Cohen-Bray House

Victorian Preservation Center of Oakland
1440 29th Ave. Oakland

Board of Directors

Chair 
Lois Roach

Vice-Chair/Secretary 
 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 sponsors several annual celebrations
when the house is opened and may be toured.

   The Annual Mother�s Day Tea and Tour 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.

   Pre-Christmas Tea and Tour DECEMBER 18, 2023:

A formal tea is held a few days before Christmas each year when the family has decorated the house in traditional Victorian Christmas finery.  The event starts with a tour of the upstairs and then Tea is served in the formal dining room. After the tea the tour continues into the parlor, the library and into the nearby craftsman Redwood Room, and ends in the breakfast room.    Call (510) 843-2906 for reservations, times are 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00. Cost is $25 per person. Proceed help us maintain the house.

   The Twelfth Night of Christmas Celebration:

Every Twelfth Night a gala evening celebration is held this next date is January 7, 2024.  Wassail greets guests [who may be in Victorian dress if desired], followed by a catered, seven-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.
Pictures of past events

   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.  or 510 527-5209.

Directions to the house

Cohen-Bray House

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Date Last Modified: 12/3/05