Over the years, I have conducted extensive research on the tracts and subdivisions throughout Oakland, with a particular focus on the Montclair area.
A few years ago, I created a map of the model/display homes I came across. This map is a work in progress and not perfect. In most cases, you will see a photo or clipping of the house, along with a link to one of my blog pages if I have written about it.
Enjoy, and maybe your home is on it.
Oakland Tribune, June 20, 1926
Model Homes
Model homes, also known as display homes or show houses, are typically fully furnished and decorated by local companies, often with high-end finishes and appliances.
They are open to the public, allowing prospective buyers to walk through and experience the home firsthand.
More Info:
Model Home
a house in a newly built development that is furnished and decorated to be shown to prospective buyers.
English Village is located on Holly Street between 74th and 77th in East Oakland.
New Homes Announced
English Village consists of fifty-six homes, all modeled after English cottages, according to the announcement. Walled-in gardens with quaint gates, gabled roofs, and paneled front doors were among the notable exterior features.
Oakland Tribune, March 1928
An English gate marked the entrance on Holly Street.
W.W. Dixon, the architect who designed Normandy Gardens (Picardy Drive), also worked on the English Village homes.
The homes in English Village are typically five or six rooms in size and range in price from $6,500 to $7,000.
Oakland Tribune, May 6, 1928
The first five homes served as a sample of the 51 other homes to be completed, all of which were modeled after beautiful little cottages.
Every house is uniquely designed compared to its neighbors. The builders were particularly proud of the beautiful breakfast rooms, furnished with hand-decorated furniture, and the kitchens, which were varied with colorful tile.
“Large closets. marvelously arranged and furnished kitchens and beautiful bathrooms are just a few of the features.”
The above photos are from a brochure by Frank K Mott, showing some of the features of Grand Avenue Heights from 1907.
“Grand Avenue Heights enjoys the finest climate in Oakland (and that means the best in the State). It is the greatest place in the world for children who can sleep out upon the sleeping porches 365 nights in the year.”
Over 3,000 people attended the opening day sale, and they sold between $50,000 and $79,000 in lots that first day. The average lot was about $2000 with $300 down and $25 a month.
“It is between the two most fashionable residential districts in the county – Adams Point and Piedmont”
Worden, W. E., and Frank K. Mott Company. Some Features of Grand Avenue Heights (by the park): the Park And Boulevard Residence District of Oakland. Oakland, Cal.: Frank K. Mott Co., 1907. Haiti Trust
In 1926 it was announced that development of the Oak Knoll Country Club and the land surrounding it would handled by Carroll L. Post, the former president of Post Food Products Company. They began building the first group of model homes in April of 1926. Ezell-Phebus were the sales-agents.
E.B. Field Co. took developing the project in 1927.
5, 000 people standing on a hillside AGREED! That: Oak Knoll is Oakland’s finest Homeland!“
Oakland Tribune Oct 02, 1927
Spanish Style Home
Oakland Tribune Fen 27, 1927
This six room Spanish style bungalow was built in 1927 and was designed by R.E. Neikirk of Oakland. You enter the home from a terraced entry to a large living room with chapel style ceiling. There are three sunny bedrooms, a kitchen and a dining room.
3558 Calafia Avenue – Google Maps
..Beautiful Oak Knoll – The Heart of Oakland’s Country Club Districts”
E.B. Field Co.
Casa De La Vista
I haven’t been able to find the location of this home.
Oakland Tribune March 1928
The attractive Spanish type residence opened in March of 1928. The architect was Harris Allen and the home was furnished by Whithone & Swan.
Oakland Tribune March 1928
Oakland Tribune March 1928
The Windsor House
Located on a spacious corner lot at Oak Knoll and Granada Avenues. The English style home was attractively adapted to the hillside setting. The house has five bedrooms and three bathrooms.
It was put on display to show how artistic a moderately priced can be with s comparetly small amount spent in furnishing it. Furnishing by Breuner’s of Oakland.
The Beautiful,Completely Furnished “ Windsor House”
Oakland Tribune
The home has beautiful hardwood floors and high coved ceilings. An expansive deck off the kitchen leads to a private back patio. A main-floor master suite makes for convenient living, with two more bedrooms and a playroom upstairs with the second full bathroom.
In 1937 a new home overlooking the Oak Knoll golf course and clubhouse was completed. The home was built for Domino Merlino at an approx. cost of $20,000.
4001 SequoyahRoad – Google Maps4001 SequoyahRoad – Google Maps
Calandria Avenue Home
Oakland Tribune April 1930
Construction of the new $13,000 home for Thomas King began in April of 1930. The outstanding feature of the home was the large living room window with a spectacular view of Oakland, San Francisco and the Bay.
