Evarts I. Blake.
Greater Oakland, 1911, a volume dealing with the big metropolis on the shores of San Francisco Bay .. online
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MAP
\J *â– ^>o AND o<^ â–¼ ^
VICINITY
THE REALTY UNION.
THIS MAP
MADE ESPECIALLY FOK
THIS yOLtMH
A Few of Oakland's Assets
A NATURAL CITY SITE— Oakland is built on a level area, miles in extent, gradu-
all}' rising to the foothills, and its opportunities for growth are unlimited. It is
tile terminus of three Transcontinental Railroads, and the docking point of Ori-
ental Steamers and ships from all over the world.
WATER FRONT — Oakland Harbor has 27 miles of water front, owned by the city,
and eight miles of docks. Millions of dollars are now being spent on water-front
improvements.
CLIMATE — Oakland's climate is ideal and leaves nothing to be desired. Temperature
averages: Spring 55 degrees, Summer 60 degrees. Fall 56 degrees. Winter 49 de-
grees. No excessive heat or cold. No fogs, heavy winds or cyclones. No Snow,
no frozen water pipes. Electric or Thunder storms unknown. Floods impossible.
POPULATION — Oakland's area, 60.77 square miles. It enjoys all the advantages in
culture, education and business traffic of a cit}- of 300,000, and is the trading center
of 325,000 population.
EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES— Oakland has an excellent school system on a
par with the best in the countrj'. Plenty of up-to-date sanitary school buildings,
progressive educational methods, and the best teachers and educators that can be
employed. The world-famous Greek Theater and Universitj^ of California a part
of its educational equipment. Magnificent Carnegie Free Circulating Library con-
taining thousands of volumes of the world's best literature.
ENTERTAINMENT— Oakland's Theaters have kept pace with the city's growth.
The best attractions in drama, opera, and musical comedy that come to the Pacific
Coast appear in Oakland. Highest class vaudeville and dramatic stock produc-
tions the year round. The home of Idora, the "million-dollar pleasure park,"
offering Italian and light opera during summer season. Boating on beautiful Lake
^ilerritt; art and instruction at Piedmont Park and Art Gallery, and the City
Museum.
THE CITY OF HOMES— Oakland as a "Home" City has won a national reputation.
The beautiful hills, which rise gently above the traffic of the citj', overlooking the
bay and Golden Gate, ofifer opportunities to the architect, landscape artist and
home builder that are unsurpassed in any other city in the country. Realt}- com-
panies have spent millions in the construction of boulevards, winding roads, and in
general development work.
TRANSPORTATION — In addition to every facility for shipping and transportation
by water and rail, Oakland enjoys the best equipped and managed street railway,
suburban and interurban service in the countrj-.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT— Oakland is an exceptionally well-governed city. The
men occupying executive offices are men of unquestioned integrity and ability.
There is no room for the gambler or grafter. There is no "tenderloin," no all-
night dives, and little to corrupt the youth of the city. Oakland has just put into
operation a new charter which embodies progressive ideas in government, pro-
viding for initiative, referendum and recall and giving the people full power.
GENERAL BUSINESS— Oakland offers great opportunities to the Investor, Home-
seeker, Business Man, Manufacturer, Merchant and Wage-earner. There are
upwards of thirty Banks and Financial Institutions, with an aggregate capital of
Alillions of Dollars. The bay shore and water front are dotted with the busy
plants of Iron Foundries, Pipe Works, Agricultural Works, Porcelain Works,
Rubber Works, Manufactories of Sash and Doors, Blinds, Flaxseed Oil, Oil Cake,
Boots and Shoes, Paints', Ink, Gas Engines, Confectionery, Cotton Mills, Cars,
Brooms, Knit Goods, Boxes, Notions, Chemicals, Explosives, Cereal Products,
Flour and Foodstuffs, besides great Wine distributing depots. Ship Yards, Pottery
Works and Canneries, and a thousand and one enterprises in which raw material
is modified and transformed for the use and service of men.
Railroads are spending $20,000,000 in improvements.
A City Hall costing over a million dollars is under construction, as well as a
$2,000,000 Hotel, which will rank along with the best in the United States.
Bank Clearings increased 52 per cent last year, as compared with preceding
year. Building permits last year, $6,655,786.22, a gain of over 20 per cent on pre-
ceding year.
(r^s-^s CONTENTS t^^^^
Pages
GENERAL—
Foreword — By the Publishers 5
H. C. Capvvell (portrait) 6
The City of Oakland — By A. A. Dennison 9-16
Oakland's Docks — By Daniel H. Bradley 17-26
Oakland's Streets — By Walter C. Howe 27-31
Oakland's Public Museum 32-36
OAKLAND— Its Future— By Mayor Frank K. Mott 127-130
City Meets All Requirements 131-132
TRANSPORTATION—
Key Route and Oakland Traction Company 38-49
United Properties Co 50-51
Southern Pacific and Oakland 52-66
Lance Richardson, District Freight and Passenger Agent, S. P 67
Western Pacific: The Latest Railroad Across the Continent — By Homer J.
