
What is the setting of Cannery Row?
Cannery Row is a novel by American author John Steinbeck, published in 1945. [1] It is set during the Great Depression in Monterey, California, on a street lined with sardine canneries that is known as Cannery Row.
When did Steinbeck write Cannery Row?
Publication date. Cannery Row is a novel by American author John Steinbeck, published in 1945. It is set during the Great Depression in Monterey, California, on a street lined with sardine canneries that is known as Cannery Row.
What happened to Cannery Row?
There, Cannery Row’s fishing industry flourished. The very first cannery, the American Tin Cannery was developed on China Point in 1927. The site still stands today, restored as an entertainment and shopping center, and is a pillar in Cannery Row’s beginning.
Where is Monterey’s first cannery?
The very first cannery, the American Tin Cannery was developed on China Point in 1927. The site still stands today, restored as an entertainment and shopping center, and is a pillar in Cannery Row’s beginning. This seaside road is Monterey’s epicenter of tourism.

Why is it called Cannery Row?
It was the site of a number of now-defunct sardine canning factories. The last cannery closed in 1973. The street name, formerly a nickname for Ocean View Avenue, became official in January 1958 to honor John Steinbeck and his well-known novel Cannery Row.
Why is it called Cannery Row in Monterey?
The swift expansion of the Monterey fishing industry at the turn of the century gave birth to the fish canning industry and the street that would become Cannery Row. Frank Booth built the first cannery in Monterey.
Is Cannery Row based on a true story?
Cannery Row (1945), one of Steinbeck's best and most widely read fictional works, immortalized Cannery Row as a one-of-a-kind neighborhood of fish packing plants, bordellos and flophouses, and made it the most famous street in America.
When did Cannery Row burn down?
On Dec. 24, 1967, the old Carmel Canning Co. on Cannery Row caught fire and burned for more than four hours. More than 65 firefighters from Monterey, Seaside and Pacific Grove responded to the fire, which caused an estimated $250,000 in damage.
Why did the sardines leave Monterey Bay?
Taking too many fish during a natural population decline was attributed as the cause of the historic Monterey sardine fishery collapse – and history now appears to be repeating itself.
When did the sardines leave Monterey?
Monterey's sardine history Sardine fishing boomed in Monterey in the early 1900s, during the rise of Cannery Row. But after World War II the sardines disappeared and the industry collapsed.
What is the message of Cannery Row?
Analysis of John Steinbeck's Cannery Row. John Steinbeck's Cannery Row is a novel about the nature of true virtue, the value of human connection, and how the inherent duplicity of life is fundamental to its value. Steinbeck utilizes the motifs of music, nature, and spirituality to convey the themes of the book.
What happened to the canneries in Monterey?
The oil spilled and caught fire, creating a rushing stream of flames. Two canneries were completely destroyed in the mayhem. The flaming oil made its way into the sea, burning Monterey Bay until the tide and wind was able to keep the fire under control before finally going out.
What is a meaningful quote from John Steinbeck?
“And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good.” “I wonder how many people I've looked at all my life and never seen.” “All great and precious things are lonely.”” “And this I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world.
What does a cannery mean?
Definitions of cannery. a factory where food is canned. type of: factory, manufactory, manufacturing plant, mill.
How long is Cannery Row in Monterey?
One Hour, Endless Options.
Is Monterey Bay protected?
One of our nation's most spectacular marine protected areas, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world!
What does a cannery mean?
Definitions of cannery. a factory where food is canned. type of: factory, manufactory, manufacturing plant, mill.
What happened to the canneries in Monterey?
The oil spilled and caught fire, creating a rushing stream of flames. Two canneries were completely destroyed in the mayhem. The flaming oil made its way into the sea, burning Monterey Bay until the tide and wind was able to keep the fire under control before finally going out.
How long is Cannery Row in Monterey?
One Hour, Endless Options.
What is Cannery Row in San Francisco?
The Cannery San Francisco is in the heart of the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood. This thriving neighborhood is full of activities and attractions including Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square and the ferries that take you on cruises around the bay.
Where is the cannery row?
A Brief History of Cannery Row, California. There’s much more than meets the eye in California’s Cannery Row in Monterey. Famed author, John Steinbeck tried to capture its very essence in his infamous novel Cannery Row long before anyone knew of its magic and intense history.
What happened to the cannery row?
