I. L THIS POINT NEWSLETTER
A PvBLICATION OF THE POINT R!:H!.~~~lD HISTORY ASSOCIATION Vol. II, No. 5 December,1983 · January,1984 75 cents
The snowstorm of 1913, and John Nicholl's Oil Well
HISTORY ASSOCIATION NOTES 1 PEOPLE 'ROUND THE POINT 11 POINTS IN THE PAST 3 FROM POINT TO POINT 13 INTERVIEW with LOUISE NOVARINI 8 RECENT HISTORY · MILLER · KNOX CHURCHES 9 PARK, Part VI 14 THE KATZENJAMMER PICNIC 10 POINTS IN THE FUTURE 20 Please note that this is the December-}muary issue. Our next newsletter will be the Feb ruary issue. If it should happen that this newsletter arrives late, this time it might not be the fault of the Post Office. Editor Donna Roselius is expecting her first grandchild any moment, and if her daughter calls, she wnl be off to the Jackson Hospital. leaving all the printing, coll ating and stapling to wait until she returns. JANUARY MEETING ... AUTHORS AND RAFFLES ... HOW TIIE YACHT CLUB A great crowd, great speakers, and great CAME TOBE. refreshmen!s made the November meeting special, and we thank everyone who came, Mark your calendar now for the January and participatedl meeting -Thursday, January 26, 7:30 p.m., at Linsley Hall, 235 Washington Avenue1)n : . Winners of the Raffle were: Jack Creed. the Prof. Botts Memorial Lounge (doW.n ·;.~ho won Clarice Srribjey's jeweled picture; stairs ). The History of the Richmond Yacht Henry O'Hara, who won a dinner for four Club, who started it. how it was built, and presented by the Point Richmond Gourmet the cooperative effort behind it are docu Firefighters; Geor~e Batten, who won the memcd on slides and will be presented by sketch of his house and stationery by Donna George Schuldt, in colorful detail. Roselius; Roger Hartman, who won the wo Refreshments ~:ill of course follow the ven planter by Pat Dornan; and Mid Dorn meeting. and everyone is invited, and wel an, who won a year's membership. come to bring show and tell mementos.
<>911M..-.C..-..<~<~..-.<,....(,....(~~(~~(~~) MEMBERS Misplaced member: Somehow a member named Rebert Thank you to the following members who have renewed their subscriptions this Klehn was given the incorrect address, and month: since he hasn't complained. we don't know Catherine Burchell where to send his ne\.vsletter. If anyo:1c out Grace Mar there knows his address, please let us know! Richard and Donna Wilson If a red check mark appears here And weicome to new members: ----- your membership dues are (or were) due as Paul R. Landgraf of Bonita C. Klivans ~~~~-~~~~~~~~--~ Rhoda Ayers To ensure receiving you next issue of "This Russell and Shirley Moore Point in Time", and to keep it'and other Amelia Drake worthwhile projects going, please mail in Ida Giacomelli your membership now - Since we are a Patrice Verhines non-profit organizations, your donations are Albert and Alexandra Gautraud tax-deductible, and greatly appreciated! And to 'History Preservers': Please fill out the form on the last page and Bruce and Sandra Beyaert send it to Pam Wilson, 521 Western Drive. 1 ..
71ie orig;nal Richmond-San Rafael REPORT FROM THE Ferry Dock, as it loolted in 1916. ARCHIVES COMMITTEE ... On November 18 I delivered the fourth group of photos from the Church Collection to Chevron for copying. This batch depicts early school life in the Point, including pic ~.. ______,..,.....,...W!Wwtl ··-••a U:l•R- n111F1:t...-Hllllllllf\lt+tll'J. FOR CHRISTMAS - tures of entire classes of students and also I of the various school buildings that were SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS located here. Thank you, Chevron, photog Help us start the New Year right by shar raphers Coombs and McKeegan, and Carolyn ing your ideas about what you would like Poage who has so graciously helped us to fo see more of, less of, etc., in the newslet put this whole project together. ter. Even though we are all volunteers, those Michelle and Michael Brown have pro who write articles wish to make them as vided the History Association with more interesting and meaningful as possible. loan forms. These forms are extremely im Your thoughts will help - and if you portant to the organized receipt of items would be willing to now and then contri loaned to the Association, and the accurate bute - with interviews, research articles, recording of items borrowed from the col etc., please let us know that, too. lection. We are interested in obtaining as much Comments: ------current information about the Point as pos sible, as well as items from the past, so that we can chronicle events that will some day be history. Anyone who happens to have recent pictures or newspaper articles relevant to archives of this area, willing to donate or loan them should contact either me or Don na .Roselius. -Teresa Albro smd to: 212 Bishop Alley, Pt. Ridunotu:l.01 94801 233-6243 2 'Potnts in tlte'Past
