We enjoy watering holes that are older than us Baby Boomers. Heinold’s Saloon in Oakland’s Jack London Square is one of them. By a margin. The structure was built between 1871 and 1875 from the timbers of the Umatilla, an abandoned stern-wheel paddle steamer. It became a saloon in 1884. Welcoming comers and goers to the Oakland waterfront, Jack London’s wife wrote that First & Last Chance was adopted by Johnny Heinold and became part of the saloon’s name.
Jack London first entered the saloon when he was about ten years old. The Sea Wolf was inspired by the many sea captains who frequented the saloon.
The saloon still uses gas lighting and the pot bellied stove is original. Thankfully we can still soak in some in some suds and history at Heinold’s.
– Jet Cannon
Photo: NPR
