Club Triangle was a night club at 6031 Adeline at Stanford Avenue, on the west side of where Driver Plaza now sits. It was open from 1935 until 1967, when it was destroyed in a fire that burned much of the block. 8 NB: the name was spelled Klub Triangle in a few references after it was sold in 1965.
In 1935, Franklin Lewis and Clarence Andrews filed for a cabaret permit for the location. 1 Clarence "Babe" Andrews was involved with it until he sold his interest in 1965. 2
Boxing promoter Max Blum was also an owner from 1935 to 1965. According to his obituary, the club was a favorite meeting place for East Bay boxing enthusiasts. 3 His name appears along with Clarence Andrews in the 1938 directory. That directory also lists Richard Lewis as a musician at the club, and lists the club under "Restaurants and Lunch Rooms."
In 1965, it appears the club was sold to Verlin E. Mattox. 7 Unfortunately, the club and the surrounding businesses were destroyed in a fire in November 1967. The cause was under investigation, but an OFD battalion chief noted that the blaze was fed by two 50-gallon drums of oil or solvent in one of the auto shops. 8
Bits and Pieces
- Rustee Allen, former bass player with Sly and the Family Stone, performed at Club Triangle
- Richard Diebenkorn, artist, used a "funky space" behind the bar as a studio from 1958 to 1963. The space was recognizable for its red and white checkered floor 4
The 1911 Sanborn shows a liquor store at 6029-6031 Adeline, and a connected saloon at 6033.
Links and References
- Notice of Hearing Oakland Tribune June 26, 1935
- obituary for Clarence Andrews Oakland Tribune January 11, 1981
- Promoter Max Blum dies Oakland Tribune May 18, 1978
- Richard Diebenborn - Berkeley Figurative Years diebenkorn.org
- ad Oakland Post-Enquirer July 27, 1935
- ad Emeryville-Golden Gate Herald November 8, 1940
- Notice of Hearing Oakland Tribune August 11, 1965
- Block of Buildings Burns Oakland Tribune September 18, 1967