David D Bohannon well-known subdivider and developer of San Francisco property, formed a new company called Oak Knoll Land Development Company. This was the third company sell and develop the Oak Knoll area. (Please see Oak Knoll Homes)
When this area was first built up in the mid-1920s it was part of Oak Knoll. Now it is considered to part of Sequoyah
“Fairway Estates is in the heart of the country club district and consists of a group of estates with building sites of generous size.” Oakland Tribune, August 18. 1929
Fairway Estates and Country Club Fairway Estates and Oak Knoll Unit C are all in the area known as Oak Knoll. Sequoyah Hills on three sides surround Oak Knoll.
The Oak Knoll Land Corporation handled the development.
In Fairway Estates
Oakland Tribune November 10, 1929
There are two large bedrooms with a sewing room and bathroom and a large dressing room with many different built-in fixtures and cabinets. On the lower are the maids’ quarters, with separate shower and billiard room. The bathrooms and kitchen are beautifully finished in colored tile.
3968 Turnley Avenue – Google Maps
In Fairway Estates
Oakland Tribune August 18, 19294050 Sequoyah Rd – Google Maps4050 Sequoyah Rd – Google Maps
The Jefferson Home
Oakland Tribune 1930
The Jefferson home is a seven-room, two-story residence of Spanish design. With a large living room and a massive oak stairway leading to a balcony overlooking the Oak Knoll golf course and country club.
3643 Califia Avenue – Google maps
“Another reason is the beautiful setting of Fairway Estates – overlooking the Oak Knoll Country club and golf course and views of wooded hills, the harbor, the bay cities, and the Golden Gate.” Oakland Tribune, August 18. 1929
Oak Knoll Country Club District
The Nine room Spanish Style home.
Oakland Tribune Oct 12, 1930
3845 Twin Oaks Way
3845 Twin Oaks Way
In Fairway Estates
Model Homes in Fairway Estates
Oakland Tribune June 30m 1930
Spanish Type Model Home
Spanish in architecture.
Oakland Tribune March 1930
The Fairway Estates model home opened in March of 1930. The home was designed by Watson Vernon to fit the lot-on which it stands, to utilize the view possibilities of the property to the best advantage.
Fairway Avenue – Google maps
Model Country Club Residence
Oakland Tribune June 08, 1930
The Spanish home takes greatest advantage of the two way view the wooded hillside on one side and the bay on the other. This six room home has a spacious master bedroom with a sunroom on the upper floor. The dining room window overlooks the golf course.
Oakland Tribune March 1930
Oakland Tribune June 08, 1930
3900 Fairway Avenue
Beautiful Spanish Model Home
Oakland TribuneMar 1930
3982 Turnley Ave – Google Maps
Fairway Estates Home
3549 Calafia Avenue –
La Casa Bella
Oakland Tribune November 30, 1930
Artistic in the extreme…”
Oakland Tribune Nov 1930
La Casa Bella opened in November of 1930. The home is of Spanish architecture showing the Moorish influence.
A master bedroom that will lull you to sleep after a gallon of coffee…”
Oakland Tribune Nov 16, 1930
Oakland Tribune March 30, 1930
A living room almost large enough for a country dance…”
Oakland Tribune Nov 16, 1930
3978 Turnley Avenue – Google Maps
Spanish Home at Oak Knoll
“…with the liquid silver of the moon lying in the pools of mystery the patio will coax you out of doors all hours of the day or night” – Oakland Tribune May 04, 1930
William Watts was known in Oakland for having a tract of land named for him.
Watts Tract from 1911 Map – black dot shows the location of the Watts’ Home.
The land was 158 acres running from Chestnut to the Bay, and from 28th to 38th Streets. Looks like it now considered Clawson.
Family History
William Watts was born in Chelsea, Mass, in 1808. In 1831 he married Maria Francis Rollins. They had a son William Augustus Watts born in 1833.
Oakland Tribune 1949
In 1850 Watts traveled to California, via the “Horn.” After mining in Tuolumne County, he returned to San Francisco.
On May 04, 1858, William Watts took the title of 158 acres from Francisco Sanjurjo, who had acquired the property from the daughter of Domingo Peralta. Mr. Watts paid $5000 for the land and built a large ranch home at what is now the corner of 34th and Chestnut Streets. He farmed the property until 1876.
Oakland Tribune November 12, 1949
Oakland City Directory 1874
William Watts passed away on January 16, 1878, and the ranch was passed on to his son William.
The family also owned a Tannery that was a close to their ranch.
Subdivided
Oakland Daily Evening Tribune 1874
In 1874, 60 acres were subdivided, and a map of the Watts Tract was drawn up.
Oakland Tribune December 09, 1874
Watts’ Tract Auction Sale
In December of 1876, an auction sale was held at the Watts’ station, on the Berkeley Branch Railroad. Two hundred twenty-eight lots were sold in two and one-half hours.
