January 29, 1953: Setting the Policy for 1953

OAKLAND-REAL ESTATE BOARD Women's Council, holds first luncheon meeting of year tomorrow, Helnick's Restaurant, 800 Third Avenue. Ruth Radcliffe, president, pre- , sides. Bruce McCollum, newly elected president of Oakland Real Estate Board, speaks on "Setting the Policy for 1953." Loren G. Mowrey, secretarymanager, Oakland Real Estate Board, speaks on "How Your 'Real Estate Board Can Be_of Most Value to You-."- Following program, President Radcliffe announces th« following committee chairmen -for -the -year: Susannah. K^mF"*^, membership: Patricia Bennett, entertainment; Sue Carvalho, publicity: Ortha Wulfuv, educational; Alice Lane English, refreshments; Marie Sidmore, attendance; Valjiui . Maddox, ways and 1 means: Margaret Robinson; public relations; Lela Johnson and Margaret Robinson, hostesses; Josephine Sublett, sunshine .club; J^Uly Holliday, parliamentarian; Thebna Stevenson, auditor; and Irma Dennlnc, decorations Oakland Tribune, Thursday, January 29, 1953

November 12, 1922: A Very Cinalli Halloween Party

One of the most successful Hallowe'en parties of the week was held Saturday evening at the home of the Misses Adeline and Susie Cinalli under the auspices of the Venus club, an organization composed of young ladies of Oakland and Berkeley. The home was beautifully decorated In the Halowe'en novelties. There were some forty in attendance from both sides of the bay. Dancing and games prevailed until midnight, when refreshments were served. Dancing was resumed and prevailed until the morning hours. Among those who enjoyed the hospitality of the Venus club were: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cinalli, who acted as chaperones. Oakland Tribune, Sunday, November 12, 1922

June 26, 1968: Death of a Quarles

Wednesday, June 26, 1968 Oakland, California This article cannot be opened.

Connections

Every day I ask myself how I can possibly hope to fulfill some miniscule portion of the vision that Louis Lundberg certainly had when he built this - these -homes; I believe it is the same dream held by Joseph Cinalli and the Millers and the Herreras. It does not bode well that Louis Lundberg seems to have killed himself trying, or was killed trying; and his wife moved to Lakeshore; and their children spoke no more; and Joseph Cinalli filled the house with family and grew weary as the city. On the other hand, Johnnie Quarles came through in a pinch and has provided the perspective I needed to understand the significance of this history, the importance of documenting and interpreting these facts, events, and people.

There are several things, architectural elements, that one would not expect to be original to the house. Glass panes get broken and replaced throughout the years. But, here in the dining room, the bay windows retain four of six original panes of rolled glass. Looking through the western-most sashes, I realized just the other day that, through this window, I can view the front door diagonally across the street towards the south from my back door. Certainly Louis Lundberg made this his wife's window to keep an eye on her younger sister, Josephine.

I stand in my kitchen and gaze at the filtered, warped light and try to imagine the world through Lundberg's eyes. See how withered my Oakland is. A rose bush dried in full bloom with weeds and other inappropriate elements forced between the decorated cakes. Blight on every level. Oh, please spill over from the Lake like you promised. Zone us into happiness, not into submission. Offer the dream to everyone at every foot above and below sea level. East of Eden, in Castro Valley, is where we will return to escape the corroded arteries, bad circulation, and years of scales, built-up, uncleaned that the City seems to be.

And so from my back door, looking east comes the warning, "One in 5 children is sexually solicited online."

May 15, 1924: CITY DEFIED IN REMOVAL OF BUILDINGS

Test Suits Likely to Compel Razing of Golden Eagle Hotel and Other Structures Condemned; Other Courses Although its time has expired, the according to a ruling some time ago by the city board of condemnation, the Old Golden Eagle hotel still stands at the corner of Sixteenth and San Pablo, and the city legal forces are now considering three ways of eliminating the edifice, according to officials in the city attorneys office. The board of condemnation last night, at a meeting, ascertained that its order of condemnation had not been carried out. The board then resolved to ask the city attorney to "take take proper legal steps" to abolish the old landmark which is the property of William C. Jurgens. Bestor Robinson, deputy city attorney, to whom the job was handed, says there are three methods of going after the building:

1—Physical destruction. 2—Criminal prosecution against the owner. 3—Sue in the superior court for abatement of the building as a nuisance.

