Explore two of Oakland’s most fragile, endangered historic districts, Wholesale Produce Market and the Waterfront Warehouse District: Explore two of Oakland’s most fragile, endangered historic districts, where early 20th century wholesale, industrial, shipping and warehousing activities are being replaced by office space, residences, and lofts. Since 2000, almost 2,300 new condos and apartments have been built. An additional 250 dwelling units have been approved or are currently under construction. The Waterfront Warehouse district boasts the country’s finest collection of sidewalk trash receptacles.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-wholesale-produce-market-and-waterfront-warehouse-district-tickets-374557289937

Tour Leaders:

Gary Knecht - Long a resident of the Waterfront Warehouse District, Gary worked in the Planning Department for the City of Oakland for many years. He oversaw the design and installation of the educational and handsome historic refuse receptacles that grace the neighborhood and inform residents and passersby. This is Gary’s last tour for OHA.

Dennis Evanosky - Dennis Evanosky is the editor of the nonprofit newspaper The Alameda Post. He is a free-lance writer with 12 published books. He edited the Alameda County Historical Society’s newsletter for 10 years. He has received four Partners in Preservation Awards, with Steve Mix and Eric Turowski for a calendar featuring the Oakland Laurel district’s history; a second for restoring the Civil War section of Mountain View Cemetery; a third for assisting Bill Caldwell with Oakland: A Photographic Journey, and a fourth as a member of the team of summer tour guides.

Dennis has been a docent at Mountain View Cemetery for twenty-five years. He has worked as a docent at the Pardee Home Museum and leads the City of Oakland’s walking tour of Preservation Park. His walking tours for the Oakland Heritage Alliance include the Laurel District, the Dimond District, Leona Heights, the Oakland Estuary, Oakland’s First Suburb (Preservation Park and the Pardee Home Museum); Oakland’s Redwoods and Mountain View Cemetery’s connection to the Civil War. He currently hosts walking tours for The Alameda Post about that city’s history.

Dennis was born in Pittston, Pennsylvania and was raised in Maryland. He holds a master’s degree in German from the University of Maryland. He taught German for the University of Maryland in Europe for nine years. On a personal note, he and his wife Pauline have been married for 46 years.

Meet: The intersection of 3rd and Franklin Street

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.

This walk explores Fernwood from its earliest settlement to development in the 1920s: Texas Ranger Jack Hays settled along the banks of Temescal Creek in 1852 and called his home "Fernwood." Oaklanders have been attracted to this park-like enclave of hills and ravines ever since. This walk explores Fernwood from its earliest settlement to development in the 1920s as Oakland's forested suburb. No sidewalks; wear comfortable shoes.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-montclairs-creekside-neighborhood-tickets-374547179697

Tour Leader: Kathleen Leles DiGiovanni is a long-time Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour leader and a regular contributor to the OHA News. As a librarian, now retired from the Oakland Public Library, Kathleen logged thousands of hours working in the Oakland History Center, promoting and guiding exploration of Oakland's history through the library's rich resources. She thought it was the best job in the world. In addition to this year's Fernwood and Lakeside Park tours, Kathleen has led walking tours for OHA in Glenview, Montclair Village, Brooklyn and a Women’s History tour.

Meet: In front of the Montclair Branch Library, 1687 Mountain 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.

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.

An upfront look at Mountain View's residents and design: This year’s Mountain View Cemetery walk will cover the history of Oakland's earlier cemeteries, as well as taking an upfront look at Mountain View's residents and design. This year marks the 200th birth of the cemetery's designer, Frederick Law Olmsted. Dennis will a discuss Olmsted's life and his amazing contributions to the world we live in. This hilly three-hour tour will cover most of 190-acre Cemetery. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a snack. Leader: Dennis Evanosky

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-frederick-law-olmstead-and-mountain-view-cemetery-tickets-374474823277

Directions: Meet Outside the Mountain View Cemetery gates, 5000 Piedmont Ave

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.

Tour Oaklands intact historic North Field: Old Oakland Airport (North Field) was dedicated by Charles Lindbergh and often visited by Amelia Earhart. One of the nation’s most historic aviation sites, its original facilities—five hangers, an administration building, and a hotel, built between 1927 and 1929—are largely intact.

Tour hosted by Major Jordan Hayes, Civil Air Patrol, USAF Auxiliary, Amelia Earhart Senior Squadron 188. A level walk. Afterwards you may wish to visit the Oakland Aviation Museum. (Adults $15, Seniors 60+ $12, Children 5–12 $8)

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-amelias-airport-oaklands-historic-north-field-tickets-374461272747

Leader: Based in Alameda, Woody Minor has written extensively about Bay Area history on topics ranging from aviation and shipping to architecture and urban development. His books include Pacific Gateway, a history of the Port of Oakland focusing on the city's proud legacy as a maritime and aviation center. He is currently writing a history of Alameda.

Directions: Civil Air Patrol, USAF Auxiliary, Amelia Earhart Senior Squadron 188, 9636 Earhart Road. From 880, west on Hegenberger Road, cross Doolittle Drive, immediate right turn on Earhart Road. Use 9636 lot only.

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.