Welcome to the Victorian Preservation Center's Information
for the Historic House
MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Victorian Preservation Center of Oakland is to interpret the East Bay in the later nineteenth century. The Center seeks to accomplish this goal by promoting the study of material culture of the era and the social and economic life of Oakland, the East Bay and the San Francisco Bay Area as represented by the Cohen Bray House.
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The uniqueness of this house, what makes it stand out above all others is that it is still lived in by members of the original family. They with the help of the friends and the professionals on the board have made the effort to preserve and protect the original interiors. You will find the furniture, wallpaper, pictures, rugs and personal items such as diaries, shopping lists and wedding presents are still in their places. Tours also include family stories of the neighbor hood and what life was like since the house was built in 1884.
MOTHER'S DAY TEAFEATURING EMMA BRAY COHEN'S HAT COLLECTION and EMELITA COHEN'S LINOLEUM BLOCKSEmma moved into the house on her wedding day in 1884 and lived there until her death in 1945. We have found 70 of her hats, spanning her years in the house, stored away in the attic, and they are all coming out for tea! |
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Emma's youngest daughter, Emelita Cohen, lived in the house for 90 years, from her birth in 1898 through her death in 1988. Although she was not much of a hat wearer, she was artistic, and made greeting cards from her hand-carved linoleum blocks. We have new reproduction cards made from the original blocks that will be on sale at the tea. To view them click here Come celebrate this mother and daughter who represent the first 104 years of the Cohen Bray House. There will be a tour of the house with a sit-down tea around the dining room table. A generous amount of sandwiches and sweets are served, using family china and silver. The entire event will last 1 & 1/2 hours. Wearing of hats encouraged! Sunday May 12th $25 general/$20 members and youth Seating at 1, 2 & 3 PM For reservations call 510 843-2906 or email cohenbrayouse@gmail.com |
| Donations or help and suggestions are greatly needed. | |
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