My City Oakland: Reflections of a Pioneer
by Al Hansen (circa 1932)
'Tis more than eighty years ago
Since first we hove in sight,
Where Oakland lies far-flung below
My home upon the heights.
We did not come in palace cars
A-gliding o'er steel rails;
Instead we came by oxen cart
O'er long rough prairie trails.
No friends were here to greet us then
Just Indians nude and wild
Who claimed we were intruding when
Upon their land we filed.
We dreamed of conquest of the west,
And now we proudly boast;
'My city Oakland' is the best -
'Fairest city of the coast.'
Additional Links
Hansen, Al. "My city Oakland: reflections of a pioneer." [Oakland, CA: Al Hansen], c1932
