We have a soft spot for occasional trips down memory lane... and local history. This week's trip comes courtesy of the staff at the Lafayette city offices, and a local who had saved a brochure for prospective home-buyers ogling Lafayette while the country was still battling the Axis.
In his Friday Summary, City Manager Steve Falk said it can be "fun to see how much – and how little – things have changed in Lafayette over the last sixty-five years." And we agree. Here's a sampling of the sales pitch for our area, circa 1944:
One trip to Lafayette Homeland will open your eyes. Such a short trip it is! Here, just the proverbial step from a modern village shopping district you find yourself in a broad country meadow, surrounded by gentle rolling hills, dotted with stately trees. Here, you think, if you only had city conveniences, is the spot, the ideal spot for your home. But wait, you do have city conveniences – every one of them!
City water direct from Mokelumne, the same water you get in Oakland and Berkeley. Gas and electricity will be there before the war is over. Hard surfaced roads, some already completed, some under construction, will bring you right to your driveway.
Transportation is given by Greyhound bus direct to Oakland and San Francisco.
Shopping for daily needs is easily and quickly accomplished in the attractive shopping center of your new home community, Lafayette.
Schools are right at hand; the Lafayette grade school takes care of the youngest; Acalanes Union High School is reached in a few minutes by the school bus; and, of course, the University of California and St. Mary’s College are close by.
Sturdy oaks will shelter many an attractive play yard for children and frame charming homes.
The topography of Lafayette Homeland lends itself beautifully to attractive homesites fronting on gracefully curving drives. Sizes ranging from one-third acre to one-and-one-third acres fill every need.
Prices from $1,000 to $2,500 – which, you’ll agree, are very moderate for homesites of such sizes in such a location.
Restrictions as to character and quality of buildings will keep Lafayette Homeland a neighborhood of attractive homes for all time. Other restrictions assure you of the character of the neighbors themselves.
Terms: 25 percent cash, the balance in three years. For example, a $1,500 homesite can be yours for $340 down and $15 a month.
Select your homesite NOW. . . Build after victory.
And so they did.
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