Alameda in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Clark Memorial Bench

My Dumb Friends Bench

Photographed By James King, October 22, 2016

1. Clark Memorial Bench Marker

Inscription. Donated to the city of Alameda in 1920 by Park Avenue resident Isabella Derby Clark, this concrete bench was designed by Myrtle Maillot. Mrs. Clark was a proponent of animal welfare. The inscription "In memory of my dumb friends" is a reference to animals and their inability to speak. A pet watering fountain was originally attached to the bench's east side. The bench was damaged when a palm tree fell on it during a 2013 storm. Citizens, in cooperation with city officials and non-profit organizations raised funds to repair and restore the bench and to place a street lamp at the site. Poet, songwriter and lead singer of The Doors, James Douglas "Jim" Morrison (1943-1971) was a frequent visitor to the bench while a student at Alameda High School.

Erected 2016 by Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number GPY-140-02.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 22, 2016.

Location. 37° 45.565′ N, 122° 14.718′ W. Marker is in Alameda, California, in Alameda County. Marker is on Park Avenue. The marker is at the south end

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of Jackson Park between Park Avenue West and Park Avenue East bounded by Encinal Avenue on the north and Otis Drive on the south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alameda CA 94501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Webster House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Alameda’s First Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Historic Alameda High School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Elsie B. Roemer Bird Sanctuary (approx. 0.4 miles away); They Brought Alameda the News (approx. half a mile away); Veterans Memorial Building (approx. half a mile away); Alameda City Hall, 1895-96 (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Alameda City Hall (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alameda.

Also see . . . Beloved Clark Bench Brought Back to Life. Jackson Park neighbors gathered with city officials and members of the local parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West on Saturday, Oct. 22, to dedicate the Clark Memorial Bench. The Native Sons were on hand to install a historical plaque that recalled Isabelle Clark’s 1920 expression of love for her late husband, George B Clark. The plaque’s inscription also called to mind Doors’ singer Jim Morrison’s role in the saga. (Submitted on February 25, 2017, by James King of San Miguel, California.)

NSGW Dedication Ceremony - Sealing the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James King

2. NSGW Dedication Ceremony - Sealing the Marker

Native Sons Dedication Team & Community Members image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James King, October 22, 2016

3. Native Sons Dedication Team & Community Members

Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2017. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2017, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 671 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 25, 2017, by James King of San Miguel, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.