Jack Kerouac Alley facts for kids
The alley as seen from Columbus Avenue, 2017
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| Namesake | Jack Kerouac |
|---|---|
| Location | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| West end | Grant Avenue in Chinatown |
| East end | Columbus Avenue in North Beach |
Jack Kerouac Alley is a special little street in San Francisco, California. It connects two famous neighborhoods: Chinatown and North Beach. This alley is named after a famous writer, Jack Kerouac. He was part of a group called the Beat Generation. Jack Kerouac often visited the bookstore and pub right next to this alley.
History of Jack Kerouac Alley
This alley was once known as Adler Alley or Adler Place. For a long time, it was mostly used for dumping garbage. Trucks also used it as a quick shortcut.
Transforming the Alleyway
In 1988, a poet named Lawrence Ferlinghetti had a great idea. He was one of the people who started the City Lights Bookstore. He suggested to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors that the alley could be much better. The Board of Supervisors is a group of people who help run the city.
Ferlinghetti wanted to turn the alley into a nice place for people to walk. The plan included putting down new pavement. They also planned to add new street lights. This would make the alley safer and more inviting.
Reopening the Alley
The big project to fix up the alley finished in March 2007. It was then reopened for everyone to enjoy. A special celebration happened in April 2007. This event marked the official reopening of the alley.
Today, Jack Kerouac Alley is famous for its unique writings. You can find words engraved on the ground. These writings are from both Western and Chinese authors. Some of the famous writers whose words are there include John Steinbeck, Maya Angelou, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and Jack Kerouac himself. It's like an outdoor library of inspiring quotes!
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Street sign in 2017
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Plaque with a quote from Lawrence Ferlinghetti's poem in Jack Kerouac Alley
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Plaque with Jack Kerouac's quote
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Plaque with John Steinbeck's quote
