Frank M. "Borax" Smith made a fortune with the company that came to be known as "Twenty Mule Team Borax" in the late 1800's. He was able to purchase and build the million dollar estate known then as the Arbor Villa. His property covered five blocks of Park Boulevard in Oakland and his family's home was called the "most palatial mansion in the West."
Part of Mr. Smith's land was donated to the City of Oakland in 1912 when he specified that these lands be used to provide children with a public playground. At F.M. Smith Recreation Center stands the exact replicas of the strong mules that once pulled the heavy loads of Borax across the dry desert. The four fiber glass figures pay tribute to the fine man who so generously donated his land in the honor of children's happiness. Other than this playground the only other evidence are the tall palm trees that once lined the boundary of Smith's property which can still be seen to the right when you pass Park Blvd and 9th Ave.
Part of Mr. Smith's land was donated to the City of Oakland in 1912 when he specified that these lands be used to provide children with a public playground. At F.M. Smith Recreation Center stands the exact replicas of the strong mules that once pulled the heavy loads of Borax across the dry desert. The four fiber glass figures pay tribute to the fine man who so generously donated his land in the honor of children's happiness. Other than this playground the only other evidence are the tall palm trees that once lined the boundary of Smith's property which can still be seen to the right when you pass Park Blvd and 9th Ave.
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