Tag Archives: Oakland

“Negro Trail Blazers” in Oakland – Education

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Black pioneers moved to Oakland soon after the town was founded in 1852. By 1860 23 blacks were living in the Oakland Township, and 18 were living in the town of Brooklyn (east of Lake Merritt, now a part of Oakland.)

Isaac and Elizabeth Flood lived in Brooklyn (Oakland). They were among the noted “Negro pioneers” of California, according to the “Negro Trailblazers of California.”

Segregated

The first schools in California, public and private, were segregated. The system of segregated schools developed without organized opposition or serious debate. Eventually, segregation became law with the California School Code of 1860 explicitily prohibited Black, Chinese, and Indian children from attending public schools.

The Black community recognized the need to educate their children in Oakland and the town of Brooklyn.

The Flood Family

Elizabeth Thorn Scott came to California during the Gold Rush with her first husband, Joseph Scott, and settled in Placerville, CA. Her husband died soon after their arrival. Elizabeth then settled in Sacramento, with her young son.

Seeing the need for a school for “non-whites,” she opened her home centrally located between M and N Streets on May 29, 1854, becoming the first “colored” private school in Sacramento.

Elizabeth Thorne Flood undated Oakland History Room

There were 14 students in the school between the ages of 4 and 29, and their families paid $1.00 per week, and they paid her $50.00 per month. Later the school became part of St. Andrews (AME) Church, holding classes in the basement.

Isaac Flood came to California in search of gold. In the early 1850s, he settled in the Brooklyn Township. Elizabeth and Iassc were married in 1855 (not sure when or where they met.) She retired from teaching and moved to Brooklyn.

In 1856 Elizabeth gave birth to a son George Frances Flood, who was said to be the first “black boy” born in Alameda County. She gave birth to a daughter Lydia Flood in 1862.

George F. Flood 1856-1924
Lydia Flood Jackson 1862-1963

Again seeing the need for schools in the black community, she campaigned to get support for another school.

In 1857, she opened a private school for Black children in Alameda County in her home at 1334 East 15th Street. Members of the Black community supported this effort, paying tuition on top of paying taxes that covered schools their children could not attend.

This was the first private school in the Oakland area open to all minorities. Elizabeth’s goal for her school was to be competitive with White schools.

Oakland Heritage Alliance Newsletter Fall 1984

In 1863 the Shiloh A.M.E Church (now First A.M.E Church) assumed control of the school following its formal organization as a church. The Flood’s helped organize the church and were founding members. The church purchased the abandoned Carpentier schoolhouse (see Oakland’s First Schoolhouse)and moved the building to 7th and Market Streets in West Oakland. The tiny building served as the church’s chapel and housed the school. Elizabeth taught at the school until she died in 1867 (unexpectedly)at 39.

Isaac continued their quest for equal education for all children. He was a member of the California Colored Convention Movement, and they, as a group, challenged California’s segregation laws in the early 1870s, citing the recently enacted 14th and 15th amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

He and a group of leaders in the Black community petitioned the School board in 1871 to end segregation.

Their daughter Lydia was among the first to attend an integrated Oakland public school, the old Swett Grammar School on 12th Avenue and East 19th Street.

Brooklyn Colored School

The expense of supporting a private school was a heavy burden on the Black community, and in 1866 the parents from both Oakland and Brooklyn petitioned both the Oakland and Brooklyn’s Boards of Education to provide the education of Black children in both areas. After months of delay, the Brooklyn board voted to establish a public school in Brooklyn, and it was open to children in both areas.

In 1867 the Brooklyn Colored School opened in the town of Brooklyn (now East Oakland.) It was the first public school for Black children in Alameda County. It was located at 1008 10th Avenue (or 1066 10th Avenue)in an old, dilapidated building that was originally a private residence (old Manning House) and measured only 35 by 38 feet.

Brooklyn Colored School Oakland CA – Miss Mary Jane Sanderson – Oakland History Room

A young Black woman, Miss Mary Sanderson, was the only teacher from 1867-1871. She was only 16 when she started teaching at the school (Oakland Heritage Alliance Newsletter winter-spring 1994.)

In 1870 the school was located in a room of the Adams Street Primary School, a two-story brick building built in 1866. (Brooklyn Independent December 3, 1870.) This might explain the brick building in the photo above.

In 1871 the minimum number of stents fell below the required 10. It was forced as there were more children from Oakland than from Brooklyn.

1871

The Black children of Oakland found it difficult to get to the Brooklyn School due to its remote location. In 1869, the Oakland Board of Education voted to open an evening school that admitted Black children and adults. The Black community rented a building on Jefferson Street, and the Board of Education contributed $25 a month towards the support of the school. D. Clinton Taylor, a white teacher, taught in the one-room school. The school closed in July 1869 after operating for only six months.

In 1872, Oakland’s Board of Education went against the State School code and approved integrating Oakland schools in a 5-2 vote.

More Info:

Unique Apartments Courts – Bungalow Courts

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It has been awhile since I have published a new post. I have been dealing with an major medical issue in my family. It is still ongoing. This is something I put together a while back.

A bungalow court is a group of small bungalows or workers cottages built around a court or central yard. An apartment court is a group of buildings built around or have a central courtyard.

Bungalow Court, a New Apartment Site

Oakland Tribune Sept 11, 1921
New Euclid Court Apartments Cheney Photo Advertising Company circa 1921

In 1921 a new kind of building known as a Bungalow Court opened, the first in Oakland. The building is located at Hill Lane and Euclid Avenue.

New Euclid Court Apartments Cheney Photo Advertising Company circa 1921

Euclid Court consists of ten three-room bungalow apartments, grouped around a central courtyard. Each unit has separate front and back entrances.

New Euclid Court Apartments Cheney Photo Advertising Company circa 1921

Euclid Court was built for Dr. J.L. Hobbs at the cost of $75,000 and was designed by W.E. Schirmer.

Today Google Maps
  • 432-450 Euclid Avenue
  • Built 1921
  • 10-units
  • W.E. Schirmer – Architect

Virginia Court Apartments – Filbert Street

Virginia Court is a colorful Spanish type apartment building, with twelve apartments of two rooms each.

Each unit came with the following:

  • Genuine Frigidaire
  • Spark gas ranges
  • steam heat
  • Marshall and Stearns wall-bed
  • 1430 Filbert Avenue
  • Built 1930
  • 12-units

Court Pueblo Apartments – On Foothill Blvd.

The Court Pueblo Apartments opened in February 1930 and is located at 6114 and 6120 Foothill Blvd.

There are twelve units of two or three rooms. Each apartment had the following:

  • Genuine Frigidaire
  • Spark Gas Range
  • Marshall & Stearns Beds

Completely furnished for $45 to $52.50 in 1930

Court Pueblo is Spanish in Style.

  • 6114-6120 Foothill Blvd
  • Built 1930
  • Spanish Style
  • 12-units

Apartment Court on Seminary

“The five-room apartments are practically complete homes.”

Oakland Tribune 1928

Apartment Court opened in January 1928 and is located at 1725 and 1729 Seminary Avenue.

Oakland Tribune Nov 27, 1927

It is four buildings of eight apartments, each attractively arranged in a park-like* setting with a central thoroughfare.

1725 Seminary – Google Maps

No longer a park-like setting

1725 Seminary – Google Maps
  • Four five-room Apartments.
  • Twenty-Two two-room Apartments
  • Kelvinator Refrigerator
  • Spark Ranges
  • Murphy Beds

Brookdale Court

Brookdale Court is located at 3760 Brookdale Ave near 38th Ave.

#7

Bungalow Court

Located at 3745 Brookdale Avenue near 38th Avenue. There are 2 and 3 room units available. They rented for $40 and $45 a month in 1928.

“Seville” Spanish-Type Apartments

Oakland Tribune Nov 27, 1927

Reminiscent of the early history of California the Seville was built by Barr and Sons.

886 Cleveland – Google Maps

“The exterior of lime white stucco in monk finish with wrought iron balconies and, rails, the Spanish court effect with landscaped slopes, broken stepping stones and green shrubbery, the tiles roof of handmade Spanish tiles laid as the early day padres would lay them”

20 apartments of 2,3, and 4 rooms furnished from $57.50 up in 1927.

356 Lester Avenue

More Info:

The End

Santa Claus Rides the Bus

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I have been sharing photos of holiday-themed AC Transit Coaches (buses) on Facebook. In researching the tradition, I learned that Nickolas P. Alevizos played Santa Claus for more than 40 years. A bit of history here.

Nick P. Alevizos -In front of a 10-seater Model-A Motor Bus, one of the original West Oakland Motor Buses – Updated AC Transit Photo

Santa Claus – St Nick

AC Transit Times December 1961

In December 1960, AC Transit’s new streamlined “Transit Liners” went into service on Christmas Day.

AC Transit Photo – flickr

A colorful parade called the “Travelcade of Progress” was held on the streets of downtown Oakland to introduce the new buses. The parade included all forms of East Bay public transportation, including horse and cable cars. 

AC Transit Times December of 1960

Alevizos led the parade as Santa Claus.

Alevizos became a legend by dressing as Santa Claus wheeling through the East Bay in an AC-Transit holiday-themed decorated bus.  

Oakland Tribune 1964

He started playing Santa Claus in 1933 for the Shrine, Richmond Kiwanis Club, and at the Division 3 Christmas parties.

Oakland Tribune 1975

He also played the roles of Abraham Lincoln, Christopher Columbus, and Uncle Sam on the year’s appropriate dates. But Santa Claus remained his most extended running role, beginning in 1933.

Oakland’s Early ‘Jitney King’

Oakland Tribune May 23, 1971

A transportation pioneer in the East Bay, Nichols P. Alevizos, 1921 started a jitney bus service. The major Oakland Jitney route was 7th Street from Pine Street to Clay Street. There were 16 jitneys and 16 drivers on the run, with 15 in use each day and the 16th taking the day off.

West Oakland Motor Bus Lines 1928 – AC Transit flickr

Alevizos organized a jitney association in 1924 and became its first and only president. In 1928 the association bought 8 Model A Ford buses. The association was named West Oakland Motor Bus Lines.

Oakland Tribune 1929

In 1935 Alevizos sold the company to the Key System. Part of the deal made by Alfred J. Lundberg, Key System president, was for Alevizos to have a lifetime supervisor job with the company.

Oakland Tribune 1934

He served as superintendent of the Key System and later AC Transits Richmond Division. His career spanned 56 years.

AC Transit Times December 1962

Retirement

AC Transit Times Dec 1977

Alevizos retired at the end of 1977, and his career spanned over 56 years. He continued as Santa for two more years. He passed away in April of 2000.

History of the Holiday Bus

In 1963, AC Transit launched its first holiday-themed bus. The “Candy Cane Express” was painted white and tied with big red bows.

AC Transit Times

In the years that followed, the Holiday Bus became more elaborate, with the vehicles custom-painted and decorated with handmade wooden ornaments. By the mid-1960s, a full-size sleigh was installed on the roof, where “Santa” would ride.

The 1966 “Santa Claus Express” – AC Transit Flickr. – AC Transit Times December 1966

There have been many versions of the Holiday Bus throughout the years. Decals and full custom vinyl wrap have replaced the custom paint jobs and bolted-on decorations.

Santa’s Toyland – 1969 – AC Transit Times
Santa’s Workshop 1970 – AC Transit Times
Santa’s Express – AC Transit –
Winter Wonderland – 1979 – AC Transit Times
Santa’s Toyland – 1973 – AC Transit Times

This year’s (2020) theme is “Holidays Always Keep Their Sparkle.”

2015 Holiday Bus – ACTransit
2020 Holiday Bus – AC Transit

More Info:

Themes

  • Seasons Greetings – 1965
  • Santa Claus Express – 1966
  • Candy Cane – 1967
  • Happy Holidays – 1968
  • Santa’s Toyland – 1969
  • Santa’s Workshop – 1970
  • Santa’s Toyland – 1971
  • Santa’s Toyland – 1973
  • Happy Holidays – 1974-1975
  • Santa’s Toyland – 1976
  • Santa’s Express – 1977
  • Candy Cane Coach – 1978
  • Winter Wonderland – 1979

The End

Claremont Pines Model Home

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Claremont Pines was formally the P.E. Bowels estate “The Pines.”  It is bounded by Broadway Terrace, Country Club Drive, Acacia Drive, and Romany Road.

Oakland Tribune

Palatial Home to be Built

In July 1928, a palatial residence, the Tribune-Schlesinger Home, was to be built in the new subdivision Claremont Pines developed by York Company Inc.

Oakland Tribune 1928

The Spanish-Mediterranean-style home was sponsored by the Oakland Tribune and was furnished by B.F. Schlesinger and Sons.  

The house was designed by Frederick H. Reimers, an Oakland architect, and was constructed by C. Dudley de Velbiss, a well-known builder.

Drive Out Today

The Oakland Tribune columns fully describe each phase of the construction. The site was open to the public during construction.

Great care was taken in selecting the residence, which occupies a prominent corner overlooking the Claremont golf course and facing the Golden Gate.

“The Mediterranean type of architecture was selected to conform to the contour of the site and to the general rolling nature of the terrain.”

Frederick Reimers July 29, 1928

The house has sixteen rooms, each with an individual style. It also has a ballroom, library, and smoking room.  

The halls and library have floors of colored, hand-made tile and arched doorways.  

Ground Floor – Oakland Tribune 1928

It is further enhanced by a series of walled-in courts and terraces. 

The landscaping was done under the supervision of Johannes Reimers, a local landscaper and artist who was also Frederick’s father.

Tribune-Schlesinger Home Breaks Ground

On August 09, 1928, the official groundbreaking was held in the presence of a large group of Eastbay notables.

Oakland Tribune August 1928

Home Nearing Completion

“Plastering is now ready to start.”

Oakland Tribune 1928

$55,000 was invested in the project, exclusive of the furniture and furnishings.

Unique Feature of Home

“a haven of rest and peace from the busy world.”

Frederick H. Reimers Architect

The exterior brick fireplace and terrace brick walls leading to the entrance are the same color as the stucco.

A Firm Foundation

Another feature was the concrete foundation installed by J.H. Fitzmaurice, Inc., a local concrete contractor. The foundation’s material was of the very best quality at the time. 

All bearing walls are twelve inches in thickness.

Shows Rapid Progress

Significant progress was reported on November 04, 1928. It was expected to open on December 02, 1928.

Oakland Tribune November 1928

Under the guidance of A.L. Abrott of B.F. Schlesinger & Sons, a rare harmony of late Renaissance furnishings, promised to make the home of exceptional interest.

The upper floors followed the lighter moods of the seventeenth century when Venice was still at the height of her glory.

The ballroom or social hall on the ground floor was decorated in the spirit of modern jazz and twentieth-century amusement.

Magnificent Vestibule

Upon entering the vestibule, one is impressed by the tremendous Castillian effect of the entrance and the monumental stairway—the curving staircase with artistic hand-wrought iron railing.

Oakland Tribune October 28, 1928

The main stairway leads to a secondary vestibule, giving access to four bedrooms.

New Type of Telephones

Convenience was the new type of telephone installation by Pacific Bell. Each telephone is placed to obtain the highest possible comfort and privacy for the users and blend in with the decor.

Two main lines were installed: one for the family’s use and the second primarily for the servants’ use.

A hand telephone with a key box was installed in the master bedroom. The keys could cut off the servant’s phone for privacy.

Oakland Tribune 1928

A wall telephone connected to the servants’ line was placed in the garage.

Formally Opened

The formal opening was held on Sunday, December 30, 1928.  Lucile Webster Gleason of the Dufwin Theater, star in “The Shannons of Broadway,” formally opened the doors.

Large Crowds

Ten thousand visitors viewed the home in its first opening week, and seven thousand attended the opening day.

Oakland Tribune Feb 1929

Tribune-Schlesinger Home Claremont Pines

Tribune-Schlesinger Home Claremont Pines Cheney Photo Advertising 1928

Claremont Pines Homes

Oakland Tribune 1929

More Info:

Claremont Pines – Oakland Local Wiki

Today

Google
  •  2 Westminster Drive
  • Frederick H. Reimers, architect
  • C. Dudley de Velbiss – builder
  • York Company Inc. – Developers
  • Built-in 1928
  • Sold for $2,3 million in 2008

The End

Then and Now – Downtown Oakland

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My 150th Post!

I thought I would show you a little “Then and Now” images for downtown Oakland.

Enjoy!

