Oakland Underfoot

2426 108th Avenue

I confirmed this date in the field, even though it felt like a 1925. Sharp’s early marks used a stamped date and were not hand-drawn.

3751 Elston Avenue

Frank Salamid marks are usually unique combinations of orientation and date placement. This block of Elston has about 10 Salamid marks from 1934 and 1935, but they are all the same. I think the remarkable setting of this street made even the casual Salamid sit up and do his best.

Canon Avenue at Veteran Way

4017 Balfour Avenue

2007 12th Avenue

I have never before seen a sidewalk mark with a metal date. Eastern cities like Chicago, Buffalo and Toronto have old brass sidewalk marks, but this is the nearest to such a thing that I’ve found in Oakland.

2434 11th Avenue

E. 33rd Street at Park Boulevard