February 21, 2006
The Oakland Tribune is reporting the US Army Corps of Engineers plans to tear down the remaining three structures that once were the Arks community in Fruitvale. According to the article, "During the 1930s,'40s and'50s, the arks were populated by a colony of artists, writers, laborers, eccentrics and families who thrived in an unconventional lifestyle. Painter Otto Riehl lived in one ark, as did vaudeville actor Bill Hill. Jack London is said to have visited the colony to harvest oysters. " Because the Arks are located on federal property, it seems that local officials and the historical society will be powerless to stop the razing of these structures.
posted by Mr. Horton at 2:38 AM
2 Comments:
Imagine Sitting Astern an Old Landmark
John Barleycorn revisited
by Lainie Penebaker
The Tidal Canal once housed families on it's shores,
a colony of people living above the ocean floors.
On fishing boats the men worked the rough seas,
so they could return to feed thier families.
It's where Jack London spent many a night,
when the weather was cold and there was no moonlight.
There was always a friend on which he could rely,
and a safe place to sleep, unwind and keep dry.
Now imagine...
One day spent with him upon one ark,
and tell me you're not sitting astern an old landmark.
Lainie,
Thanks for this.
Are you connected with the Arks somehow? If so, could you contact me? chasepark at hotmail dot com.
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