SUIT IS PROBABLE

Robinson intimated that the third method would probably be followed. Robinson asserts that "the city ordinance concerning the condemnation of old buildings has never been tested," and therefore it might be dangerous to "go right ahead and smash down the building." Robinson asserts that the second alternative, criminal prosecution against the owner, is possible but might not stand if the basic ordinance were found to be inoperative. It was intimated that the Jurgens case, being the most important of its kind, might be brought into court as a thorough test of a city's right to condemn aged buildings after which the city's rights in the matter will have been established. Oakland Tribune, Thursday Evening, May 15, 1924

November 7, 1961: 'Operation Padlock' Resumes

Building, Housing Code Enforcement Back to Normal Enforcement of Oakland's building and housing codes is back to normal today despite a running battle between Mayor John C. Houlihan and the attorney who knocked a hole in some of the laws. Building inspectors and urban renewal representatives reared back from their duties momentarily last week after Atty. Bestor Robinson warned they could be arrested under the federal civil rights law. Robinson, who had just won a Superior Court preliminary decision that some sections of the Housing Code are unconstitutional, warned of a "possible personal hazard in further operations under these sections." Robinson represents Richard A. Smith, lessee of the Portland Hotel, 476 Ninth St., which building department officials planned to close as part of the so-called "Operation Padlock." The hotel is owned by Mrs. H. D. Zaidel, of 781 Pomona St., El Cerrito. A top-level strategy meeting yesterday between City Manager Wayne E. Thompson, Jack E. Taylor, building and housing administrator, and city legal aides, produced these developments: 1—Pending a final order from Superior Judge Lewis E. Lercara, field representatives are continuing to enforce the various building and housing codes. Taylor said City Atty. Hilton J. Melby has explained Judge Lercara's action last week was only preliminary and no portion of the code has yet been declared unconstitutional. 2—That immediate action should be taken to delete from Section 1309 of the building code the provision that the section applies only to certain types of residence buildings built prior to 1909. This was one of Judge Lercara's major objections. 3—That if Judge Lercara's final order follows substantially his preliminary findings, it would not be advisable to appeal to a higher court. Instead, following the final order, the city will amend the codes to conform to Judge Lercara's opinions. 4—Melby pointed out that, between now and the Nov. 14 date set by Judge Lercara for settling of legal findings, the city may present arguments as to why he should amend his preliminary decision. Taylor said that since Judge Lercara had agreed to almost all of the objectives of the city regarding the Portland Hotel, if not the procedure, and ordered serious health and safety hazards corrected, he feels the city has a basis for arguing for retention of some of the questioned code provisions. 5—The city is proceeding to tackle a second test case involving another old hotel, the Liberty, at 805 Washington St. The owner, Raymond Dami, and the lessee, Howell Wong, have been charged with 14 counts of criminal code violations resulting from health and safety hazards. One of the hazards cited is a leaky toilet above a wholesale meat plant, according to Deputy Distr. Atty. Charlotte Cohelen. The case will be heard by Municipal Judge William Hoffman. Dami is represented by Robinson. Wong is represented by Atty. Raymond Louie. Since Lercara's action last week, Houlihan and Robinson have exchanged blistering letters over Robinson's warning to city representatives. Houlihan told Robinson his letter to Taylor and other officials may constitute criminal extortion. Robinson in turn yesterday challenged Houlihan to a court test of the extortion charge. Taylor in announcing that 'Operation Padlock' as well as other urban renewal and housing code enforcement activities is continuing as before emphasized that he has no intention of opposing the court ruling. "If Judge Lercara finds certain sections of our code are unconstitutional, I will certainly respect that order. It is our sworn duty to uphold decisions of the court. If the code is not equitable to the community, it should be changed so that it is," Taylor declared. Oakland Tribune, Tuesday, November 7, 1961

