Ladies' Relief Society Children's Home, Oakland
historic place
The Ladies' Relief Society Children's Home in Oakland has a history rooted in local philanthropy. The Ladies' Relief Society was established in 1871 and incorporated in 1872, founded by women to provide charitable services to needy women and children. The first Children's Home building, constructed in 1894 on 45th Street, was destroyed by fire that same year. Another building also burned in 1906. The current building, located in the Temescal neighborhood, was then rebuilt in 1906 or 1907 on the same footprint. This home operated as a congregate-type facility, caring for children in large groups, separating them by sex, and bringing them together for meals. It is recognized as Oakland's oldest surviving building of this type. The Children's Home closed in 1940. Notably, the facility primarily admitted white children, with a policy of racial exclusion. After its closure, the U.S. Army leased the building during World War II. Since 1949, it has served the community as the Studio One Art Center. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. This site reflects a significant aspect of Oakland's social history and early charitable efforts for children.