70 YEARS AGO ... "What may mean an agreeable settlement by '.which company it was m:mufactured a ~>f the controversy between George Lee and year ago. The new equipment on the mach the city O\'et confiscation of cl portion of his ine makes it possible to start it, the mstant lot on Crest Avenue, which he claims the an alarm is turned in, and there is no trouble, city endeavored to take for a public highway that is often experienced in cranking an en when it had no valid right to do so, was the gine of the horsepower generated by the communication from Lee read to ehe council chemical's engine.,, last evening, in which he consents to have -December 7, 1913 the property in dispute condemned by the First, the good news: city and the price to be paid fixed by the appraisers." "J.R. Froberg, local airship inventor and -December 2, 1913 aviator, expects to make a flight in his new hydr~plane model over the city next Sun "In a raid on a shack 011 Railroad Ave day. During the past few weeks Froberg has nue yesterday afternoon. local police offi been engaged in trial trips with his flying cers ... arrested Jack Edwards, a recent boat on the local waterfront for the purpose arrival here, and confiscated 10 opium smok of tuning up the machine for more severe ing outfits. and a qua~tity of 'Yen Chi', the tests with better weather conditions. Every drug after it has been smoked once, a form thing as far a~ he can ascertain now appears in which it is used most extensively by to be in excellent shape and he expects to opium smokers. It is thought by the police have no trouble in making his contemplated that Edwards was planning to open an opium flight providing of course that there is a 'joint' here and had just about complete? favorable weather and it is not too stormy." l1is arrangements to accommodate any resi -December 18, 1913 dents of the city, who might be addicted to Now the bad news: the opmm habit." -December 7, 1913 In a great storm last Sunday, "The hydro plane which J.R. Froberg has been resting "The installation of a new self starter i.1 out on the outer harbor and which he had the a~tomobile chemical fire truck of Com left on the bay shore was entirely demo pany No. 1 has been completed and the lished when the high tide lashed into great machine is now as modern as the latest waves by the wind, sent piling and other chemicals turned out in the Seagrave factory, drift wood crashing on top of it.. , -December 23, 1913 3 "As the result of the explosion of an oil tary condition, with new blankets for pris stove in the rear of the Yosemite Pool room oners, the W.C.T.U. rcporteJ today. The at 45 Washington Avenue Wednesday after inspection was made after the W.C.T.U. re noon Fire Company No. 1 was called out ceived complaints against the condition of but before us arrival the blaze was exting the jail. The complaints were found to be uished. unfounded.'' "The first that was known of the fire -December 19, 1923 was when Dave Hovitz, proprietor of the "W.S. Lincoln, Franklin Canyon farmer, place, was waiting on a customer and no has purchased the Cntchett properties on ticed smoke issuing from the door. He quick Washington Avenue on the West Side ... ly grabbed the oil stove throwing it into the The property consists of mne stores, a brick street thereby saving his property and insur building, a dwelling and hotel at the corner mg the entire block which in all probability of Richmond and Washington Avenues. It is would have been wiped away had it not reported that the value of the property was been for his prompt action." about $25,000." -December 26, 1913 -December 26, 1923
"Henry S1rrenhcrg, proprietor of the "Muio ~o ;.\as arrested bst night in a raid Louvre Saloon, is unluckv. On Thanksgiving on his place at 132 Tewksbury Avenue, :m::l 300 day when he had prepared to entertain some gallons of wine and 10 gallons of jackass friends at a goose (?) dinner, he had his brandy were seized ... Thirty gallons of the nicely baked fowls stolen from his kitchen wine were found buoed in the yard. the po as they were being finally browned. Wednes· lice claim." [Cheers! J day he secured a nice young suckling pig -December 27, 1923 for a big feast he planned to give Christmas day and sent it to a local bakery to have it cooked not desiring to take any chances 50 YEARS AGO ... with his own kitchen again being raided. T~ bakers cooked the pig all right to a deli "Progress in Point Richmond! - Do you cious turn but Christmas being so near de know that Point Richmond, once disdainful. cided that they wonld like a feast themselves ly recognized by residents of the 'other side' and so yesterday Henry received a half of his now has three newspapers, one more than pig instead of the whole which he had sent Richmond's two: Oakland's two; and only to have cooked. Well, it looks like Henry, one less than San Francisco's four?" famous around town for his practical jokes, -December 1, 1933 has finally received his 'just desserts' or din "We have always maintained that there ner, as it were." is 'gold' in these hills of ~oint Richmond ... -December 26, 1913 But it remained for George Deemer·, one of the CW A workmen, to unearth the real 24. katat variety and this he did when he brought once more to the light of day a $5.00 gold 60 YEARS AGO ... piece of the vintage of 1836. Imbedded in the soil near Marine Drive and Richmond "The Richmond city jail has been inspec Avenue the coin has been out of circulation ted bv a committee from the Richmond for who knows how lQJlg?" W.C.T.U. and has been found to be in a sani- December 15, 1933 4 "In spite of the fact that Bob Dornan "At a meeting with city officials yester and Tony Valencia of the Richmond Supply day, the railroads explained that the Mari Company are coming