375 Burnside Bend
Lots 66, 67
“The Cranston House”
Built in 1923
Currently owned by Nicole Harrington and Chrissy Bohm-Harrington
Click to enlarge
The Cranston House was built in 1923 by Alec and Esther Cranston. Mr. and Mrs. Cranston had 4 children named Harold, Dorothy, Marjorie, and Vardon.
Alec Cranston was a master plumber and contractor who came to San Francisco from Ontario Canada after the 1906 earthquake to take part in the reconstruction of the Bay Area.
They were extensively involved in the community of Alameda. Alec was president of the Alameda Kiwanis Club and served as vice president of the Pacific Coast Plumbing Inspectors Association. He was also actively involved in the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization which was “dedicated to the cause of universal peace”. In his later years he was very involved in golf, along with his son Vardon.
He served in the Boy Scouts along with his neighbors at 385 Burnside Bend, Vernor and Clara Thorp. Alec Cranston and Vernor Thorp were head of the camping committee for the Oakland branch of the Boy Scouts. Bracken Brae was used as a scout camp by them for several years and it was a very popular event.
They owned the cabin for 15 years before selling it to John Hutchinson in 1938.
In 1923 the Cranstons purchase lots 66 and 67 and build their cabin upon them
Alec Cranston and family purchase the lot on which he would build his cabin. Marion Smeaton’s history of Bracken Brae states the house was built in 1921. Since I cannot find a real estate transfer for lots 66 and 67 specifically, I believe this to be the original purchase date.
Alec, a master plumber and contractor, complains about plumbers coming in from other cities and taking work from the Alamedans.
The Cranston’s 20 year old son has died.
Alec Cranston and Vernor Thorp, who built 385 Burnside Bend, were active members of the Kiwanis Club and are organizing a Halloween party for 5000 Alameda Children.
Alec Cranston is elected head of the Alameda Kiwanis.
The Cranston’s home in later life
Alec Cranston is elected vice-president of the Pacific Coast Plumbing Inspectors Association, which is now a global organization.
Alec is chairman of an event for the Knights of Pythias
Alec Cranston is now president of the Pacific Coast Plumbing Inspectors Association.
Alec Cranston and his neighbor, Vernon Thorp of 385 Burnside, were active members of the Boy Scouts and would host a very popular camping trip to Bracken Brae each year. Eugene Elliot of 300 Wooded Way was also heavily involved at this time.
Campers depart for a trip to Bracken Brae. Vernor E. Thorp was the Cranston’s neighbor at 385 Burnside Bend.
Alec and his son Vardon win a father/son golf tournament. Neptune Beach was a Boardwalk type amusement park on the shore front in Alameda. It was built in part by Aaron Spence who owned 260 Wooded Way.
In later years, Alec was very involved in Golf Tournaments in Alameda.
Mrs. Cranston at a Knights of Pythias event.
In 1938, the cabin is sold to John J. Hutchinson
The Cranston family sells the cabin to John Hutchinson.
