Golden Sheaf Bakery, Berkeley

The Golden Sheaf Bakery, located on Addison Street in Berkeley, is a historic landmark that embodies the city’s industrial and architectural heritage. Built in 1905 and designed by renowned architect Clinton Day, this two-story brick building is one of the few remaining brick commercial structures in downtown Berkeley. Adorned with Tuscan pilasters and terra cotta ornamentation, the building is a testament to classic architectural elegance.

The bakery's origins trace back to 1877 when English immigrant John G. Wright established the Golden Sheaf Bakery as Berkeley's first wholesale and retail bakery. The original bakery, located at 2026 Shattuck Avenue, quickly grew into a regional powerhouse. By 1905, it was one of California's largest bakeries, housing a public dining room, on-site dormitories for bakers, and rooms for student boarders.

During the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire, the Golden Sheaf Bakery played a crucial role in disaster relief, producing thousands of loaves of bread to feed displaced San Francisco residents. This Addison Street building served as an annex for storage and housing a fleet of horse-drawn delivery wagons.

The bakery's operations ceased at this location in 1909 when the business was sold to Wonder Bread. However, its legacy endures. The building, later restored in 2000 by developer Avi Nevo, was donated to the adjacent Berkeley Repertory Theater to serve as a children's education center. The restored facade proudly displays the Golden Sheaf name and symbol in terra cotta relief.

Recognized for its historical and architectural significance, the Golden Sheaf Bakery has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a California Historical Landmark (both since March 31, 1978) and a Berkeley Landmark (since October 17, 1977). Today, it continues to stand as a symbol of Berkeley’s entrepreneurial spirit and resilience.