Materials (1950-1964) relating to Rilea family genealogy, as well as documents and ephemera from the careers of brothers Ira M. Rilea Jr. and Howard E. Rilea.
The Rilea family came to West Oakland from Kansas in 1893. Ira M. Rilea worked as a Southern Pacific Railroad conductor. Ira’s sons Howard, Ira Jr., Eugene, and Walter, also worked in various roles at Southern Pacific.
Howard E. Rilea became active in community affairs through the West Oakland Improvement Club. After his retirement from Southern Pacific, Howard served as an Oakland City Council representative of District 3 from 1950-1967, and as Oakland Vice Mayor from 1959-1961. He was responsible for the establishment of Oakland’s Harrison Railroad Park at 7th Street and Harrison.
(OHC MSS RILEA)
1 folder (0.3 linear feet)
Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library.
