Laurel: Cherries, Dairies, and Bungalows

Once an area full of dairies and vegetable gardens, the Laurel district emerged in 1909 when local streetcars extended service to 38th Ave. and Hopkins (now MacArthur Blvd). With growing industry in East Oakland, homes and businesses sprouted by the 1920s. The tour highlights the Laurel’s history and architecture, with fine examples of ’20s brick and tile commercial buildings. A level walk. —Dennis Evanosky

Image credit: Laurel Art Garden

Meeting Location: Laurel Art Garden 35th Ave. and Delaware St.

Tour Guides: Dennis Evanosky

NOTES:

• PLEASE MEET 15 MINUTES BEFORE listed time to allow for registration.

• We kindly request you register in advance.

• 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, we will continue to make masks available. 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.

• Please check out the profiles of tour leaders. We are grateful for their skill and generosity.

• 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!

Accessibility Note: Easy; a level walk.

About Oakland Heritage Alliance

Oakland Heritage Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization which advocates the protection, preservation, and revitalization of Oakland's architectural, historic, cultural and natural resources through publications, education, and direct action.