Oakland Tribune November 12, 1949
Streets Named For
Four streets in the “Watts Tract” are named for the daughters of George Washington Dam. A friend of the family.
Eleanor Street
Louise Street
Hannah Street
Ettie (Henrietta) Street
Residence of G. W. Dam, Webster Street, Oakland, Alameda County. The Lawrence & Houseworth Albums, 1860-1870 California Views Society of California Pioneers Photography Collection
The Fremont Tract opened in 1911. The tract is located at the intersection of MacArthur and High Street with frontage on MacArthur, High, Masterson, Quigley and Porter Streets. The Realty Syndicate handled the sales.
“The tract is near Mills College and commands a beautiful view of the hills.”
Every lot in the Fremont Tract was a full 35-front -foot lot. The prices ranged from $10 to $18 a front foot – the terms from $35 to $85 for the first payment. The balance paid at $5 or $10 per month.
Oakland Tribune Aug 1912
“Natural beauty and delightful surroundings, combined with even temperature, make this a delightful spot to build a home and enjoy living every day in the year. Every lot is high and well-drained.“
The eastern side of Quigley Street is now the High Street freeway exit, and Redding Street is part of the freeway.
Photo by Cheney Photo Advertising c. 1911 ‘The Collection of Ed Clausen’.
Oakland Tribune Aug 1912
Oakland Tribune Aug 1912
This photo was most likely taken from the hill behind the present-day Walgreens on High and Redding Streets.
Photo by Cheney Photo Advertising c. 1911 ‘The Collection of Ed Clausen’.
3315 Vale Street
3333 Vale Street
St. Lawrence O’Toole
Location of Walgreens today
Freeway exit ramp
Macarthur Blvd and High Street
Masterson Street
Laurel School
Kanning Street is now Masterson Street, and Franklin Avenue is now 39th Avenue, and Hopkins Street is now MacArthur Blvd.
Photo by Cheney Photo Advertising c. 1911 ‘The Collection of Ed Clausen’.
3651 39th Avenue
4026 Masterson
Laurel School
3625 Patterson Avenue
3840 MacArthur Blvd
St. Lawrence O’Toole
Oakland Tribune Aug 1912
Photo by Cheney Photo Advertising c. 1911 ‘The Collection of Ed Clausen’.
Oakland Tribune Aug 1912
St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church at the corner of Porter and High Street opened in 1911, in time for Christmas Eve Mass. The church was dedicated on August 25, 1912.
Photo by Cheney Photo Advertising c. 1911 ‘The Collection of Ed Clausen’.
Photo by Cheney Photo Advertising c. 1911 ‘The Collection of Ed Clausen’.
In March of 1956, the Diocese of Oakland broke ground for a new church just three blocks up High Street. They held the first mass on Thanksgiving Day in 1957.
Eight charming five-room homes of Spanish and Mission architecture were built by Willis F. Lynn on Nicol Avenue. Five of the houses were sold before they were completed. The last three went on sale on June 14, 1925.
Oakland Tribune June 14, 1925
Each house has:
Breakfast room or nook
Dining room with built-in buffet
laundry room
Hardwood floors throughout
Automatic water heaters
Separate garage
Priced at $5950.00 in 1925.
Oakland Tribune June 14, 1925Lynn Homes Nicol Ave today – GoogleMapsNicole Avenue today – Google maps2639 Nicol Avenue – today Google Maps
Lynn Homes on Best Avenue
Oakland Tribune Nov 15, 1925
Another group of homes went on sale on November 15, 1925. Located on Best Avenue between Brookdale and Trask. The houses have an attractive and varied style of architecture.
Each of the homes has six-rooms, a garage, and a laundry room.
I have shared a few of the photos from an album entitled “Lakeshore Highlands” that was prepared for Frederick Law Olmsted who was hired by Walter H. Leimert.
The album is from the archives of Olmsted at the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Siteand Courtesy of the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service.
Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) is recognized as the founder of American landscape architecture and the nation’s foremost park maker. Olmsted moved his home to suburban Boston in 1883 and established the world’s first full-scale professional office for the practice of landscape design. During the next century, his sons and successors perpetuated Olmsted’s design ideals, philosophy, and influence.
I believe the photos were taken by Cheney Photo Advertising Company and Morton Photo Company.
C 1914 Courtesy of the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.
View Southwest from between Wesley Avenue and Radnor Road – June 1914
Looking at Wesley Avenue and Lakeshore Blvd, Lake Merritt and downtown.
C 1914 Courtesy of the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.
View North Between Excelsior and Beacon Avenues – June 1914
C 1914 Courtesy of the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.
View Northwest from Between Hillgirt Circle and Haddon Road – June 1914
C 1914 Courtesy of the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.
View Southwest towards Haddon Hill – June 1914
You can see what is now the corner of Lake Park Ave and Grand Avenue. The future home of the Grand Lake Theater.
