Produce and Waterfront in Oakland in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Jack London
1876-1916
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 9, 2014
1. Jack London Marker
In 1886, ten year old Jack London traveled to Oakland with his family and led the rough and ready life of countless other working class lads of that era. Though he labored at menial jobs, the world of books captured his imagination at an early age and his mind remained open to new ideas and learning. Jack London’s life and career were influenced by the colorful yarns from hard-drinking sailors and risk-taking oyster pirates that he heard in Heinold’s Saloon. A year in the frozen Yukon provided additional inspiration for his writing. During his brief, brilliant career, London produced over fifty volumes of novels, essays, short stories and newspaper reports. In 1916, at the age of forty, he died as he lived.
“I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot.”
Donated in memory of
Jules and Silvia Rodesta
Erected by Port of Oakland.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 37° 47.667′ N, 122° 16.651′ W. Marker is in Oakland, California, in Alameda County. It is in Produce and Waterfront. Marker can be reached from Broadway
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Oakland's First Wharf (here, next to this marker); Pony Express Ferry “Oakland” (a few steps from this marker); Origins of Oakland (within shouting distance of this marker); Live Oak Lodge U.D (within shouting distance of this marker); Oakland Railroad History (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jack London Square Development (about 600 feet away); Birthplace of Oakland (about 600 feet away); USS Potomac (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakland.
More about this marker. This marker is located in Jack London Square. Jack London Square is closed to vehicular traffic
Also see . . . Jack London - Biography.com. Jack London was born John Griffith Chaney on January 12, 1876, in San Francisco, California. After working in the Klondike, London returned home and began publishing stories. His novels, including The Call of the Wild, White Fang and Martin Eden, placed London among the most popular American authors of his time. London, who was also a journalist and an outspoken socialist, died in 1916. (Submitted on January 12, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 9, 2014
2. Jack London Marker
Statue of Jack London in the background.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 9, 2014
3. Statue of Jack London
The plaque below reads:
“I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze
than it should be stifled by dry rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me
in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time."
- Jack London –
Jack London
1876-1916
Monument Sponsors
The Port of Oakland
Buzz and Joan Gibb and the Waterfront Plaza Hotel
Barnes and Noble Bookstore
The Mario J. Lucchi Family
AMPCO Systems Parking/A.B.M. Engineering Services
ACSS Security Services/ and A.B.M. Maintenance Company
Artist: Cedric Wentworth
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze
than it should be stifled by dry rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me
in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time."
- Jack London –
Jack London
1876-1916
Monument Sponsors
The Port of Oakland
Buzz and Joan Gibb and the Waterfront Plaza Hotel
Barnes and Noble Bookstore
The Mario J. Lucchi Family
AMPCO Systems Parking/A.B.M. Engineering Services
ACSS Security Services/ and A.B.M. Maintenance Company
Artist: Cedric Wentworth
Photographed By Unknown, circa n/a
4. Jack London
Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 792 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 12, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
