EXACTLY OPPOSITE The Newsletter of the Berkeley Historical Society Volume 27, Number 2 Fall 2009 The ’s Visit to Berkeley in 1908

Steven Finacom

On May 14, 1908, the streets of downtown Berkeley were of the Fleet meant not only an expression of American manifest thronged with hundreds of active duty servicemen and thousands of destiny—the primary interpretation the event is given today—but locals who turned out to see them. “We shall never forget the treat- also a welcome display of friendly military might that could shelter ment Berkeley has given us…” one sailor told the crowd. “Without a coast that Californians often felt was neglected and vulnerable to any reserve I can say that you have given us the most cordial wel- attack should hostilities break out between the United States and come we have received.” other Pacific powers. It was a special “Berkeley Day” for United States sailors who In an era before air armadas, radar and similar technologies, the were circumnavigating the world as part the “Great White Fleet”, the arrival of an enemy fleet out of the Pacific off the West Coast could armada President had dispatched around the have potentially wrecked havoc for weeks or months without a world in 1907 to show the flag and exhibit both goodwill and the strong presence of the . military might of the United States. Naval force loomed large in that era and bigger battlewagons were the order of the day in all the great—and growing—navies from Britain to Japan. The value of a modern navy had seemingly been validated by decisive American victories in 1898, including Admiral Dewey’s fleet action against Spanish naval forces in Bay and combat off the Cuban coast. In1905, the startling destruction of the Russian Baltic fleet by the Japanese Navy at the Tsushima Straits doubly confirmed the impor- tance of modern battle fleets and also warned the United States of a rising new naval power on the Pacific Rim. Roosevelt didn’t need much encouragement to promote a big The Great White Fleet anchored in San Francisco Bay. ship navy. In 1897, during his stint as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, he had observed target practice on the Iowa. “Oh, Lord! If San Francisco was the original destination of the Fleet, which only the people who are ignorant about our Navy could see those traveled down the east coast of the Americas, around Cape Horn great warships in all their majesty and beauty, and could realize how and up the Pacific. And San Francisco was glad to see the Navy. well they are handled and how well fitted to uphold the honor of The Bay Area was a thoroughly maritime region. The coming America…” he later enthused. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

The Great White Fleet 1 In Memoriam, Carl Wilson 3 Photo Exhibit 7 Thank you to our Supporters 2 Uncle Gus and Mrs. Miller 6 Spenger Booklet 7 Oral History Update 2 Calendar of Events 8 Oral History Report

Therese Pipe, Acting Coordinator of Oral History Ying Lee Oral History Project Much progress has been made on the Kenneth H. Cardwell Oral History, con- Moves Forward ducted by Paul Grunland. Completion is projected for this fall and a reception is Judith Scherr planned for Sunday, November 1, 2-4:30 Ying Lee’s story begins in war-torn Chi- The History Center is located in the pm at the History Center. na, moves through Hong Kong, back to Veterans Memorial Building 1931 Center St., Berkeley, CA 94701 The video equipment at the History Cen- Shanghai and eventually to Berkeley, Mailing Address: PO Box 1190 ter will be assessed and updated for play- by way of San Francisco. During the 20 Berkeley, CA 94701 510 848 0181 ing the DVD videos in the BHS collection. hours or so of interviews, I’ve seen Ying Margot Lind Board member John Hammond is assist- transform with the times, from a shy girl NEWSLETTER EDITOR ing this effort. scarcely able to attend school, to the ma- ture woman whose passion is books and Dale Smith Therese Pipe will resume activity on The learning. DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Berkeley Co-op Oral History Project in the Having completed the initial interviews Board of Directors Fall of 2009. Vangie Buell, former Berke- ley Co-op employee, will be a consultant for the Ying Lee Oral History Project, I’m Margot Lind Carl Wikander on the project. now combing the transcriptions, correct- CO-PRESIDENT CO-PRESIDENT ing typos and omissions, editing gently Judy Kennedy will explore how the BHS so that Ying’s voice remains strong and stefen Steve Finacom can coordinate with Storycorps for future moving around text so that one thought FIRST SECOND