Image Credit: Oakland History Center
Visit the site of Arbor Villa, Francis Marion “Borax” Smith’s palatial estate. Smith founded an international industry (“20-Mule Team Borax”), established the Key Route System, and became one of Oakland’s most famous, colorful entrepreneurs. The tour visits the site of Oak Hall, the 9th Ave. palm trees, the Mary R. Smith Cottages and other historic houses, including ones designed by Bernard Maybeck and Julia Morgan. A 2-mile, hilly walk. —Phil Bellman
Meeting Location: Redwood tree, near 1105 McKinley Ave. at Home Place East (1 block off Park Blvd.)
Tour Guide: Phil Bellman
Accessibility Note: Active; a 2-mile hilly walk.
NOTES:
PLEASE MEET 15 MINUTES BEFORE listed time to allow for registration.
We kindly request you register in advance. In-person registration will be first-come-first-served on a space available basis. We cannot guarantee a spot will be available.
We offer fee waivers for limited income residents— just ask!
Comfortable walking shoes, sun hats and sunscreen are recommended. Bring water.
Vouchers, limited-income accommodation, and any other special circumstances should be handled in advance. Please email info@oaklandheritage.org for assistance
Check your email the morning of the walking tour for any last-minute changes, clarifications, or cancellation.
If you need assistance navigating Humanitix, please reach out to us at info@oaklandheritage.org or call our office at (510) 763-9218 and we’d be happy to help.
Due to the ongoing presence of Covid, please continue to be vigilant to keep our community safe. If you feel ill the day of a tour, please stay home. If after a tour, you become ill and test positive, please let us know as soon as possible. Thank you.
These tours support Oakland Heritage Alliance, a non-profit that tells Oakland’s story through walking tours, lectures, newsletters and advocacy. We welcome volunteers and new members!