For Immediate Release: December 29, 2006

A Deluxe Autonomy: Piedmont’s First 100 Years

Historic Exhibit Opens January 5

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(Oakland, CA)— The Oakland History Room will honor the City of Piedmont’s centennial anniversary with an exhibit of historical photographs and documents from Oakland Public Library collections that will be on display from Friday, January 5 to Saturday, March 31, 2007. The images show Piedmont’s unique history, from its early days as a quiet resort to its battle to incorporate against "Oaklandization," and its emergence as one of California's most exclusive residential addresses. A Deluxe Autonomy: Piedmont’s First 100 Years is free to the public and will be on display in the Oakland History Room on the second floor of Oakland’s Main Library, located at 125-14th Street.

The exhibit shows both the natural splendor of Piedmont before rolling hillsides gave way to development, as well as the architectural grandeur of the construction that followed. In order to fend off the real estate developers a century ago, a small group of pioneers in the scenic highlands of Piedmont waged a fierce political battle to incorporate the city and prevent its "Oaklandization," the fast development that was occurring at that time in the East Bay. In a close and bitterly contested election, the proponents of incorporation won, but the strategy failed to maintain Piedmont's rural character in the midst of rapid urbanization. Images from later years, show Piedmont evolving into one of the wealthiest and most exclusive communities in California.

For more information, please call (510) 238-3222, or see the Library's Web site: www.oaklandlibrary.org. The Oakland Public Library is a department of the City of Oakland.

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