oral history recording. VICE PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT flows to the next. The project is moving Phil Gale Judy Kennedy An Oral History Committee meeting was forward, albeit slower than first estimat- TREASURER SECRETARY held in late June. Exploring the video as- ed. At this point, I see the book printed pects of oral histories will be discussed at and in libraries – including the Berke- John Aronovici Ed Herny their September/October meeting. ley Historical Society, of course -- before Buz Cardoza Dale Smith Ken Cardwell stefen Linda Rosen will coordinate completion the end of the year. After the first edits, Tom Edwards Allen Stross of the Paul Spenger Oral History in 2010. Jane Scantlebury of the Berkeley Public Steven Finacom Bart White Library and Lisa Rubens of the Bancroft John Hammond Acting Coordinator Therese Pipe is ac- Library will each read and fine-tune it, as tively recruiting her replacement for her will Ying Lee herself. Then there will be position, effective in December 2010. If one final edit and a read by a proof reader you are interested, please email Therese before it is designed and printed. at [email protected] Thank Some Recent Donations to Our Archives Berkeley Chamber You of A book by Yukiko Jane Adachi: Memories Find Their Voices; Japanese American experiences during and after World War II Commerce for their Business Manuscript from Mary Spivey: Madame Chiang and the Claremont Housing Membership of $100 Convenant, Berkeley Jeremy Knight, Roger Three 1945 newsletters from the Hall Scott Motor Company in Berkeley from Suzaan and Jean Mos and Ann Boettger Tussing for their Contributing Photographs of People’s Park Demonstrations c. 1969 from Sayre Van Young Memberships of $50. A set of original photographs and negatives from Kimberly Brady of the 1923 Berkeley fire, taken by her grandmother. The photographs are labeled with dates, names and The Members of Claremont locations including pictures of their destroyed home Book Club for their contribution of $45 What is in your attic that could donated to the BHS archives? 2 Berkeley Historical Society Newsletter In Memoriam, Carl C. Wilson

Carl Wilson, the beloved Berkeley Historical Society docent/ he served as part-time consultant for the California Depart- archivist and “lone” forest ranger, has ridden into the sun- ment of Forestry and for the Ontario (Canada) Ministry of set on his horse named Copper. Born in the small town of Natural Resources. He received outstanding awards in For- Halfway in eastern Oregon, he died in Oakland on August 21, est Fire Management from the Forest Service, the Ameri- 2009 at the age of 94. He had been a professional forester can State Foresters Association and from the California De- for almost four decades and, yes, he did ride a big-toothed partment of Forestry. horse named Copper (not Carl built his home on Silver!) while covering Maybeck Twin Drive in territory as District For- 1971 and became an ac- est Ranger of the Angeles tive president of their National Forest. neighborhood associa- Carl first worked in the Ci- tion. After the 1991 Oak- vilian Conservation Corps land/Berkeley Firestorm, in Idaho. He earned a BS Councilmember Betty in Forest Management Olds appointed him to the from the College of Idaho Berkeley Fire Assessment in 1939 and an MS from Commission from 1992 to UC Berkeley in 1941. Af- 2000, where he worked to ter serving in the Navy, he get rid of the highly com- joined the US Forest Ser- bustible eucalyptus trees vice in 1946 and moved in the hills. Mayor Shirley to Berkeley in 1956 to be- Dean proclaimed Carl Wil- come chief of the Division son Day in his honor on of Forest Fire Research at November 10, 1998. the Pacific Southwest For- Carl volunteered for the est & Range Experiment Berkeley Historical So- Station. During the 1950s ciety starting in 1983 and 1960s, he worked on and served three terms the development and ap- as Board President. Burl plication of chemical fire Willis notes that he kept a retardant, airtanker, He- sense of optimism during litack and fuel-break con- the long search for a per- cepts. He became National manent home for the Soci- Fire Specialist for the ety, which ended with the Washington DC Coopera- Veterans Memorial Build- tive Fire Protection staff ing. “Carl was our first from 1973 to 1978. In ‘pro bono’ docent. Work- 1975, Carl was assigned ing with him was always a to the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Na- joy. He was a favorite with all our regular visitors, including tions in Rome where he developed fire management plans Country Joe McDonald.” He