History Walking Tours

As part of our commitment to educate and inform about local history, we are presenting an ongoing series of walking tours around Alameda. Join our award-winning Historian Dennis Evanosky for leisurely walks that will leave you with a greater appreciation and understanding of Alameda’s history. We will explore a wide range of topics including early residents, architecture, the environment, transportation, cultures, and other topics of historical significance.

Each tour will meet at the time and date stated and will end where it started. Our walks will cover 90–100 minutes over 1–2 miles. We suggest you wear comfortable shoes as well as sunblock, and bring water. Mobility devices, strollers (kids under 4 are FREE!), and well-behaved (or especially cute) dogs are always welcome.

We are using money raised to cover some of the expenses incurred running a nonprofit news and information source to serve Alameda. We hope you will join us and have some fun learning about Alameda’s history!

Upcoming Tours

March 18 & April 2, 2023 — Bay Farm Island B. C.

Join Alameda Post’s award-winning Historian, Dennis Evanosky, for a walking tour on Bay Farm Island on Saturday, March 18, or Sunday, ~~March 19~~ April 2 at 10 a.m. Sunday’s tour has been postponed due to the weather.

Each tour will explore the area that was known as “Wind Whistle Island.” We’ll learn about the early days of oyster farmers before Amos Mecartney created arable land from the marsh. We’ll see how destroyers were sunk and where the airport stood before the Oakland airport took over, and much more along the way.

Learn more about the history of Bay Farm Island in the 19th Century in Dennis’ article, “Bay Farm Island B. C. – Before Cowan.”

We’ll meet at 10.a.m. on either day at Tillman Park along Auginbaugh Way. Tickets are $20 each. Limited tickets may be available on the day of the tour.

Alameda Post - Bay Farm Island BC walking tour April 2, 2023

Previous Tours

February 25 & March 5, 2023 — Gold Coast Architecture: Caroline and Weber streets

Join Alameda Post’s award-winning Historian, Dennis Evanosky, for walking tours in the Gold Coast on Saturday, February 25, or Sunday, March 5, at 10 a.m.

Both tours will cover the history and architecture of Caroline and Weber streets. We’ll learn about the notable architects—not just Marcuse & Remmel—who designed and built homes on the 1200 and 1300 blocks of these Gold Coast streets. The architectural firms of Delanoy & Randelett, Wasson & Pattiani, and Ernest Coxhead designed homes here. Builders that include George W. Scott, David S. Brehaut, and Peter Christensen also plied their trades in the neighborhood. We will also learn personal details about some of the people who lived in the historic homes there.

Learn more about the history of Caroline Street and the woman it was named for in Dennis’ article, “The Gold Coast’s Caroline Street.”

We’ll meet at 10.a.m. on either day at the intersection of Caroline Street and Fair Oaks Ave. Tickets are $20 each. Limited tickets may be available on the day of the tour.

February 12, 2023 - Teutonia Park and Homestead

Join award winning Historian Dennis Evanosky and the Alameda Post for a walking tour of St. Charles Street and the surrounding neighborhood. We’ll learn how a wealthy merchant family and an association of German investors shaped much of what we know today as “The Gold Coast.”

January 29, 2023 - The Architecture of Paru Street

We’ll get to know not only the various styles of the Victorian-era homes and have a look at some of the architects and builders who gave us these gems. These include A.W. Pattiani, John Wasson, Charles Shaner, Fuller Claflin, Otto Collishon, Frederick Bamann, and, of course, Felix Marcuse and Julius Remmel. I’ll talk about some of these talented men and more as we go along.

We can also talk about some of the owners and even have a look at a home visited by, of all people, Prince Albert of Flanders. We can also see where a family of artists lived. One of their relatives came up with the idea of and painted the bear we use today as one of California’s symbols. Did you know that a dentist once lived on Paru Street. His name? Dr. Gore. Yikes!

Dennis will share these and other fun facts along the way.