The Calou family founded the Oakland Laundry Company in 1879 and ran it for multiple generations.
Jennie Marie, 1931
Pierre "Peter" Calou (July 5, 1856 – June 7, 1914) was born in France. He arrived in the U.S. c.1874, and was naturalized in 1882. He married Jennie Marie Hourat (Calou) (September 1864 – September 9, 1935) in 1883, and they had 4 sons, all born in Oakland. [ Still researching: Hippolyte and Vincent's birth records list Mary Arraf or Orrof as the mother. ]
In the early days of the business, it was at their home 730 - 29th St. (originally 690 - 29th St.) in the Hoover-Foster neighborhood. In 1900 the family lived at 2939 Martin Luther King Jr. Way (originally 1971 Grove St.); from at least 1910 to 1920, the family lived at 3251 MLK (originally 2121 Grove St.). Following Peter's death in 1914, Jennie took over as president of the laundry. 1
Vincent, Camille, and Ernest, 1931
• Hippolyte John Calou (June 25, 1884 – October 18, 1918) married Annette M. Bareilles (Calou) of Alameda and they had 2 daughters, Jean Calou and Doris Calou. Hippolye died at age 34. No records have been found of cause of death, but the family says it was influenza.
• Vincent Emile Calou (January 22, 1886 – May 15, 1950) married Carol Wilhemina ? (Calou), but they seemed to have divorced in 1927. 2
• Camille Benoit Calou (September 28, 1889 – August 20, 1947) married Effie La Veque (Calou), and they had 2 sons, Arthur Pierre Calou and Robert Francis Calou. They lived at 599 Kenmore Avenue.
• Ernest Matthew Calou (May 30, 1896 – December 31, 1871) married Regina Mary Hoenisch (Calou), and they had 2 sons, Raymond Pierre Calou and Edmund Germain Calou. They lived at 750 Trestle Glen.
Links and References
- Women's Club Leader Dies Oakland Tribune September 10, 1935
- Man Seeking Divorce Names Laundry Man Oakland Tribune August 3, 1927
