Alfred Clinch Dietz (c.1832 - November 10, 1904) was the owner of the Dietz Opera House from 1874/75 to 1903, which was located on the NE corner of Twelfth Street and Webster Street.
Dietz was born in New York in 1832. He married Sarah Jane Dietz (c.1844 - 1922) of Massachusetts, and they had three children: Mary Alice Dietz (Boyer) (), Charles Longworth Dietz (August 1869 - 1907), and Nellie Pierce Dietz (October 1875 - 1919). The Dietz family lived on San Pablo Avenue on a lovely estate. Early listings describe it as "west side of San Pablo Avenue near Temescal Creek", but later directories list it as 5403 San Pablo Avenue.
Dietz was also the owner of A. C. Dietz & Co., an importer and wholesale dealer of paints, oils, glass, varnishes and lamps at 224 Front Street in San Francisco. He later invested in oil.
A.C. apparently loved horses. Besides living near the racetrack, he employed a groomer at the family home and had at least one racehorse. In his later years, he purchased Ferndale Ranch in Ventura County for breeding horses, and spent much of his time there. He died at the ranch, and left an estate of approximately $270,000, most of which went to Sarah. 1, 2 Around 1902 an oil well was drilled on the property, but with no results. 3
Links and References
- Langley's San Francisco directory for the year 1880 - SFgenealogy
- Horse Trainer Accused and Arrested San Francisco Call January 26, 1904
- Tangible Memories: Californians and Their Gardens 1800-1950 by By Harry M. Butte, Judith M. Taylor
- A.C. Dietz Passes Away San Francisco Call November 11, 1904
- Dietz Will is Found San Francisco Call December 20, 1904
- Petroleum in Southern California 1913 California State Mining Bureau
Possible Connections
Andrew E. Dietz was the manager of the Dietz Opera House in 1887 ... perhaps Andrew was either Alfred's son or brother? Perhaps father? Possibly brother. Too young for father. He started as a janitor.
Also, Fred Dietz, a clerk in San Francisco, lived at the Dietz Opera House. Clearly, another relative. Connected with Andrew, so probably nephew.
Frank X. Dietz was a watchmaker in Oakland, who lived at 1408 Ninth Street. Probably one more relation to Alfred.
In 1880 there was a George F. Dietz who was a cashier at A. C. Dietz & Co., and resided in Oakland. George is not listed in the 1887 Oakland City Directory.
Mary A. Dietz and Emma Dietz were granted a patent for a closing dustpan in 1881.
