all the latest books and magazines on home building.

Dramatically different the Pent House Model home brings to you “Ideas of 1938” in colorful interior finishes and modern furnishings.
Oakland Tribune 1937

Silver Anniversary – 1949

Paul Pause was a founding member of the Montclair Improvement Club. He was a member of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce residential committee and its highway and transportation committee. He was also a member of the Commonwealth Club.

Death and New Owners

Paul Pause died in 1950. He was an important figure in the development of Montclair since the beginning.

Lucille Chasnoff purchased the company after Pause died in 1950. and John Mallett purchased the company from her in 1962.

New Office in 1954-56

In 1954 they moved into the newly built Montclair Professional Building at 2084 Mountain Blvd. The Montclair Realty offices were on the ground floor; they owned the building.

It was the only office building that had off-street parking. The offices featured gold walls with charcoal woodwork with built-in desks and partitions.

Out with the Old

The old Montclair Realty building was demolished in 1961 to make room for expanding the Standard Station next door.

In 2019 a new building replaced the old and outdated Montclair Realty Office Building.

The new building.

**From Forgotten Montclair Facebook Group 2022**

Different Logos –

Free Map

More Info:

Great Activity in the Hills – Oakland Tribune June 17, 1934
Pause named Club Head – Oakland Tribune Dec 13, 1936
Highlights of Real Estate Development – Oakland Tribune July 18, 1937
Realty Firm In New Home – Oakland Tribune Jul 25, 1937

The End

The Highest Home in Oakland – 1928

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Dorothy Londagin

“1928 Model View Home “

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 beyond.

Montclair Highlands Commands Ones of The World’s Finest Views, and Only 15 Minutes From Downtown

Montclair Realty – 1928

Combining modern features in fixtures with a marine view, the Spanish themed home with certain additions, designed by Hamilton Murdock, an Oakland architect.

The “1928 Model” View Home “The Home Electric.” All the latest features of proven merit – the things you have wondered about are used in the “1928 Model” home, including Oakland Tribune Mar 25, 1928

Complete Electrification
Quartz-Lite – window glass
Colored plumbing ware
Venetian Cabinets
Linoleum Floors
Balanced Illumination

Screen Test for Children

In November of 1928, they held a movie screen test for children in the “1928 Model View “ home. The screen test was under the direction of the Sherman Clay Company.

The “1929 Model View” Home

For a few weeks in 1929 is was renamed.

**Oakland Tribune 1936**
Asking price $**8750.00**

Location

The “1928 Model View” home is located at 1949 Asilomar Drive in Montclair. It was one of the first homes built in the hills directly behind the business district of Montclair. The area was called Montclair Highlands. The 1928 Model View Home was built just up the hill, the lone home to the left of the arrow.

**1928 photos showing the of the Observation Tower** –
**The solitary home to the left of the yellow area is the Callahan House**
at **1989 Asilomar Drive**
**Photo from East Bay Hills Project**

The house has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and last sold in 1974. I don’t have a present-day picture.

1928 Model View Home
Montclair Highlands
Spanish Style
Hamilton Murdock – architect
Elmo Adams – builder
Howard Gilkey – a landscaper
Paul Pause – owner
Montclair Realty
1949 Asilomar Drive

The Callahan House is the bottom in the photo below.

Last sold in 2017 for $1, 682, 619 – 1989 Asilomar Drive

The End

$20,000 Log Cabin – Fernwood

Posted on June 6, 2019 by Dorothy Londagin

Fernwood was the beautiful country estate of Col. Jack C. Hays and his wife Susan in 1852.

Residence of Col. John C. Hays – Oakland History Room

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.