Primary Sources

This assignment was to identify primary sources regarding the research topic. As I shared in previous posts, I visited the Alameda Free Library and found a plethora of resources - both primary and secondary.

There were so many primary sources available that it was difficult for me to choose which to post. I chose to post these brief descriptions of the island that were located at the bottom of a large, birds-eye view map of the island. The descriptions discuss topics such as transportation and various other topics that prospective residents would find interesting. A photo of the entire map is posted at the bottom of the photos.














In Alameda; Geographical History, Merlin shares that, "Chipman toyed with the idea of calling Alameda either Peralta, Leandro City, or Elizabethtown. The reference to Peralta is a reference to the Peralta Land granted by the Spanish government. Interestingly, the Town of Alameda did not encompass all parts of the main island. At this point in the island's history, parts of the main island were named Encinal.



This 1867 advertisement for property on the island of Alameda boasts the island's close proximity to San Francisco, which is referred to as being positioned to take it's rightful place as the first city in assuming her position as one of the first cities on the American Continent. References to this fact also were also made about the prospective increase in value of the property as the last chance for men of moderate means to acquire the property.

Bibliography - Ongoing

Alameda Museum
Alameda Free Library
Wikipedia
http://homes.point2.com/Neighborhood/US/California/Alameda-County/Alameda/Bay-Farm-Island-Real-Estate-Agent.aspx
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=54574
http://www.baycrossings.org/Archives/2001/05_June/harbor_bay_honco.htm
http://www.baycrossings.org/Archives/2001/05_June/harbor_bay_honco.htm
http://www.archive.org/details/Californ1958
http://italianfarmersofalameda.wordpress.com/
http://www.rattobros.com/
Merlin, Imelda. 1997. Alameda; A Georgraphical History:

Alameda Free Library - Reflections on my visit

My visit to the Alameda Free Library was so exciting! I felt like a total nerd because I was enjoying it so. As I was conducting the historical research, I texted both my sister and my coworker telling them how excited I was about the historical information available at our local library.

When I arrived, I was courteously directed to the Research Desk upstairs, and the Librarian took me over to a locked – yes I said locked – cabinet with old maps of Alameda. The drawer was full of maps dating back to the early 19th century. I believe the oldest was dated 1847.

I was afraid to ask if I could photograph the maps because of the ill treatment I received at the Alameda Museum. However, the Librarian graciously agreed to allow me to take AS MANY PHOTOS as I deemed necessary. That was it; I was in my element. A camera in hand and historical artifacts to be photographed – specifically historical information about Alameda - life was good on Saturday! It still amazes me how incredibly enjoyable it was for me to spend hours in the Alameda Free Library.

Three photos I was able to take of the archives at the Alameda Museum

Below are the three photos I was able capture from the archives they allowed me to to sneak a peek at when I visited the Alameda Museum:

1. This photo is of the first home ever built in Alameda:


2. The second photo is of a house in the Ark Colony which I will share more about later:


3. I have no idea what the third photo is of:


It was hard work taking photos of archives at the Alameda Museum. When I pulled out my camera, they acted as though I was a spy!

More on the Visit to the Alameda Museum

I have to admit that at least one good thing came of my visit to The Alameda Museum - they referred me to the ALAMEDA FREE LIBRARY!

A Visit to Alameda Museum 4/17/10

A Visit to Alameda Museum 4/17/10

I hate the Alameda Museum! I know that may sound awful, but it is next to impossible to visit that establishment. Every time I attempt to visit, it's closed. In preparation of today's visit, I phoned ahead and verified that they were in fact open. I arrived at 3:45 and closing time was 4:00 p.m., and when they say 4:00, they really mean it - lights out - doors locked! The first thing the staff said to me as I walked through the door was, "We close in a few minutes." They were mean to me! It was obvious that they didn't want to help me. They kept saying, "We're open tomorrow. You should come back tomorrow." However, I managed to get a peek at some historical data and photos. When I pulled out my camera, they reacted as though I pulled out an illegal object. They were very reluctant to allow me to photo graph articles, photos in or of books, just about every one of my requests made them uncomfortable.

At a few minutes to 4:00 p.m., the ladies grabbed their purses and keys and escorted me to the door.