served as archivist/docent at for the Mediterranean Region, Central America and Central the Berkeley History Center from 1993 to 2001. He wrote Africa. the BHS columns “50 Years Ago” and “75 Years Ago” for the He was a lecturer in “Fire” at UC Berkeley, Riverside, San Berkeley Voice from 1986 to 2001. He also led numerous Diego, Santa Cruz and elsewhere, including Freiburg Uni- walking tours of his beloved “Nut Hill” neighborhood. Linda versity/United Nations University (UNU) in Germany. Jo- and Steve Rosen remember Carl as a man of charm, confi- hann G. Goldammer of The Global Fire Monitoring Center dence and a gentlemanly manner, who was blessed with an (GFMC), Fire Ecology Research Group in Freiburg recalls: outstanding memory. He teased and reminisced with us in “He introduced me to the world of fire management in the a loving way.” Son Craig Wilson sums up his father: “He was USA back in the 1970s. He constructed a bridge between known for his unquenchable sense of humor and kindness.” the USA and Europe - and the results are an atmosphere of fruitful collaboration and friendship.” After his retirement, Contributed bu Craig Wilson, Linda and Stephen Rosen, Carl Wilson Oral History, STEFEN, and Burl Willis

Berkeley Historical Society Newsletter 3 GREAT WHITE FLEET All the ships—more than 40—then Berkeley Gazette predicted on May 12, 1908, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 anchored between the central waterfront “One of the greatest days in the history of and Yerba Buena Island, where they put on the city…replete with pleasant surprises As President, he made both a domes- an after dark display of searchlights. It was for the sailor boys,” who were also called tic and foreign policy statement by dispatch- “the finest fleet of fighting machines ever “jackies”—a diminutive of “bluejacket”— ing the —painted white with gilt gathered,” wrote the Berkeley Reporter the because of their dark blue uniform coats. bows for the occasion, hence the name—to following day. “While San Francisco is at present the center the Pacific Coast and then around the world. With daylight, officers and enlisted men of attraction…too much local patriotism should not be expended in aiding the Queen May 8, 1908, was the local day of arrival. poured ashore for days of banquets, parades, City of the Pacific entertain the jackies, for For nearly a week, thousands of visitors had outdoor lunches and concerts, receptions, Berkeley day will be an importantt factor in been pouring into San Francisco from as far theater performances, dances, special the entertainment of the jolly tars who are away as Nevada. They were joined by tens church services, yachting and automobile ever ready for a ‘fight or a frolic.’ “Berkeley of thousands of locals—a million spectators trips around the Bay. some estimated—who ringed the Bay on hilltops and shorelines from Berkeley’s ridges to the Golden Gate, many sleeping outdoors overnight to preserve their vantage points. Key System ferries carried thousands to Yerba Buena (then Goat Island) where they could watch the fleet arrival at close range; additional thousands were turned away from the ferry slips. One Berkeley resident reported a near disaster at the Key System terminal on its pier stretching far into the Bay, where windows had to be broken to ventilate the jam-packed crowd. According to the Berkeley Gazette, “The excursion boats, their decks crowded with passengers and their masts and sides gaily decorated with bunting and the national colors, were steaming towards the Golden Gate early in the morning, saucy lunches has an individuality that cannot be counter- In San Francisco, said the Reporter, “sai- vying with huge, black-hulled liners for the feited, and there will be characteristics about lors and soldiers were cheered, pelted with honor of being the first to get outside and the events the college city will furnish for flowers, showered with admiration…” in a give noisy greeting to the warships”, which the amusement of the sailors that cannot be welcoming parade along Market Street, whi- had waited off shore for the morning. duplicated.” “A great holiday for both the le “2,500 girls to dance with 2,000 sailors” sailors and the people” was promised. Busi- As the sixteen battleships of the Atlantic were selected from among the locals. San nesses were asked to close for the day and Fleet came in single file through the Gate, Francisco also set up tents in public parks patriotically decorate their premises, and “sirens shrieked, passengers and crews so weary sailors on shore leave would have a “every person owning a garden” was