1442 Franklin Street
James Graham (1842-1896) was a Canadian immigrant who came to the East Bay in 1874 and started a foundry in Newark eight years later. The James Graham Manufacturing Company grew to become the largest maker of stoves and ranges on the west coast, and the Wedgewood Stove he created is a favorite among collectors.
His life is detailed in an informative biography of uncertain origin. His obituary in the San Francisco Call noted, “Mr. Graham was a public-spirited citizen and was very kind to the poor, performing unostentatiously many acts of charity.”
It isn’t clear to me how old this fixture is or why it says “San Francisco.” The firm established a San Francisco salesroom the year after Graham died, managed by his son George, so that may be a clue.
Oakland Underfoot 
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