History
The Meyers House,
erected in 1897, is an example of Colonial Revival, an
architectural style popular around the turn of the century.
Designed by Henry H. Meyers,the house was built by his
father, Jacob Meyers, at a cost of $4000.00.
Mr. Meyers was a prominent
East Bay architect who received many Alameda County
commissions. His work includes the portal entrance
of the Posey Tube in Alameda, ten veterans buildings
throughout Alameda County, plus numerous public buildings
and churches.
In 1894 he married
Bertha May, whose father was a prominent rancher in
Alvarado, California. The couple had three daughters.
Edith (1900-1971) was a physician, Mildred (1898-1982)
practiced as an architect, and Jeanette (1905-93) ran
their Dry Creek Ranch near Union City. Mr Meyers died
in 1943, followed by his wife in 1947.
The home is situated
on a three-parcel lot, that includes the original fencing
and pergola, three-car garage, carriage house, green house, and
an architectural studio built in 1935. The Meyers House
has received numerous additions, designed by Mildred
Meyers, a practicing architect.
Living Room
The living room
is furnished with many objects that originally belonged
to the Meyers family including the Steinway & Sons
piano, oriental carpet, four reception chairs and kidney
shaped couch.
What is now the living room was originally
two separate rooms, a parlor and a sitting room.
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The wall separating the two
rooms was removed in 1915 when the curly redwood fireplace,
wainscoting, and triple cornice were added. The hardwood floors with feature strips were also
laid during this period.
Dining Room
An oak table, four
chairs, lamp table, and tea cart were part of the Meyers
family furnishings. The molding, wainscot, and built-in
side board in quarter-sawn oak are also original.
The stained glass window
depicting a Monterey, California scene was added in
1909.
Kitchen
The kitchen contains a 1930s Wedgewood stove, a dropleaf table, four chairs and a high chair that originally belonged
to the Meyers’ family.
Master Bedroom
The three piece
Victorian bedroom set, plus additional pictures and
bric-a-brac, are original to the Meyers house.
Most of the furnishings
and objects found in the home have been graciously donated
by the public or are from the Alameda Museum Collection.
Some rooms, including the dining room and master bedroomhave
been painted to replicate the original colors.
The three Meyers sisters bequeathed
the house and grounds to the City of Alameda for use
as a house museum and a passive park.
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