Residential-use side prevails over those favoring industrial; also, downtown merchants work to ramp up holiday sales

A century ago, in early December 1924, the Berkeley City Council concluded a long-running local zoning dispute. The issue was residential versus industrial zoning along the Santa Fe Railroad tracks that ran diagonally across West and Central Berkeley.

"Residential building activities won a decisive victory over probable industrial development," the Berkeley Daily Gazette reported.

By a 6-1 vote, the council zoned undeveloped land along the train tracks between Bancroft and Dwight ways for residential use. According to the Gazette, some 100 residents "went away applauding" from the meeting while business leaders fumed.

Councilman M.B. Driver was the lone "no" vote and argued that factories should be built along the railroad though Central Berkeley. Mayor Frank Stringham, Carrie Hoyt and Agnes Moody, the two women on the council, argued that the area "had already begun its development as a residential area, (and) it should be allowed to continue and that the natural place for factories is along the West Berkeley waterfront."

A railroad representative said that factories were deciding not to build in Berkeley because "as it is now, nobody dares to locate in Berkeley for fear he will be zoned out in a few months."

Another speaker asserted that when the railroad bought the right of way it didn't intend factories along the route but "was interested solely in the development of Emeryville and wanted to tap this rich manufacturing area."

Holiday shopping: "Berkeley Downtown Merchants Urge Gift Buying," proclaimed the Berkeley Downtown Association in the Dec. 12, 2024 Gazette. "Berkeley 'home folks,' those whose interests, sympathies and unstinting efforts support Berkeley's progress, are urged to direct visitors and transient residents to the importance of BUYING HERE. Berkeley can serve you best."

"You reach the heart of a woman when your gift is a cedar chest," advertised the Paul Swedberg Co. "You are giving her security for her most beautiful clothes."

Berkeley Jewelers were promoting diamond rings for Christmas, while the F.L. Butterfield home furnishings store on Shattuck suggested a gas range for the lady of the house or at least cut glass tumblers or a 50-piece set of dishes.

Other advertised offerings included wardrobe trunks, hosiery and handkerchiefs, side tables and furniture, "gold and silver pencil sets," shoes, a "full line of skirts" and "gentlemen's watch chains, knives, files, receipt cases, math cases, cigarette cases, belt sets, wallets."

Berkeley stores were also offering "teddy bears, toy pianos, rubber balls, tops, iron ranges, tree ornaments, tinsel, games, soft dolls and toys for the little folks," crystal radio sets, slippers, broadcloth shirts and "Glace Fruit and Candies" that could be sent by mail. Stationary, books, pictures (framed and unframed) and candlesticks were being offered, along with rifles, shotguns and air rifles and Boy Scout hatchets."

Train crash: The death toll from the recent collision of two trains on the Key System pier had risen to nine by Dec. 12, 1924, when the Alameda County Coroner held an inquest. Witnesses called included the injured motorman from the Short Line Railway train that rear-ended a Key System train. It was reported, though, that his lawyers had advised him not to speak.

Holiday greens: The City Council on Dec. 12, 1924, gave special dispensation to local markets to place Christmas trees and greens for sale on the sidewalk. The merchants had petitioned for a temporary relaxation of the traffic ordinance that prohibited merchandise on the sidewalk.

Winter graduates: Berkeley High School held spring and winter graduations a century ago, graduating 191 seniors on Dec. 12, 1924.