About us
San Francisco Victorian Architecture and Mansion Tours, as well as Berkeley. Architectural and point of interest walks and hikes/walks on Mt.Tamalpais.
Walking Tours to the most interesting and historic sections of Berkeley and San Francisco, to gain some insight into how our ancestors lived. Exploring pioneer housing, to Italianate Victorians and the later trends and styles, up to modern and post-modern architecture. We’ll hear stories of the people who built and lived in these communities, and how they, the builders and architects (Julia Morgan, Bernard Maybeck, Willis Polk and many more.) influenced both local history and the Bay Area’s architectural identity. Through the architecture we'll see how our urban landscape was peopled and developed. Evidence of our ancestors expressing their hopes and dreams, their belief in themselves, their values and their view of the world around them. How they urbanized the raw land, into creating the greatest transportation networks and subsequently the most powerful economic engine the world has ever seen, California and our Bay Area. It's there from the beginning, waiting to be explored and discovered. *See the current schedule here on Meetup.com.*
All photos are either taken by me, or members, or are paid for through Adobe Stock, on a monthly payment basis.
Do not post or message other members with unsolicited messages. Meetup.com has a Connect feature that can be used within 24 hrs. after an event to mutually contact a member you met on the Event. Use this feature, do not direct message or comment unsolicitedly, directly to another member.
A conversation is needed about Meetup "No Show" issues! The rule of thumb for most Meetup groups is a 50% rate of RSVP no shows. My goal is to handle the No Show issue in a positive way. And conversation is a positive way to find solutions.
There are many causes/reasons for no show behavior. Here are a couple.
Using Meetup RSVPs for shortlisting ones calendar down to a final choice? In other words RSVPing for several interesting Events for a given day. Then when the morning arrives picking the most interesting Event and blowing off the other RSVPs. (Please don't do that.)
There may be a need for Cognitive Behavior Therapy for last minute, "Emotional Reasoning" ie. I don't feel like it, therefore I shouldn't do it, or just going negative about the Event outcome. Seek specific therapy, for getting over ER and negativity, getting over these makes life better.
Here is an important request.
If you are not 100% sure you will attend, DON'T RSVP until you are sure. For those who are indecisive by nature, do the very best you can.
Lastly I think when members attend and are witness to an Event that had 28 RSVPs, that sees 10 actually show up is not a great way for the Event to get started. I know it is initially dis-heartening for me and not a very nice way to get started. Let's talk under the Discussions Tab and seek solutions together.
Note: Your Meetup name should have a least one character that makes it singular to you.
Note: You can control all the emails you receive from this group. Click "You're a Member", go to "Group Notifications", you can opt out of all emails or select types you want to receive. (Taking yourself out of the loop can have drawbacks. Especially when there are late changes to an Event.)
You can bring up a monthly calendar of all the Group's events by month. Go to the Events Tab and click Calendar.
We'll identify these basics about some of the houses; the architect, year built, name of first owner, builder's name, architectural style and maybe a human interest story from the house's history.
Videos of past hikes are available here, We'll be walking in very nice areas, 3 to 4 miles. We'll walk in the shade if too hot and in the sun if chilly. Try to find the fog when the temps rise. Have lunch with a spectacular view and out of the wind. Hopefully with picnic tables and restrooms.
Safety is always my #1 priority. I will be as aware as I can of any danger. But I can't be responsible for your safety. As adults you are responsible for your own personal safety and what you decide to do.
Liability Disclaimer: All participants agree to assume 100% responsibility for their own safety, conduct, and well-being and recognize that possible hazards exist while participating in outdoor activities, and agree to participate solely at their own risk. If you RSVP “Yes” and/or attend any event, it shall be conclusively presumed that you understand and agree to this policy.
Look at some of the over 6000 photos and picture yourself right there. Stay in shape and look ahead to fun days, sign-up for some hikes in the future while on-line here.
The group is for walkers and hikers who love to be immersed in the gorgeous, special places California offers. And while in that immersion, connect not only emotionally to these places, but learn about the natural science and human history of the locations. And to do this with kindness, patience and open heartedly. And best of all to make friends with those we get to know.