asked cheered and waved hats, flags and handker- free place to sleep. The sailors welcomed the to send fresh cut flowers to the Chamber of chiefs.” The “monster cannon” of the coastal friendly reception, which was unlike their Commerce for decorations. artillery batteries on the Marin Headlands treatment in some east coast ports. and the Presidio fired black powder salutes “More than 5,000 buttons advertising “California in her welcome to the men “and the great clouds of smoke, streaked by Berkeley Day” had been passed out at San behind the guns has put to shame the the fiery flashes of the explosions, made an Francisco and Oakland festivities and, on eastern snobs who raised a social barrier awe-inspiring sight.” May 13, a private vessel displaying 30 foot against blue uniforms unadorned with gold banners reading “Berkeley is Looking for The Atlantic Fleet warships skirted the braid” (the mark of an officer), the Gazette You Tomorrow” steamed among the an- San Francisco shore while, in a dramatic commented. The commander of the Fleet, chored warships. bit of naval theater, the smaller Pacific Fleet “Admiral Evans says it was the greatest emerged from behind Angel Island accom- welcome of its kind the world ever saw,” the Starting around noon on the wet morn- panied by torpedo boats and other auxiliary paper added. ing of May 14, 1908, contingents of sailors ships, described a half circle and fell in with began to arrive on free streetcars and trains Thursday, May 14, 1908, was Berkeley’s their Atlantic compatriots. up Shattuck Avenue “and were met at the special day to participate. It would be, the stations by owners of automobiles who

4 Berkeley Historical Society Newsletter took them out for a spin, showing them the the competition trophies. “First honors went not as mere curios…Here in Berkeley we many interesting points about the city,” the to the men of the Kansas”, who just edged have had the best time we have had on the Gazette reported. A band provided “sweet out the crew of the Kentucky. coast…We shall never forget the treatment music” downtown for the arrivals as they The crews were then feasted at old Berkeley has given us.” disembarked along what is now Shattuck Harmon Gymnasium (on the site of today’s Part of the Fleet lingered in the Bay for Square, next to the Southern Pacific rail sta- Dwinelle Hall) by “150 ladies”, “represent- months, while squadrons cruised up the tion, which was “covered with hundreds of ing their special group of Berkeley’s fair coast to Washington State. Eventually the flags.” The men in uniform were “received women” who served, seven to a table, food ships regrouped and departed for , with cheers by hundreds of schoolchildren provided not only by caterers but “Berkeley’s en route to Australia, then across to the and visitors gathered about the depot”, the most capable housewives.” Women from , through the Mediterranean and Berkeley Reporter wrote. local churches, the Mothers’ Clubs at public across the Atlantic to a triumphant conclu- Each sailor was handed a bouquet, and schools, and other organizations from the sion. There was a sweet Berkeley postlude “a list of views of Berkeley” by way of local Eastern Star to the YMCA, participated. A to the occasion—the culmination of an keepsakes. The local reception committee thousand lucky locals had been given special intercontinental love story. Sailing with the distributed thousands of these “postcard passes to watch “the serving of the supper”, Fleet was Niels Drustrup, who had come to souvenir books” so the sailors could take although with the rain forcing it indoors, the United States in 1896, joined the army, photographic evidence of Berkeley’s glories it’s unclear how many spectators actually fought in the Spanish American War, and away with them. got in to observe the dining. Finally, the then enlisted in the Navy. Drustrup met Jo- Center Street, the natural route for public visiting sailors returned downtown where, at hanne Christiansen, a fellow Dane, around celebrations because of its connection be- Center and Shattuck, there was an “elaborate 1900 when both were crossing across the tween downtown and the UC campus, was ceremony attendant upon the flag raising” Atlantic. She was a new immigrant and he lavishly decorated. “Countless thousands by a local National Guard company. The was returning from a visit to his family in of roses were intertwined in festoons of ivy welcoming committee had paid for a 57 foot Denmark. They met again in North Dakota, and geraniums hung in clusters from the flagpole and new United States flag “on the but once again their paths diverged. In 1907 suspended streamers. gore immediately south of Center Street at Christiansen moved to Berkeley where she Shattuck Avenue”, where Berkeley’s giant was living on College Avenue when Drus- “Wreaths of green and red flowers were tuning fork artwork now stands. trup sailed in with the Fleet in 1908. Their placed on every pole supporting the decora- granddaughter, Berkeley resident Neysa tions and Center Street presented a most The sailors warmly responded to the Garrett, reports it was in Berkeley “where he attractive scene with its thousands of pen- occasion. “Before we return to the fleet I feel proposed marriage. She took the train up nants flying in the breezes, forming an arch as though someone of our number ought to to Seattle, met his ship there, and they were under which the sailors were conducted to attempt to express the feeling of gratitude we married July 1, 1908.” the campus. bear towards the good people of Berkeley for what they have done for us”, Samuel Smith, After the Fleet returned from the around “Center Street…never was more gaily the radio operator of the Virginia, told the the world voyage Christiansen relocated to bedecked, and it is doubtful it has ever pre- crowd. “Without any reserve I can say that the east coast, living in the port cities where sented a more cosmopolitan scene. you have given us the most cordial welcome her husband’s ship was based and ultimately Thousands of men, women and children we have received on our long cruise. Great raising four children with him on a Pennsyl- thronged the thoroughfare, while street ven- ovations have been made in honor of the vania farm. Drustrup had a distinguished ca- dors selling souvenirs of the occasion were fleet, but never before have the sailors been reer in the Navy, winning the Congressional in evidence from every quarter.” received as brothers and shown the true Medal of Honor for bravery under fire when Unfortunately, it rained on Berkeley’s hospitality characteristic of the west. his ship helped occupy Vera Cruz, Mexico, parade that day. “In the rain, much of the ”Here we feel as civilians among friends, during a 1914 United States intervention. colored bunting drooped and dripped dye on the street, but the effect was not fully spoiled.” Many of the visitors proceeded to the track oval on the campus, where the Life Sciences Addition now stands, and athletes, both local and nautical, competed in events ranging from the 100-yard dash and 880- yard run to a “sack race” and “obstacle race.” Despite the rain, “nearly 10,000 spectators watched” the local festivities, the Gazette reported. “Everyone who was not detained by business turned out to see.” University President Benjamin Ide Wheeler passed out The crew of the USS Kansas were some of the visitors to Berkeley on May 14, 1908. Berkeley Historical Society Newsletter 5 Uncle Gus and Mrs. Miller

STEVE TAYLOR

To our parents, August Vollmer was an grownups in neighborhood. These grownups lead the Los Angeles Police Department. He innovator of modern criminal justice and were usually women of a grandmotherly age made sweeping reforms, but could not bring Berkeley’s first police chief. To us, he was and always those we could count on for a an end to the graft and corruption that were simply “Uncle Gus,” a friendly grownup who handout of candy or baked goods. ingrained in the Los Angeles force. A year lived next door to our Spanish-style home on passed and so did Vollmer’s political support. Euclid Avenue, in a two-story stucco house Which brought us directly to Mrs. Miller, He learned the hard way that Los Angeles he shared with his housekeeper, Mrs. Mill- whose cookies were delicious and who would was no Berkeley and he resigned in defeat. er. We knew her to be a reliable supplier of always invite us in to say “Hi” to Uncle Gus. homemade cookies. Snacks in hand, we’d gather in Vollmer’s Still, a surprising number of Vollmer’s proté- downstairs library, standing or sitting in a gés and pupils (he taught at Cal for a while) later took on leadership roles as police chiefs, professors of criminal justice, forensic scien- tists, lawyers, military leaders and politicians. As the 1940s wound to an end, 25 police chiefs throughout the nation had served un- der Vollmer.

Vollmer had also helped revamp the San Di- ego Police Department and completed sur- veys of departments throughout the nation, not only in Los Angeles, but also in Santa Barbara, Detroit, Chicago, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Piedmont, Dallas, Syracuse and Portland. The surveys were meant to help the cities improve their police operations.

Our mother’s family had emigrated from Guadalajara, Mexico, to California, where prejudice against the Spanish-speaking could make it hard for her family to find housing. The discrimination usually ended, though, when the prospective landlord learned that mom’s father was an artist who painted mu- rals, portraits and backdrops for the Holly- Today, parents schedule their children’s time semicircle around him as he relaxed in an wood film studios. It may have been mom’s down to the minute, filling each after-school easy chair. We’d tell him what we were doing early memories of these difficulties and of hour with classes in music, swimming, bal- that day. If we were lucky, he’d show us his the tough LA cops, that fueled her admira- let and other character-building activities. badge, a set of handcuffs or a photo from his tion for Vollmer and his reforming zeal. Their dogs, too, must be leashed or enclosed days leading the Berkeley police force. at all times. Yet in the late 1950s, after Crag- Mom told us that Vollmer dedicated his life mont Elementary School released us to the Uncle Gus displayed these artifacts som- to increasing the professionalism of police world each afternoon, our dogs ran free in berly, giving them the importance they de- work, where corruption and brutality had the Berkeley hills and so did we. served. He seemed a modest man, one who been common throughout the U.S. She didn’t brag about the innovations he’d spear- told us that Vollmer’s innovative approach We were free to gather on the sidewalks to headed during his years as a leader in crimi- turned the Berkeley Police Department into roller skate and play catch or hopscotch. nal justice. It was our mother who sang these a model for modern policing throughout the Free to hang out on the huge vacant lots that praises to us. world. She lauded him for introducing new were common then, where we’d slide down technology to crime fighting, things such as the grassy slopes on cardboard “sleds,” start She’d grown up poor and Hispanic in Los fingerprinting, lie-detector tests, crime labs dirt-clod wars with one another and make Angeles, a town that was then rife with police and the use of radios in police cars. forts out of holes in the ground that we’d corruption and brutality. Vollmer, in fact, took covered with scavenged boards and dirt. a leave of absence from his Berkeley duties in (We learned later that Vollmer wasn’t actu- 1924 (when mom was two) to reorganize and ally the first to install radios in police cars, In smaller groups, we’d also visit select 6 Berkeley Historical Society Newsletter although he did make Berkeley one the first cities to use them. In 1914, he started the Berkeley in Conflict: Eyewitness Images first automobile police patrols in the nation.) The Fall/Winter exhibit at the Center fo- and became an American citizen in 1962. We would sometimes watch TV at Uncle cuses on eyewitness accounts of confron- He was educated in California, with a BA Gus’. The year was 1954, a time when many tations on issues of importance to Berke- in history from Occidental College (1964) households, including ours, didn’t have the leyans. Especially since the Free Speach and a MA in journalism from UC Berkeley luxury of a television set. The TV revealed Movement and the occupation of Berke- (1966). the nature of Vollmer’s interest in us, I think. ley by the National Guard, citizens have Dan Beaver has a professional career in One afternoon, I found myself in the den come together to express their opinions psychology. While an undergraduate at Cal watching a nature program on KQED, the about social and political issues in a pub- he shot photographs of social interactions. Bay Area’s public broadcasting station, after lic venue, a tradition dating to before the American Revolution when Bostonians After 25 years as a mathematics profes- the other kids had grown bored and wan- sor at Cal Poly Pomona, Lydia Gans took dered off. protestied a tea tax. And since the advent of cameras, photographers have been an early retirement, moved to the Bay there to record these events. Area and embarked on a new career as a I thought nothing of it, but later my mother photojournalist. When she moved up here told me that Uncle Gus had noticed my in- Three photographers have collaborated on she told my southern California friends terest in PBS and asked her why some kids a presentation of issues facing the Berke- I’ve stopped traveling, being around quickly grew bored with “educational televi- ley public from the occupation by the Na- Berkeley is a trip in itself. sion” while others, like me, seemed to enjoy it. tional Guard in the sixties to the standoff between Code Pink and the Marines. Among her published works are To Live With Grace and Dignity about people Uncle Gus, you see, was a life-long student These never-before exhibited images of of human nature and a pioneer of the idea with disabilities and their assistant and the struggle to be heard are the work of Sisters, Brothers and Disability. She has that crime is best fought, not by catching per- three Bay Area photographers. John Jek- petrators, but by recognizing and correcting participated in several exhibits and has abson, 68, is an East Bay writer, editor had a show at La Pena. She worked on the factors that lead people to lives of crime. and photographer, specializing in eastern Simply put, he was watching us to see if he book projects about Food Not Bombs with European topics. His work has appeared a friend and has been providing photo- could detect personality traits that would in Pacific News Service, the San Fran- lead to productive, happy lives or, conversely, graphs for various publications. She is cisco Chronicle, The Economist and Roll- the long-time photo editor of the Sierra to lives spent in the confines of the criminal ing Stone, as well as numerous European justice system. Club newspaper the Yodeler And she trav- publications. In 1969 he was the assistant els around Berkeley, wherever things are editor of the Berkeley Barb, and later the happening and takes pictures. One afternoon, Mom took my sister Carol Berkeley Tribe. John was born in Latvia and me aside as we arrived home from school and sat us down in our living room. With a studied calmness I’m sure she didn’t feel, she told us that Uncle Gus had left us. He’d used Tom Sawyer in Berkeley? his service revolver to take his own life. It The mostly true adventures of young Frank Spenger was the first time we’d had to face the death of someone we knew. Check out the new Berkeley Historical Though the booklet focuses on Frank’s Society booklet about the childhood ad- early years, photographs tracing the full At age 79, Vollmer suffered from Parkinson’s ventures of the founder of Spenger’s Fish history of his life and of Spenger’s Fish disease and cancer. As Mom explained it, he Grotto: The Early Life of Frank Spenger Grotto are also featured, many never made a rational decision and carried it out in Sr., Berkeley’s Old Man of the Sea. BHS before seen by the public. In addition to with great consideration for others, shooting Co-President Carl Wikander has edited those in the BHS collection, new photos himself while his beloved neighborhood kids the first chapters of an unpublished have been generously shared by members were away at school and doing so on a sunny manuscript by Eugene Wood and added of the Spenger family and by Spenger’s day, on a cement walkway between our two an introduction setting the context and Fresh Fish Grotto. John Aronovici did the houses. He didn’t want to leave a mess in his an epilogue bringing the story up to date. book design and Linda Rosen researched den for Mrs. Miller to clean up. Frank’s stories of growing up in a differ- the family genealogy and provided cap- ent era are told in his own words and the tions and edited the photographs with as- She talked with us about Uncle Gus’ growing commentary of Mr. Wood reveals a point sistance from Stephen Rosen. health problems and how they would have of view that itself was a reflection of ear- led to pain and dependency. We think that you will enjoy reading tales lier times. These adventures include re- of West Berkeley at the turn of the centu- belling against strict schoolteachers, run- Then she told us that Uncle Gus’ failing eye- ry through the eyes of young Frank, who ning away to live in a piano crate in Point sight had worsened to the point that he could later became Berkeley’s Old Man of the Richmond, selling his fish door-to-door, as no longer see us, “his kids,” when we stopped Sea. Copies are available at the Berkeley well as to the madam of an establishment by for a cookie and a chat. We think that was History Center: $9 for members and $10 for ladies of the night, and finally buying the straw that broke the back of Uncle Gus’ for non-members. Telephone: 848-0181. his own boat with the profits. desire to live. Berkeley Historical Society Newsletter 7 oaklandnet.com/government/cmo/walk- flict: Eyewitness Images Berkeley His- Calendar of Events ingTours torical Society, Berkeley History Center, October 3 Walking tour Marin Avenue 3-5pm. For more information call 848-0181 September 12 Walking tour Oakland’s Temes- North: Early 20th Century Berkeley October 21 Lecture A New Deal for the East cal District, Oakland Heritage Alliance, 10 Hills, Berkeley Historical Society, 10 am. Bay: Excavating the Buried Civilization am. For more information, call 510-763- For more information, call 510-848-0181 of the Great Depression, Berkeley Archi- 9218 or visit www.OaklandHeritage.org October 7 Walking tour Oakland City Center, tectural Heritage Association, 7:30 pm. September 12 Walking tour Oakland’s 10am. For more information, call 510- For more information, call 510-841-2242 churches and temples, 10 am. For more 238-3234 or visit http://www.oakland- October 24 House tour Oakland’s Fern- information, call 510-238-3234 or visit net.com/government/cmo/walkingTours wood Neighborhood, 1-5 pm. For more http://www.oaklandnet.com/govern- October 8 Lecture Inventing a Master- information, call 510-763-9218or visit ment/cmo/walkingTours work: Bernard Maybeck and the First www.OaklandHeritage.org September 12 Workshop Repairing Wood- Church of Christ, Scientist, Berkeley October 28 Walking tour Preservation Park, en Windows, Berkeley Architectural Architectural Heritage Association, 10 am. For more information, call 510- Heritage Association, 2 pm. For more in- 7:30pm. For more information, call 510- 238-3234 or visit http://www.oakland- formation, call 510-841-2242 841-2242 net.com/government/cmo/walkingTours September 13 Solano Stroll, 10am-6 pm October 10 Walking tour Oakland’s Uptown October 31 Walking tour West Berkeley September 13 Walking tour Mills College District, 10 am. For more information, call Works!, Berkeley Historical Society, 10 am. campus, Oakland Heritage Alliance, 2 510-238-3234 or visit http://www.oakland- For more information, call 510-848-0181 pm. For more information, call 510-763- net.com/government/cmo/walkingTours November 1 Reception Ken Cardwell 9218or visit www.OaklandHeritage.org October 10 Walking tour Clarmont Creek- Oral History, Berkeley History Center, September 15 Walking tour Marin Circle, side, Architectural Heritage Association, 2-4:30 pm. For more information, call Berkeley Pathwanderers, 10 am. For 10 am. For more information, call 510- 510-848-0181 more information, call 510-524-4758 or 841-2242 November 4 Lecture Smart Growth, Green visit www.berkeleypaths.org October 14 Walking tour Oakland’s church- Buildings & Other Oxymorons, Berkeley Ar- September 19 Walking tour Berkeley’s New es and temples, 10 am For more informa- chitectural Heritage Association, 7:30 pm. Deal History, Berkeley Historical Soci- tion, call 510-238-3234 or visit http:// For more information, call 510-841-2242 ety, 10 am. For more information, call www.oaklandnet.com/government/cmo/ November 14 Walking tour Affordable 510-848-0181 walkingTours Housing in Berkeley, Berkeley Historical September 20 Walking tour The Civil War October 17 Walking tour The Obscure His- Society, 10 am. For more information, at Mountain View Cemetery, 10 am. For tory of South Telegraph, Berkeley His- call 510-848-0181 more information, call 510-763-9218or torical Society, 10 am. For more informa- December 12 Walking tour A Bouquet of visit www.OaklandHeritage.org tion, call 510-848-0181 Boutique Hotels, Berkeley Historical So- September 23 Walking Tour Old Oakland, October 18 Exhibit Opening Berkeley in Con- ciety, 10 am. For more information, call 10 am. For more information, call 510- 510-848-0181 238-3234 or visit http://www.oakland- net.com/government/cmo/walkingTours Berkeley Non Profit September 24 LectureVintage photos of Historical Society Org. U.S. POSTAGE Alameda, 7 pm. For more information, POST OFFICE BOX call 510-523-5907 or visit http://www. 1190 PAID BERKELEY, CA 94701 Permit #131 alamedamuseum.org Berkeley, CA September 26 Walking tour Preservation Park. 10 am. For more information, call 510- 238-3234 or visit http://www.oaklandnet. com/government/cmo/walkingTours September 26 Walking tour West Berkeley, Berkeley Architectural Heritage Asso- ciation, 10:00am. For more information, call 510-841-2242 September 27 Alameda Legacy Home Tour, 11am. For more information, call 510-523-5907 or visit http://www.alam- edamuseum.org September 30 Walking tour Oakland wa- terfront, 10 am. For more information, call 510-238-3234 or visit http://www.