Heinold's "First and Last Chance Saloon"
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Built from the timbers of a whaling ship, this famous bar in Jack London Square in Oakland has operated continuously since 1883. It takes part of its name from its original owner, Johnny Heinold. As a teenager, Jack London sat at the tables in this bar studying. Later, he returned and wrote the notes for "Call of the Wild" and "The Sea Wolf." At age 17, London confided to Johnny Heinold his ambition to go to the University of California and become a writer. Johnny lent London the money for tuition and, although he never got beyond his first year, it was while studying at this saloon and listening to the stories of shipmates and stevedores that he developed his thirst for adventure. The theme of men bravely facing danger appears throughout the best of his works. Indeed Johnny Heinold and The First and Last Chance Saloon are referenced seventeen times in London's novel John Barleycorn. Heinold's saloon was where he met Alexander McLean, known for such cruelty at sea that his boat was nicknamed The Hell Ship. At the time of its writing, McLean became a model for London's Wolf Larsen in The Sea Wolf. With the help of Johnny Heinold, the deals for London's three ships, the Razzle Dazzle, the Snark and the Roamer were struck in this bar.
Jack London is not the only spirit that keeps us company in these walls. Robert Louis Stevenson spent time here while waiting for his ship to be outfitted for his final cruise to Samoa. Other notables to sit at this bar include Joaquin Miller, Erskine Caldwell and Ambrose Bierce.
As a result of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the floor in the bar tilted.The pilings underneath the saloon settled in the mud and subsequent efforts to shore up the floor proved unsuccessful. You can still note the time of the quake from the clock on the wall that stopped for the occasion.
Today new construction over and behind the bar have it shrouded to protect it, as seen in the photo.
21 commentaires:
Very interesting, Louis. This is a place I would love to visit.
The patrons sound like a drinking club with a literary problem - no, wait, that's my book club.
I need to head over to Jack London Square some weekend and have a beer at Heinolds'; I've never actually been here. Then I'll reread some Jack London! Thanks for sharing this story; London is a true Bay Area legend.
A place i must visit, I have enjoyed nearly all of jack london's writings.
You have made a splendid ABC Wednesday post, Louis.
Neat information of a neat bar. MB
I'll have a whiskey sour please:)
I actually posted on the Saint Fargeau blog today toooo... The truancy officer kicked me in the bootie!
merci pour le texte, c'est très intéressant.
Your knowledge of history is fascinating. I am always interested in your blog. I read Jack London's books and those of Stevenson.
Now I'd like to have a drink. Perhaps some of the literary genius would rub off on me... I read White Fang years ago and cried so much I couldn't finish it..
Wow, that place has a fantastic literary history!
You've given us a load of history today Louis! I loved "Call of the Wild" when I was in school (many years ago now!) - cried buckets at the end!
What an interesting post Louis! Have you ever been to the Pirate House in Savannah. Robert Louis Stevenson mentions it in Treasure Island. If you haven't been, it's an awesome place, you have to go!
http://www.thepirateshouse.com/history.html I posted pictures before I think?
My son and I are currently reading Kidnapped by Stevenson for school.
Jolie petite leçon d'histoire, Louis. Well done.
Hi Louis! Your blog deserves an award! Thanks for all your comments and linking my blog. Please go to my blog and get your well deserved award!
Neat place... tho personally I would prefer a coffee ...
;-Daryl
Gosh, what an interesting story, and you made me thirsty for a beer.
Thanks for your many comments on my blog these days, and your emails. I'm slowly getting back in the swing of things.
Heinold's "First and Last Chance Saloon" is an Historic Haven for Authours Hell-bent for Adventure Hiding under new construction.
Cheers.
Bear((( )))
What a great post.....love the saloon.
Yes I had a problem finishing "White Fang" as well. Didn't like the part where he was almost killed by the vicious pit bull in the dog fight.
This was a great post. You are firing on all cylinders lately Louis.
This is a great post, Louis, about a place I have fond memories of back in my salad days. Have shared a few cups of grog with friends in that historic saloon. Thanks for the memories.
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