Memorial Object

Plaque/Marker

Anti-Civil Rights

Pro-Civil Rights

London, Jack

Stone memorializing Jack London

The “Walk of Fame” was created in 1929 by then president Hamilton Holt to honor significant historical figures. The memorial is located in the center of campus around Mills Lawn.

Jack London was a famous American author from San Francisco, California. London’s views on race were complicated, forged from his education and personal experience.

As an infant, London had a Black wet nurse, Virginia Prentiss, with whom he remained close throughout his life. He also gained appreciation for the impoverished of all races during the time he spent as a hobo and as part of Kelly's Industrial Army.

On the other hand, London was a proponent of Social Darwinism, believing in the superiority of the "Anglo-Saxon" race. He also thought it was important to prevent miscegenation and maintain "racial purity." London's racism, particularly toward Chinese immigrants, is apparent in his writings.

The Stone was given to Hamilton Holt in 1945 by Mrs. Shepherd, the caretaker and niece-in-law of Jack and Mrs. London. Shepherd gave Holt the stone at the behest of Mrs. London from an old mortar and pestle.

Holt, Hamilton

Stone rectangular block 2'9 2/8" x 14'

Jack London

Hamilton Holt

1945

1890-1945: Era of the Lost Cause, Jim Crow legal segregation and discrimination, and organized anti-Black racism

Rollins College

Walk of Fame

Rollins College; Winter Park, Florida

https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q45765

“Jack London in Walk of Fame List of Names Thru. Oct. 1948,” Walk of Fame, Department of College Archives and Special Collections, Olin Library, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida.

UGA Press

London and Race