Phyllis Diller, comedienne, lived in Alameda, and got her start in comedy performing for the PTA at Edison School, which her children attended. Phyllis and her husband Sherwood Diller moved to Alameda so he could seek employment at the Naval Air Station. Her first impression of Alameda was not favorable.1 http://www.alamedamuseum.org/Quarterly/alamedamuseumQ109.pdf She lived at the Encinal housing project near Webster Street, "a two-story Victorian home on San Jose Avenue, between Willow and Chestnut Streets"2, and a house at the corner of Fernside and Fremont Streets3 She donated several of her belongings to the Alameda Museum, including her antique pump organ.
References 1. http://www.alamedamuseum.org/Quarterly/alamedamuseumQ109.pdf 2. ibid 3. ibid
