Third West Berkeley cultural tour with Richard Schwartz

Historian Richard Schwartz continues his triumphant Magical History Walking Tours of West Berkeley with the third ramble, which will take place on Saturday, 25 August 2012 at 11:00 am. Meet at Builders Booksource, 1817 4th Street.

On this tour, Richard will reveal the story of an early West Berkeley eccentric and how he attempted to make part of West Berkeley into a sanatorium and beach destination, utilizing indoor baths and spas rivaling Sutro Baths in San Francisco. Richard will take us to the site of Berkeley’s first town hall in the west end; Berkeley’s first school from 1856; show more images and details of the terrific French Quarter that occupied so many sites in West Berkeley; the giant French brewery; some 1906 earthquake relief camps; and the largest attempted industrial endeavor in 1875, which was meant to change the entire northwest end of the undeveloped and sleepy ranchland. If there is time, Richard may tell us the many thrilling tales from the old dynamite factories of West Berkeley.

$10 tour charge (kids free). Reservations required (510) 845-6874.