We’re hosting a Sunday afternoon presentation of “The Alameda Neighborhood: It’s Founding and Early Life,” here in the neighborhood at the Subud Center, 3185 NE Regents, on Sunday, January 23rd from 3:00-4:15. The free program involves pictures, maps, and stories from past residents that provide a sense of neighborhood life from 1909 til the 1950s. We’ve presented the popular program recently for the Architectural Heritage Center and wanted to bring it home to the neighborhood so Alameda residents could learn more about their local history . To RSVP or for more information, drop us a note at doug@alamedahistory.org or on the phone at 503-901-5510.
Readers of the blog will know that the Subud Center was formerly known as the Alameda Park Community Church and was often used by the neighborhood for public activities, scout meetings, dances and other get-togethers. A Sunday afternoon gathering there to focus on neighborhood history seems fitting. If you haven’t been in the building before, this will be the perfect excuse to come and look around, say hello to neighbors, and appreciate our local history.
Coffee and cookies will be served. Drop us a note if you plan to come so we have enough!
Alameda Old House History 
In the ’60’s the corner business was Gilman’s Pharmacy (I went to Alameda School with daughter Joyce Gilman). To the left was Pixie Foods, a nice little grocery store. On the Fremont side was a barber shop – 2 barbers, where my friends and I would get our hair cut.
During the 1960’s the barber shop was run by Irv Stark. His brother-in-law Dale Kunz was his side kick. Irv eventually gave up cutting hair and moved back to Arkansas to manage a chicken ranch. Irv’s was a great place for young boys to hang out as it was the only place in the neighborhood where Playboy magazines were available to paying customers of all ages.