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“Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.” – John Steinbeck, from the opening sentence of Cannery Row (1945)
The canneries shut down after the collapse of the fishing industry in Monterey Bay during the mid-1950s, which occurred due to a combination of factors like unfavorable oceanic conditions, over-fishing and competition from other species.
Before the collapse, an upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean funneled through the underwater Monterey Canyon led the fishery to become one of the most productive in the world.
Cannery Row is the waterfront street in the New Monterey section and is the site of a number of non-operating sardine canning factories. The last cannery shut its doors in 1973.
To honor John Steinbeck, and his novel, the street name “Cannery Row” became official in January of 1958.
Cannery Row was the setting of Steinbeck’s novels Cannery Row (1945) and Sweet Thursday (1954), both of which were the basis for the 1982 movie Cannery Row. It is also mentioned in Bob Dylan’s song “Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands”.
Pacific Biological Laboratories, a biological supply house, is still preserved and was operated by Edward F. Ricketts whom was the inspiration for several of the characters in Steinbeck’s novels.
Today, Cannery Row is a tourist attraction with restaurants and hotels, several of which are actually located in former cannery buildings.
There are still some privately owned fishing companies that exist on Cannery Row, housed on piers just a short distance from the historic district.
This historic site has become increasingly popular among sport fishermen due to extensive public fishing facilities. MacAbee Beach and San Carlos Beach are both popular spots for kayak-launching, and San Carlos Beach is one of Monterey’s most popular scuba-diving spots, more information about scuba-diving on GearByPoseidon.
With rich history, local restaurants and fun activities, Cannery Row is a great destination for a quick escape from Los Angeles or any tourist wanting to experience more of what California has to offer.
Authored by Mayra Villa | Realtor at Town Square | CalBRE# 01768462
Reach me at 1 (626) 590-6826 | [email protected] , .