in the door, as we time Commission, the Kaiser shipyards and write, with great bags of coal and wood, we other industries in the area require the ser still maintain that you can travel the whole vices of both lines. wide world over and not fmd a place finer "Members of council protested, pointing to live than in good old Point Richmond. out that all purposes can be served by a R.J. Lavery says so, and as the Standard Oil single line jointly operated. meteorologist, he is acknowledged as an au ·•At the end of the meeting, the railroads thority of weather conditions on the Pacific were asked for a report at the regular meet-· Coast." -December 29, 1933 ing next Monday night. Articles from the Richmond Daily Inde "It was pointed out that while council pendent and the Point Richmond Prog - does not desire to clutter the industrial area ress, compliments of the RichmondPub with separate lines, the Southern Pacific will lic Library. granted a permit for a spur track unless an -Teresa Albro agreement for joint operation is reached." -December 1, 1943
40 YEARS AGO ... 30 YEARS AGO CTTY, GARBAGE SER VICE (advertisement) SUED FOR FIRE DAMAGES M.-1.RIJ\'E VIE11' "Afire last June which destroyed 10 gar "Investigate these advantages of Point bage collection trucks in a building at 2327 Richmond before you buy elsewhere: warm Tewksbury Avenue, today resulted in a suit er climate, guiet district of executive type for Sl 7 ,000 against the City of Richmond rural homes - free of all traffic noise and and the Richmond Sanitary Service by Peter aty 'smog'. Brand new rambling 2 story Mahomed, owner of the buildings. 'California Type' home with a marine view - "Mahomed's cause of action against the has central floor plan, mahogany paneled city is based on his claim that a fire hydrant living room, huge bedrooms, and a kitchen located near the buildings was useless and with the most attractive, artistic tile work incapable of being used to combat fire. we have ever seen. Downstairs has a terrific "Mahomed asserts that he leased garage rumpus room. with a door to patio area. space to the sanitary service on October 31, Price $22,950. FHA terms or owner may 1941, with the lease to run two years.'' trade. Pacific Bay Real Estate. -December 4, 1943 -December 1, 1953 SAJ\'TA FE, S.P. PACT URGED CITY TO SEEK BRIDGE O.''IJ SPUR TR.lCKS SECOND DECK PLANNING "Representatives of the Southern Pacific "Immediate construction of a second and Santa Fe railroads today have been re deck on the Richmond-San Rafael bridge guested by the Richmond City Council to will be urged upon New York bond houses reach a settlement on the question of joint by City Manager Wayne E. Thompson and operation of tracks serving the city's south Mayor Ed J.J.McKeegan when they go East ern industrial area. next weekend. 5 "The City Council yesterday voted them "He said that his and McKeegan's mis authority to seek approval of the plan dur sion would be to persuade the bond houses ing their attendance December 14 and 15 at co approach the California Toll Bridge au White Hou<:e conference on Civil Defense thority and offer to buy the bonds needed problems. to fmance the second deck. The only alter "Thompson said that $4,000,000 already native, according to Thompson, would be to has been saved on the estimated $62,000.00U seek $6,000,000 from the state highway structure by obtaining lower contracts than fund, an act that would require legislative had been expected. approval. "He proposed that he and McKeegan "Thompson declared that if the bridge Inform the Eastern bond houses that the had the second lane it could carry more ·rapid development' being experienced in traffic and thus pax off its bond issue faster.'' Richmond and in Marin County would make -December 8, 1953 the proposed one-level, two-lane bridge in adequate for vehicle traffic. 20 YEARS AGO •.. "He said that in the last four years the BJCYCLE SPILr, INJURES BOY,9 ferry company reported handling 1,000,000 "A nine-year-old Point Richmond boy vehicles yearly and chat conservative esti was hospitalized hst nigLt with injuries he mates place the number of vehicles to use suffered in a bicycle accident. the bridg~ at 4,000,000 in the first year. "Edward Mount Jr., the son of Mr. and "He said, ' Engineers feel those traffic Mrs. Edward Mount of 410 Washington Ave .. figures arc very conservath·e and probably was admitted to Brookside Hospital for will be a 20 percent increase over that. I'm treatment of severe multiple abrasions and quite certain with the rapid developmenr lacerations. we're experiencing here and in Marin County. "Reports indicated that the boy was rid chat the t\.,'O lanes "111 be inadequate when the bridge is ope11ed.' ing down the nearby hill when he lost his balance and fell to the pavement with con "He urged that :he second, lower level siderable force." be opened in October, 19 56, the estimated -December 11, 1963 completion date of the bridge, in order to orovide for six traffic lanes. With two decks 11ME HANGS HEAVY ~ach could be divided into three one-wa'· lanes, according to engineers of the bridge.' OVER MAIL STAFF "Thompson said that he felt chance~ "The advent of December marked the \~ere good that he and McKeegan could con start of one of the bi~est races in town - vmce the bond houses they should financ1.' the annual race against tlme at the Richmond the additional $6,000.000 needed with the Post Office as its Christmas mail rush wenr surplus saved. into high gear, Postmaster Gust J. Allyn noted today. " Thompson said. 