This year marks the significant 108th anniversary of the death of the notable author Jack London. To honor his remarkable legacy, the Jack London State Historic Park will host a poignant memorial event featuring a commemorative service, a guided hike to his burial site, and a captivating original musical performance on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Park volunteer historian, Lou Leal, will preside over the memorial service at the park, where participants can witness an original song composed and performed by singer-songwriter Jeff Falconer, reflecting on London’s extraordinary life and enduring influence.
The memorial is free for all attendees; however, a parking fee of $10 will apply. Guests are advised to convene at the park’s House of Happy Walls Museum at 10:30 a.m. prior to embarking on a scenic half-mile stroll to the gravesite where Jack London and his beloved wife, Charmian, rest together. A golf cart will be available on-site for those requiring assistance during the event.
If inclement weather arises, the memorial service will be relocated to the second floor of the Jack London State Historic Park’s museum, which is accessible exclusively via stairs.
Jack London, who hailed from San Francisco, was a prolific writer, publishing over 50 impactful works such as “White Fang” and “The Call of the Wild.” Beyond his literary contributions, he also served as a war correspondent for the San Francisco Examiner and was an ardent advocate for animal rights. In 1905, he took a significant step by purchasing a ranch in Glen Ellen.
He constructed a house for his family on this property, known as Wolf House, but tragically, it was consumed by a fire just two weeks before the family was set to move in. The ruins of the house, along with his ranch, are now preserved as part of the Jack London State Historical Park.
Jack London passed away on Nov. 22, 1916, at the young age of 40 due to kidney failure at a cottage located on his ranch property.
For more details about accessibility options available at the event, please call 707-938-5216.
You can reach Staff Writer Isabel Beer at 707-933-2734 or [email protected]. Follow her on X (Twitter) @IsabelSongBeer
How has the community’s celebration of Jack London evolved over the years since his passing?
**Interview with Lou Leal: Presiding Historian at the Jack London Memorial Event**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Lou. This year marks the 108th anniversary of Jack London’s passing. Can you tell us why this anniversary is particularly meaningful for you and the community?
**Lou Leal:** Thank you for having me! This anniversary is significant not only because it marks another year without one of America’s most celebrated authors, but also because it serves as a reminder of his incredible contributions to literature and social thought. Jack London still resonates today, inspiring discussions on topics like nature, equality, and the human spirit. Our community comes together to honor his legacy through this annual event, and it’s a great opportunity to reflect on how his work continues to impact us.
**Editor:** The memorial event at Jack London State Historic Park sounds quite special. Could you describe what attendees can expect on November 23rd?
**Lou Leal:** Absolutely! We have a poignant commemorative service planned, where I will lead the attendees in honoring Jack London’s life. Following the service, participants will embark on a guided hike to his burial site, which is a unique way to connect with both the man and the landscape he loved so much. Additionally, we have a captivating original musical performance by Jeff Falconer, who will be debuting a song inspired by London’s extraordinary life. It’s really a blend of remembrance and celebration.
**Editor:** It sounds like a beautiful tribute. Can you tell us a bit more about Jeff Falconer’s involvement and what his performance will contribute to the event?
**Lou Leal:** Jeff Falconer is a talented singer-songwriter who has taken the time to study Jack London’s life and work. His original song will encapsulate London’s essence, exploring themes of adventure, hardship, and triumph—elements that were prevalent in London’s own writings. The musical performance will provide an emotional depth to the memorial, allowing attendees to experience London’s legacy through both storytelling and music.
**Editor:** That sounds wonderful! For those interested in attending, is there anything they should know before coming to the event?
**Lou Leal:** Yes, the event is free for everyone, which we’re very excited about. However, there is a $10 parking fee per vehicle, so we do ask attendees to plan accordingly. We recommend arriving at the park’s House of Happy Walls Museum by 10:30 a.m. to ensure a timely start, as we will move to the burial site after the service.
**Editor:** Thank you, Lou, for sharing these details about the upcoming memorial. It sounds like a heartfelt way to honor Jack London’s enduring legacy.
**Lou Leal:** Thank you for helping us spread the word! We hope to see many people there to celebrate Jack’s remarkable life and contributions.