Piedmont Avenue in Oakland in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Antonio Bras Columns

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, April 6, 2023

1. Antonio Bras Columns Marker

Inscription. These granite columns are all that remain of 4460 Howe Street, built in 1898. This residence was the home of various families connected to St. Mary's and Mountain View Cemeteries and their supporting business. 4460 Howe Street originally belonged to Angus McIsaac, superintendent of St. Mary's Cemetery, and later to his daughter and sons, at least one of whom worked for the cemetery. The property was also associated with Percy and June Hassard, florists here in the 1930's. By about 1936, the house and adjoining shop addition belonged to Antonio Gomez Bras of California Marble and Granite Works. Antonio Bras, who rebuilt the porch in 1934-35, added the columns as a way to advertise his business. Bras used the shop adjoining 4460 Howe Street as a branch salesroom for his main marble and granite plant in Hayward.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 37° 49.928′ N, 122° 14.78′ W. Marker is in Oakland, California, in Alameda County. It is in Piedmont Avenue. It is on Howe Street near Pleasant Valley Avenue. St. Mary's Cemetery is located at 4529 Howe Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oakland CA 94611, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

are within walking distance of this marker: Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Memory of Col. John Coffee Hays (approx. 0.4 miles away); William Taylor (approx. half a mile away); Rev. Laurentine Hamilton (approx. half a mile away); Samuel Merritt, M.D. (approx. half a mile away); Key Route Train Station (approx. half a mile away); Morcom Amphitheater of Roses (approx. 0.9 miles away); El Camino Rancho San Antonio (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakland.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 26, 2009

2. Antonio Bras Columns Marker

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, April 6, 2023

3. Antonio Bras Columns & Marker

Antonio Bras Columns Marker and Columns image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 26, 2009

4. Antonio Bras Columns Marker and Columns

In the background is the Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary complex. Although the marker does not say so, it is likely that 4460 Howe and other buildings along the block were taken down during one of the Chapel of the Chimes' expansions.

St. Mary's Cemetery Entrance - Looking North from Antonio Bras Marker Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 26, 2009

5. St. Mary's Cemetery Entrance - Looking North from Antonio Bras Marker Site

St. Marys Catholic Cemetery is Oakland's oldest cemetery, established in 1863. Spread out over 42 acres, more than 70,000 committals have taken place there over more than 145 years.

Chapel of the Chimes Landmark Designation Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer

6. Chapel of the Chimes Landmark Designation Plaque

Chapel of the Chimes image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer

7. Chapel of the Chimes

Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,158 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 11, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 2. submitted on May 3, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on April 11, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 4, 5. submitted on May 3, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 6, 7. submitted on March 13, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.