Carr 68-76
W. B. Townsend, District Freight and Passenger Agent, Western Pacific .... 77-78
Santa Fe System 79-86
T. A. Rigdon, Passenger Agent Santa Fe 87
J. J. Warner, Gen. Agt., Freight and Passenger Depts., Santa Fe 88
FINANCE—
Farmers' & Merchants' Bank 91-94
Union Savings Bank 95-96
Central National Bank 97-100
First National Bank 101-109
P. E. Bowles, President First National Bank 103
L. C. Morehouse, Vice-President First National Bank 103
L. G. Burpee, Vice-President First National Bank 103
E. N. Walter, Cashier First National Bank 107
S. H. Kitto, Assistant Cashier First National Bank 107
C. N. Walter, Assistant Cashier First National Bank 107
A. D. Thompson, Manager Bond Department, First National Bank 107
State Savings Bank 110-113
Oakland Bank of Savings 114-119
Harbor Bank 120
Italian Popular Bank 121-123
G. Ghiglieri, Alanager Italian Popular Bank 122
Ant. Friant, Cashier Italian Popular Bank 123
Alameda County Building & Loan Association 124-125
Security Bank & Trust Co ." 126
INDUSTRY AND TRADE—
American Rubber Manufacturing Co 215
Blaustein, Stanley (portrait) 229
Boyd, Raymond, Advertising Director (portrait ) 196
Burchell, H. L., Manager Studebaker Bros. Co. (portrait) 190
Buswell Paint Company 181
California Cotton Mills 183
California Ice Company 171-172
California Sauce & Pickle Co 205-206
Capwell's New Department Store 217-218
Cardinet Candy Company 159-161
Cardinet, Emile (portrait) 159
Cardinet, George F. .(portrait) 160
Code-Portwood Canning Company 148-149
Doak Gas Engine Company 207-213
Empire Foundry Company 140-142
Gier, Theodore, Wine Industry 175-180
Gier, Theodore (portrait) 177
Goldberg, Bowen & Co 233
Golden West Brewing Company '..186-187
Hogan Lumber Company 165-168
Hogan, Hugh (portrait) 165
Hogan, Hugh W. (portrait) 167
Howard Company 169-170
Pages
INDUSTRY AND TRADE— Cont'd.—
Hub, The, Men's Clothing 224-225
Jonas, A., President The Hub (portrait) 224
Jonas, Mervin, Secretary and Manager The llnl) (portrait) 225
Jonas, Milton, Assistant Manager 'J'lie Hub (jiortrait) 225
Kennedy. J. J., Coal (portrait) 157-158
Lake Pharmacy 229-231
McDonald, W. H., Manager California Ice Co. (portrait) 171
Moore & Scott Iron Works 162-164
M. & M. Hat Works 23S
Moisson, August, Proprietor M. & M. Hat Works (portrait) 232
Oakland Brewing & Malting Co. ( Blue & Gold Lager) 150-153
Oakland Warehouse Company 154-156
Osgood's Drug Stores 227-228
Pacific Freight & Transportation Co 194-195
Pacific Manifolding Book Co 146-147
Pfister Knitting Company 182
Pike Woolen Company 226
Pike, R. H., Proprietor Pike Woolen Co. (portrait) 226
Ransome-Crummey Co., Street and Railroad Contractors 191-193
Rideout, Walter R., President Pacific Freight & Trans. Co. (portrait) 194
Riehl, Martin, President Vienna Cafe, Inc 197-199
Siquera, E. C. Standard Photo-Engraving Co. (portrait) 203
Sommarstrom Bros., Building Contractors 200-202
Sommarstrom, M. F. (portrait) 201
Sommarstrom, Edward (portrait) 201
Standard Photo-Engraving Co 203-204
Standard Soap Company 173-174
Straub, W. B., President Empire Foundry Co. (portrait) 140
Studebaker Bros. Company 188-190
Sun Milling Company 1 84-1 85
Sunset Grocery Company 234-235
Taft & Pennoyer 219-223
Western Paper Box Company 143-145
Western Casket Company 216
OAKLAND'S TELEPHONE SERVICE—
Bay Cities Home Telephone Co 236-240
Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co 241-249
REAL ESTATE—
The Piedmont Hills, Wickham Havens Company 252-256
Home Building on the Easy Payment Plan — By B. L. Spence 257-260
What the Development of the Foothills Has Meant to Oakland's Growth —
By Fred E. Reed, of the Laymance Co 261-268
The Work of the Realty Syndicate 269-273
FRANK M. SMITH, the Financier-Philanthropist— By James King Steel 274-282
(Mr. Steel has written an excellent article of absorbing interest on
Oakland's first citizen.)
HOTELS AND CAFES—
Hotel Oakland, the new $:.'.()()0.()00 structure, one of the finest in the United
States 284-287
Hotel St. Mark 288-289
Key Route Inn 290-291
Casa Rosa Apartments 292-293
Peralta Apartments ." 294-295
Forum Cafe 296-297
The "Cave" Cafe 298-301
Colonial Cafeterias 302-303
EDUCATIONAL—
University of California 306-311
Oakland's Public Schools 312-313
Oakland Conservatory of Music 314-317
Heald's Business College 318-321
Polytechnic Business College 322-327
POLITICAL ADMINISTRATION—
City Officials — Pages
Xcw City Hall 331-333
Oakland's New Charter 334-336
Mayor, Hon. Frank K. Mott. 337-340
Secretary to Mayor, Harold A. Wilkinson 341
Commissioner of Public Works, Harry S. Anderson 342
Commissioner of Streets, William J. Baccus 343-344
Commissioner of Revenue and Finance and ex-officio Member Board of Edu-
cation, John Forrest 345
Commissioner Public Health and Safety, F. C. Turner 346-347
City Attorney, Ben F. Woolncr 348
City Treasurer, Edwin Meese 349-350
City Auditor and Assessor, Geo. E. Gross 351
Secretary Board Public Works, J. W. Nelson 352
Superintendent Electrical Department, Geo. R. Babcock-. 353
Citj- Clerk, Frank L. Thompson 355
Board of Education —
Calvin Orr, President 356-357
?\Iiss Annie Florence Mrown 358
Frank B. Cook 359
Dr. A. S. Kelly 360-361
Harry L. Boyle 362
S. A. Wentworth 367-368
M. A. Bronner 370-371
Dr. J. B. Wood 373
Leo R. Weil 374
J. W. McClymonds, Superintendent of Schools 363-364
R. B. S. York, Deputy Superintendent of Schools 365-366
Chas. S. Warner, Street Department 369
Park Commission —
\\'altcr Manuel. President 375-376
James P. Edoff 377
Wilson S. Gould 378
Henry F. Vogt. Secretary 379
Geo. E. Dickie, Superintendent of Playgrounds 380
Malcolm Lamond, Superintendent of Parks 381
Board of Health —
Dr. Oliver D. Hamlin 382
Dr. L. P. Adams 383
Dr. Chas. Henry Rowe 383
Dr. William K. Sanborn 384
Dr. Edward N. Ewer, Health Officer 385
Dr. Dukes 386
