This debuted in 1887 as Ash Street – as in the ash tree. It was one of several arboreal streets laid out that year including Pepper (now Pacific Avenue), Cedar, Pine, Maple, Oak, Walnut (now Hill Street), and Cherry (now Pier Avenue). There were even unfulfilled plans for Spruce, Fir, and Cypress streets. In 1902, a supplement to Ash Street appeared next to the beach and was dubbed Joy Street. It was the “J” in a small alphabetical street group that included Hill, India (now defunct), and Kinney. It’s now a paved walkway at Ocean View Park. No matter: in September 1904, local property owners petitioned to have both Joy and Ash consolidated under a brand new name: Ashland Avenue. My guess is that they just thought it sounded more elegant than “Ash Street”, which it does. But what killjoys!
Find it on the map:
