We are a neighborhood filled with memories and stories. This photo, taken in 1924, shows a gathering of local kids at the Alameda Park Community Church, built in 1922 on an island of property at NE Regents and Mason. Today, the building is known as the Subud Center, 3185 NE Regents Drive. For more history of the Subud Center/Alameda Park Community Church, click on this link. Photo is from the Morrison Family Collection.
Click on the bold headings below to read articles I’ve researched and written that have appeared in the Alameda News.
Broadway Streetcar: The streetcar was key to development of the neighborhood and connected Alameda with downtown and the rest of the city.
Alameda Street Names: Ever wonder about Bryce, Hamblet or Gile? Here’s some background on how our streets got their names.
Alameda Life | 1920-1930: Looking back to the 1920 and 1930 Census can reveal some interesting trends and information about early day Alameda.
The Pearson Place: Noticed the tall pine near Northeast 29th and Fremont? It has quite a story to tell…
Living Where They Grew Up: Alamedans tell their own stories about what it has been like to live in the homes where they grew up.
November 27, 2007 at 4:59 pm
This may be somewhere else on the site, but we once (probably still do in some drawer) had a brochure advertising the new development which roughly consisted of farms recently consolidated to create a large suburban development of Alameda. The brochure was printed around 1918 and advertised the new development as “free of Negroes and other minorities. Hard to believe it was not that long ago, and that something like that would be printed as if it was quite acceptable.
November 27, 2007 at 8:15 pm
The map here on the blog was pulled from that brochure, which was printed in 1911 and advertised lots for sale by the Alameda Land Company. Terry is right…the marketing language of the day makes for a startling read.
February 14, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I love all the research you have done here! I have owned a home on Fremont at Edgehill in Alameda for about 7 years. When I bought the house I tried to get some historical information from the previous owner but never heard back from them. I was really hoping to start compiling some house history but I don’t have much to go on. I would love to find blueprints and the architects name.
Here’s all I know: Alameda/Olmsted Park, built in 1922 in French Normandy Cottage style.
I heard a rumour that the architect was a dentist and built 2 other homes in Alameda; my neighbor’s home and another house, both on Edgehill Terr. All three houses do share some similiar features.
When I bought the house it had suffered some neglect but mostly cosmetic. It has most of the original interior details, fixtures and even original paint and stain cans from the 20’s. I just recently started on the attic and I keep finding treasures. Antique toys, games, lamps, papers and such.
Where to you recommend I start to try and find more information about the history?
Thanks,
G
February 14, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Hi G.B. I’ll contact you off-line with some suggestions. Glad you like the site and hoping it inspires your own research.
DD
March 25, 2009 at 9:12 pm
One cannot begin to describe the Old Neighborhood without mentioning the bus route. Specifically from N.E.27th and Skidmore to N.E. 29th where the bus turned right. This two block run had to be terrifying for most of the Bus Drivers.
Everything imaginable was heaved, thrown and shot toward every bus during every month of the year. It was snow balls in the winter, rocks, chestnuts, dirt clods, frisbees (pluto platters), water balloons, crayons shot with a Cross Bow. In fact, one time, one of the neighbor kids put a firecracker in an apple, lit the fuse and threw it in front of the bus. It exploded and apple shrapnel hit the windshield. The driver immediately stopped and tried to chase everyone away. I also remember a water balloon being thrown in an open window (summer time) and it got a passenger all wet. Another kid kicked a soccer ball so hard against the bus that it dented its side. I was later told by one of the adults that the bus company was seriously considering changing the bus route. That is how bad it was. I wonder if the Bus Drivers received hazardous duty pay?
Another kid poured lighter fluid across the street at night and lit it on fire just before the bus approached. The bus drove through the flames. The bus drivers just never knew where or when they would be hit.
What a great neighborhood to grow up in. Fun too!
March 26, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Great memories! Thanks for sharing your experience at Hunderups (Hunderips?), and the bus gauntlet on Skidmore. I’ve never heard that particular tale. What was it about that stretch of street? There must have been some extra adventurous young people who lived nearby. I welcome and invite you to continue sharing your memories of Alameda here on line, or drop me an e-mail at alamedahistory@hotmail.com Thanks!
May 2, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Doug, We exchanged info a long time ago and that brought me and Jean Pecore Weaver together on the net. If you want info on 3880 NE Wisteria Dr.(maybe not in Alameda) where the Herman Lowens lived after l937, and it is a fascinating story, contact my Sister in Law, Evelyn Lowen Apte, evelynapte@hotmail.com
To refresh your memory I am a friend of Janet Mc’s