Washington St – West Side from 7th and 8th

The 1896 Illustrated Directory of Oakland, California – https://localwiki.org/oakland/The_Illustrated_Directory_of_Oakland%2C_California
West side of Washington Street between 7th and 8th Streets. Hersh’s Apparel, Grutman’s Army and Navy Store in view. DATE: 1955 Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.
Google Maps
South side of 8th Street between Washington and Clay Streets. Drug store and pharmacy in view. DATE: 1958, Mar. Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room. FILENAME/TITLE:ohrphoto.dpoa1.050
Google Maps

Washington Street West Side from 8th to 9th

The 1896 Illustrated Directory of Oakland, California – https://localwiki.org/oakland/The_Illustrated_Directory_of_Oakland%2C_California
West side of Washington Street between 8th and 9th Streets. TV Tradin’ Post, Brick’s in view. DATE:1955 Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.
Google maps
West side of Washington Street between 8th and 9th Streets. Oakland Household Co. in view. DATE: 1955 Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.
Google Maps

Ninth Street – North Side from Washington to Broadway

The 1896 Illustrated Directory of Oakland, California – https://localwiki.org/oakland/The_Illustrated_Directory_of_Oakland%2C_California
Northeast corner of 9th and Washington Streets. Arlington Hotel in view. DATE :circa 1937 SIZE M.L. Cohen Co., photographers, for Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.
Google maps

Washington St – East Side from Ninth to Tenth

East side of Washington Street between 9th and 10th Streets. Savemore Dry Goods, Kaplan’s Army Surplus, Acme Market in view. DATE 1955. Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.
East side of Washington Street between 9th and 10th Streets circa 1913 Cheney Photo Advertising
East side of Washington Street between 9th and 10th Streets circa 1937
Google Maps

Broadway West Side from Ninth St to Tenth St

The 1896 Illustrated Directory of Oakland, California – https://localwiki.org/oakland/The_Illustrated_Directory_of_Oakland%2C_California
West side of Broadway between 9th and 10th Streets. White Onion, Eagle Loan Co., Moler Barber College in view. DATE 1955 Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.
West side of Broadway between 9th and 10th Streets. Lucky Club, A. Binneweg, Hill’s Loan Office in view. DATE 1955 Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.
Broadway West Side from Ninth St to Tenth St – Google maps

Wilcox Block, Front and North side, Oakland (c.1860-70) http://www.calisphere.universityofcalifornia.edu/institutions/Society+of+California+Pioneers
The 1896 Illustrated Directory of Oakland, California – https://localwiki.org/oakland/The_Illustrated_Directory_of_Oakland%2C_California

West side of Broadway between 8th and 9th Streets. Stag Clothing Co. in view. DATE: 1955. Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.
West side of Broadway between 8th and 9th Streets. Stag Clothing Co. in view. DATE: 1955. Downtown Property Owners Association, Inc., photographers. RIGHTS:Permission to use this image must be obtained from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.
Google Maps
Google Maps

More Info:

“Boost” Oakland With Postcards

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Postcards have been an essential tool in advertising the city of Oakland for a long time. I have collected postcards from Oakland for years. I recently found a small advertisement published in the Oakland Tribune reminding people that “Postcard Day” was coming up, which piqued my interest.

Reminder AD Oakland Tribune 1910

I tried to find the exact postcards, but I didn’t have much luck, except for one or two. I have shared what I think might be them. If I get lucky and find them, I will update this.

Here is what I found.

OAKLAND IN PICTURES

In 1905, W.J. Laymance of the Laymance Real Estate Company suggested a unique way of advertising Oakland in which every citizen, even the humblest, could participate. They could send illuminated postal cards of this city to friends in other sections of the county, thus calling attention to its beauty and resources.

Some of the cards’ subjects were the Oakland Waterfront, Residence District, Lake Merritt, Court House, Club House, Piedmont Springs, Among the Flowers, Piedmont Park, East from Fourteenth and Franklin Streets, North from San Pablo and Fourteenth Streets, University of California, Injured Football Player, and the Greek Theater.

There were about 20 illuminated postal cards illustrating the beauties of the city. They sold the cards at two for five cents and ten for twenty-five cents. The postal cards were sold at drug and stationery stores. They hoped 10,000 people in Oakland would participate.

Oakland’s PostCard Day 1910

Oakland Tribune 1910

February 12, 1910, was designated “Oakland’s Post Card Day.”

The Oakland Chamber of Commerce undertook an extensive publicity campaign. Every man and woman in Oakland and most of the children were expected to send one or more cards advertising the city.

The card was a double booster card with a decorative scheme of dark green and orange on both cards, but the views of Oakland will be different.

Postcard Day 1910

The recipient was to retain the first half of the double card. The second half, which was detachable, was to be sent to the Chamber of Commerce requesting a brochure.

