Historic Locke – Locke, California
This community was founded in 1915 following the destruction of the Chinese section of the nearby community of Walnut Grove. There were a number of Chinese that wanted to establish a town of their own so they contacted George Locke and worked out a deal where they got the necessary land to build their community. The town was laid out by Chinese architects and industrious building ensued. By 1920 Locke stood as it is now. Come and visit this community on your California Vacation, don’t expect a lot of touristy type stuff, it is a small community with an unusual, out of the way charm. It is thought that the reason there are so many people that visit this small community is because it has an authenticity, without any hypocritical overtones, so different than many places that entice the visitors to come.
The community now has a population of between 80 and 90 people with the Chinese population down to about 10.
Throughout the 1920’s (the Roaring 20’s) illicit amusement quarter began to be developed in Locke including such things as gambling parlors, speakeasies, a few opium dens, and several houses of prostitution. The gambling, speakeasies and opium dens were owned and operated by Chinese. The prostitution businesses were owned, operated and staffed by whites. There were NO Chinese prostitutes in Locke because of the respectable Chinese families in town. There was also a Chinese owned movie theater showing silent black and white films, a Chinese herbalist dispensing medicine and medical advice, six restaurants, nine grocery stores, a flour mill, a hotel and numerous boarding houses.
After WWII there was a gradual decline in the Delta’s Chinese population. It increased in the 50’s as more of the young Chinese-Americans were better educated and learned about life outside of the agricultural area.
The state government closed down all gambling business in town and the merchants started to move out which caused the population to decline even faster. Therefore, the population of 80 – 90 today.
A former gambling house has been converted into a museum called the Dai Loy Museum. It is open Saturday and Sunday from 12 – 3. The Admission to the museum is $1.25 per person and $0.75 for children and students. To make reservations for special group arrangements call 916-776-1661.
You can take a guided walking tour of Locke’s historical main street and the museum including the discussion of the background of the each building and a little history coverage of the Chinese presence in the California Delta and the founding of the community.
The walking tour will conclude with the admission to the Dai Loy Museum. The charge for this guided walking tour and museum package is $2 per person. Minimum of 20 people is required for this tour package. Advance reservations also required. Please call 916-776-1661 or email at: lockinfo@comcast.net to make arrangements and for details.
Directions: From the Bay Area: Take Hwy 24 to Concord then Hwy 242. Connect to Hwy 4 East to Pittsburg, Antioch. Connect to Hwy 160 to Walnut Grove. Locke is ½ mile north of Walnut Grove.
From Sacramento: Take Hwy 5 South, Exit at Twin Cities Rd. and turn Right, Turn left (South) on River Road, Stay on River Road about 2 miles, Locke is o the left of River Road.
From Stockton: Take Hwy 5 North, Exit Walnut Grove-Thornton Rd, follow directions to Walnut Grove. Locke is ½ mile north of Walnut Grove.
From Fairfield: Take Hwy 12 East to Rio Vista, connect to Hwy 160 North to Walnut Grove. Lock is ½ mile north of Walnut Grove.
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