But the reality of managing a Meetup group is hard work. It has to be done carefully. Good judgement and basic people managing skills are needed. About roughly, 50% of those signing up for an Event, will actually show up.
I tell frequent no-showers to not bother to RSVP anymore and just show-up and surprise us! But some are RSVPing to whatever is interesting and then choose as the weekend approaches. I call it short-listing. I guess it's nice to make the short-lists.
When you compare Meetup to the social clubs of the past. Ski Clubs, Swim Clubs, Yachting Clubs, Country Clubs, Sierra Club, American Youth Hostels etc. Meetup is just Club Lite. Committing in a very personal relationship is a challenge for many. Is the same thing happening here in broader social relationships? Maybe keeping it lite is a way of compartmentalizing, keeping safe emotional boundaries. If friendships develop it will happen over the long term when an amount of certainty has developed?
If your work or life situation is totally stressing you out look for the Forest Bathing moments and Ocean Bathing (at Duxbury Reef) on the hikes that have as a goal reaching a meditative state of mind.
I love doing architectural tours of the Victorian and Mansion areas of San Francisco. Also Berkeley as fascinating residential architecture and the history to go with it as well.
These are very doable hikes for everyone who can hike. If you can manage walking up some very steep hills, can maintain your balance on very rocky, root covered uneven surfaces and have the stamina to walk about five miles you'll do fine. I think the best thing is to have a routine where you are walking everyday including going on these hikes. I've been leading hikes on Mt.Tam since 1995, less so now. So I know the areas very well. And also what to look for and when. let me know if I can answer any questions, as far as getting started?
If the above concerns you let me say this. You have to start somewhere. Walking is very gentle. Come do as much as you can and then come again and do a little more. If you have to stop and go back to your car, just be aware of the return route. There is so much to gain, don't let negative concerns stop you.
The cost of living in the Bay Area is very high. We all have to work, or have had to work, very hard, to afford to live here. One of the mitigating factors is the openness to diversity found here. One aspect of life here we can control is how we access one of the most beautiful outdoor recreation areas in the whole country. Not only the beautiful lands, the Bay and bio-diversity but the weather to allow us to get outside 24/365.
With the above said, utilize our amazing outdoors to forget about work and worries or the ravages of age and everyday cares and achieve a relaxed state of mind and body to the greatest extent you can. That's the goal of this Meetup and has been my personal goal for over twenty-seven years of spending as much time outdoors as I can. I'm never disappointed by this local outdoor experience. As well as the socializing, potential new friends met. Resulting in fulfillment of another vital need, maintaining our emotional well being and staying mentally healthy as well.
The bang for the effort put in, outweighs the driving time effort and the trade-offs, versus something else I could be doing.
It seems many have the impression that to have a fulfilling outdoor experience something very special must be experienced, via thrill seeking. The lure of a waterfall, spectacular views, sunsets, the full moonrise, the very peak of the wildflower bloom, some sort of special outdoor event, an unusual snowfall here, the height of fall foliage, mushrooms in profusion or some other unusual or rare occurrence must be sought to get the bang the effort requires.
Don't get me wrong the above are all fabulous. But they do not result in your having a sustainable, regular program for good health, well being, relaxation and fitness. And the great fallacy is, yes the above are great, but a plain, old regular hike or walk, once or twice a week is so fulfilling all by itself. Not just hit or miss thrill seeking, but a way of life that results in sustainable, ongoing happiness and health.
Liability Disclaimer:
By signing up for this event you agree to assume all responsibility for your own safety, health consequences, conduct and well-being, and you hereby release its organizers, hosts and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice, or information contained herein. You are also acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with this type of outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards.
Upcoming events
42
Tilden Park,Hike East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden,then Gourmet Ghetto Stop
Island Picnic Area, 1147 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Berkeley, CA, USThe Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park has many blooming native Calif. wildflowers (with ID tags) grouped by the regions and counties of Calif. (We'll hike over to the Botanic Garden, a short distance from our meeting location.)
Meet in the Parking Area for the Island Picnic Area, Tilden Park, 1147 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Berkeley, CA 94708. There is a restroom building, next to where we are meeting. The parking is along Wildcat Canyon Rd., a strip of diagonal spaces.
Overall between 1.5 to 2 miles today.
