Cohen-Bray House

Victorian Preservation Center of Oakland
1440 29th Ave. Oakland

Board of Directors
President
Lois Roach 

Vice-President
Karin Sidwell

Treasurer 
Patty Reidenbach 

Recording Secretary
Dorothy Mason 

Patty Donald
Hank Dunlop 
Chris Gilliland 
Paul Roberts
Lorie Shay

Emeriti
Barbara Donald
Mike Reidenbach 

 Events and Tours for Visitors

The Cohen-Bray House is still a family home, however to continue to educate the public about our mission,  we have several annual celebrations when the house is opened and may be toured.

   Pre-Christmas Tea DECEMBER 18, 2023:
A formal tea is held a few days after Christmas each year when the family has decorated the house in traditional Victorian Christmas finery.  Tea is served in the dining room and proceeds into the nearby Redwood Room, transformed for the event into a Christmas tree forest.  A house tour completes the event.  Call (510) 843-2906 for reservations, times, fee.

  The Twelfth Night of Christmas Celebration  JANUARY 7, 2006: canceled
Every Twelfth Night is a gala evening celebration at the Cohen Bray House. Wassail greets guests [who may be in Victorian dress if desired], followed by a catered, five-course meal using a traditional turn-of-the-century menu.  The feast is held in the dining room at the long table, service provided by costumed maids, often members of the family.  After dinner, carols are sung and the Christmas tree is lit with candles during a chorus of Silent Night, in a family ceremony that has occurred every Christmas without exception in this house since 1884.  Reservations are a must.  Call (510) 524-5780 for information regarding times and cost.

In addition to these annual festivities, there are other chances, not associated with holidays, for visitors to enter and enjoy the house.

  The Annual Mother�s Day Tea  MAY 9, 2006:
Held each Mother�s Day in the afternoon, this is a wonderful way to spend the day with anyone�s Mom.  Tea, a tour of the house, and music in the garden are features.  Call (510) 843-2906 for reservations, times, and fee information.

  Fourth Sunday Tours:
Through the year, house tours for the public are offered at 2:00 P.M. on the fourth Sunday of each month.  Please call first for reservations, fee information, and to leave your telephone number.  Tours are not held if less than 5 visitors have signed up and you will be called the morning of your tour if it is to be cancelled. (510)536-1703

  Other Tours:
Special tours for interested groups including school children are welcomed and can be arranged by calling in advance to arrange reservations, times, fees.  (510) 527-5209. or Contact Patty Donald [email protected]

Cohen-Bray House

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Date Last Modified: 10/31/05