Do you know Jack? Come to the birthday celebration and learn a bit about the life of Jack London (1876-1916), a man born in San Francisco and raised in Oakland, who lived as a seaman, writer, socialist and hobo.
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 function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I shall use my time. — Jack London
Get to know Jack - Oakland celebrates world-famous novelist’s 131st birthday in the Square
By Michelle Moday
Published: January, 2007
At the celebration of Jack London’s birthday, have a look at the distinctive wolf tracks in the sidewalk that lead the journey around the Square. Along the trail, these historic markers highlight facts about Jack London, the City and Port of Oakland and its waterfront. There are also hundreds of permanent bronze wolf tracks sponsored by individuals and community organizations commemorating persons or events important to them.
London’s birthday celebration begins at Jack London’s Cabin at the corner of Water St. and Webster St., next to the Last Chance Saloon. London’s cabin was built in the Yukon during the gold rush in 1897; and, on the ceiling, find the notes in London’s handwriting. Immediately after, the celebration continues aboard the historic U.S.S. Potomac – Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidential yacht, also known as the Floating Whitehouse.
Why wolf tracks? Begin by discovering his world-famous novels: White Fang, The Call of the Wild, and The Sea Wolf, where, in chapter one, a nervous sea captain rides through the fog as a passenger on the Sausalito ferry in the fog (circa 1904).
Read The Sea Wolf and more of Jack London’s novels online:
www.online-literature.com/london/
Jack London’s Birthday Celebration
Saturday, January 6, Noon
Jack London’s Cabin
Water St. at Webster St.
Admission is freewww.jacklondonsquare.com
