Oakland Laundry Company - Calou’s Linen Service
The Oakland Laundry Company - Calou’s Linen Service building is located at 730 - 29th Street, across from the former Marcus Foster Middle School (previously the Durant School). The business was founded by Pierre Calou in 1879. His wife, Mrs. Jennie Hourat (Calou) became president in 1914 following his death. 1
The building was constructed in 1931, to replace a building destroyed in a fire. It was designed by Miller and Warnecke. 1,2 On January 23, 1996 the Oakland Laundry Company was designated an Oakland Landmark #LM 95-187.
As home washing machines became more common, the company shifted to do more linen supply for restaurants and hotels. 4
The Calou family sold the business c.1972 to the Santucci family, because "there was no one in our family who wanted to run it." 4
Location
730 - 29th St, Oakland, California
1912 Sanborn excerpt
1951 Sanborn excerpt
1931 1
1931 1
1931 2
Links and References
- Oakland Laundry Occupies New Home Oakland Tribune October 5, 1931 (p2)
- 100 Employed at Laundry Plant Here Oakland Tribune November 1, 1931
- $125,000 Fire Razes Laundry Oakland Tribune May 10, 1931
- Era changed; so did Calou's Oakland Tribune March 8, 1978
