Derek Wilson
Marinscope
The controversy surrounding the legacy of noted English explorer and reputed slave trader Sir Francis Drake continues to engulf Marin County.
The Larkspur City Council held a virtual meeting Wednesday, August 5, to consider the fate of a 30-foot tall sculpture of Sir Francis Drake that was removed from the waterfront Larkspur Landing site where it had been on display since 1990.
Authorities removed the sculpture in the early morning hours of July 29 to stop protestors who were rumored to be planning to topple the statue themselves. Workers had to remove the feet of the sculpture during the process, but city officials consider that to be “repairable.” The sculpture is currently in storage.
“The statue has been there for 30 years and we have had no protests about it for those 30 years until now,” said former Larkspur Mayor Joan Lundstrom.
Lundstrom has been in communication with the artist Dennis Patton and urged the city council to consider his perspective. At last week’s meeting, she shared comments from Patton: “People are misinterpreting my work. It was never a sculpture of Sir Francis Drake… My sculpture was enjoyed by many until someone decided Sir Francis Drake was bad. … This is a lovely sculpture built from love and for love of Marin County. This was a gift to the city during a happy time. … Change the name of the sculpture and get rid of the hatred. Include a plaque with a new name and the story of why the sculpture was taken down. We can’t change the past. Let’s learn from it. Use this as a teaching tool.”
Other longtime Larkspur residents lauded the sculpture’s intent as an expression of the glory of the scenery of the area.
“If in response to Cancel Culture demands, we rename Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, tear down his statue and brand Drake forever as a slave master, we do ourselves no favor,” wrote Peter Hensell. “Succeeding generations will lose sight of the fact that Drake enlarged the scope of the known world and became the first English-speaking person to come ashore here and find safe harbor in our beautiful Marin.”
Former Larkspur Mayor Larry Chu commented: “Symbolism has powerful impacts which can evoke feelings of strength, control, or supremacy. The sculpture depicts someone with a sword, armor, helmet, and flag. These are symbolic of the conquistador or conqueror in time in which Native American lands in the area were taken. While it may not have been the original intent of the art, the placement is along Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and there is the general belief that Marin County was a landing spot for Drake. That perception has transformed it into a reality. Despite our lack of diversity, the City of Larkspur has always strived to be inclusive. Ultimately, if we want to accomplish that ‐ irrespective of the sculpture’s true or perceived origins – this sculpture, and any symbols that celebrate oppression or European conquest, should be removed.”
The question remains what to do with the sculpture? According to an agreement with the artist Dennis Patton made at the time of the purchase, the city does not have the right to unilaterally make the decision to demolish the sculpture.
The council chose to hold off on making any decision for now.
Until then, Marin County officials face an issue that would affect thousands of businesses and residents on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The Marin County Free Library will host an online learning session about possibly renaming the nearly 43-mile road that cuts through Marin from the San Rafael-Richmond Bridge to the Point Reyes Lighthouse. If, and when, the street name is changed everyone who lives or does business on the street will have to get used to a new address.
Among the popular ideas for a new street name is Miwok Way, to represent the indigenous Miwok tribe that had settled in Marin long before Drake arrived in his ship the Golden Hinde in the 16th Century, according to history books. The MCFL created a history resource webpage on its site about the subject.
During previous learning sessions, hundreds of residents have shown support both for changing the street name and for keeping it.
The August 17 learning session, to be held at 6 p.m., will be moderated by MCFL assistant director Chantel Walker. Visit the MCFL website for information on how to participate. Current and historic perspectives will be offered from guest speakers, including:
- Tribal Vice Chair Lorelle Ross, Cultural Resources Specialist Matthew Johnson, and Tribal Heritage Preservation Officer Buffy McQuillen, all of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo);
- Jordan Lieser, Dominican University of California history professor, and;
- Author and Historian Dewey Livingston, who has spent 35 years researching and telling stories of Marin’s past.
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