Civil Service Board —
Benjamin H. Pendleton 387-388
H. S. Robinson 389
L. N. Cobbledick 390-391
Ex-Councilmen —
Albert H. Elliot 392
Oliver Ellsworth 393-394
John R. MacGregor 395
Eugene Stachler 396
A. P. Stiefvater 397-398
R. C. Vose 399
Police Courts —
Plon. George Samuels, Judge 400-401
Hon. Mortimer Smith, Judge ' 402-403
Ezra W. Decoto, Prosecuting Attorney 404
Police Department —
Adelbert Wilson, Superintendent of Police 405-408
Oakland Police Force 406
Police Auto 407
W. J. Petersen, Chief of Detectives 409-410
County Officials — Pages
County Court House ' 411
District Attorney, W. H. Donahue 412-413
Judiciary —
Hon. Everett J. Brown, Judge Superior Court 414
Hon. John Ellsworth, Judge Superior Court 415-410
Hon. Thomas W. Harris, Judge Superior Court 417-4] 8
Hon. Frank B. Ogden, Judge Superior Court 419
Hon. William H. Waste, Judge Superior Court 420-421
Hon. William S. Wells, Judge Superior Court 422
Hon. William R. Geary, Justice of the Peace 423
Hon. Jas. G. Quinn, Justice of the Peace 433-434
Hon. Thos. J. Power, Justice of the Peace 424
Hall of Records 425
County Treasurer, M. J. Kelly 426
County Auditor, E. F. Garrison 427-428
County Assessor, Chas. F. Horner 429-430
County Tax Collector, James B. Barber 431-432
County Clerk, John P. Cook 435-436
County Recorder, Gilman W. Bacon 437
County Superintendent of Schools, Geo. W. Frick 438-440
Board of Supervisors —
John F. Mullins, Chairman 441-442
Fred W. Foss 443-444
W. B. Bridge 445
Daniel J. Murphy 446
County Coroner, Dr. Chas. L. Tisdale 447-448
Public Administrator, Dr. H. B. Mehrmann 449
County Sheriff, Frank Barnet 450-451
County Surveyor, P. A. Haviland 452
Maurice S. Stewart 453
Bacon Building 454
Alameda County Jail 454
Oakland Post Office 455
Interior Oakland Y. M. C. A 455
GREATER OAKLAND
Edition De Luxe,
In Leather
and
Gold, $5.00 Per Volume
Popular Edition,
In Paper. $1.50
EVARTS I. BIvAKE
Editor
J. h. PEDERSEN
Business Editor
Greater Oakland
•••1911-
A volume dealing with the big Metropolis on the
Shores of San Francisco Bay
Dedicated to the
Chamber of Commerce
and
Commonwealth of Oakland
E)/a.r^t^ 1. BUKe. e-d
PACIFIC PUBLISHING CO.
'Publhhen
246-247 Bacon Building
Oakland, Cal.
.02.3 b
Editorial Stajff^
EVARTS I. BLAKE
Editor
J. L. PEDERSEN
Business Manager
jissociate Editors
Walter S. Fenner J. E. Trewin
Harry V. Keane H. B. Johnson, Jr.
W. A. Cavanagh J. P. McCarthy
P. C. Petersen T. C. Asmus
F. E. Brady Coleman Cox
Official "Portrait Jlrtist
R. E. Scharz
Official Vien) Jlrtists
Morton & Ketchum
lOME ONE has said "of the making of books there
is no end," but when the idea of the present volume
was conceived, the pubHshers felt that here was an
jg-:^::^^ opportunity. To put into the hands of a large num-
^ J) ber of readers throughout the country, a comprehen-
sive story of the recent wonderful growth and devel-
opment of the big Metropolis on the shores of San Francisco
Bay, seemed to us worth while. Oakland has arrived at an
important mile-stone in her hi^ory, even her near neighbors do
not fully realize what a great city she has become.
^ We have tried in these pages to put before the public in an
intere^ing and forcible manner, some facts as to what Oakland
is, and some promises as to what she will be in future years.
We have told of her parks, schools, churches and theatres.
We have given new and valuable information concerning her
financial and commercial intere^s and a complete record of her
Municipal Officials.
^ To the members of the Chamber of Commerce, and to the
several city officials and public men who have contributed arti-
cles and other data in order to make this volume as complete as
it is, we publicly express our thanks.
^ In conclusion, we feel some little pride in the rather unusual
method followed in bringing this volume before the public.
^ The plan in carrying forward the work has been unique, in
that no remuneration whatever has been received or asked by
the publishers, except through the legitimate sale of the book.
TN£ PUBLISHERS
H. C. CAPWELIv
Merchant, Financier and President of the
Oaki,and Chamber of Commerce
The City of Oakland
[By A. A. DEMSON
Secretary Oakland Chamber of Commerce
Greater Oakland, 1911
A. A. DENISON
The Rnergetic and Progressive Secretary of the
Oakland Chamber of Commerce
The City of Oakland
The City of Oakland
B\) A A. Tfenison
HE command of trade routes
and the facilities for effect-
ing the greatest economy in
the production and exchange
of commodities are the de-
termining factors in the destiny of cities.
It is because Oakland, California, possesses
these advantages tliat its pre-eminence
among American cities is assured.
When the genius of Count de Lesseps
constructed the Suez Canal, it recast the
commercial geography of the globe and
transformed the course of the world's trade.
Another epoch-making event that is to
change the current of commerce will be
the completion of the Panama Canal, tTie
greatest engineering feat of the centuries.
The holding of the world's fair here to cel-
ebrate this event i? eminently fitting, for,
with the completion of the Panama Canal,
the great bay which opens to the Orient
through the Golden Gate is to become the
chief portal of the commerce of the Pa-
cific Coast. By a fortuitous circumstance
the early navigators entering this mag-
nificent harbor dropped anchor close by
the peninsula which jutted between the bay
and the Pacific Ocean, and a great city
grew up there.
But when the tide of travel was turned
by the completion of tlie rail routes which
have their termini upon the east or con-
tinental shore of the bay, a municipality of
tremendous potentialities had its beginnings
on the Contra Costa or opposite shore,
which took its name from the sturdy
growth of live oaks, and was called "Oak-
land."
