Montclair Tracts – A Bit of History

Buildings, Montclair Tracts, Schools, Then and Now, Uncategorized

Then & Now – Oakland Schools Part 9

Posted on November 6, 2019August 21, 2020 by oaklanddots

In this series of posts, I hope to show Then and Now images Oakland Schools. Along with a bit of history of each school, I highlight. Some of the 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 Dec 17, 2019

Montclair Grammar School

The Montclair District held formal dedication ceremonies in their first school on March 14, 1926. The service 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 building of brick 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

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 will have an administration office s, a multipurpose room, library, 11 classrooms, and a kindergarten room.

Dedication – November 12, 1958

Bus Service

The school bus was approved by the district earlier in the year, stopping at both Thornhill and Montclair schools. The kids were picked up throughout the hills on the roads that were 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 Nov 28, 2019

Business, Early Montclair, Montclair, Montclair Tracts, Real Estate

Montclair Realty – Pioneers of the Hills

Posted on August 5, 2019February 6, 2020 by oaklanddots

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. Cos. Williams, a builder, was the only other business at that time.

Sales offices of real estate broker and home builder Cos Williams
in the undeveloped Montclair circa 1925
Photo by Cheney Photo Advertising
Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.

In 1932 they moved into their new offices at 6466 Moraga Avenue. The building was occupied by B. Brooks, another real estate agent. The building was still standing in 2019.

6466 Moraga Avenue – 2019

Montclair Highlands

Montclair Highlands “All the World No View Like his”

In 1928 Montclair Realty was the developer and selling agents for a new tract behind the business district of Montclair. One of the first homes was the “Model View Home,” built-in 1928. Please see my page on this – The Highest Home in Oakland

10th Anniversary

In 1934 Montclair Realty celebrated its 10th anniversary. During this time, they specialized in the development of the Montclair area. Oakland Tribune 1934

They worked on the following tracts:

Fernwood
Montclair Acres
Montclair Estates
Montclair Highlands

They opened Piedmont Uplands, a new tract along Moraga Avenue at Maxwelton Road. The land was owned by the Henry Maxwell family, who ran a dairy called Maxwelton Farm. Before that is was the picnic grounds of Blair Park.

Montclair in 1937

Below is an aerial of Montclair’s business district in 1937. – Oakland Tribune Jul 18, 1937

In 1936 Paul Pause was the President of the Montclair Improvement Club for 1937. – Oakland Tribune Dec 12,1936

13th Anniversary

In 1937 Paul Pause announced that Montclair Realty Company had a new home. The new two-story building was designed by Harvey Slocombe in an authentic Spanish style, complete with patio and tile roof. Howard Gilkey developed the garden.

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

**Montclair Realty Staff and Pent House Living Room 1936**

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

The building was demolished in 1961 to make room for the expansion of the Standard Station next door.

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 essential figure in the development of Montclair since the beginning.

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

New Office in 1954-56

In 1954 a new office building was built at 2084 Mountain Blvd. Montclair Realty offices were on the ground floor. It was the only office building that had its own off-street parking. The offices featured gold walls with charcoal woodwork with built-in desks and partitions. In 2019 a brand new building replaced the old and outdated Montclair Realty Office Building.

**2084 Mountain Blvd – Google Maps 2011**

Different Logos –

Free Map

The End

Early Montclair, Model/Display Homes, Montclair Tracts

The Highest Home in Oakland – 1928

Posted on June 30, 2019February 6, 2020 by oaklanddots

“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

Early Montclair, Montclair Tracts, People

$20,000 Log Cabin – Fernwood

Posted on June 6, 2019January 14, 2020 by oaklanddots

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

Residence of Col. John C. Hays, Oakland, Alameda County, California.”
(Published by Thompson & West, Oakland, Cal., 1878)
*from Oakland History Room*

After Hays’ death in 1883, the estate was sold to William J. Dingee. Dingee built an opulent 19-room Queen-Anne style mansion and had additional landscaping done with gardens, terraces, and waterfalls. He also added such features as a deer park and an elk paddock.

Sadly, the home and countless artworks were destroyed in a fire in 1899. Oakland Tribune Oct 19, 1899

In 1915 Dr. and Mrs. Nelson M. Percy of Chicago, Illinois, purchased the former W.J. DIngee home “Fernwood” for an undisclosed amount.

**The yellow arrow shows the log cabin, green arrow the pool and blue arrow the tennis courts**

More of Fernwood –

Historic Dingee Estate to be a Home Again – Oakland Tribune Oct 10, 1915
Fernwood Estate has New Owner – Oakland Tribune Oct 10, 1915
Old Estate Cut into Lots – Oakland Tribune Aug 18, 1923

Homes, Model/Display Homes, Montclair Tracts

Forest Park – Homes

Posted on May 8, 2019January 15, 2020 by oaklanddots

Just a few of the homes of Forest Park – I will update if I find more.

