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The FIRST AND LAST CHANCE BAR has been in continuous operation since June 1883. It was opened at that time by Johnnie Heinold who was the proprietor until 1939 at which time his son George took over and then in 1969, George's wife Margaret continued the tradition until 1984 when Carol Brookman became proprietor. She knows the history of the century old, world renowned saloon that has echoed the footsteps and voices of noted Americans, authors, artists, statesmen, and politicians. Carol is an on-site proprietor and has experience in the business. Her charm and repertoire calls memories of the founding Heinolds and other noted men who have served drinks to the famous, some not so famous, and the unknown for a "hundred years". She is determined to preserve the in and outward décor of the oldest and most historic treasure of Jack London Square.
The potbellied stove that warmed Jack London and his oyster pirate friends, the photos, Bob Fitzsimmons' and Jim Jeffries' boxing gloves, the early mugs and glasses, the original mahogany bar are all part of the mementos that Carol Brookman protects for Oakland and our heritage.
Yes, the famous old bar is still there. Be sure to see it. Carol's cheery voice will welcome you as her predecessors have done. "Yes this is the FIRST AND LAST CHANCE. Come In!! Watch It!! Step Down Please."
Brief History
Built over a century ago from the remnants of an old whaling ship and first used as a bunk house for the men working the oyster beds off the east shore of The San Francisco Bay and located at the foot of Webster Street on the waterfront of Oakland, California, stands a small one story shack of a building, unique in construction and famous for memories.
In the year of 1876, a young man by the name of John Heinold arrived in San Francisco Bay on a windjammer from Philadelphia, where he had shipped as a deckhand. He purchased an old bunkhouse for $100.00, which had formerly been used as sleeping quarters for men working the oyster beds nearby. The furniture consisted of a few old chairs and tables and such other things as are required to make the seafaring and waterfront men feel at home. On June the 1st 1883, he opened up the First and Last Chance Saloon. It was here that John Heinold held forth for forty nine years.
When the country went dry, Johnny closed the First and Last Chance liquor department. "If my boy can fight for the constitution, I guess I can uphold it," Heinold told his friends and customers when they came in with a hint they'd like a little of "the old stuff." Young Heinold (George) came back with a French Croix de Guerre on his feat in capturing, single handed, a German lieutenant and twelve soldiers.
Visitors to Oakland are welcome to visit this historic place, on the edge of the Oakland Waterfront.
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