The Pacific Rural Press
May 24, 1879
Probably the finest iron fence on this coast has recently been erected just out of Oakland, in front of the residence of Mr. R. R. Thompson. His grounds have a frontage of 310 feet, along which the owners resolved to put up a fence which would stand for centuries as a bar to trespassage. The architect employed was Mr. C. H. Foster, of Alameda, who employed Messrs. Frauneder & Morck to carry out the plans, which are described by the Oakland Times, as follows: A deep trench was dug for the foundation, and 23,000 bricks were used in preparing for the iron coping. The posts are of iron, securely anchored deep in the ground and held in the wall by a heavy iron collar. They are over seven feet in hight, and ample spaces are left for a free circulation of air. The pickets are heavy bars of wrought-iron, seven-eighths of an inch square, surmounted by an ornamental cast-iron point. The longest pickets are four feet and ten inches, hold in place by three heavy wrought-iron stringers, and the alternate pickets are three feet and two inches in length, held in place by the two lower stringers. The posts of the great gate, in the center, are 22 feet high, including the gas lamps that ornament their tops. These posts are held together by an arch of wrought-iron, consisting of scroll and ornamental work, every piece hammered out on the anvil of Frauneder & Morck. The gate posts, cast in pieces and fastened together in the most substantial manner, are hollow, and a large rose bush, trained through the openings on each side, passes up the post and along the arch to the center. Forty thousand pounds of iron were used in building this fence, the total cost of which will be about $6,000. It will be finished in imitation of bronze. It is a great credit to the Oakland establishment that produced this splendid piece of work.
Bring a pen or pencil. Ulysses S. Grant, whose presidency completed shortly before this fence did, awaits for the FTF.
Congratulations to kablooey on FTF!