Berkeley Historical Society Fall 2016 Walking Tours

Cloyne Court Hotel (photo: Louis L. Stein Jr. collection)

Tours start at 10:00 am and end at approximately 12:00 pm. Pre-paid reservations are required.

Purchase tickets: $10 general; $8 BHS members

Saturday, 10 September
Strawberry Creek on the UC Campus
Led by Bob Charbonneau

In 1860, the College of California (predecessor to Cal) moved from Oakland to its present site in Berkeley, in part because of Strawberry Creek. Its notable start was not always honored during the next century when pollution, concrete channeling, underground piping, and elimination of the middle fork occured. Much of that has changed since the mid-1980s. Learn about Strawberry Creek’s history, its hideaways, and the restoration efforts from Bob Charbonneau, the expert who made Strawberry Creek and its restoration his master’s thesis.

Saturday, 17 September
“Sara’s Song”–Inspired Walk in South Berkeley
Led by Tina Jones Williams

Sara’s Song is a new book set on Julia Street in South Berkeley, from 1943 to 1969. The walk will describe the pride and enthusiasm the “Colored” homeowners felt buying their first homes in this working class all black neighborhood. The Sara’s Song author will share the history of the all black-owned businesses in the neighborhood (including a doctor and a pharmacist), where they were located, and the culture that was embraced by the residents. She will also paint a picture of raising a family in this neighborhood; where the children played and were educated; where they worshipped, studied and grew into adults. An easy, flat walk beginning and ending at the new Byron Rumford statue.

Saturday, 24 September
The 1923 North Berkeley Fire
Led by Phil Gale

BHS board member, local historian, and model railroader Phil Gale will conduct a commemoration of the North Berkeley fire of 17 September 1923, crisscrossing the fire line in five places. He’ll identify the various changes wrought in buildings and landscape, and walk us to a salvaged Maybeck chimney, among other surprising relics, around which a new house was constructed. Phil will share with you his early North Berkeley family photos and reminiscences.

Saturday, 1 October
Northside: Arts & Crafts on the Fire’s Edge
Led by Daniella Thompson

Come and see where Berkeley’s Arts & Crafts tradition began; where Bernard Maybeck designed his first hill houses; where artists established their residence and built their studios; where the Hillside Club was founded; where the Berkeley Brown Shingle was born. On this tour, we will see historic houses that survived the 1923 Berkeley Fire, as well as some notable buildings constructed after the ashes had been cleared. The walk is steep in some parts, and is not wheelchair accessible.

Saturday, 15 October
Marin Avenue North: Early 20th-Century Berkeley Hills
Led by Paul Grunland

Revisit one of Berkeley’s most delightful neighborhoods—charming houses built by famed architects and builders; winding contoured streets; creeks; rock outcroppings; city parks and pathways. Some climbing but generally level. Not wheelchair accessible.