This city, which has become famous for
its residential attractions and its genial
climate, developing as a seat of culture, of
education and civic character, is now tak-
ing its place as one of the chief centers of
industry, of commerce and of finance on
the Pacific Coast.
Oakland is now but beginning to come
into its birthright of business. Its citizens,
aroused to an appreciation of its opportuni-
ties, are devoting themselves to industrial
and commercial development. The virile
spirit of the new Oakland, conscious of
its powers and possibilities, has replaced
that of the suburban or dependent com-
munity. The Oakland of 1911 is a vigorous,
energetic city, imbued with a splendid civic
spirit. It is a city confident of its own
destiny — a city beginning to realize its
prodigal natural endowments — a city that
is determined to play its part in the great
drama of events now shaping themselves on
the shores of the Pacific.
Many years ago Bancroft, the historian,
pointed out that a great city was inevit-
able on this magnificent bay, beside the
greatest of oceans. Such a city he de-
clared to be an industrial necessity. The
ideal location for such a metropolis is on
the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay,
where that city is rapidly taking shape.
Already along the twenty-seven miles of
Oakland's water front car and ship are
coming together at the natural point of
transfer for the tremendous trade of the
Orient. This city is doing its part in
accelerating this development, not only by
the improvement of its inner harbor, but
by facilitating the erection of great termi-
nals on the eastern bay shore for the ac-
commodation of the transcontinental rail-
road systems which already center here
and others which must ultimately reach this
harbor.
The elaboration of these plans is in pur-
suance of a wise municipal policy which
recognizes that civic intelligence and en-
gineering skill must supplement natural ad-
vantages in creating conditions conducive
to commercial development.
Oakland and its sister cities already have
under way great terminal docks, quays and
10
Greater Oakland, 1911
The City of Oakland
11
warehouses, in anticipation of the tremend-
ous impetus to Pacific Coast commerce,
which will come with the completion of the
Panama Canal. With a wise foresight these
communities are preparing to benefit by
the vast expansion of trade with the Ori-
ent, that teeming hive of humanity which
has from time immemorial been the lure
of the traders of all lands.
A great conqueror cheered his legions
with the cry, "Beyond the Alps lies Italy,"
and so we may say, "Beyond Oakland lies
the Orient," rich in its rewards for the
extension of industry and commerce.
Oakland, "where rail and water meet, is
the strongest link in the commercial chain
which is binding Occident and Orient. It is
the market place at the gate of an inex-
haustible depot with the products of the
world behind it."
In the ancient world, the theatre of
events was upon the Mediterranean. In
the middle ages and the early Renaissance
the scene was shifted to the countries about
the Atlantic Ocean, and now the West
fronts the East, and the world's cycle is
complete on the shores of the "ultimate
sea."
There may be other great harbors on
the Pacific Coast, but it has been determined
by geography and the contour of conti-
nents that this great port which opens to
the Golden Gate shall be to the commerce
of the Pacific what New York harbor is to
that of the Atlantic.
Joaquin Miller, "poet of the Sierras,"
looking down from his home on "The
Heights" back of Oakland, upon the mag-
nificent panorama of city and bay, with
prophetic vision wrote:
"Deep below us lies the valley,
Steep below us lies the town,
Where great sea-ships ride and rally.
And the world walks up and down.
"Oh, the sea of lights far-streaming,
Where the thousand flags are furled,
And the gleaming bay lies dreaming
As it duplicates the world."
It is not a matter of accident, but the
result of inexorable economic laws that
five great railroad systems and a score of
local lines converge at Oakland, California,
as the natural point of transfer between
land and water carriers.
Situated on this magnificent harbor, with
unsurpassed wharf and warehouse facilities,
Oakland is the logical center to which grav-
itate the wonderfully rich and diversified
natural products of the vast interior valleys
of California, traversed by the Sacramento
and the San Joaquin Rivers, a domain of
varied resources which comprises an em-
pire in Itself embraced within the confines
of the splendid commonwealth of Califor-
nia.
Another important factor which contrib-
utes to make a great city and a great port
is the ideal sites which Oakland affords for
manufacturing enterprises and the estab-
lishment of industries under most favorable
conditions. This city singularly combines
advantages in assembling raw materials
with facilities for their fabrication or trans-
formation and accessibility to waiting mar-
kets.
Here is a climate relieved from extremes
of heat or cold, where effort is an exhilara-
tion and achievement an inspiration, where
the artisan may put forth his best endeavors
and participate in the joy of living. The
equable climate enjoyed by Oakland and
the other bay cities is conducive to the
highest efficiency of labor throughout the
entire year, while fuel oil and electric en-
ergy from inexhaustible sources solve the
problem of cheap motive power.
These conditions are being recognized
by the captains of industry and the repre-
sentatives of big interests who are estab-
lishing a manufacturing community on the
east shore of the Bay of San Francisco that
is yet in its infancy, but which must in-
evitably be one of the greatest industrial
centers of the world.
Appreciating the fact that Oakland oc-
cupies one of the vantage points of the
continent for the command of the com-
merce of the Pacific Coast and the expand-
ing trade of the Orient, the representatives
of big business and industrial interests have
been quick to seize upon the opportunities
offered in this city and its environs for the
establishment of manufacturing enterprises
and the east bay shore is rapidly being oc-
cupied by important plants, among which
12
Greater Oakland, 1911
The City of Oakland
li
may be mentioned the Standard Oil Refin-
ery, the second largest in the world; the
shops of the Santa Fe Company and of the
Pullman Car Company, pipe works, iron
works, agricultural works, porcelain works,
rubber works, manufactories of sashes,
doors, blinds, flax seed oil, oil cake, boots
and shoes, paints, ink, gas engine, confec-
tionery, cotton, cars, brooms, knit goods,
boxes, notions, chemicals, explosives, cereal
products, flour and food stufifs, besides great
wine distributing depots, ship building
plants, pottery works, fruit canneries and
a thousand and one enterprises in which
raw material is modified and transformed
for the use and service of men.
In the location and encouragement of
such enterprises, in the making known of
the opportunities which Oakland offers in
the promotion of publicity, the centraliza-
tion of civic activities and in the stimulus
to public spirit, the Chamber of Commerce
of Oakland has been an important factor.
