Historic Sites in Joaquin Miller Park Tour

The Abbey, aka Joaquin Miller House, is a small white house in the park adjacent to the Road, but has no street number. Approximately 3020 Joaquin Miller Road.

Poet/author Joaquin Miller spent his last decades on his 75-acre estate, The Hights, planting about 75,000 trees, farming, entertaining, writing. Learn about his life with his wife Abigail, and daughter Juanita. Visit the Abbey, the Follies, and monuments that survive, more than 100 years later. The WPA Cascades and Woodminster Theatre were Juanita’s idea, a tribute to the poets and writers of California. Hear about current restoration projects and issues at the park.

A hilly walk. Pre-registration is required for this tour

Meeting Location: The Abbey, aka Joaquin Miller House, a small white house in the park, is adjacent to the road, but has nostreet number. Approximately 3020 Joaquin Miller Rd. Look for the OHA’s banner!

Tour Guide: Dale Risden is Chair of “Friends of Joaquin Miller Park” and has led the effort to restore JM Abbey. His current effort is restoring the Cascade Reflecting Pool and Fountain and organizing community projects to reduce fire issues within the Park. Dale has been recognized with several Partners in Preservation Awards for his work

NOTES:

• PLEASE MEET 15 MINUTES BEFORE listed time to allow for registration.
• Pre-registration is required for this tour. No on-site registration.
• We offer fee waivers for limited income residents— just ask!
• Comfortable walking shoes, sun hats and sunscreen are recommended. Bring water.
• Vouchers, limited-income accommodation, and any other special circumstances should be handled in advance. Please email [email protected] for assistance
• Check your email the morning of the walking tour for any last-minute changes, clarifications, or cancellation.
• If you need assistance navigating Eventbrite, please reach out to us at [email protected] or call our office at (510) 763-9218 and we’d be happy to help.
• Due to the ongoing presence of Covid, we will continue to make masks available. If you feel ill the day of a tour, please stay home. If after a tour, you become ill and test positive, please let us know as soon as possible. Thank you.
• Please check out the profiles of tour leaders. We are grateful for their skill and generosity.
• These tours support Oakland Heritage Alliance, a non-profit that tells Oakland’s story through walking tours, lectures, newsletters and advocacy. We welcome volunteers and new members!

Accessibility Note:

This tour has some hills. Those with mobility devices may find paths difficult to navigate at times.

About Oakland Heritage Alliance

Oakland Heritage Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization which advocates the protection, preservation, and revitalization of Oakland's architectural, historic, cultural and natural resources through publications, education, and direct action.

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