'This Citv Council ::.tarted this bridge, nobody else did. You got "New reports from Postmaster General the engineering survev and pushed it. If the John A.Gronouski in Washington to Allyn peo l f tht r don't do those things mdicate an anticipated nat onwide record m don t t done. ' matl vol m for Chr! tm.u; sea on of nearly 12 b 11 p1 c s dunng December. 6 "Locally, Allyn expects December's mail Maude Austin Bagley, Rockville, Maryland: volume to total 1 0,044,000 pieces, exceeding "I have been gone from 'The Point' since last December's total of 9,131,000 pieces. 1920 and have only memories of my four " 'Shopping and mailing eady benefits and a half years at Washington School - everyone,' the postmaster observed. 'The fourth through eighth. They were happy customers who buy early get the pick of the years for me, and of course, after leaving I Christmas stocks; the local economy is aided missed many things ... climbing the ·Nich by the business activity thus created, and oll Nob', picking ·wild flowers, skating - oh. everyone - including the postal service - skating through the tunnel was FUN and is happy about the additional time that early playing in the vacant lot between Montana mailing allows. Ave. and Idaho Ave. with the Hall girls and " 'Early mailing also gives us time to get Butler boys and the Miller children, the Ar gifts and cards in the hands of addressees in nolds and the Windrems." good condition with less chance of damage or delay due to human error. " 'Our 255 employees need public help to run this race against time - and patrons Patrice Verhines, Stockton, California: of the Richmond Post Office can assist us "The roots of this Point Richmonder go by shopping and mailing right now and by deep, for until I was married. this was my using ZIP Code in both return and destina only home. I miss frequent walks through tion addresses.' " the sleepy village, sitting on the cliffs m December 6, 1963 quiet meditation, the panora1mc views. Articles frorn the Richmond Indepe11denr. breathtaking sunsets, and the annual herring -Pam h'ilson run. And Daddy's garden always issuing a bumper crop from the fertile soil. I fed the anticipation of a kid at Christmas when com B. 5chapiro & Co. ing home to visit family, friends, and especi ally my beloved Point Baptist Church ... !L>ts 50x 120. Magnificent I this is the scene of my life's momentous I View. $100 and upwards passages. Most of all, I miss the way it was. Everywhere you looked, there was space ... Open fields.to romp, uncluttered neighbor 39 WASHINGTON AVENUE hoods, undestroyed views. I miss Point Rich mond's charming simplicity - the way it used to be." YOUR POINT OF VIEW Ronald W. Yates, Vallejo, California: ll'HA T DO YOl' :MISS MOST "I miss how the Point used to be in the ABO! T Pul.\'T RJCHMO\:n' early 19 SO's when I was growing up there. Evelyn Moore, Alameda, California: I miss fishing at Ferry Point and climbing "J miss the times when everyone knew along the shoreline from the Standard Oil each other, when kids all played together - property all the way to Kellcrs Beach. I miss games like run-sheep-run, kick the can, etc. the fun I had with Troop 111, and 1 miss and family swim parties at Kellers Beach, Bob Dornan." without one stranger on the beach." -Pam Wilson 7 AN INTERVIEW WITH
Louise Novarini's parents moved to the Point from Massachusetts, in 1907, when she was a baby. Though both were halian (Novarini and Ceridono) they had lived in France. Louise learned some French and ltalian, but her morher was determined to learn English, and insisted that English be spoken in the home. The No\arims first settled in Winehaven where her father worked. Later, they moved to Standard Avenue, to a house on Castro Street, and in 1917 to the home where Lou ise still lives, at 217 Washington Avenue. It had been built in 1904, and was previously been occupied by the Cruikshanks. Louise began her schooling at the old Vh'ld in Louise's memory about the Standard Avenue School, then attended the town she knew as a child was the fact that larger one built next to it. and ended her nearly every other door in the business dist grammar school days in the old Washington rict led to either a bar or a boarding hous~. School. After attending high school she, like Two of her uncles ran the bar and dming most of her dassmates, went to work. She room in the Gerlach (11ow the Todd) Hotel. got a civil senice job in San Francisco. and unnl they went to serve in World War I. for a short time she worked in Los Angeles, Winemaking, a part of the Italian tradi but had the good sense to return. tion, \vas partidpatcd in by many of the During the depression her family moved families in the Point. Grapes were purchased to Reno, '"here ther started a bake shop. either directly from the growers, or where Louise mo\'ed back after a year. and her they were shipped in, at the Southern Paci parents returned after four years. fic Depot. A hand-cranked press was hauled Louise worked for a time for the Inde from home to home, as each family pressed pendent Iron Works in Oakland, but when their grapes. She recalls that her fami1y pro the Second World War started, transporta duced about 100 gallons of wine each year. tion became difficult, so when she was of The barrels left in her basement were even fered a job in the Richmond Shipyards, she tually given to relatives to use as planters. took it. She first worked in Yard 2, then By today's standards, Louise used to be in Yard 3, where she was in charge of ord a great cross-country hiker. She and her ering steel for ship hulls. friends spent much of their time hiking - Following the war, she worked for the not ;ust around the hills of Point Richmond, City of Richmond, and remained there un and" to Winehaven and the Rod and Gun til her retirement. Club, but around Marin County, too. After 8 taking the ferry, a favorite hike was Mt. velopes was discussed and provisions made Tamalpais, but she also hiked as far as Sau for placing same in hands of Members and salito. Louise still looks as if she could ouc friends of the Church for the purpose of re hike most of us, so we know she doesn't ceiving their contributions. spend all her time knitting. Upon counting up the receipts for month -Donna Roselius of October it was found the amount was $44.70. The business of the evening being trans acted the meeting closed without motion. J.M. Jones CHURCHES Feby 5, '06 Point Richmond Meeting opened by Bro Calfee who The following is a continuation of the stated the object of the meeting was to dis first records of the Point First Methodist cuss the payment or non-payment ot -a cer Church. This is the eleventh ir1stallment tain note amounting to S110.00 same being of the series and reflects the developing and buildinK of the present church and placed in hands of Bank of Richmond for w"ys they dealt :vith problems. 111e min collection by W.C. Gray. It seems that the utes are pril"ted as written. amount of the Note originally was $330iand that a proposition was made to Bro. Rich September 25, 1905 that if the Church would pay 2/3 of this lnformal meeting of the board met at amount and that Bros Gray, Banta and Os the church with Rev. D.W. Calfee presiding. born would assume payment of the other Those fresent were Bro Calfee. Odell. 1/3 Bro Rich accordingly with the help of Lester, Phe1ps and Bly. the people raised $235.00 •vhich was paid over and on order was _given him for the It was moved by Bro Lester, sec by Bro Deed which was taken from Escrow and Odell that we adobt (sic) the methodist hym turned over to him. Although the Note was nal and that we get 25 for the church as left. Now later on Mr. Gray claims that Bro soon as possible. Carried. Banta refuses to pay his share of the Note It was also moved and seconded that we and that Bro Osborn is probably in his last (get) 7 5 sets of envelopes. 52 being a set for sickness. Therefore, he requests that Church 100 per set. pay the amount. It was moved and seconded that Bro Cal It was moved and seconded that we the fee appoint a soliciting committee to solicit Trustees request Bros Dille, Bros E.R. Willis funds for the coming year. Carried. Nothing and Bro Rich, our former Pastor to call on further before the meeting it was moved to Bro Grav and see if some settlement could adjourn. Carried. be made', if not, that the matter be settled Jas. C. Bly. Secy by arbitration. Motion carried. It was M & November 6, 1905 Point Richmond S that Ethel Bly and Miss Butterfield be appointed to call on some ofthe people and Meeting opened with singing followed solicit pledges for Current Expenses of the by prayer led by Bro Calfee. Those present Church. Carried. were Bros Calfee, Odell, Lester, Phelps. Bly M & S that the meeting adjourn. Carried. and Jones. CM.Jones, Secy The matter of going over the sets of en- -Mid Dornan 9 '
C~H oC Ch&rACltN-lfr. lt:t.Ufta• lira. A. R. Stromberir, Allco ·urc11t• J:ommt'r, Ceorc• Elllt; lrra. Kauen laoua, Helen Webb, Waddle llltd1el, J:omni.:r, Wiii Sd111pbacll; Fri!& KAI• Llb
~l 10 This program was found by Marion Downey, among her memoirs. A BIG THANK YOU from all the mem bers of the Methodist Women, to those of PEOPLE you who 'lent a hand' to make the A~nual 'ROUND THE POINT Country Faire a success. Your continued support is appreciated. A few items that Welcome back Hope Lee - we were were left are now in "Trannie's Window". 'hope'ing you would find your home here! Because of everyone's help, a new furnace And, we are glad to hear the second eye has been installed in the parsonage! surgery was more successful. -0- -0- 0retta Eaton's two broken wrists have Want to help at Christmas? Meals on healed sufficiently to, as she gleefully an Wheels, 2301 Rumrill Blvd., San Pablo - nounced, "brush my own teeth!". 