打更 The Bok Bok Man 更夫

Long ago in China, small communities would hire a night watchman, called a Geng Fu, to patrol their villages after dark. He would mark the hour by hitting a gong or hollowed wood block while looking out for fire and thieves.

This centuries old tradition followed Chinese immigrants to the United States, especially to towns in the delta where all the structures were made of wood.

As fire was a constant threat, the Geng Fu had one simple yet important duty: to keep his nightly vigil to ensure all was well. From the sound of his knocks, the townsfolk, using onomatopoeia, called the Geng Fu "The Bok Bok Man."

Locke's last bok bok man retired in 1954. Some say his wandering spirit still patrols the town after dark. . This historical marker was erected by John A. Sutter Chapter #1841 Tuleburgh Chapter #69 Pio Pico #1801 Outpost of Major William Downie Chapter #1849 E Clampus Vitus. It is in Locke in Walnut Grove in Sacramento County California