H89.64.32

Donated by Charles Howard-Gibbon who received the materials in this collection from his grandfather. Alan Howard-Gibbon came to California in 1924 from Victoria, British Columbia. He was 37 years old. He settled in Oakland and was in the real estate business, where he became an associate of Fred Wood Real Estate firm. The photographs with their captions were a part of promotional presentations made by the firm in the 1920's regarding the many Oakland real estate developments accomplished by Fred T. Wood. In the early 1930's Alan became a regional real estate appraiser for the Federal Housing Authority and in 1950 became the Chief Appraiser. He lived in Oakland until his death in 1980, having resided at 521 Mandana from 1924 to 1941, and 2127 Las Aromas from 1941 to 1980. Fred Wood later became a prominent local politician. Caption below photograph reads:"CHEVROLET MOTOR COMPANY IN 1925 Since Chevrolet pointed the way, the Star, Durant, Fageol, Willy's Knight, Hall Motor Co. and Fisher Body Works have built their plants in Oakland. Now persistant rumor has it that the Buick and Ford have purchased factory sites in Oakland."