235-2916 or 223-0841 can always we: sta -o- tionery, stamps, plants, postcards, kleenex, Mabel Edwards, formerly a Washington cosmetics, soaps - for birthday and Christ School teacher, is now in Superior Care Con mas gifts; as well as gifts of money and valescent Hospital, at San Pablo and Vale memorial contributions. Avenues, and would appreciate callers! Why -o- don't some of you former students surprise J a ck Elle is home after a few days 'visit' her -..vith a visit? in Oakland Kaiser Hospital. -o- -o- Come join the Carolers of the Methodist Gust Allyn, after spending several weeks Church on Wednesday, December 21 - meet at Brookside is now at Church Lane Con at the church at 6:00 p.m. Because there valescent Hospital. may ( ! ) be a pre-caroling chili feed, call -o- 234-5334 if you plan to come so they can Raymon d Giacomelli, son of Mary Gia prepare. Everyone is welcome. Join the fun comelli, has been honored as West County and get the true Christmas Spirit. Times' athlete of the week. Highly regarded -o- by many coaches, Giacomelli, who wears a The youth group from the Methodist number 88, is a linebacker for Salesian,and Church will again go to the Howe property is in his senior year. Raymond has also been to cut down trees for Christmas on Decem nominated for the Chicago Catholic All ber 9 and 10. Pat Dornan, chairman, says America Squad. He has been receiving let only trees that are ordered will be cut this ters from prestigious colleges that include yea~. Proceeds go to the Youth Fund for Notre Dame, USC, Arizona and Cal. Ray their yearly activitie~. Call 237-3063. mond is the last boy of this popular family -o- 'to graduate from Salesian, but he has an The day after Christmas, a .caravan of eighth grade sister, Rosemary, who is just as 40 Scouts, parents and friends will travel to popular. Ano Nuevo State Reserve to visit the Ele -o- phant Seals. Their breeding sea.son begins on The Annual Joint Christmas Program to an island along the rocky shoreline bluffs be presented by the church school youth of near Santa Cruz in December when males the Point Baptist and the First United Meth begin to arrive. From 1 4 to 16 feet long and odist Churches will be on Sunday, Decemb weighing up to nearly three tons, these huge er 18 at 7: 00 p.m. Everyone is invited to bulls engage in violent battles to determine chis program. dominance. During the December-March 11 breeding season you can sec the reserve on Darlene Byers flew up to Old Station to ly on one of the guided tours which are be with Veora Heiney for a few days after available only by reservation. The tour takes the loss of Veora's husband. about 2Yi hours, and a walk of about 3 -o- miles. Interested friends should contact The annual Christmas meeting of the Scoutmaster Fred Hart at 232-4317. Methodist Women will be at the Vacaville -o- home of their treasurer, Helen Valentine, on Ha ppy Anniversary, Bo and Don Arnan Saturday, December 17. Invited for lunch, tite! -o- members will have a gift exchange. Anyone needing a ride, call 234-5334. BIRTH: Born to Charles and Karin Bren nan of Western Drive, a son, Spencer Frank -o- G ree tings to all you college students ... lin Brennan on October 3 at Vallejo Kaiser former Pointers ... out-of-town relatives . Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces. . . home for the holidays. 'Home' for the and measured 10 inches. holi9ays includes Kathy and Rich Barnes,of -o- Vermillion, South Dakora, and Roberta and ANTED: Still needed is a regular org w Richa1 d Palfini from lnint:. CA. Seems like anist for Sunday Worship, to ll :00 12:00, Christmas with everyone around! at the Historic First Methodist Church in the Point. Call 234-0780. -o- -0- 1t would be har
f The shoreliM, Ga"ard Boulevard, and the Brickyard, in 1916
15 close proximity to PG&E's big gas tank, as also retained by Santa Fe. This site consists well as the noise level engendered by filling, largely of the slopes and ridge crest of the drafting and testing. southwest spur of the Potrero Hills. Next door, Point Richmond residents Mr. Louis Bernardi, whose family home expressed concern about the number of units is tucked foto a fold in the hill beneath and what the approximately 620 residents Nicholl Nob on . 36 acres, also decided to would do to traffic through the Garrard give in to the Park District's stated desire to Boulevard access road and narrow tunnel, obtain his property in 1 982. Feeling that shared by the two neighborhoods and al he and his brother were "not so young as ready crowded. A loop road was recom they used to be," it would be wise to move mended, joining Garrard and Canal around to a less isolated place where medical faci the Bay end of the peninsula, a suggestion lities were available. They remained in the rejected by Brickyard Cove for security rea house their father had bought in 1907 until sons. Concern was also voiced about the August, 1983. capacity of Washington Elementary School And, in 1982, Mr. William Bottoms of to serve the potential number of children Quarry Products decided to buy the ARCO from the "Brickyard". Jand on which he held an option. This was Park lovers registered chagrin and frus not for renewed quarrying operations, as tration at the loss of the hill view lands be those who had followed the famous quarrJ hind the "Br.ickyard". Even though the de fight of 1978-81 feared, but fo:- yet another velopers promised that no units would be luxury condominium development. Mr. Bot built on the ridgeline, it was apparent that toms had apparently heeded the impas three of the proposed hill structures would sioned statement!; made during the quarry be visible up to 25 feet above the ridgeline battle, about the beauty of the site, and the from the park, intruding on che peaceful undeniable potential financial benefits of isolation cherished by hikers.and