With the transference of fuel oil by pipe
line and the transmission of electric energy
MAP
\J *â– ^>o AND o<^ â–¼ ^
VICINITY
THE REALTY UNION.
THIS MAP
MADE ESPECIALLY FOK
THIS yOLtMH
A Few of Oakland's Assets
A NATURAL CITY SITE— Oakland is built on a level area, miles in extent, gradu-
all}' rising to the foothills, and its opportunities for growth are unlimited. It is
tile terminus of three Transcontinental Railroads, and the docking point of Ori-
ental Steamers and ships from all over the world.
WATER FRONT — Oakland Harbor has 27 miles of water front, owned by the city,
and eight miles of docks. Millions of dollars are now being spent on water-front
improvements.
CLIMATE — Oakland's climate is ideal and leaves nothing to be desired. Temperature
averages: Spring 55 degrees, Summer 60 degrees. Fall 56 degrees. Winter 49 de-
grees. No excessive heat or cold. No fogs, heavy winds or cyclones. No Snow,
no frozen water pipes. Electric or Thunder storms unknown. Floods impossible.
POPULATION — Oakland's area, 60.77 square miles. It enjoys all the advantages in
culture, education and business traffic of a cit}- of 300,000, and is the trading center
of 325,000 population.
EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES— Oakland has an excellent school system on a
par with the best in the countrj'. Plenty of up-to-date sanitary school buildings,
progressive educational methods, and the best teachers and educators that can be
employed. The world-famous Greek Theater and Universitj^ of California a part
of its educational equipment. Magnificent Carnegie Free Circulating Library con-
taining thousands of volumes of the world's best literature.
ENTERTAINMENT— Oakland's Theaters have kept pace with the city's growth.
The best attractions in drama, opera, and musical comedy that come to the Pacific
Coast appear in Oakland. Highest class vaudeville and dramatic stock produc-
tions the year round. The home of Idora, the "million-dollar pleasure park,"
offering Italian and light opera during summer season. Boating on beautiful Lake
^ilerritt; art and instruction at Piedmont Park and Art Gallery, and the City
Museum.
THE CITY OF HOMES— Oakland as a "Home" City has won a national reputation.
The beautiful hills, which rise gently above the traffic of the citj', overlooking the
bay and Golden Gate, ofifer opportunities to the architect, landscape artist and
home builder that are unsurpassed in any other city in the country. Realt}- com-
panies have spent millions in the construction of boulevards, winding roads, and in
general development work.
TRANSPORTATION — In addition to every facility for shipping and transportation
by water and rail, Oakland enjoys the best equipped and managed street railway,
suburban and interurban service in the countrj-.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT— Oakland is an exceptionally well-governed city. The
men occupying executive offices are men of unquestioned integrity and ability.
There is no room for the gambler or grafter. There is no "tenderloin," no all-
night dives, and little to corrupt the youth of the city. Oakland has just put into
operation a new charter which embodies progressive ideas in government, pro-
viding for initiative, referendum and recall and giving the people full power.
GENERAL BUSINESS— Oakland offers great opportunities to the Investor, Home-
seeker, Business Man, Manufacturer, Merchant and Wage-earner. There are
upwards of thirty Banks and Financial Institutions, with an aggregate capital of
Alillions of Dollars. The bay shore and water front are dotted with the busy
plants of Iron Foundries, Pipe Works, Agricultural Works, Porcelain Works,
Rubber Works, Manufactories of Sash and Doors, Blinds, Flaxseed Oil, Oil Cake,
Boots and Shoes, Paints', Ink, Gas Engines, Confectionery, Cotton Mills, Cars,
Brooms, Knit Goods, Boxes, Notions, Chemicals, Explosives, Cereal Products,
Flour and Foodstuffs, besides great Wine distributing depots. Ship Yards, Pottery
Works and Canneries, and a thousand and one enterprises in which raw material
is modified and transformed for the use and service of men.
Railroads are spending $20,000,000 in improvements.
A City Hall costing over a million dollars is under construction, as well as a
$2,000,000 Hotel, which will rank along with the best in the United States.
Bank Clearings increased 52 per cent last year, as compared with preceding
year. Building permits last year, $6,655,786.22, a gain of over 20 per cent on pre-
ceding year.
(r^s-^s CONTENTS t^^^^
Pages
GENERAL—
Foreword — By the Publishers 5
H. C. Capvvell (portrait) 6
The City of Oakland — By A. A. Dennison 9-16
Oakland's Docks — By Daniel H. Bradley 17-26
Oakland's Streets — By Walter C. Howe 27-31
Oakland's Public Museum 32-36
OAKLAND— Its Future— By Mayor Frank K. Mott 127-130
City Meets All Requirements 131-132
TRANSPORTATION—
Key Route and Oakland Traction Company 38-49
United Properties Co 50-51
Southern Pacific and Oakland 52-66
Lance Richardson, District Freight and Passenger Agent, S. P 67
Western Pacific: The Latest Railroad Across the Continent — By Homer J.
