385 Burnside Bend
Lot 65
“The Thorp House”
Built in 1910 – 1926
Currently owned by Jamie and Nancy Haworth
Click to Enlarge
In 1910, lot 65 was purchased by Parry R. Cole. He began building a cabin at that time but did not finish it. Shortly after 1910 he was promoted to the head of the Lima Bean Growers Association and moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles and then married his wife, Eunice Tipps. This may explain why the cabin was not finished. They did visit the property and likely had a usable shelter on the site. Most of the cabins in Bracken Brae were barely more than a wooden tent anyway.
In 1926, Parry sold the property to Vernor and Clara Thorp from Alameda and they finish the cabin. They had four daughters named Estelle, Billie (Bonnie), Muriel, and Jeanette.
Vernor was an architect and builder in the city of Oakland and helped build the Pantages Theater. He built many houses for the elite and also worked on industrial projects such as a Shell refinery in Martinez. Clara served on the Alameda public library’s board of trustees, was the head of the Alameda PTA, and was active in the girl scouts.
The Thorps appear to have been very wealthy and involved in high society. For many years they lived at their house at 1717 Alameda Avenue – a 10 bedroom, 6 bath, 5300 square foot Victorian mansion. They often entertained by the outdoor fireplace in their massive garden.
Although he only had daughters, Vernor was very active in Boy Scouts along with his good friend Alec Cranston next door at 375 Burnside Bend. Together they ran the camping committee for the Oakland area. There was a yearly trek to Bracken Brae for the boy scouts with Vernor and Alec as hosts.
The Thorp’s would keep the cabin for 13 years before selling it to Daniel Williams.
In 1912, lot 65 is purchased by Parry Cole and he starts building a cabin – but does not finish it.
Parry Cole purchases the lot that 385 Burnside is built on. He starts building his cabin, but fails to complete it.
In 1926, Vernor and Clara Thorp purchase the unfinished cabin on lot 65 and finish it.
The Thorps purchase the cabin from Parry Cole and finish it. They were members of high society and extremely wealthy. Vernor was an architect and builder of houses for the affluent.
Clara and Vernor Thorp are married.
Picture of Vernor Thorp, builder of 385 Burnside Bend, and his daughter Billie.
Clara Thorp was very active with the Alameda Library and was a trustee.
Vernor Thorp builds what is probably their first or second home.
The Thorps were very active in the Boy Scouts and the Camp Fire Girls.
Reservations are being made for the annual camping trip at Bracken Brae.
A group of Boy Scouts leaves for the cabins or Vernor Thorp and Alec Cranston, owner of 375 Burnside.
The Boy Scout’s board of directors meets at the Thorp residence at 1717 Alameda Avenue in Alameda.
Clara Thorp is injured when a car runs into her.
In 1939, the Thorp family sells the cabin to Daniel Williams
The Thorps’s sell their cabin to Daniel Williams.
In 1956, the cabin is inherited by Richard Williams, and again by his daughter, Katherine Fergus.
I could not find any more information on Daniel Williams. I did find names that correlate to Marion Smeaton’s history. Richard Williams inherited the house from Daniel and Katherine inherited the house from Richard.
The Haworth’s were sued by evil developer Bill Nugent. See the complete story here.
