Welcome to Locke
This plaque is in the Locke Historical District in the town of Locke, CA.
It reads:
"Locke was founded in 1915 after a fire destroyed most of the Chinese neighborhood in nearby Walnut Grove. The Chinese who lived in that community decided that it was time to establish a town of their own. After the fire, a group of Chinese merchants led by Lee Bing, Chan Hing Sai, Tom Wai, Chan Dai Kee, Ng So Hat, Chan Wai Lum, Chow Hou Bun, and Suen Dat Suin formed a committee to find a new place to live. They approached local landowner George Locke and inquired if they could build a town on his land. An equitable agreement for the creation of a new community was quickly reached. Laid out by Chinese architects, industrious building soon ensued. First named Lockeport, later Locke, the new community was quickly populated Chinese merchants and farm workers. By 1920 Locke stood essentially as you see it today."
Photo credit: Eli Anders