A friend recently purchased an early 1900's house in the 300 block of Lexington (between 20th and 21st), and I wanted to give him a unique house-warming gift, so I'm looking for information about his block and perhaps his specific house. Old photos (pre and\or post fire), maps, newspaper clippings, whatever - something suitable for framing and display . Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

-- Keith Belt (kwbmail@aol.com), May 11, 2003

Answers

There actually is some historical value about Lexington Street though I don't remember exactly where on Lexington. Lexington Street is known all over California among architects as the first street that was ever built in California with tract housing. Also the street has historical value for its what do they call them Italianate houses which were built around 1876. And these houses were subdivided into units for rentals because originally they were single family homes.

That's all I want to answer today. A friend of mine just died a few weeks ago at the age of 101 and I'm still upset about it. I told that bloody idiot for years to walk instead he went to sleep every afternoon and as time when on he got weaker and weaker. I should have come after him with a stick but I guess you can't force people against their will. Now that idiot has gone and died and worse had himself cremated. I didn't even bother going to his cremation in Oakland because I don't agree with it at all. And it doesn't agree with me either.

-- Harry Murphy (Harrymurphy@bigmailbox.net), June 17, 2003.