Oakland Underfoot

2108 Essex Street, Berkeley

One of the nicest marks by Peterson & Adler you’ll ever see.

Having spent a lot of time walking in Berkeley lately, I’ve collected a few more stamps bearing dates unrepresented in Oakland.

1906 – Esterly Con. Co.

1529 Le Roy Avenue

A fine double mark, though the date is dim. Oakland has a double mark from 1907.

1908 – Esterly Con. Co.

1529 Le Roy Avenue

Both of these Esterly marks are on the Hayward Fault, so it’s not clear how much longer they’ll last.

1921 – J. E. Reed

1631 Spruce Street

Oakland has a single example of Reed’s mark, barely over the Berkeley line.

1958 – G. W. Griset

2285 Virginia Street

Griset’s marks are fairly common in Oakland, but they span only a few years from 1950 to 1957.

I’ve decided that since I’ve seen every bit of Oakland’s sidewalks, it’s now OK to fill in missing dates of Oakland’s sidewalk makers from out of town. Here’s the first installment.

1905 – Contra Costa Construction Co.

Arch Street, at The Berk (2311 Le Conte Avenue), Berkeley

There’s just one example of this mark in Oakland, from 1904.

1906 – Contra Costa Construction Co.

2107 Addison Street, Berkeley

This is in front of the Hot Cups Cafe. The building has a plaque on the front, on Shattuck Avenue, stating that it was the first site of the California Academy of Arts and Crafts (now CCA).

1907 – Hall & Nelsen

1876 Arch Street, Berkeley

There is only one example of this mark in Oakland, from 1918.

1910 – Blake & Bilger

1862 Arch Street, Berkeley

Blake & Bilger marks are rare and special, so I’m pleased to add a new year’s date from this iconic Oakland firm.

820 58th Street

This is the third 1906 Peterson & Adler mark I’ve found, and it’s by far the best preserved one by this maker, although the light doesn’t flatter it.

5920 Genoa Street

This is as pristine a mark as you will find from 1906.

1053 Alcatraz Avenue

I just can’t make this out, but a directory search found Robert H. Hahn, cement worker.

673 Poirier Street

I’ve found three 1901s and four 1907s by this maker; finally here’s a 1906.