The Heart of Berkeley: The Historic McGee-Spaulding District

 

“Most Victorian-era residential suburbs were ‘planned’ only to the extent that they were platted with oversize lots that provided enough space for a ‘mini-farm.’ This might include a chicken house, vegetable garden, orchard, horses for transport, and perhaps even a cow or two....Some mini-farms might occupy a half block or even a full block. Easy access provided by animal-drawn or electric trolleys made these widely spaced homes feasible.”