September 23, 1958: Stabbed Negro Cleric Gaining Strength

NEW YORK, Sept. 23 The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a stabbing victim, is recovering so rapidly that his doctors today permitted him to walk a short distance, with assistance. The Negro leader walked 30 feet to a hospital room for an X-ray examination. He was wheeled back to his policeguarded room. His condition has been complicated by a touch of pseumonia. But doctors said it had been expected and was nothing to worry about. Oakland Tribune, Tuesday, September 23, 1958

November 7, 1961: Home Burns; Girl Saves 5 Children

"I told John to get a pot of water and he came back with a glass of water, and then everything started burning and I got the baby and yelled to the other kids and we out."

Nine-year-old Mary Esther Herrera saved her five brothers and sisters, among them eight-month-old Dolores Rose Herrera, from a fire that swept through the family's home at 355 Myrtle St. today. The mother, Mrs. Mary Herrera, said she left the children home alone for a few minutes while she walked to a nearby welfare office. She said a neighbor telephoned her "and I came running home."

She found the children in the street, two of them shoeless, and firemen trying to keep flames from destroying an adjacent house at 351 Myrtle. Mary Esther said her brother, John Paul, 7, set the fire playing with matches. John admitted it to his mother. "He set fire to the davenport to see if it would burn," Mary Esther said. She shook her head. "I told him to get a pot of water and he came back with a glass of water . . . after I got the other kids out, I went in the kitchen and found him filling a pot with glasses of water and I told him. 'Come on!' and we ran out." She carried the baby and led out Ronald, 6. Andy, 5, and Pearl Marie, 4. She went back for John Paul. "Let's get out of here before we burn up," she told him. "The policemen saved the kittens." Mary Esther said, pointing to "Peachie," held by John Paul and "Lonely," cuddled by Pearl Marie. Oakland Tribune, Tuesday, November 7, 1961

September 23, 1958: Woman, in Coma 8 Months, Dies

A 30-year-old secretary, who has been in a coma ever since she was struck by a car as she crossed Grand Ave. at Sunnyslope Ave. last Jan. 23, died late yesterday in Kaiser Foundation Hospital. Virginia Strange of 640 Valle Vista Ave., was hit by a car driven by Frank R. Herrera, 22, an unemployed laborer of 355 Myrtle St., according to police, as she walked in a marked crosswalk. Herrera was cited at the time for violating a pedestrian right-of-way. Mrs. Strange underwent brain surgery immediately after the accident and remained unconscious until the time of her death.

Oakland Tribune, Tuesday, September 23, 1958

August 1, 1962: Church Sues City Over Ordinance

An Oakland city ordinance, requiring a city manager's permit for operation of a church, is attacked as unconstitutional in. a suit on file in Superior Court today. The complaint asserts that the ordinance denies freedom of religion, assembly, and speech. City Manager Wayne E. Thompson said it is designed to prevent noise and parking problems, and to assure church buildings are safe for gatherings. The Metropolitan Church of God seeks to compel the City Council to allow it to conduct services at 1700 84th Ave. The council on July 3 upheld Thompson's denial of a permit. James H. Quinn, city hearing officer and assistant to Thompson, told the council the property does not have adequate parking space and said electrical and health departments reported deficiencies in the building. In addition, he said, neighbors complained about excessive noise during services, which the church had started to hold before obtaining a permit. The suit contends there is adequate parking, and says requirements of electrical and health departments have been met. It maintains there were no complaints of noise from) services the church formerly held at 815 Myrtle St. Oakland Tribune, Wednesday, August 1, 1962

December 20, 1951: Faith Chapter OES To Install Today

March 3, 1972: New Hearing Scheduled in Church Row

The Oakland City Council yesterday agreed to reconsider a use permit for a church on Myrtle Street two days after reversing the planning commission's earlier approval. Councilmen called for another hearing on March 28 after Bishop Eva Nero of the Landmark Spiritual Temple said be was unaware of the council's hearing on an appeal last Tuesday. Councilmen unanimously revoked the use permit after a neighbor, Mrs. Jimmie Miller, 1726 Myrtle St., said noise created by the church at 2509 Myrtle St. has "just about made a wreck of everybody." At that hearing Planning Director Norman Lind said the church was notified of the appeal hearing by registered mail. Yesterday Bishop Nero said the letter came by regular mail to his residence at San Francisco but be did not receive it because he was involved in a fast at the church. Oakland Tribune, Friday, March 3, 1972

April 6, 1891: A Street Assessment.

