Cal at Mountain View Cemetery

I recently took the “UC Berkeley’s Blue and Gold” tour at the Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. We visited the gravesites of some of the famous and infamous folks, buried in the cemetery, who have some connection to Cal. The Mountain View Cemetery tours are offered twice a month – the standard tour on the second Saturday of the month, and specialty tours—like the UC Berkeley tour—on the fourth Saturday. Docents lead the tours, telling fascinating and well-researched stories.

Henry Durant (1802 - 1875)

Some of my favorites include Reverend Henry Durant, the founder of the College of California, which later became the University of California. He and his advisors decided not to create a Christian college, but rather one based on Christian principles. Another is Joseph LeConte, who was one of the first professors at the U.C. Berkeley, hired to teach geology, natural history, and botany. He was a friend of John Muir, a frequent visitor to Yosemite, helped co-found the Sierra Club, and has a glacier in Southeast Alaska named after him. LeConte’s headstone is a boulder from Yosemite. His brother John LeConte also taught science at the university, and is buried in the cemetery.

Julia Morgan (1872 - 1957)

 

Bernard Maybeck’s remains are in the Urn Garden; he taught engineering drawing at Cal, designed the Hearst Gymnasium for Women, and mentored Julia Morgan. Julia Morgan, also a Cal alumna, has a simple grave marker that includes the names of her parents and siblings. Apparently, she didn’t want a fancy headstone – “my work speaks for itself.” She worked with William Randolph Hearst to create Hearst Castle.

Charles Franklin Doe (1833 - 1904)

 

Charles Franklin Doe, who is buried in “Millionaire’s Row,” donated funds for the Doe Memorial Library at U.C. Berkeley (he was inspired by the library of Alexandria). Anna Head (of Head-Royce School fame) is buried here, as is Ida Louise Jackson (an African-American daughter of slaves who attended U.C. Berkeley to obtain her teaching degree in the 1920s).

Ida Louise Jackson (1902 - 1996)

 

I recommend this tour, or any tour offered by Mountain View Cemetery. It is a great way to spend several hours on a Saturday morning – surrounded by beautiful scenery, and in great company!