The Albany Historical Society has donated 5 plaques denoting historical places in Albany

#1 Site of Albany’s First Official Public Building

Located on Solano Avenue, east of Cornell Avenue, this plaque commemorates the first official public building. In 1908 construction of the Albany School began on Main Street, now Solano Avenue. The building was demolished during 1946 – 1947 to make way for the current Cornell School buildings.

#2 Site of Albany’s First Firehouse

Located on Cornell Avenue, south of Solano Avenue, this plaque commemorates Albany’s first firehouse which was constructed to protect the new city from fire.  The fire house remained at that location until 1915 when a new station was built at the south east corner of San Pablo and Washington Avenues.

#3 Site of First City Hall

Albany’s first City Hall was located at 1045 Solano Avenue, between San Pablo Avenue and Adams Street.  Built in 1915, this building was used for city government offices, including the police department, meeting space, and the city library.

 #4 Site of Miller’s Barn

Miller’s Barn, owned by Chris Miller, was the first school in Ocean View. Located near the northeast corner of San Pablo and Brighton Avenues, the barn was also the site of the town’s first civic meetings. Mr. Miller, one of three school trustees and the town’s first Marshall, refurbished his barn by adding windows and a floor so it could be used as a school, as well as a general meeting place and a dancehall.

 

#5 Site of Charles MacGregor’s Office

The office of Charles MacGregor was located near the north west corner of Solano and Carmel. Mr. MacGregor built approximately 1,500 homes in Albany, mostly in the 1920's and 1930’s. These homes—many featuring a Mediterranean style—originally sold for under $5,000 and can still be seen around town, giving Albany its own distinctive look. MacGregor loved the city of Albany and its children, hosting a free theater party each year for schoolchildren.