Here are some links if you would like to help with Meetup expenses.
Here is a Venmo link., for my account.
Here is my Paypal account. 'herrmann48@comcast.net'Because the hiking trails are uneven. Making for unstable footing, caused by rocks underfoot, tree roots sometimes growing across and along the trails and in some cases trails that slant sideways instead of being level from side to side. All of these tripping hazards, require secure foot and ankle support.
Why risk a sprained ankle or worse? When wearing hiking boots or other proper footwear will greatly lessen the risk.(Please don't be a no-show.) It's nice to give out name tags which I will do. I fill out the name tags just before I leave for the tour. This also gives me a way to take attendance. Name tags that are not picked up, are recorded as no-shows. If you get too many no-shows recorded in your personal Meet-up profile you'll have to be cancelled from this Meetup.
(To cancel your RSVP look for the, "Edit Attendance" tab at the bottom right hand corner of the screen.)Opportunity for lunch stop afterward at one of many nice Berkeley/Albany restaurants.
Here's a simple link that will allow you to support the Meetup and add a thank you.6 attendees
Haight-Ashbury Victorians & Walk to Eastside of Golden Gate Park
Masonic Avenue & Frederick Street, San Francisco, CA, USPARKING tips! Parking is not a big problem where we are meeting. (No parking restrictions on weekends, but check the signs.)
We'll do an hour or so of the Haight's Victorians. Then walk into the eastern end of GG Park for a walk and some touring there. Total distance about four miles. (We'll stop at the big Conservatory of Music band shell for lunch. I always get the clam chowder from Sam's Chowder House food truck. It always seems most attendees go their separate way from here. There's a lot going on at this location, two museums, Japanese Tea House, SF Botanical Garden, Stowe Lake etc. But you are very welcome to head back with me from here if you like?)
(Please don't be a no-show.) It's nice to give out name tags which I will do. I fill out the name tags just before I leave for the tour. This also gives me an easy way to take attendance. Name tags that are not picked up, are recorded as no-shows. If you get too many no-shows recorded in your personal Meet-up profile you'll have to be cancelled from this Meetup.
(To cancel your RSVP look for the, "Edit Attendance" tab at the bottom right hand corner of the screen.)The Victorians in the Haight are some of the most elaborate in San Francisco.
What follows goes into the research done for the tour. It may be of interest if you like the details?
For a detailed history of about six Victorian houses near the tour, click the link, (Detailed info 1071 Page St. & 21 Baker St.) etc.
Additionally the Victorian Alliance of SF, archive link, also has two pages of history, each, about the following houses along or near our route:
23 Baker St.
110 Lyon St.
1283 Page St.
1461 Page St.There are ten officially designated city and national landmarks in the area.
301 Lyon, Clunie House
1111 Oak, Phelps House
1153 Oak, Mish House
Stanyan Park Hotel
710-720 Steiner St. famous Painted Ladies
Southwest corner of Haight/Ashbury (Location of first head shop. An historic site, designated as a national landmark, now donated and maintained by a non-profit.)The Haight, historically called an "electric streetcar suburb", was least affected by the '06 earthquake and fires. And was almost fully built out by then.
Imagine what it must have been like when there were row after row, of these new, efflorescent, floriated, flamboyant fantasy creations. Sparkling new in the bright San Francisco sunshine. Baseball was being played at a stadium at Clayton & Haight, starting in 1885, for the California League.
Roughly over 48,000 Victorians were built in SF, (1860s to 1890s), with about a third remaining. Bay Area entrepreneurship with the wealth of the best building material, old growth redwood, a driving force?
The information below is provided if you are interested in more details about SF Victorian architecture.
Looking at a San Francisco Victorian, what to look for:
(There are five Styles)- Flat front Italianate- (earliest Victorians). (French 2nd Empire appear)
- Italianate with slanted bay windows.
- San Francisco Stick Style (also called East Lake). Simpler square bay windows now used. Overall much more elaborate decoration, ornament and gingerbread used.
- Queen Anne Tower House&Witches Cap, with angled or rounded bay windows & front gable
- Queen Anne Row House, 1, 1-1/2 or two stories. Large front gable. Possible moongate entry.
