The following real estate transaction of Jan 12, 1877 was published in the Oakland Daily Evening Tribune (Oakland, CA) Saturday Evening, Jan 13, 1877:

"Amelia L. AYERS and Charles W. AYERS to Zimri B. HEYWOOD, lot 18, block 73, Berkeley Land and Town Improvement Association; $300."

QUESTIONS:
1. What was the Berkeley Land and Town Improvement Association?
2. What was the nature of the relationship between this association and my husband's great-great grandfather, Zimri Brewer Heywood?

Thanks so much for any clarification.

Jean