park users. using cxtraordinc1ry view properties for people, rather thau demolishing them for After intermittent meetings among the industrial (quarrying~ purposes. developers, the City and the Park District. Accordingly, in 1983, Mr. Bottoms. m 1982 compromises were agreed upon. The d.b.a. Middletown Enterpnses , the project one affecting Miller-Knox Park resulted in sponsor, proposed to construct a residential the agreed upoa acquisition by the Park development called Seacliff Estates with as District of 14 acres of land across the top sociated commercial and recreational uses, and northwest side of the ridge. lnnisfree including a marina, on a 44 acre site over developers also agreed to move eight condo looking the Bay, adjacent to the PG&E prop miniums to avoid visual intrusion on views erty and tank. Above it, the Potrero Hi11s from the park. ridge, along the northern boundary,is owned Also in 1982, several more pa.reels were by the East Bay Regional Park District (the added to the park. One 27 .68+ acre parcel 34acres purchased from ARCO in 1981) and (from a division of 45.38+ acres into three is maintained as open space. Immediately to parcels) was acquired from Santa Fe. It im the East of the Park District land is the mediately abutted Innisfree property. An quarry owned by Middletown Enterprises, adjacent 2.81 + acre parcel was designated but not considered a part of their project. as a scenic easement retained by Santa Fe. Land along the northeastern project bound and the remaining 14.89+ acre parcel was ary is owned by ARCO and contains storage 16 caiiks. Adjacent land to the Ea.st and South Drive via Brickyard Cove Road. Seacliff east is owned by the City of Richmond and Drive would also connect with Canal Boule includes Shipyard 3, Levin Metals and Pasha vard, but this connection would be used Truckaways storage. The shoreline forms chiefly during the construction phase of the the southernmost boundary to the site. project, after which it would be 'gated' and Seacliff Estates would be clustered at used only as an emergency road. the base and on the lower slopes of the Po The public response to this proposal was trero Hills Ridge. 310 units would be village in marked contrast to the heated objections style two-srory condominiums (10% studio, 'oiced during the hearings on the quarry 10% one-bedroom, 70% two-bedroom and project, which was under the same sponsor 10% deluxe two-bedroom) in multi-unit ship. At a community meeting on Scacliff structures, and ten units would be one-story in February 1983, the Environmental Im or split-level single family homes. A 200 to pact Report hearing in June 1983, and the 250 benh marina and concrete sheetpile September 1983 certification of the Report breakwater would be developed in the south by the Richmond EnVIronmental Impact eastern portion of the site, with a small Panel, the major project-related issues were marina-oriented commercial center, and a traffic circulation and parking problems public observation deck to assure public ac which would result from 640 additional cars; cess. noise; visual aspects (including building loca An abandoned quarry pit, now filled uons and materials): public access; die pos with Y.'ater and designated as "quarry pond", sibility that the breakwater would increase would be a recreational focus, with a restau sedimentation and pollution, and interfere rant and community clubhouse, canoeing with navigational access in the pier area: anJ and rowboating. This development would the appropriateness of residentia.1 use near have its own internal network of roads, with surrounding industrial use. However, despite primary access to the project from Seacliff these objections the tone of the meetings
an aerial view of the shoreline, in 1920
•r
17 was sweetly reasonable as compared to the water pipes. Brickyard Cove, an island-la quarry meetings, which must have mildly goon community begun in the 1960's, has astonished and pleased the developer. While suffered various vicissitudes in arriving at the proposal for the Seacliff project was pre project completion, due to restrictions on sented with professional smoothness, and building in the Bay by the Bay Conservation accepted without public outcry. there were and Development Commission and the State basic issues concerning land use, which Lands Commission. But this luxury marine while 1aised by the Port and by Petromark housmg has been very successful, and has (the industry ]casing land from the City ar pa\·ed the way for the further development Terminal I). and acknowledged, were nc\·cr of the nearby hillslopes and flatland in pro explored in depth. jects like 'The Brickyard' and the proposed The issue, and conflict, ic; whether the Seacliff. While the Richmond Environment City of Richmond feels it can more profit al Impact Panel certified the final E.I.R. on abiy encourage expensive residential con Seacliff Estates in Septembe1, 1983, as be dominium housing on the dramatic head ing in compliance with the California En lands, or whether industrial development in vironmental Quality Act and the State CE.QA this area would bring in more money to the Guidelines, the prcpos1.:d project \\ which calls for a balance of tvpe~ of housing, y 3) The project will increase pressure for from costly