Caption on back "Port of Oakland's Grove Street peir with the city in the background." Photo shows aerial view of small section of Oakland waterfront looking west to Oakland Hills. View of downtown, residential areas, Lake Merritt is very clear. Oakland Heritage Alliance News Vol. 12 N0.2, Fall, 1992 Issue By: P. Mendelsohn, 8/02 The Charles P. Howard Terminal Howard Terminal , built between 1926 and 1930, is the surviving part of the original Grove Street Pier. It served as the Port of Oakland's first permanent headquarters from 1931 to 1961. When built the building was considered state of the art in harbor terminal design. The monumental façade reflected the Beaux Arts and City Beautiful influences that promoted the use of classical architectural elements to embellish utilitarian buildings. The terminal was part of harbor improvements financed by a $9.96 million bond issue approved by voters in 1925. In 1929, Oakland was designated a full point of entry and established a local customs service, opening the Port to foreign import and export activities.