Carr 68-76
W. B. Townsend, District Freight and Passenger Agent, Western Pacific .... 77-78
Santa Fe System 79-86
T. A. Rigdon, Passenger Agent Santa Fe 87
J. J. Warner, Gen. Agt., Freight and Passenger Depts., Santa Fe 88
FINANCE—
Farmers' & Merchants' Bank 91-94
Union Savings Bank 95-96
Central National Bank 97-100
First National Bank 101-109
P. E. Bowles, President First National Bank 103
L. C. Morehouse, Vice-President First National Bank 103
L. G. Burpee, Vice-President First National Bank 103
E. N. Walter, Cashier First National Bank 107
S. H. Kitto, Assistant Cashier First National Bank 107
C. N. Walter, Assistant Cashier First National Bank 107
A. D. Thompson, Manager Bond Department, First National Bank 107
State Savings Bank 110-113
Oakland Bank of Savings 114-119
Harbor Bank 120
Italian Popular Bank 121-123
G. Ghiglieri, Alanager Italian Popular Bank 122
Ant. Friant, Cashier Italian Popular Bank 123
Alameda County Building & Loan Association 124-125
Security Bank & Trust Co ." 126
INDUSTRY AND TRADE—
American Rubber Manufacturing Co 215
Blaustein, Stanley (portrait) 229
Boyd, Raymond, Advertising Director (portrait ) 196
Burchell, H. L., Manager Studebaker Bros. Co. (portrait) 190
Buswell Paint Company 181
California Cotton Mills 183
California Ice Company 171-172
California Sauce & Pickle Co 205-206
Capwell's New Department Store 217-218
Cardinet Candy Company 159-161
Cardinet, Emile (portrait) 159
Cardinet, George F. .(portrait) 160
Code-Portwood Canning Company 148-149
Doak Gas Engine Company 207-213
Empire Foundry Company 140-142
Gier, Theodore, Wine Industry 175-180
Gier, Theodore (portrait) 177
Goldberg, Bowen & Co 233
Golden West Brewing Company '..186-187
Hogan Lumber Company 165-168
Hogan, Hugh (portrait) 165
Hogan, Hugh W. (portrait) 167
Howard Company 169-170
Pages
INDUSTRY AND TRADE— Cont'd.—
Hub, The, Men's Clothing 224-225
Jonas, A., President The Hub (portrait) 224
Jonas, Mervin, Secretary and Manager The llnl) (portrait) 225
Jonas, Milton, Assistant Manager 'J'lie Hub (jiortrait) 225
Kennedy. J. J., Coal (portrait) 157-158
Lake Pharmacy 229-231
McDonald, W. H., Manager California Ice Co. (portrait) 171
Moore & Scott Iron Works 162-164
M. & M. Hat Works 23S
Moisson, August, Proprietor M. & M. Hat Works (portrait) 232
Oakland Brewing & Malting Co. ( Blue & Gold Lager) 150-153
Oakland Warehouse Company 154-156
Osgood's Drug Stores 227-228
Pacific Freight & Transportation Co 194-195
Pacific Manifolding Book Co 146-147
Pfister Knitting Company 182
Pike Woolen Company 226
Pike, R. H., Proprietor Pike Woolen Co. (portrait) 226
Ransome-Crummey Co., Street and Railroad Contractors 191-193
Rideout, Walter R., President Pacific Freight & Trans. Co. (portrait) 194
Riehl, Martin, President Vienna Cafe, Inc 197-199
Siquera, E. C. Standard Photo-Engraving Co. (portrait) 203
Sommarstrom Bros., Building Contractors 200-202
Sommarstrom, M. F. (portrait) 201
Sommarstrom, Edward (portrait) 201
Standard Photo-Engraving Co 203-204
Standard Soap Company 173-174
Straub, W. B., President Empire Foundry Co. (portrait) 140
Studebaker Bros. Company 188-190
Sun Milling Company 1 84-1 85
Sunset Grocery Company 234-235
Taft & Pennoyer 219-223
Western Paper Box Company 143-145
Western Casket Company 216
OAKLAND'S TELEPHONE SERVICE—
Bay Cities Home Telephone Co 236-240
Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co 241-249
REAL ESTATE—
The Piedmont Hills, Wickham Havens Company 252-256
Home Building on the Easy Payment Plan — By B. L. Spence 257-260
What the Development of the Foothills Has Meant to Oakland's Growth —
By Fred E. Reed, of the Laymance Co 261-268
The Work of the Realty Syndicate 269-273
FRANK M. SMITH, the Financier-Philanthropist— By James King Steel 274-282
(Mr. Steel has written an excellent article of absorbing interest on
Oakland's first citizen.)
HOTELS AND CAFES—
Hotel Oakland, the new $:.'.()()0.()00 structure, one of the finest in the United
States 284-287
Hotel St. Mark 288-289
Key Route Inn 290-291
Casa Rosa Apartments 292-293
Peralta Apartments ." 294-295
Forum Cafe 296-297
The "Cave" Cafe 298-301
Colonial Cafeterias 302-303
EDUCATIONAL—
University of California 306-311
Oakland's Public Schools 312-313
Oakland Conservatory of Music 314-317
Heald's Business College 318-321
Polytechnic Business College 322-327
POLITICAL ADMINISTRATION—
City Officials — Pages
Xcw City Hall 331-333
Oakland's New Charter 334-336
Mayor, Hon. Frank K. Mott. 337-340
Secretary to Mayor, Harold A. Wilkinson 341
Commissioner of Public Works, Harry S. Anderson 342
Commissioner of Streets, William J. Baccus 343-344
Commissioner of Revenue and Finance and ex-officio Member Board of Edu-
cation, John Forrest 345
Commissioner Public Health and Safety, F. C. Turner 346-347
City Attorney, Ben F. Woolncr 348
City Treasurer, Edwin Meese 349-350
City Auditor and Assessor, Geo. E. Gross 351
Secretary Board Public Works, J. W. Nelson 352
Superintendent Electrical Department, Geo. R. Babcock-. 353
Citj- Clerk, Frank L. Thompson 355
Board of Education —
Calvin Orr, President 356-357
?\Iiss Annie Florence Mrown 358
Frank B. Cook 359
Dr. A. S. Kelly 360-361
Harry L. Boyle 362
S. A. Wentworth 367-368
M. A. Bronner 370-371
Dr. J. B. Wood 373
Leo R. Weil 374
J. W. McClymonds, Superintendent of Schools 363-364
R. B. S. York, Deputy Superintendent of Schools 365-366
Chas. S. Warner, Street Department 369
Park Commission —
\\'altcr Manuel. President 375-376
James P. Edoff 377
Wilson S. Gould 378
Henry F. Vogt. Secretary 379
Geo. E. Dickie, Superintendent of Playgrounds 380
Malcolm Lamond, Superintendent of Parks 381
Board of Health —
Dr. Oliver D. Hamlin 382
Dr. L. P. Adams 383
Dr. Chas. Henry Rowe 383
Dr. William K. Sanborn 384
Dr. Edward N. Ewer, Health Officer 385
Dr. Dukes 386
Civil Service Board —
Benjamin H. Pendleton 387-388
H. S. Robinson 389
L. N. Cobbledick 390-391
Ex-Councilmen —
Albert H. Elliot 392