Features & "Gingerbread"
Type of Entry & Doorway(maybe a rounded or partial Moongate entry)-
Decorative Ironwork-
Floral Decor-Garlands (one of many types of decorations known as *"Gingerbread")
Fish scale&Diamond shingles-
Towers & Witch's Cap-
Stained Glass or Beveled Glass-
Carvings of grotesque faces-
Sunbursts- often painted gold, half or full.
Gables (Queen Anne's) in a variety of material- (mainly redwood)
Newel Posts and Finials on Tower tops and roof peaks-If you would like a scholarly and detailed explanation with photos, click.
24 attendees
Architecture Along the Fire Line of the Sept.1923, N.Berkeley Hills Fire
North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave, Berkeley, CA, USThe North Berkeley Hills fire, on Sept.17, 1923, destroyed 585 houses. Many students, dozens of professors and ordinary Berkeley citizens lost their homes. In some instances professors lost their libraries and papers, up in flames. (Thankfully no one perished, but many were injured.)
(Here's a simple link that will allow you to support the Meetup and add a thank you.)
Today's walk will be about 3 miles. Some steep short uphills. Uneven pavements. Wear sturdy shoes. If you would like more background ahead of time please read the event description below or just come and soak up the info.
The housing on twenty-two blocks was completely destroyed by the fire.
We'll walk along some of the residential blocks that burned down.
The map and photos show the center of the devastation from the intersections of Cedar Ave. & Euclid Ave. to Virginia & Scenic Ave.We'll set out on this comparative adventure to see what housing looked like in the neighborhoods affected and unaffected by the fire.
The fire map shows Arch St. from Glen Ave to about a third of a block past Vine St. was untouched by the fire. From that point to Hearst Ave. there was complete devastation. Here at mid-block on Arch St. we'll compare an untouched row of houses, to a directly adjoining rebuild of small apartment buildings and other post 1923, mostly period revival style houses and apartments. The photo shows a white victorian on the left and two smallish stucco apartment buildings on the right. The fire line between them. The post 1923 apts. fire-resistent, with red tile roofs and stucco exteriors.
Here is a short summary of the history of housing styles popular in Berkeley.
The 1st bay traditional (brown shingle, with Craftsman features), starting in the late 1890s, less popular by 1920. These craftsman and victorians were the predominant pre-fire houses. The influence of the, "save the hills", living with nature philosophy of the Hillside Club (The clubhouse building was lost in the fire. ) had a marked effect in North Berkeley. A tenet was that houses should blend into the hillsides in color and shape. And be made of natural materials, preferably redwood.
The next popular style (mainly after the fire) were the period revival homes, from the 1920s to 1940s. Period Revival such as Spanish-Mediterranean, English Cottage, Tudor, Classical and Colonial etc. We also see more fireproof, stucco facades used in these. Many with red tile roofs.
Today we may see a modernist home or two also. (3rd Bay Traditional or Bay Area Regional. The Eichler style houses.)
Berkeley has a sprawling variety of urban/suburban, residential architecture done in California. A good sampling of which, can usually be seen in a short walk.As we walk along the tour route, identifying /house spotting, as we learn the following information for some of the BAHA (Berkeley Architectural Heritage Assoc.) researched houses we pass.
- Architect's name
- Year built & builder's name
- Original owner's name (name of the house)
- Architectural style (victorian, craftsman, period revival, modern etc.)
- Possibly a human interest story from the home's past and/or a unique architectural feature.
The exact ignition source of the fire is uncertain but apparently ignition occurred along the line of the PG&E high-tension line in Wildcat Canyon. A prior drought season and a period of very strong Diablo winds creating very dry conditions and 40mph winds during the fire combined with wood shingle roofs creating windblown fire embers that caused the rapid spread of incineration from house to house.
A footnote. The fact that in the aftermath of the fire, the wood shingle industry's successful campaign to prevent the banning of wood shingle roofs, led directly to the September, 1991, Oakland Hills fire, costing 25 lives and the loss of over 2500 homes, is tragic.Meet at the intersection of Shattuck & Berryman Sts. Weekdays there is two hour street parking, no limit on weekends. But be sure to check the parking signs before locking up. Buses also run nearby on Shattuck. Walkable from BART.
2 attendees
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