The Oakland Paving Company has brought a suit against John T. English to recover $38.46, claimed to be due for work done on Myrtle street. Page 1, Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, Monday, April 6, 1891

April 6, 1891: TRADE OR NO TRADE

A Question Whether a Swap of Horses Was Completed. Julius Salzburger, a fruit merchant living at the Watts tract, drove into town this morning and went into A. Jarrier's shop on Twenty-second and San Pablo avenue to have his horse shod. While the animal was undergoing the operation the blacksmith remarked that the butcher next door wanted to trade horses, and as Salzburger's steed was not quite large enough for his use he went into the place directed and broached the subject. Lewis [sic] Lundberg is the name of the meat merchant, and he considered the proposition, so the two horses were taken into the roadway, hitched up and tried. Then they changed horses for a test, Lundberg remarking that he would trade on getting $10 to boot, which, however, Saltzburger said he would not give. The second trial resulted in Lundberg's horse not acting satisfactorily so Salzburger said he would keep his own animal, whereupon Lundberg said, "You are too late. We traded." "Not much," said Saltzburger, who further insisted on his right to get his horse back, but Lundberg refused to give it up. The Watts tract representative would not go away however without his animal, and Lundberg rang up the police station and had Saltzburger arrested for disturbing the peace. The matter will be legally discussed in the Police court tomorrow. Page 1, Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, Monday, April 6, 1891

January 3, 1889: Police Roundup

Last evening between the hours of 7 and and 10 the police effected a round up of the vags and suspicious characters having no visible, means of existence found on the public streets. The round up brought together within the walls of the City Prison twenty-two drunks and vagrants — as worthless a set of vagabonds as ever graced a police dock — all of whom were disposed of to-day by Judge Henshaw according to their respective merrits. Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, Thursday, January 3, 1889

January 3, 1889: SPECIAL POLICE

Conductors and Brakemen to Be Appointed Peace Officers

The Southern Pacific Company has opened the new year by making some changes and some improvements. One of the improvements has been decided upon, and will be carried out next week. It is to secure the appointment of all or as many of the conductors and brakemen on the Oakland, Alameda, and Berkeley locals as will serve as deputy sherriffs and special police officers. On the Oakland trains they will be appointed special officers in order to make arrests for violations of city ordinances. Train jumpers will now have to be very careful. This will be done in order to prevent trouble on the trains on Sunday and during picnics in summer. The newly made officers will be instructed to stop train jumping, and when a small boy jumps on the trains he will jump into the arms of an officer. The men will be sworn in next week. Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, Thursday, January 3, 1889

September 19, 1889: Just as Good

UNSCRUPULOUS dealears, and those behind the times, sometimes offer a substitute for goods asked for, and say, "It is just as good." Often they know nothing about it - often want to sell other goods on hand. Now, we are large dealers in coffee - experts in all that relates to it. We know - no doubt about it - SCHILLING'S BEST combines great strength, full rich flavor and economy in use to a greater value to you, the consumer, than any other you can buy. We stake our honor and our reputation upon this statement to you. The best coffee for you is Schilling's Best. Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, Friday, September 19, 1890

September 19, 1890: Reverse Psychology

If you want to drink a villianous mess of rotten coffee mixed with chicory and burned barley, do not come to us to buy your coffee for we keep no ground coffee, nothing but the pure fresh roasted unground article, which we grind course or fine as it is wanted. Oakland Tea and Coffee Co., 476 10th street. Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, Friday, September 19, 1890

September 19, 1890: A Charge of Insanity

Complaint was made at the police station this morning against Charles Flynn of West Oakland, who is described as giving evidence of insanity. Flynn was found and arrested this afternoon and sent to the County Jail. Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, Friday, September 19, 1890

September 19, 1890: No Register Where They Sleep

John Kane and D. G. McDonald, who were found by the police sleeping in box cars, were each sentenced to five days' imprisonment by Judge Ogden this morning. Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, Friday, September 19, 1890

September 19, 1890: TWO COWS ENOUGH

The Ordinance and Judiciary Committee of the Council, last night, amended the ordinance regulating the keeping of cows by striking out all of the exceptions. As it reads now not more than two cows can be kept on one block by any one person or corporation. Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, Friday, September 19, 1890

A Swedish Butcher

Strand, A E., et al. A History of the Swedish-Americans of Minnesota. Chicago, IL: Lewis Pub., 1910. How different were Oakland and Minneapolis at the time. The efforts and achievements of Swedes were so impressive as to warrant an entire volume. The efforts of Louis Lundberg precede those of many mentioned here and are consistent with the MO of the Swedes in Minnesota. Well let me just tell you how difficult were the humble beginnings of so many Swedes in America...

September 19, 1890: IT WILL MARK AN EPOCH

Tomorrow Will Show the Effect of Cable Roads on Values.

The Great Hamilton Tract Sale Offers the Finest Inducements of Any Auction Yet Held This Year.

At 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon William J. Dungee will sell at public auction on the grounds the beautiful Hamilton tract, recently divided into thirty-eight fine lots. There is no more advantageously situated property in or about Oakland. The new cable road passes right by it, bringing it within eight minutes' communication with the broad-gauge trains and five minutes' of the narrow-gauge and the business center of the city.

It is on the first rise of the land north of the western arm of the lake. This gives it unsurpassed scenic advantages. It overlooks the lake, the city, the bay, and the entire westward slope of the hills. Its elevation affords a perfect sewerage grade, and arrangements have been completed to connect its sewers directly with the Main Lake sewer. The mains of the Contra Costa Water Company have already been laid in Hamilton Place.

The thirty-eight lots have frontages varying from 30 to 75 feet and are from 90 to 223 feet in depth. To the north is the fine residence and beautiful grounds of W. C. B. de Fremery. Adjoining the tract on the south are the shady lawns and the gardens surrounding the home of Mrs. Edson Adams. To the eastward across the cable track are the mansions of Thomas Ewing Orestes Pierce, John L. Howard, Howard Baldwin, W. A. Rouse, and Ex-Governor George C. Perkins. As a consequence, the tract has all possible neighborhood and society advantages.

Hamilton Place, which extends from the cable track on Oakland avenue, has been graded on easy lines and cement sidewalks have been laid on both sides of it, so the lots are all prepared to be built upon at once.

The terms are only one-fifth cash, with the remainder in four equal annual installments. Interest at the rate of 8 percent per annum is to be paid monthly on deferred payments. These terms place the lots within reach of people of moderate means.

The property is absolutely certain to double in value within a year. The influence of the building of the splendidly equipped cable road will be felt more, and this property, so near the heart of the city, will be the first to feel the impetus given to values. The sale offers the opportunity of a lifetime to speculators, investors, and home seekers. It is confidently expected that the sale will be the first indication of the splendid prosperity coming to the lands tapped by the new cable road.

Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, Friday, September 19, 1890

September 19, 1889: He Was A Stranger

"Yesterday Louis Lundberg of this city fell among theives at Sacramento. The Record-Onion says he lost $80 by being "taken in" by a greenback swindle in operation on Fourth street. He swore to a complaint charging the operator with grand larceny, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Lundberg claims that the operator offered him six or seven packages for $80 and told him he would return his money if there was not that amount in the packages. Lundberg opened each paper and found two $1 notes in them." Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, Friday, September 19, 1890

Taylor Street with Wreath

A pair of ceiling medalions adorns the parlor.

October 1, 1911: Getting Started

It all began with a signature and a date: J Cinalli Oct 1 1911

1888

Dating a house is a compelling endeavor. Architectural details demand context. Context conveys the world as it was then and conveys us to where we are today. This house is a ship in time and I am a time traveller.