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

The Lathams

By Andrew Ruppenstein, November 10, 2020

1. The Lathams Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

James and Henrietta Latham brought their family to Oakland from Virginia City, Nevada, in the late 1860s. A wealthy stockbroker, James died at age 42 and left a substantial inheritance to Henrietta and the children, Edith and Milton. Together, they became active in philanthropy, particularly animal welfare as a means to promote human kindness and international friendship.

Edith and Milton founded the Latham Foundation for the Promotion of Humane Education in 1918. Milton passed away in 1921, but Edith carried on the mission for another 30 years, including work with the Oakland public schools and broadcast media. The Kind Deeds Club, a local radio program, was followed by the Brother Buzz television program. Brother Buzz was created by famed artist and puppeteer Ralph Chessé and ran on San Francisco's KPIX from 1952 to 1969. It pioneered environmental education on television. The Latham Foundation continues its work today.

Erected 2016 by City of Oakland.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work.

Location.

The Lathams Marker - wide view, looking south on Broadway image. Click for full size.

By Andrew Ruppenstein, November 10, 2020

2. The Lathams Marker - wide view, looking south on Broadway

The Latham marker is the one closest on the left.

37° 48.336′ N, 122° 16.23′ W. Marker is in Oakland, California, in Alameda County. Marker is at the intersection of Broadway and Telegraph Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oakland CA 94612, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Latham Square (here, next to this marker); Uptown Saturday Night (here, next to this marker); General Strike! (here, next to this marker); Crossroads (here, next to this marker); Latham Memorial Fountain Unveiled (a few steps from this marker); 1946 General Strike (within shouting distance of this marker); Oakland City Hall (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of College of California (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakland.

Also see . . . Latham's Early History (Latham Foundation). (Submitted on November 20, 2020.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 20, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Sacramento, California.