Oliver Ellsworth 393-394
John R. MacGregor 395
Eugene Stachler 396
A. P. Stiefvater 397-398
R. C. Vose 399
Police Courts —
Plon. George Samuels, Judge 400-401
Hon. Mortimer Smith, Judge ' 402-403
Ezra W. Decoto, Prosecuting Attorney 404
Police Department —
Adelbert Wilson, Superintendent of Police 405-408
Oakland Police Force 406
Police Auto 407
W. J. Petersen, Chief of Detectives 409-410
County Officials — Pages
County Court House ' 411
District Attorney, W. H. Donahue 412-413
Judiciary —
Hon. Everett J. Brown, Judge Superior Court 414
Hon. John Ellsworth, Judge Superior Court 415-410
Hon. Thomas W. Harris, Judge Superior Court 417-4] 8
Hon. Frank B. Ogden, Judge Superior Court 419
Hon. William H. Waste, Judge Superior Court 420-421
Hon. William S. Wells, Judge Superior Court 422
Hon. William R. Geary, Justice of the Peace 423
Hon. Jas. G. Quinn, Justice of the Peace 433-434
Hon. Thos. J. Power, Justice of the Peace 424
Hall of Records 425
County Treasurer, M. J. Kelly 426
County Auditor, E. F. Garrison 427-428
County Assessor, Chas. F. Horner 429-430
County Tax Collector, James B. Barber 431-432
County Clerk, John P. Cook 435-436
County Recorder, Gilman W. Bacon 437
County Superintendent of Schools, Geo. W. Frick 438-440
Board of Supervisors —
John F. Mullins, Chairman 441-442
Fred W. Foss 443-444
W. B. Bridge 445
Daniel J. Murphy 446
County Coroner, Dr. Chas. L. Tisdale 447-448
Public Administrator, Dr. H. B. Mehrmann 449
County Sheriff, Frank Barnet 450-451
County Surveyor, P. A. Haviland 452
Maurice S. Stewart 453
Bacon Building 454
Alameda County Jail 454
Oakland Post Office 455
Interior Oakland Y. M. C. A 455
GREATER OAKLAND
Edition De Luxe,
In Leather
and
Gold, $5.00 Per Volume
Popular Edition,
In Paper. $1.50
EVARTS I. BIvAKE
Editor
J. h. PEDERSEN
Business Editor
Greater Oakland
•••1911-
A volume dealing with the big Metropolis on the
Shores of San Francisco Bay
Dedicated to the
Chamber of Commerce
and
Commonwealth of Oakland
E)/a.r^t^ 1. BUKe. e-d
PACIFIC PUBLISHING CO.
'Publhhen
246-247 Bacon Building
Oakland, Cal.
.02.3 b
Editorial Stajff^
EVARTS I. BLAKE
Editor
J. L. PEDERSEN
Business Manager
jissociate Editors
Walter S. Fenner J. E. Trewin
Harry V. Keane H. B. Johnson, Jr.
W. A. Cavanagh J. P. McCarthy
P. C. Petersen T. C. Asmus
F. E. Brady Coleman Cox
Official "Portrait Jlrtist
R. E. Scharz
Official Vien) Jlrtists
Morton & Ketchum
lOME ONE has said "of the making of books there
is no end," but when the idea of the present volume
was conceived, the pubHshers felt that here was an
jg-:^::^^ opportunity. To put into the hands of a large num-
^ J) ber of readers throughout the country, a comprehen-
sive story of the recent wonderful growth and devel-
opment of the big Metropolis on the shores of San Francisco
Bay, seemed to us worth while. Oakland has arrived at an
important mile-stone in her hi^ory, even her near neighbors do
not fully realize what a great city she has become.
^ We have tried in these pages to put before the public in an
intere^ing and forcible manner, some facts as to what Oakland
is, and some promises as to what she will be in future years.
We have told of her parks, schools, churches and theatres.
We have given new and valuable information concerning her
financial and commercial intere^s and a complete record of her
Municipal Officials.
^ To the members of the Chamber of Commerce, and to the
several city officials and public men who have contributed arti-
cles and other data in order to make this volume as complete as
it is, we publicly express our thanks.
^ In conclusion, we feel some little pride in the rather unusual
method followed in bringing this volume before the public.
^ The plan in carrying forward the work has been unique, in
that no remuneration whatever has been received or asked by
the publishers, except through the legitimate sale of the book.
TN£ PUBLISHERS
H. C. CAPWELIv
Merchant, Financier and President of the
Oaki,and Chamber of Commerce
The City of Oakland
[By A. A. DEMSON
Secretary Oakland Chamber of Commerce
Greater Oakland, 1911
A. A. DENISON
The Rnergetic and Progressive Secretary of the
Oakland Chamber of Commerce
The City of Oakland
The City of Oakland
B\) A A. Tfenison
HE command of trade routes
and the facilities for effect-
ing the greatest economy in
the production and exchange
of commodities are the de-
termining factors in the destiny of cities.
It is because Oakland, California, possesses
these advantages tliat its pre-eminence
among American cities is assured.
When the genius of Count de Lesseps
constructed the Suez Canal, it recast the
commercial geography of the globe and
transformed the course of the world's trade.
Another epoch-making event that is to
change the current of commerce will be
the completion of the Panama Canal, tTie
greatest engineering feat of the centuries.
The holding of the world's fair here to cel-
ebrate this event i? eminently fitting, for,
with the completion of the Panama Canal,
the great bay which opens to the Orient
through the Golden Gate is to become the
chief portal of the commerce of the Pa-
cific Coast. By a fortuitous circumstance
the early navigators entering this mag-
nificent harbor dropped anchor close by
the peninsula which jutted between the bay
and the Pacific Ocean, and a great city
grew up there.
But when the tide of travel was turned
by the completion of tlie rail routes which
have their termini upon the east or con-
tinental shore of the bay, a municipality of
tremendous potentialities had its beginnings
on the Contra Costa or opposite shore,
which took its name from the sturdy
growth of live oaks, and was called "Oak-
land."
This city, which has become famous for
its residential attractions and its genial
climate, developing as a seat of culture, of
education and civic character, is now tak-
ing its place as one of the chief centers of
industry, of commerce and of finance on
the Pacific Coast.
