The Smith Reserve is a subdivision in Montclair and is now known as Piedmont Pines.
The area is located at the top of Park Blvd with borders on Shepherd Canyon and Joaquin Miller Park and up to Skyline Blvd.
“Selected years ago By F.M. “Borax” Smith as a private estate”.
Oakland Tribune May 22, 1926.
F.M. “Borax” Smith set this land and another piece of further down on Park Blvd aside for his own private estate. The area at the top of Dimond Canyon and included two creeks where Smith could hunt and have picnics.
He chose to build his home “Arbor Villa” on land located at Park Blvd between E 22nd and E 28th. Arbor Villa – Oakland Local WIki
In 1919, 25 acres of the Smith Reserve was sold to the Oakland-Piedmont Council of the Boy Scouts of America, for camp for the scouts. It was called Camp Dimond 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.
Smith Reserve Goes on Sale May 1926
“Smith reserve is the most beautiful tract of land opened by the Syndicate Company”
Oakland Tribune May 23, 1926
In July of 1926, two months after the subdivision was open, the Realty Syndicate reported nearly $250,000 in sales. It was also reported that a bus transportation system will be put into operation, connecting with both local and San Francisco electric lines. -Oakland Tribune, July 18, 1928.
Bus Service to Smith Reserve
Admiring Smith Reserve
In an October 1928 edition of the Oakland Tribune noted actress, Miss Grace Valentine acclaims. Miss Valentine was staring at the Fulton Theatre.
“Smith Reserve the most beautiful home-park that she had ever seen in the Eastbay”. “If I were a permanent resident of the East Bay I would certainly wish to make my home in this beautiful park”
Miss. Valentine Oct 1928
More clippings about Smith Reserve
Please see: Casa Altadena
Please see: Casa Maria Luisa
The End
Updated Dec 16, 2019