Oakland Tribune May 1927 – 6415 Oakwood Drive

Oakland Tribune Feb 28, 1928
6415 Oakwood Drive

6415 Oakwood Drive – Present Day – Google maps

The Forest Park Home of Benjamin Locket
Built-in 1927
The original address was Box 411 Idlewild Drive
Now 7087 Thornhill Drive

7087 Thornhill Drive Present Day – Google Maps

Forest Park Mansion is known as the Castle

The castle was the home of Col. Leonard Dunkel. Dunkel lived at 6708 Thornhill from about 1932 until his death in 1974.

Oakland Tribune Aug 12, 1928
Located at 6708 Thornhill Drive

6708 Thornhill Drive – Present Day – Google maps

The End

Early Montclair, History, Montclair Tracts

Forest Park – a scenic residential park

Posted on April 27, 2019January 15, 2020 by oaklanddots

Subdivision of Montclair – approx. the area above Thornhill at Woodhaven and Oakwood Drive and up to Snake and Colton Blvd. The Forest Park Pool (now Montclair Swim Club) was included with the tract. – Updated May 06, 2019

“Wickham Havens, Inc., to Sell Fine Scenic Property on the Highlands Northeast of Beautiful Piedmont” – Oakland Tribune May 11, 1924

A residential park that has been “twenty years in the making” is how they described Forest Park when it first opened in May 1924. The hills of Forest Park were barren of trees when the late Frank C. Havens undertook the task in the early 1900s of planting them with trees. His son Wickham is in charge of selling Forest Park.

Oakland Tribune May 1924
Free Bus service to Forest Park

Big wooded lots some with a view of the bay were selling at a few hundred dollars each. “Investment in Forest Park today means rich profits in the future” – Come out and see the $10,000 pool being built for the residents – Oakland Tribune June 1924.

Oakland Tribune Jun 15, 1924
Elmer F. Morrill lived down the road where
Harbord Drive and Moraga Avenue meet since the late 1880s

Forest Pool was located at Thornhill Drive and Woodhaven Way is now the Montclair Swim Club.

Forest Pool – 1925
Photo By Cheney Advertising
https://oac.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt209nd06r?&brand=oac4

Forest Pool 1927
Photo By Cheney Advertising
https://oac.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt209nd06r?&brand=oac4

The corner of Woodhaven Way and Indian Way
Cheney Photo Advertising 1925
https://oac.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt209nd06r?&brand=oac4

Woodhaven Way looking towards the corner of Indian Way
Photo by Cheney Advertising 1927
https://oac.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt209nd06r?&brand=oac4

Woodhaven Way looking towards the corner of Indian Way
Present Day – Google Maps

From 7000 Thornhill Drive looking east
Cheney Photo Advertising 1925
https://oac.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt209nd06r?&brand=oac4

From 7000 Thornhill Drive looking east
Cheney Photo Advertising 1927
https://oac.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt209nd06r?&brand=oac4

Present Day 7017 and 7025 Thornhill Drive – Google Maps

San Francisco Bay – Forest Park with Oakwood Drive and Thornhill
Cheney Photo Advertising c 1927
https://oac.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt209nd06r?&brand=oac4

San Francisco Bay – from Skyline
Cheney Photo Advertising c 1927
https://oac.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt209nd06r?&brand=oac4

To be continued …Forest Park – the Shepard Canyon Section

Early Montclair, History, Montclair Tracts

Thornhill Park

Posted on April 18, 2019January 24, 2021 by oaklanddots

I wish I had more to share on Thornhill Park. I only found out about it by accident when looking into Judge EM Gibson’s home, who lived on a ranch in the area where Thornhill School is now and over to Aspinwall Drive. He lived there in the late 1880s.

The boundaries of Thornhill Park from REDFIN.com

Thornhill Park went on sale in May of 1917. The Reality Syndicate handled the sales at first.

Thornhill Park was an area of small farms of 1/4 acre to 1 acre where you could grow your own food or say raise chickens, as noted in the ad below.

By 1922 they were having a “Liquidation Sale” and trying to “close out” the rest of the tract by selling 1/2 acre lots for 66 cents on the $1.00.

It seems Thornhill Park wasn’t a big seller. I noticed it wasn’t advertised as much as any of the other tracts in Montclair like Forest Park, Merriewood, or Fernwood were.

Oakland Tribune 1922
The home of F.M. Boggs was the home Judge EM Gibson (more about him later) and later the home Dr. Mark Emerson Alameda County Coroner, and now St. Johns Church is in that location. Approximate location 1707 Gouldin Road

Later on, Phil Hearty, a developer and agent who had an office at 5815 Thornhill for years, took over the sale of the remaining Thornhill Park lot. Now Thornhill Park is part of Forest Park and Montclair Highlands.

Some of the homes in Thornhill Park –

Oakland Tribune April 1922
650 Thorn Road is now 6116 Thornhill Drive

A September 1919 advertisement for 6-Room Bungalow on One Acre in Beautiful Thornhill Park located at 650 Thorn Road (now Thornhill Drive). It is my best guess that this is not 6110 or 6116 Thornhill Drive. 650 Thorn Road is one address that I can’t link to a new address number. But I am reasonably sure that it is one of those two.