Return Card – circa 1910
Postcard Day – 1910

Picturesque residences on the shore of Lake Merritt, seen through the overhanging branches of beautiful old oak, the orange in the glowing sunset was a striking contrast to the tree’s deep green.

Postcard Day 1910
Oakland Tribune Feb 13, 1910

Postcard Day 1912

1912

Views of Oakland and other cities furnished by Southern Pacific.

Piedmont Park – A Beauty Spot In Oakland
On line of Southern Pacific

back side Piedmont Park – A Beauty Spot
On line of Southern Pacific

Postcard Day 1913

Southern Pacific plans to help advertise Oakland with postcards to be mailed by the citizens of Oakland.

My City – Oakland

More Info:

Boost Oakland – https://archive.org/details/2349A_Gould_can_5122_4

The End

Uptown – A Bit of History

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There have been many discussions and articles about the name “Uptown” for an area in downtown Oakland. Most people hate it, except for the new people who just moved here, who call it “hip” or “trendy” (this is my opinion I did not conduct a poll).

Most recently, I was on one of the Facebook groups I belong to. Just about everybody who commented hates the use of the word uptown. Only two people actually read my comment about the history of the name. One still didn’t buy my explanation, and the other thanked me.

“No as a native oaklander we have never used the word uptown it was always downtown”

Facebook Group

“Gentrification definitely gentrification”

Facebook Group

We went Downtown

Growing up in Oakland, we always went downtown and never uptown because we went home.

It still is downtown to us and will always be! I will not argue that!

People assume the name “Uptown” comes from newcomers or “gentrifiers” who are taking over the area.

I know I questioned it, thinking they (the developers) were trying to make it sound like New York.

An article in the East Bay Express validates that thought.

“The use of “Uptown” to refer to what is really part of downtown Oakland is relatively new and followed the city’s massive gentrification project to renovate the Fox Theater and build 10,000 new units of housing around Grand Avenue and Telegraph in the early 2000s.”

East Bay Express

It’s too bad the article’s author didn’t spend time researching the name.

Statements like this would further their belief that the term is new and made up.

“Square (the tech company) has launched its East Bay operations by moving a few hundred employees into new digs in downtown Oakland’s hip and trendy Uptown neighborhood.”  

Square sets up shop in Oakland – East Bay Times Feb 13, 2020

A couple of years ago, I decided to research the name a little more. I was reading an old report from the redevelopment agency from the 1980s and saw a reference to the “Uptown District.” That got me thinking, and the rest is history.

A bit of history follows.

The Uptown Historic District runs from 18th Street to 21st Street along Broadway at the north end of Oakland’s central business district. It includes three blocks of the triangular gore between Broadway and Telegraph Avenue, plus the Fox Theater on the west side of Telegraph and portions on the eastern side of Broadway at the 19th Street intersection.    

The district represents a phase of the expansion of the central business district in the 1920s and 30s. The new shopping and entertainment center was at the north end of the turn of the century downtown, anchored by the new Capwell department store and developed by Capwell’s 20th and Broadway Realty Company.

H.C. Capwell department store, corner of Telegraph Avenue and 20th Street
Oakland Stores Collection – Oakland Public Library
https://calisphere.org/item/1e9576b6d4e13e45cb8652207f88fa61/

The district is an essential collection of small to medium-scale commercial buildings of the 1920s and 30s, historic brownstone and terra cotta buildings from the 1920s, and colorful Art Deco Terra Cotta from the 1930s. 

Oakland Floral Depot, northeast corner of 19th Street and Telegraph Avenue
Date: circa 1980 – Oakland Stores Collection
Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division
Permalink: https://calisphere.org/item/45a075ddbec11673a0d40a3fc87d3b17/

Capwell’s and I. Magnin’s buildings, the Fox and Paramount Theaters, and the Flora Depot building are excellent examples of each style.

I. Magnin & Co., northwest corner of Broadway and 20th Street
1951-04-24 Downtown Stores Collection
Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division
Permalink: https://calisphere.org/item/d57eab31fed90ff765d7834b39af46b6/

Uptown the Beginning

In 1895, the Tribune’s new was located “Uptown.”

Oakland Tribune 1895

In the early 1900s, as Oakland grew from the waterfront, people started calling the area past 14th Street “Uptown.” By 1903, the area just below 14th Street was getting crowded, and the large mercantile businesses were reaching out for more space. They could only go uptown.

The real expansion of uptown began in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Capwell’s was built in 1928.

Pioneers in “Uptown Oakland”

Oakland Tribune Mar 20, 1927

Smith Brothers’ new “Beautiful Uptown Store”

Oakland Tribune Oct 25, 1931
Oakland Tribune Oct 25, 1931

It was reported in the Oakland Tribune on March 24, 1936, that 19 new leases were signed in Oakland’s uptown business district.

Oakland Tribune Mar 24, 1936

In 1944, the new Hibernia Bank was built in “Uptown.”

Oakland Tribune Dec 18, 1944

After 17 years on 14th Street, Walson’s moved “Uptown” to 2000 Franklin in 1968.

Oakland Tribune April 17, 1968

I could go on and on, but I won’t.

Tours

There have been walking tours of the “Uptown District” since the early 1980s.

Map of Uptown Walking Tour circa 1982

Walking Tour 1982

I like that the “old” name was used and not changed to something awful like the following:

“NOBE” is possibly the baldest and most obnoxious attempt to rename part of Oakland. Devised by realtors, the name is an acronym referring to North Oakland-Berkeley-Emeryville.”

East Bay Express

“Baja Dimond” This is a ridiculous name that some realtors have tried foisting on the part of the Fruitvale just below the Interstate 580 freeway across from the actual Dimond neighborhood. It’s the Fruitvale, not the Dimond.

 

East Bay Express

Just remember that Uptown is a part of Oakland’s History.

More Info:

  • Uptown – Oakland Local Wiki
  • Oakland’s Uptown – William Sturm – OHA Newsletter November/December 1982

The End

Oakland – 1918 Flu Pandemic – WWI

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The 1918 Flu Pandemic (aka the ‘Spanish Flu’) infected and killed millions of people globally, including killing more than 1,400 in Oakland, California. (The population at that time was about 216,000.) 

There were two major outbreaks in Oakland, one in the fall of 1918, and another in January 1919. 

In one particularly grim 24 hour period in November 1918, 39 deaths were recorded.   2 Schools were closed, and citizens were required to wear masks to help prevent the spread of the disease. (https://oaklandwiki.org/1918_Flu_Pandemic)

Oakland Tribune November 2, 1918

S.O.S! Need Ten!

Wear you mask whenever you on the street”

Oakland Police

The police arrested 488 overnight on November 03, 1918. Every arrest was held over for $10.00 bail. Many stay overnight because they couldn’t raise the bail. Oakland Tribune – Nov 03, 1918

Makeshift Hospital

The Oakland Municipal Auditorium is being used as a temporary hospital with volunteer nurses from the American Red Cross tending the sick there during the influenza pandemic of 1918, Oakland, California, 1918. (Photo by Underwood Archives/Getty Images)

The Oakland Auditorium (now the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center) was used as a makeshift hospital because the existing hospitals were overwhelmed.

Volunteer caregivers from the American Red Cross preparing surgical dressings for sufferers of influenza during the great flu pandemic of 1917-1918. 

The War is Over! Celebrate!

Oakland Tribune Nov 11, 1918

World War I ended in November 1918. News about the pandemic was put on the back burner, even more.

The city of Oakland invited everyone to come and celebrate the end of the war on November 11, 1918. The event was held at the city hall plaza.

Oakland Tribune November 11, 1918

The event was to be held in “open-air” as ordered by the health department.  Oakland Tribune November 11, 1918

“Bring your Flags” and “Wear your Masks”

Official Proclamation – November 11,1918

Oakland Tribune November 1918


Oakland Tribune November 13, 1918

Britain Day!

Oakland celebrated our British allies with a parade on December 08, 1918. Thousands of people attended.  Oakland Tribune – December 08, 1918

Oakland Tribune Dec 08, 1918

No wonder there was another outbreak in November 1918 and January 1919.!  

New Cases

January 11, 1991

On January 11, 1919, 312 new cases and 17 deaths were reported in the 24 hours ending at 9 am that morning. By 11 am, that same day, another 112 new cases and three additional deaths were reported.  Oakland Tribune January 11, 1919

Be safe and stay home!

The End

School War Work in 1918

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Oakland Tribune October 15, 1918

War work in the Oakland Public Schools during 1918 was considered one of the most essential items in the curriculum by both the school administration and the teachers.

They felt the first duty of the schools was to aid the national government in winning the war to the best of their ability.

Service became the keynote of all work. Oakland’s boys and girls realized that they had a particular part to play in making the world a safe place to live in.

