Visit the site of Arbor Villa, Francis Marion “Borax” Smith’s palatial estate: Visit the site of Arbor Villa, Francis Marion “Borax” Smith’s palatial estate. Smith founded an international industry (“20-Mule Team Borax”), established the Key Route System, and became one of Oakland’s most famous, colorful entrepreneurs. The tour visits the site of Oak Hall, the 9th Ave. palm trees, the Mary R. Smith Cottages and other historic houses, including ones designed by Bernard Maybeck and Julia Morgan. A 2-mile, hilly walk.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-f-m-borax-smith-estate-tickets-374482165237
Tour Leader: Phil Bellman was an early Board member of Oakland Heritage Alliance and Editor of the OHA News. He has a keen interest in architectural history and preservation. He has led tours of the FM Smith’s Oakland estate more than 25 times, as well as tours of the early borax works in Nevada. Phil is now retired after working for 40 years in public health and healthcare in the East Bay.
Last year, Phil gave an online presentation about FM Smith which is available via Events/Archived on the Oaklandheritage.org website or
on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqKs3z8zdWM&t=38s
Meet: Redwood tree, near 1105 McKinley Avenue at Home Place East (1 block off Park Boulevard)
Notes:
Vouchers, limited-income pricing, and any other special sales circumstances will be handled onsite at the starting point on the day of the walking tour.
These tours support Oakland Heritage Alliance, a non-profit that tells Oakland’s story through walking tours, lectures, newsletters and advocacy. We welcome volunteers and new members!
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.oaklandheritage.org for profiles of tour leaders. We are grateful for their skill and generosity.
THESE TOURS ARE BASED IN PART on the research of the Oakland Cultural Heritage Survey, a project of the City of Oakland Strategic Planning Division, and the resources of the Oakland History Center, 2nd floor, Oakland Main Library.
PLEASE MEET 15 MINUTES BEFORE listed time to allow for registration.
Due to the continued prevalence of CoVid, we encourage masks and social distancing, but as masks are not required outdoors by Alameda County, we are unable to enforce these suggestions. We hope you will be guided by consideration for others.
Comfortable walking shoes, sun hats and sunscreen are recommended. Bring water.
In case of substantial rain, the tour will be rescheduled.
Please check your email the morning of the walking tour for any last-minute changes, clarifications, or cancellation.