Downtown San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Labor Temple

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

1. Labor Temple Marker

Inscription. The San José Labor Temple, located at 72 North Second Street, was a hub of the city’s turn of the century labor movement. It was established informally between 1901 and 1903 by Harry Ryan, an early San José labor leader, and Jack London, the famous California author. Jack London wrote the last portion of his classic, The Call of the Wild, as well as parts of The Sea Wolf, here in Harry Ryan’s office. The building became the official San José Labor Temple in 1911 and served this purpose until 1948. It was demolished in the early 1950’s.

Erected by City of San Jose.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Labor Unions • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.

Location. 37° 20.273′ N, 121° 53.42′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Downtown San Jose. It is on North Second Street south of East Saint James Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is mounted on a pole on the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Jose CA 95113, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Silicon Valley,

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Trinity Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Trinity Episcopal Church (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Henry Morris Naglee (within shouting distance of this marker); St. James Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Main Post Office (about 500 feet away); Eagles Hall (about 600 feet away); New Century Block (about 600 feet away); First Unitarian Church (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Also see . . . Downtown San Jose History Walk. This building (Site #25), is featured on the Downtown San Jose History Walk along with 30 additional sites. (Submitted on May 7, 2010.)

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

2. Labor Temple Marker

Labor Temple image. Click for full size.

via Downtown San Jose Walking Tour PDF, unknown

3. Labor Temple

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,662 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 7, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on February 7, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.