Sewing and Knitting Classes

Oakland Tribune July 07, 1918

During the summer vacation, thousands of garments for refugees were made by the children as part of their regular classwork.

Sewing Classes
Board of Education 1919

Boys and girls of all ages learned to knit, and tireless little hands were busy every spare moment making garments for sailors, soldiers, and people of stricken countries.

Berkeley Schools also helped
Oakland Tribune August 25, 1918
Oakland Tribune August 25, 1918

School and Home Garden Army

The urgent need for higher food production led to the organization of the School and Home Garden Army in Oakland. Fifteen thousand children enlisted, and 6,00 brought their gardens to successful harvests.

Oakland Tribune April 18, 1918
Gardens
Board of Education 1919

Jackson Furniture Company offered two silver loving cups as prizes, one for the school having the best school garden, and one for the best home garden.

Oakland Tribune April 18, 1918

Luther Burbank visited Oakland and personally inspected many of the war gardens.

Oakland Tribune May 15, 1918

Jefferson School won the School Garden Cup, and Lakeview School won the Home Garden School Cup.

Oakland Tribune October 04, 1918
Oakland Tribune June 16, 1918

The Art Department devoted its time propaganda of publicity of the was needs through posters.

Oakland Tribune May 06, 1918

The Manual Training shops worked closely with the Red Cross. They created items needed for hospitals.

Liberty Loans

The schools helped raised money through the various Liberty Bond/Loan Campaigns.

Board of Education 1919

More Info

Looking back at a 1918 parade that helped spread the deadly flu, leaving nearly 13,000 dead – SF Gate – September 22, 2019

1918 Flu Pandemic – Oakland Local Wiki

The End

The Oakland’s First School House

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Oakland Tribune Feb 8, 1970

When Oakland became a city in 1852, there was no free public school. There was a private school at the corner of 2nd and Broadway run by Mrs. Monroe.

Oakland Tribune May 1952
Sketch of Oakland’s first school building
African American Museum & Library at Oakland Photograph Collection

The town trustees saw the need for a school, so they rented a room at the rear of a dance hall called a Fandango House at 2nd and Washington. The room was furnished with half a dozen wooden benches, a table for the teacher, a blackboard, a map of the world, and a rawhide whip. 12 to 15 children attended this school.

Oakland Tribune Jun 12, 1921

Horace W. Carpentier donated a school building to the city in exchange for (control of)the area around the harbor. Oxen teams from the hills brought redwood lumber, and a small structure was erected at 4th and Clay Streets. It was 30 x 20 feet with a 12-foot ceiling and a shingled roof. A belfry with a little bell. Carpentier described the building as “substantial, elegant, and commodious.”

from A Steeple Among the Oaks 

In June of 1853, when the school opened, the citizens held a parade, and 16 students carried a banner that read, “Our Duty to Our Country, First, Last, and Always.”

Miss Hannah Jayne – Oakland History Room

The first teacher of the school was Miss Hannah Jayne. She taught until 1856, when she resigned to marry Edson Adams, one of Oakland’s pioneers.

Oakland Tribune Mar 19, 1936
From the Oakland History Group Facebook

In 1853, the First Presbyterian Church used the building for services. The church’s current sanctuary (built-in 1914) memorializes the schoolhouse in one of its stained glass windows showing church history.

stained glass showing the church’s history – localwiki.org/oakland/Our_Oakland”>Our Oakland

By 1855 there were 155 children of school age in Oakland. The little schoolhouse could not house them all. The old Carpentier school was replaced by a slightly larger building between Jefferson and Grove ( now Martin Luther King) on 11th and 12th Streets.

The city continued to grow, and so did the need for schools. By 1873 there were 13 buildings with more than 2000 children receiving instruction. By 1875 there were 3,225 attending school, increasing by 1000 in 2 years.

First A.M.E. Church

The First A.M.E. Church of Oakland began in 1858 by a small group of Oakland residents and is the oldest African American church in Oakland. The church founders purchased the Carpenter School House in 1863, which became the first church building.

Oakland Tribune 1883

According to the article below, the building was still there in 1921

Oakland Tribune Jun 12, 1921
Oakland Tribune 1943

In 1943 the school district celebrated its 90th Anniversary with nearly 2000 teachers and 75 schools with almost 45,000 students.

More Info:

The End