6138 Thornhill Drive is another on the original homes in Thornhill Park. Back in the 1920s, the address was 670 Thorn Road. The Bullard family lived there until the 1990s.

6022 Thornhill Drive also, Col. George and Edith Mullin moved there in about 1917 when the address was 570 Thorn Road. The Mullin’s played a significant role in the Montclair Women’s Club and Montclair Presbyterian Church.

6067 Aspinwall Road –
Recently sold for $910,000 in 2017 – Zillow

For now, this is all I have.

The End

Early Montclair, Homes, Montclair Tracts

How to Build a Log Cabin

Posted on April 13, 2019March 6, 2020 by oaklanddots

In 1922 few people outside the hikers of the Contra Costa Hills Club knew much about Pinehaven and its beautiful canyon. Pinehaven has all the characteristics of the most picturesque parts of Marin County. Roads have now been opened up. The property was initially laid out to be known as Upper Piedmont, but the owners changed the plans and decided to put it on the market for those who want summer home cabins close to downtown and transportation.

Pinehaven is located in Montclair.

Lawrence Block of the Villa Site Sales Company was in changed with the sale of the property and Block said:

“Pinehaven is a summer home colony with its pretty cottages and cabin homes nestling in the side-hills, overlooking canyons and within twenty minutes from City Hall. You awaken in the morning to the song of the birds refreshed and full of vigor and imagine you have traveled a hundred miles to the wilds of some distant state.“

This was Villa Site Sales Company’s first big sale, and they were offering it at mortgage prices. The sale price was as low as $175.00. More than 50 cabins and cottages were being planned.

Oakland Tribune April 1922 – Road Work in Pinehaven

Lots of building going on…

Simple Plans for a Log Cabin –

Building Bungalows in Foothill Canyons

Pinehaven Is Building Up

Pitch Your Teepee or build a log cabin in the woods of Pinehaven.

The End

Montclair Tracts

Drake Drive – Montclair Highlands

Posted on March 30, 2019January 15, 2020 by oaklanddots

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 built by James H. Anderson, who has worked with the architect before.

Oakland Tribune Mar 1937 – 1831 Drake Drive

The house has four bedrooms upstairs with two bathrooms. The lower floor has one bedroom with a bathroom and a private entrance.

Behold the fantastic views from all upstairs bedrooms, dining room, living room, and patio. The large corner lot also a large yard

The house was completed in June 1937

The House has been on the market many times since 1937.

1955 – it listed for $24,500

In 1969 it listed for $46,500

In March of 2019, it is listed for sale at $1,695,000.

Style House – Piedmont Pines

Posted on March 29, 2019January 10, 2021 by oaklanddots

The Tribune Jackson Style House – 5739 Chelton Drive

The “Style House” opened to the public in April of 1935. Over 1500 visitors passed through the home that first weekend.

The home was designed by local architect Frederick L. Confer with James H. Anderson, and the builder was James Armstrong.

The agents for the house were Mitchell & Austin, with Harry Stockman, the agent in charge.

The house was entirely furnished by the Jackson Furniture Company.

The View then and Now

Award-Winning

The house is a modified Regency type design. It won an award for the distinguished “house of seven rooms or less” in the fourth Biennial Exhibition of American Architects. The house has also been called Monterey Style. Color is used abundantly in the house. The exterior is painted white with mustard color shutters.

Unique Home and Cozy Interior

The living room with a vaulted ceiling has French doors to the delightful front patio as well as the rear deck with SF and Bay views.

The floor plan has a full bath and generous bedroom on the main level with French doors to the patio. There are two more large rooms up, one with a deck for enjoying the views! The lower features a bedroom, which would be ideal for a family/rumpus room, half bath, a generous laundry/craft room with work station, and a storage area. Two car garage.

On opening day, a local Ford Dealer had a brand new Ford V8 parked outside the house.

Style house in 2018 – Realtor.com

Style House
5937 Chelton Drive
Piedmont Pines District
Built-in 1935
Frederick L. Confer
Mitchell & Austin
Sold for $1,325.000 in 2018

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The End

Montclair Highlands

10th Anniversary

Montclair in 1937

13th Anniversary

Silver Anniversary – 1949

Death and New Owners

New Office in 1954-56

Different Logos –

Free Map

The End

“1928 Model View Home “

Screen Test for Children

The “1929 Model View” Home

Location

The End

More of Fernwood –

Forest Park Mansion is known as the Castle

Some of the homes in Thornhill Park –

The End

Lots of building going on…

Simple Plans for a Log Cabin –

Building Bungalows in Foothill Canyons

Pinehaven Is Building Up

Pitch Your Teepee or build a log cabin in the woods of Pinehaven.

The End

More on 1831 Drake Drive

The Tribune Jackson Style House – 5739 Chelton Drive

The View then and Now

Award-Winning

Unique Home and Cozy Interior