Oakland is now but beginning to come
into its birthright of business. Its citizens,
aroused to an appreciation of its opportuni-
ties, are devoting themselves to industrial
and commercial development. The virile
spirit of the new Oakland, conscious of
its powers and possibilities, has replaced
that of the suburban or dependent com-
munity. The Oakland of 1911 is a vigorous,
energetic city, imbued with a splendid civic
spirit. It is a city confident of its own
destiny — a city beginning to realize its
prodigal natural endowments — a city that
is determined to play its part in the great
drama of events now shaping themselves on
the shores of the Pacific.
Many years ago Bancroft, the historian,
pointed out that a great city was inevit-
able on this magnificent bay, beside the
greatest of oceans. Such a city he de-
clared to be an industrial necessity. The
ideal location for such a metropolis is on
the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay,
where that city is rapidly taking shape.
Already along the twenty-seven miles of
Oakland's water front car and ship are
coming together at the natural point of
transfer for the tremendous trade of the
Orient. This city is doing its part in
accelerating this development, not only by
the improvement of its inner harbor, but
by facilitating the erection of great termi-
nals on the eastern bay shore for the ac-
commodation of the transcontinental rail-
road systems which already center here
and others which must ultimately reach this
harbor.
The elaboration of these plans is in pur-
suance of a wise municipal policy which
recognizes that civic intelligence and en-
gineering skill must supplement natural ad-
vantages in creating conditions conducive
to commercial development.
Oakland and its sister cities already have
under way great terminal docks, quays and
10
Greater Oakland, 1911
The City of Oakland
11
warehouses, in anticipation of the tremend-
ous impetus to Pacific Coast commerce,
which will come with the completion of the
Panama Canal. With a wise foresight these
communities are preparing to benefit by
the vast expansion of trade with the Ori-
ent, that teeming hive of humanity which
has from time immemorial been the lure
of the traders of all lands.
A great conqueror cheered his legions
with the cry, "Beyond the Alps lies Italy,"
and so we may say, "Beyond Oakland lies
the Orient," rich in its rewards for the
extension of industry and commerce.
Oakland, "where rail and water meet, is
the strongest link in the commercial chain
which is binding Occident and Orient. It is
the market place at the gate of an inex-
haustible depot with the products of the
world behind it."
In the ancient world, the theatre of
events was upon the Mediterranean. In
the middle ages and the early Renaissance
the scene was shifted to the countries about
the Atlantic Ocean, and now the West
fronts the East, and the world's cycle is
complete on the shores of the "ultimate
sea."
There may be other great harbors on
the Pacific Coast, but it has been determined
by geography and the contour of conti-
nents that this great port which opens to
the Golden Gate shall be to the commerce
of the Pacific what New York harbor is to
that of the Atlantic.
Joaquin Miller, "poet of the Sierras,"
looking down from his home on "The
Heights" back of Oakland, upon the mag-
nificent panorama of city and bay, with
prophetic vision wrote:
"Deep below us lies the valley,
Steep below us lies the town,
Where great sea-ships ride and rally.
And the world walks up and down.
"Oh, the sea of lights far-streaming,
Where the thousand flags are furled,
And the gleaming bay lies dreaming
As it duplicates the world."
It is not a matter of accident, but the
result of inexorable economic laws that
five great railroad systems and a score of
local lines converge at Oakland, California,
as the natural point of transfer between
land and water carriers.
Situated on this magnificent harbor, with
unsurpassed wharf and warehouse facilities,
Oakland is the logical center to which grav-
itate the wonderfully rich and diversified
natural products of the vast interior valleys
of California, traversed by the Sacramento
and the San Joaquin Rivers, a domain of
varied resources which comprises an em-
pire in Itself embraced within the confines
of the splendid commonwealth of Califor-
nia.
Another important factor which contrib-
utes to make a great city and a great port
is the ideal sites which Oakland affords for
manufacturing enterprises and the estab-
lishment of industries under most favorable
conditions. This city singularly combines
advantages in assembling raw materials
with facilities for their fabrication or trans-
formation and accessibility to waiting mar-
kets.
Here is a climate relieved from extremes
of heat or cold, where effort is an exhilara-
tion and achievement an inspiration, where
the artisan may put forth his best endeavors
and participate in the joy of living. The
equable climate enjoyed by Oakland and
the other bay cities is conducive to the
highest efficiency of labor throughout the
entire year, while fuel oil and electric en-
ergy from inexhaustible sources solve the
problem of cheap motive power.
These conditions are being recognized
by the captains of industry and the repre-
sentatives of big interests who are estab-
lishing a manufacturing community on the
east shore of the Bay of San Francisco that
is yet in its infancy, but which must in-
evitably be one of the greatest industrial
centers of the world.
Appreciating the fact that Oakland oc-
cupies one of the vantage points of the
continent for the command of the com-
merce of the Pacific Coast and the expand-
ing trade of the Orient, the representatives
of big business and industrial interests have
been quick to seize upon the opportunities
offered in this city and its environs for the
establishment of manufacturing enterprises
and the east bay shore is rapidly being oc-
cupied by important plants, among which
12
Greater Oakland, 1911
The City of Oakland
li
may be mentioned the Standard Oil Refin-
ery, the second largest in the world; the
shops of the Santa Fe Company and of the
Pullman Car Company, pipe works, iron
works, agricultural works, porcelain works,
rubber works, manufactories of sashes,
doors, blinds, flax seed oil, oil cake, boots
and shoes, paints, ink, gas engine, confec-
tionery, cotton, cars, brooms, knit goods,
boxes, notions, chemicals, explosives, cereal
products, flour and food stufifs, besides great
wine distributing depots, ship building
plants, pottery works, fruit canneries and
a thousand and one enterprises in which
raw material is modified and transformed
for the use and service of men.
In the location and encouragement of
such enterprises, in the making known of
the opportunities which Oakland offers in
the promotion of publicity, the centraliza-
tion of civic activities and in the stimulus
to public spirit, the Chamber of Commerce
of Oakland has been an important factor.
With the transference of fuel oil by pipe
line and the transmission of electric energy
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