1720 San Pablo Avenue
Our old sidewalk stamps are usually broken up without ceremony when the sidewalks are renovated. On rare occasions they’re preserved, like the pair of stamps by The Gray Bros. A.S.P. Company at the building Piedmont Pianos has occupied forever. They date from the early 20th century.
I’ve seen quite a few preserved marks in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood, but almost none anywhere else.
Clay Street near 16th Street
The Pacific States Telephone and Telegraph Company existed between 1900 and 1907; before that it was The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company and after that it was the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company (“The” was taken out of the name). Background in this post.
This access cover, with its rare scallop design (others are here and here), seems to always have a vehicle parked on it. Today I finally got a decent look at it.
2412 26th Avenue
Natale Lena (1885-1977) and William G. Helling (1888-1973) were Alameda residents. Lena was a former employee of Alexander LaPlant’s firm; Helling I know nothing about.
Props to Ken Z. for spotting this excellent mark, one of a pair at this address.
Oscar’s Alley
We may never learn who this is, but whoever it is is certainly a professional.
2815 Avalon Avenue, Berkeley
This is W. Todd’s usual mark with the date underneath, unlike my other 1933 example.
2965 Avalon Avenue, Berkeley
This whole block appears to have been paved by W.O. Nelson in 1931.
Oakland Underfoot 