H89.64.36

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:"FRED. T WOOD CO. SUBDIVISIONS "THEN AND NOW" MILLS GARDENS in 1925. One hundred and eighty-seven houses have been built on a total of two hundred and four lots. All sold to and occupied by contented Oakland families" (D. Cooper, 6/2002) This view is standing on Seminary Ave. looking north on Brann St.. The house shown on the corner is still there as of 6/2002.