Regular "G" car in hole. Special car 271 in front. Note large expanse of right-of-way for future use leading to Richmond. J.G.Graham Collection Courtesy of the Oakland History Room
This brings back memories. As a very young child (1938-1945) I lived on Evelyn Ave - two blocks to the left (west) of Key Route Blvd as shown here. The spur on the left served a feed store where my grandfather and other Italian immigrants bought supplies for their gardens and chicken yards. I occasionally "helped" the train crew by operating the switch. I don't remember the Key System tracks here, though I do remember what seemed to be the excessively wide Santa Fe right-of-way to the south of here when I walked the tracks toward Oakland. Additionally, I don't ever remember vacant lots on Key Route Blvd - just what seemed to be new houses. I think the Key System tracks went away and the houses were built when I was 3-4 years old, around 1941-2. Thanks for the pictures. P.S. Today, Key Route Blvd becomes Ashbury when you cross the El Cerrito city limit a few blocks north of Albany High School.
Mark
[Jun 09, 2006 at 04:27 AM]
This intersection is now Santa Fe and Key Route Blvd.The little street to the right and parallel of the Santa Fe tracks was originally called Ashbury