through middle income, to low continued com ersion of industrial land to cost housing, in order to make provision for residential development; a broad socio-econom1c and racial mix. Out 4] There will be an increa~e in traffic; city has a goods ock of middle and low cost 5 J Water run-off will be increased as housing, but is lacking in expensive housin~, open land is built upon, and there js a pos which is therefore highly desirable, not Cilly sibility of increased sedimentation and pol to ml.!et the r\;quirements of the Housing lution behind the proposed marina break Element, but because it can be very product water; he to the city in net fiscal impact through 6] Loss of wildlife habitat and vegeta 'own-source' revenues such as the property tion habitat (especially eelgra'>s) on the land tax. and in the Bav; The City had previously attempted to 7] Potential interference with naviga provide high cost housing in the Villa Mira tional access to the western side of Pier 7, Vista project, which turned out to be a dis Shipyard 3. aster area, due to the fact that those who In addition to these significant impacts warned about building on the steep fragile on the surrounding environment, Scacliff slopes were ignored, and erosion during bad Estates was not in compliance with the site weather caused slides and broken sewer and zoning, and was requesting a rezoning from 18 the existing residential (Rl-A6} and indust DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS rial {M-3} zoning to Planned Area (PA}. This s Jean Allyn Maria" Hawkirrs later was granted to them in a first reading Edna Hathaw.zy Mark Stevens by the City Council on November 21, 1983. Les Crim Ricliard Wilson Following a second reading approving the Sherry Hartynyk Gerrie Kret:mer re-zoning, Middletown Enterprises will be in Teresa Albro Marilyn Darling Seth Fenton Tom Potts a position to take their Sencliff Estates pro Christopher Creed Roni & Mike Tu mer & ! posal to the Planning Commission. The only Debbie Seab11rg Fem Eastman interests to raise serious objections to the Christine Haves Hazel Paasch idea of this high-priced and revenue-produc Bill Dennis , mg development are the Port and industry. Richmond with a pressing need for money and an industry-oriented history is faced with a crisis of choice. The way in which it JANUARY BIRTHDAYS is resolved will be interesting to watch. -L11crctia Edwards Bryan Smith Du,jght Eaton Ed Paasch Jennie Mitchell Gina Green Janine 1Jollarl1ide (~~--.. Jwck Healy Doug Greiner Sara Strayer Sonja Darling Jim Wilson Cindy Rosier Henry Frances Henry Allyn ~~~~"""'~ ---- Michael Seawell Joe Travis Ad from Mtlry Quey's 1908 Yurbook Geo. Foreign and Domestic Ory and Fancy, Renaere Goods Ladica' Waists and Skitb, Hosiery, the Royal W orcealer Corseta, Cor1et Waist Wrappers, Comforten, Blanketa, Lace Curtains, Men's Union Made Overalls and Shirts, Sox and Underwear, Glovcs. E1c. Prices Guaranteed as low aa anywhere Pt. Richmond, Cal. on the Coast 19 POINTS IN THE FUTURE DECEMBER D.t1TES . ... 1- Hanukkah be~ins (8 day celebration, the DECEMBER- Feast of Lights in]ewisli homes and 4 - Annual A rt Center Ba::aar, Richmomi Synagogues) Art Center, 9:00 to 5:00 19- School Holidays begin 22- Winter begins 17 - Last perfonnance oj the Fantasricks at 25- CHRISTMAS The Masquers 31- New Year's Eve 17 & 18 - The Tinkers and Peddlers Fair, DECEMBERS PAST . .. Linsley Hall, 235 h'asl1ington Ave., 18- 1865, Adopted 13t11 Amendment Point R ichin ond - 1 0 to 6: 00. abolishing slavery 21 - Cltriscmas Caroli11v: meet at 6:00 at 27- 1900, Carrie Nation staged her first 'raid' in saloollS in Wicliita, Kansas the .\fethodist Clwrch, and call 234- 5334 if interested. JANUARY DATES ... /A1YUARY - 1 - New Year's Day .26 - Next mee t in~ of the History Associa 2- Wiren most people find it easier to tion, 7:30 p.m., Linsley Hal!. break a resolution than a habit 3- Enr/ of School Holidays 27 - The Dar.~ of the Moon hP.~i11s at the 15- Marrin L·~tlter King Holiday } fasq11ers. ].4.NVAR YS PAST . .. 10- 1870, John D. Rochfeller incorporated Standard Oil Co., in Cleveland 21- 1906, New York City enacted an ord;n.ince makir.g it illegal for women to smoke f 24- 1908, First Boy Scc-.lt troop organized E11gL.mci. NAM~L---~--~----~------; in ADORESS_~·------~------ ~~=-======:.::~ by TELEPHON'.:: NO·------t "This Point In Time" is published the Point Richtaond Histoiy Association,. 212 T YPE O F MF.:MBERSHIP iCHECK ONE) Bishop Alley, Point Ric...,121ond, CA 94801. F.ditorial Staff: Denn~ Rooelius, Teresa Al C SINGLE $i o.oo bro, Michelle Brown, Mid Doman, Lucretia 0 SENIOR CITIZEN (65 +) !.00 EdWRtds, Liz McDonald, Judy Spediacci, 0 FAMILY zo.oo Pam Wihon. 0 ORGANIZATION 25.00 0 HISTORY·PRESERVER ,0.00 Illustrations: Donna Roselius 0 HISTORY·MAKER 100.00 Layout: Jodi Roselius, Deirdre Cerka.uowicz Membenhip in the Point Richmond History AR'J'ICLES FOR EACH MONTH'S ISSUE Assocl1tlon includes a subscription to this ARE DUE ON THE 20Tii OF THE PREVI· newsletter. OUSMONTH. Please send membership forms to: PAM WILSON Please mail articles and items of interest to: 521 WESTERN DRIVE 212 Bishop Alley, Point Richmond, CA 94801. POINT RICHMOND, CA 94801 Questions? Call 235-4222. Items may also be dropped off at Richmond Supply Co., 145 W. Richmond Avenue. 20