Looking North from Hillgirt Circle North and Hillgirt Circle South – Haddon Hill – Today Prospect Avenue and Hillgirt Circle – June 1914 –
You can see Santa Clara Avenue, Grand Lake Avenue. The future location of the Grand Lake Theater, Lakeview School and the MacArthur Freeway
C 1914 Courtesy of the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.
Looking Northwest from Haddon Hill Towards Sather Tract Entrance – June 1914
Looking towards the Trader Joe’s parking lot and the Trestle Glen Road. You can see Rand Avenue and Mandana Blvd.
C 1914 Courtesy of the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.
LAKESHORE HIGHLANDS OAKLAND, c 1918
Lake Shore Highlands; Wickham Havens –Sather Tract, formerly –Leimert, Walter H
Courtesy of the United States Department of the Interior,
National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.
Map of HADDON HILL
c1914 Courtesy of the United States Department of the Interior,
National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.
Toler Heights is located on the Foothill Boulevard (now MacArthur Boulevard). The tract is about 157 acres with almost 1,000 building sites.
Toler Heights got its name from the ranch that was on the land previously.
SF Examiner May 20, 1910
Toler Ranch
William Pinkney Toler(1829-1899) and his wife, Maria Antonia (1836-1926), owned 330 (349) acres of land in the foothills of Elmhurst. Maria was the daughter of Hermenegildo “Ignacio” Peralta. William and Maria were married in 1853.
The ranch was located on the foothills road between Elmhurst and San Leandro, later known as Foothill Boulevard, and is now MacArthur Boulevard. The ranch was close to both the Talbot Farmand theDunsmuir Home.
Oakland Tribune Oct 8, 1888
Toler Ranch Sold
After her husband’s death, Mrs. Toler sold the ranch to the Realty Syndicate for $110,000-$120,000. The land was then subdivided and placed on the market.
Oakland Tribune, Mar 26, 1906
SF Call July 30, 1906
The ranch spanned approximately 300 to 349 acres, but according to the newspapers, the tract was 150 acres.
Oakland Tribune Jan 6, 1907
Map of Toler Heights – 1907
Panel title: Map of Toler Heights, Elmhurst, Oakland. Oriented with north towards the left. Cadastral map.the http://oskicat.berkeley.edu/record=b11188562~S1
Opening Day 1907
Large crowds attended the opening on October 6, 1907. On that day, they held a barbecue festival with free food served in tents. A band played lively music, while young boys sold popcorn.
Sf Chronicle Oct 27, 1907
SF Examiner Oct 13, 1907
A group of Investors owned the property, and the Southwest Securities Company was handling the sales for them.
SF Call Sept 28, 1907
Over $200,000 was sold on opening day.
The lots were larger, ranging from 50X125 to a full acre. The business lots fronted on Foothill Boulevard.
Toler Heights is not a newtown, sand dune or a place in the wilderness: But Toler Heights is the Nob Hill, the cream of Elmhurst property, and so cheap in price that is – The Best Buy Offered.” Oakland Tribnune Oct 09 1907
Change of Ownership
In 1910, the Henderson & Tapscotts Company purchased Toler Heights. They made numerous improvements to the tract. Opening day was held on May 22, 1910.
The corner of MacArthur and 90th Avenue,Cheney Photo Advertising Company.Circa 1912.Previously sold on eBay
The photo above might be showing the Silva Ranch on Foothill Blvd
Toler Heights is on the scenic boulevard along the foothills. The area has a slight elevation and an unrivaled view of Oakland and the bay with San Francisco in the distance.
it combines all the beauties and advnatages of Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, and Piedmont Heights, but without the cutting winds, blinding dust, and exasperating fog.” SF Call Oct 06, 1907
Toler Heights was referred to as “The Piedmont of East Oakland” due to its commanding view and surroundings.
Some of the wealthiest families of Oakland and one wealthy banker from San Francisco have their villa homes adjoining Toler Heights.
Looking towards Thermal Street and 90th Avenue. Cheney Photo Advertising Company, Circa 1912
In 1911, the Oakland Traction Company completed a Toler Heights branch line via 90th Avenue from East 14th (now International Boulevard). They called it the Toler Heights Extension. At the time, Toler Heights was 24 minutes from downtown Oakland, via streetcar.
During the auction, buyers were allowed to make their own estimate of the value of each piece of property, and they could bid as low or as high as they pleased.
Oakland Tribune, June 4, 1922
Oakland Tribune Feb 11, 1923
Restrictions
The owners of the Toler Heights imposed certain building restrictions, which were incorporated in the transfer of the property, giving assurance that “neither Orientals or any objectionable persons, or their homes will ever be tolerated on the heights.”
New School – May 1928 – Now Barack Obama Academy
Oakland Tribune, May 23, 1928
Toler Heights School – Now Barack Obama Academy – 9736 Lawlor St