I hate that place! I think they're up to something in that place :)

1933 The Ratto Farms Left Bay Farm Island - http://www.rattobros.com/tribute_video/ray_tribute_wmv.html

Additional research on the topic produced the Ratto Family Farm website with an awesome historical video clip about the family's farming history on Bay Farm Island dating back to his Grandfather Giovanni's arrival from Italy in 1798 website.

The video provided another piece of helpful information stating that in 1933 The Ratto Farms left Bay Farm Island.

Now the task is to locate information about who purchased the Ratto Family Farm land and when the housing developments of current day Harbor Bay Island began.

The video can be accessed through this link:
http://www.rattobros.com/tribute_video/ray_tribute_wmv.html

California Climate - Promotional film for Alameda County - Emphasizing Excellent Weather

My internet research produced an interesting 1958 film on what was referred to as the Metropolitan Oakland Area (MOA) which includes all of Alameda County discussing the benefits of the pleasant climate encouraging migration to the area. At this point, I'm not sure how it fits into the scheme of things...more to come.

http://alamedainfo.com/alameda_Island_City.htm

I am very fortunate that one of my fellow classmates is blogging on a subject very similar to mine! I was reviewing Joe's site and found a link to historical photos of Alameda. There are only a few of Bay Farm Iasland, so I thought I would start with this one that shows a connection between the "main island" and the "farm" as young people of today refer to the communities.

Internet Research...not a whole lot out there....

This week's assignment is to do internet research and find what electronic sources are available that pertain to our topic. I located a lot of current information - including this aeriel photo. However, my claim that "written history of Bay Farm Island is not available" was reinforced by the lack of information available. What I did find was...

I attempted, once again, to go to the Alameda Museum. I must share that the establishment keeps the oddest hours! Of the 20 + times I've attempted to visit, I've only been successful twice. This Sunday was another loss cause - lights were on but no one was home! If you're interested in the Museum that I rarely get to go inside, the website is http://www.alamedamuseum.org/museum/museumgallery/museumgallery.html

After some additional searching, I was able to locate some very brief information about Bay Farm Island on Wikipedia. If you're interested in that blurb, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_Farm_Island,_Alameda,_California.

Apparently, realtors Chuck and Nancy Bianch are self proclaimed "Bay Farm
Island Experts". According to the Harbor Bay Realty website, this is the
"go-to" couple if interested in purchasing property in the area. The
website boasts of Bay Farm Island's affluent neighborhoods, great schools,
it's very own golf course.

Bay Farm Island's claim to fame is that is it is the current home of the Oakland Raiders NFL football team and it's steep in aviation history with the the famed female aviator Amelia Earhart flying out of the nearby Oakland Airport. There is even an elementary school named after her.

Another website I found has very specific information about the demographics of the current residents. If you're interested go to http://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/Bay-Farm-Island-Alameda-CA.html. You will find income levels, education levels, even the time most residents leave for work.

Outside of this information, there is very little information available about Bay Farm Island.

History Italian Farmers on Bay Farm Island Blog - Joe Corrica

One of my fellow students, Joe Corica, has chosen the topic of the history of Italian Farmers on Bay Farm Island. Joe's family is of Italian decent and has deep roots on the Island City of Alameda. I'm really looking forward to learning more history from his blog. I'll post a link to his blog at a later date if you too are as interested as I.

Info from Uncle Lyle

I shared with my Aunt Eileen that I am developing the only written research on Bay Farm Island, and she shared the story with my Uncle Lyle. Much to my surprise, Aunt Eileen showed up at my house on Easter up with an old map of Bay Farm Island with both mine and my sister's homes circled. I plan to scan the map and post it to the blog very soon.

Things got even more exciting as our conversation progressed because she said that Uncle Lyle wants to challenge me to a duel to see who can gather the most information on the subject. I immediately said, "I accept the challenge." I'm so excited.

As we continued to talk, I shared with my Aunt Eileen that I plan to publish a book about Bay Farm Island. I shared that I have been interested in doing so for a few years, but I've been too busy pursuing my graduate degree. It was then that I came up with a great idea - Uncle Lyle and I can co-publish the book!

I realized I've said this before, but I'm so excited!

Written and/or photographic history of the island paradise where I live does not exist. My plan this quarter is to produce the foundational material for a much needed book chronicaling the argricultural history and the residential development in this island paradise.

The Only Written History of Bay Farm Island