1.) It actually used to be called Brooklyn.
Not to actually give any more attention to the people calling us the Brooklyn of San Francisco, but they might actually be right. The town of Brooklyn was situated east of Lake Merritt down to San Leandro from 1856-1872 and was named for a ship that brought Mormon settlers to California in 1846. And in true Oakland fashion, it was home to several large breweries, including the Brooklyn Brewery.
2.) The Mid-Seventies was a good time for Oakland sports.
You probably know that Oakland is the only city in California with 3 professional sports teams. But did you know that in the years of 1974, 75, and 76 they each won a world championship? The A’s took the World Series in ’74, the Warriors won the NBA finals in ’75, and the Raiders won the Superbowl in ’76.
3.) Lake Merritt is even cooler than you think.
Lake Merritt is the only natural saltwater lake (tidal estuary?…there’s some debate) that is wholly contained within a city’s boundaries. It was also the nation’s first declared wildlife refuge in 1870…maybe for the Oak-ness monster?
4.) It is one of the most ethnically diverse city in the U.S.
Our citizens speak more than 125 different languages and dialects.
Well, one in particular. Oakland is home to the oldest bonsai tree in the U.S. which was cultivated in 1863 and was a donated by Abraham Lincoln’s ambassador to China. (It’s the oldest in the sense that it has been here and cultivated the longest. There are others that are older in life, but were brought from other countries much later.)
6.) The Black Panther Party headquarters are a lot sweeter than you think.
It’s fairly well known that the headquarters for The Black Panther’s were in Oakland. But did you know that it is now home to the It’s All Good Bakery? Delicious red velvet cake and history…all wrapped up in one. And the owner of the bakery used to benefit from the Panther’s free lunches and uses that inspiration in his own business ventures.
7.) Sourdough Bread is our calling.
There is more sourdough bread baked in Oakland than anywhere else in the world. With some of the largest bread manufactures being right here in Oakland, and with all those bread bowls that they need across the bay, we fill the need every day.
8.) Mills college has been educating women since Oakland became a city.
Mills College was founded in 1852, the same year Oakland became a city and 2 years after California became a state. It was the first university for women west of the Rocky Mountains and has continued to provide an excellent forward-thinking education since.
9.) It’s Funky Town
During the 1960’s the Oakland innovative music scene produced well-known funk bands including Tower of Power and Sly and the Family Stone. Also, Larry Graham, who was the bass player for Sly and the Family Stone is credited with the creation of the slap and pop sound that is still prevalent in music today.
10.) Rocky Road ice cream was invented here.
This is a little bit of an Oakland rivalry and a mystery, but in March of 1929 William Dryer cut up some walnuts and marshmallows and put them in his chocolate ice-cream and Rocky Road was born. Later the walnuts would be replaced with almonds and the ice cream would be given it’s name to make people smile despite the Great Depression. However, George Farren and Fenton’s claim that Dryer got his idea from them. Whoever you believe, let’s all agree that Oakland loves it’s ice cream and has excellent taste.
Leave a Reply