Schilling’s Garden and Snow’s Museum

Interview: Preservationist and Activist, Naomi SchiffMusic: “Schilling Gravy Mixes,” from KFWB radio broadcast; “Elephants,” composed by Courtney Lain, performed by The Marvelous Museum Band. Schilling Gardens on Oakland Wiki August Schilling on Oakland Wiki Snow Museum on Oakland Wiki Henry Snow on Oakland Wiki

Mother Mary Ann Wright

“Mother” Mary Ann Wright fed those in need in Oakland and beyond, starting with one meal a week. That was all she could afford with food purchased from her Social Security checks. She melded dedication, faith and goodwill into a foundation, which fed more than 450 people a day on a shoestring budget of $137,000 …

Pardee Home

The Pardee Home was built in 1868-1869 for Dr. Enoch Pardee and his family. Pardee would later serve as mayor of Oakland. His son, Dr. George Pardee later lived here with his family, and served as mayor of Oakland, and as governor of California. Notable during Pardee’s time as governor was the 1906 earthquake, which …

La Borinqueña Mexicatessen

La Borinqueña Mexicatessen was a small, family-run Mexican delicatessen, spanning 71 years and three generations. Forced to relocate twice because of freeways, it was a mainstay in the neighborhood until 2015. Famous for their tamales, people would return to buy them even after they had moved from the area. Oakland’s first Latino BarrioTina Tamale: Guardian …

Arlington Hotel

Across the street is a large brick building with numerous bay windows labeled Nicholl Block. The Nicholl Block was built in 1877 by John Nicholl, an immigrant from Ireland. He had great success as a farmer in Alameda County, and was able to finance what was noted as “the first brick block on Washington Street.” …