Historical Plaque Program

The Albany Historical Society has donated 8 plaques to the City of Albany denoting historical places in Albany.

View locations on a map

#1 Site of Albany’s First Official Public Building

Located on Solano Avenue, east of Cornell Avenue, this plaque commemorates the first official public building. In 1908 construction of the Albany School began on Main Street, now Solano Avenue. The building was demolished during 1946 – 1947 to make way for the current Cornell School buildings.

Plaque Text:
In 1908 Construction of the Albany School began on Main Street, now Solano Avenue. The building was demolished during 1946-1947 to make way for the current Cornell School buildings.

#2 Site of Albany’s First Firehouse

Located on Cornell Avenue, south of Solano Avenue, this plaque commemorates Albany’s first firehouse which was constructed to protect the new city from fire. The fire house remained at that location until 1915 when a new station was built at the south east corner of San Pablo and Washington Avenues.

Plaque Text:
Albany’s first firehouse, complete with bell tower, was constructed near here on Cornell Avenue to protect the new city from fire. The fire house remained here until 1915 when a new station was built at the south east corner of San Pablo and Washington Avenues.

#3 Site of First City Hall

Albany’s first City Hall was located at 1045 Solano Avenue, between San Pablo Avenue and Adams Street. Built in 1915, this building was used for city government offices, including the police department, meeting space, and the city library.

AHS Plaque - Albany's First City Hall

#4 Site of Miller’s Barn

Miller’s Barn, owned by Chris Miller, was the first school in Ocean View. Located near the northeast corner of San Pablo and Brighton Avenues, the barn was also the site of the town’s first civic meetings. Mr. Miller, one of three school trustees and the town’s first Marshall, refurbished his barn by adding windows and a floor so it could be used as a school, as well as a general meeting place and a dancehall.

Plaque Text:
Miller’s Barn, owned by Chris Miller was the first school in Ocean View, now known as Albany. Located near here, the barn was also the site of the town’s first civic meetings. Mr. Miller, one of three school trustees and the town’s first Marshall, refurbished his barn by adding windows and a floor so it could be used as a school, as well as a general meeting place and dancehall.

#5 Site of Charles MacGregor’s Office

The office of Charles MacGregor was located near the north west corner of Solano and Carmel. Mr. MacGregor built approximately 1,500 homes in Albany, mostly in the 1920’s and 1930’s. These homes—many featuring a Mediterranean style—originally sold for under $5,000 and can still be seen around town, giving Albany its own distinctive look. MacGregor loved the city of Albany and its children, hosting a free theater party each year for schoolchildren.

#6 Site of Albany Hospital

Dedicated on March 25, 1928 as Humboldt Hospital, the Albany Hospital served countless patients until its closure in 1985. The hospital provided a surgical department, as well as emergency and obstetrical care and general medical services. Originally privately owned, Albany Hospital later became part of Alta Bates. Albany is grateful to the doctors, nurses, staff, and volunteers who provided medical care to the community for so many years. The hospital was located at the site of the current Albany Community Center and Library.

Plaque Text:
Dedicated on March 25, 1928 as Humboldt Hospital, the Albany Hospital served countless patients until its closure in 1985. The hospital provided a surgical department as well as emergency and obstetrical care and general medial services. Originally privately owned, Albany Hospital later became part of Alta Bates. Albany is grateful to the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers who provided medical care to the community for so many years.

#7 Site of the Garbage Wars

On April 1, 1908, armed Ocean View residents gathered near this area on Buchanan Street and San Pablo Avenue to protest Berkeley’s dumping of garbage in Ocean View. Garbage dumps were unpopular due to a regional plague scare. The residents (mostly women) turned away Berkeley’s garbage wagons until the sheriff arrived and ordered them to stop. The conflict caused the City of Ocean View (later renamed Albany) to incorporate in the fall of 1908 and outlaw outside garbage dumping.

Plaque Text:
On April 1, 1905, armed Ocean View residents gathered near this area on Buchanan Street to protest Berkeley’s dumping of garbage in Ocean View. Garbage dumps were unpopular due to a regional plague scare. The residents (mostly women) turned away Berkeley’s garbage wagons until the Sheriff arrived and ordered them to stop. The conflict caused the city of OCean View (later renamed Albany) to incorporate in the Fall of 1908 and outlaw outside garbage dumping.

#8 Veterans’ Memorial Building

The Veterans’ Memorial Building located in Albany’s Memorial Park is one of ten such structures build by Alameda County as a tribute to the veterans of World War I.

Designed by Henry H. Meyers and dedicated on August 14, 1932, the building has been home to American Legion Post #292 and Boy Scout troops since the early days. Many generations of residents have eaten, celebrated, and danced in the magnificent building.

Plaque Text:
The Veterans’ Memorial Building located in Albany’s Memorial Park is one of ten such structures build by Alameda County as a tribute to the veterans of World War I. Designed by Henry H. Meyers and dedicated on August 14, 1932, the building has been home to American Legion Post #292 and Boy Scout Troops since the early days. Many generations of residents have eaten, celebrated, and danced in this magnificent building.