That Cannery Row luck ran aground when lightning literally struck. Large petroleum oil tanks that sat above Cannery Row were hit by lighting in 1924 and exploded. The oil spilled and caught fire, creating a rushing stream of flames. Two canneries were completely destroyed in the mayhem. The flaming oil made its way into the sea, burning Monterey Bay until the tide and wind was able to keep the fire under control before finally going out.
Why was Monterey named the Sardine Capital of the World?
World War II called for another cannery expansion. The 1940s were Monterey’s time to shine as the bay’s sardines fed the world. This era officially allowed Monterey to be named the “Sardine Capital of the World.”. But that quick luck would soon run out.
Why did the cannery row industry die?
Just five years into Cannery Row’s biggest boom, the canning and fishing industry died from sheer lack of sardines. The entire bay became depleted of its biggest source of income it ever had.
When was the first cannery in China?
There, Cannery Row’s fishing industry flourished. The very first cannery, the American Tin Cannery was developed on China Point in 1927 .
Who wrote the book Cannery Row?
Author John Steinbeck wrote Cannery Row and published it in 1945. His novel painted an image of Cannery Row that no one had experienced before. The story followed a band of bums and their own individual and diverse lives on Cannery Row and his classic novel opened a whole other demographic to fall in love with the area.
When did Monterey Bay Aquarium open?
Monterey Bay Aquarium opened its doors to the public in 1984 . The educational marine biology meeting the mesmirizing magic of the sea was actually influenced by one of the characters in Steinbeck’s book, deepening the connection between Cannery Row and its own history.
When did Cannery Row become a destination?
In 1908, decades before Cannery Row became a buzzing destination that draws some four million guests annually, the Pacific Fish Company established a location along the old Ocean View Boulevard. Similar operations followed, and the local fishing industry flourished. By 1918, the district produced 1.4 million cases of sardines.
What is cannery row?
The story of today’s Cannery Row traces back to before California statehood, when members of the Ohlone community fished the region’s fertile shores. They were followed by individuals from a collection of cultures—including Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese and Italian families who brought their own whaling and casting traditions to the coast.
What helped shape Monterey Bay's fishing history?
Individuals from many cultural backgrounds helped shape Monterey’s fishing history, including both native residents and immigrants from Asia and Europe. As they arrived from different homelands, these early settlers sought out different fishing opportunities—and, each community added to the cultural vibrancy of today’s Cannery Row. Here’s how the Monterey Bay’s fishing timeline unfolded, aided by the efforts of immigrants from around the globe.
What is Monterey's cannery row?
During this season of ghosts and goblins and ghouls, why should children have all the fun? Monterey’s Cannery Row offers plenty of tricks and treats for grown-ups, giving adults exciting options for festive Halloween adventures that can be enjoyed as a couple or with a group of friends.
How many years is cannery row?
This year, guests are celebrating 60 years of Cannery Row by engaging with the people and places that make the district so extraordinary. To explore the neighborhood through a historic lens, start with this timeline of major Cannery Row events.
Where is Cannery Row in California?
Located just a few hours from the San Francisco Bay Area and major central California cities like Sacramento and Fresno, Cannery Row is ideally situated for a quick weekend escape. And, planning a mini-getaway is easy with these classic itineraries.
Is Cannery Row in Monterey?
Surrounded by the art-minded community of Carmel, the famed Pebble Beach golf courses and vineyards that stretch across rural Monterey County, the city of Monterey is perfectly positioned for first-class travel experiences. Cannery Row presents an ideal base for exploring the region’s sophisticated side, thanks to several waterfront resorts as well as spa, wine, shopping and fine dining options all in close proximity.
What is the setting of Cannery Row?
Cannery Row was the setting of John Steinbeck 's novels Cannery Row (1945) and Sweet Thursday (1954). Both were the basis for the 1982 movie Cannery Row , starring Nick Nolte and Debra Winger. It is also mentioned in Bob Dylan 's song " Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands ".
Why was Cannery Row demolished?
Murray. Known as "Casa de las Olas" or the Murray Hacienda, the mansion was demolished in the 1940s to make way for the expansion of more canneries. A historical marker is located on the site of the former mansion.
What is the name of the street in Cannery Row?
It was the site of a number of now-defunct sardine canning factories. The last cannery closed in 1973. The street name, formerly a nickname for Ocean View Avenue, became official in January 1958 to honor John Steinbeck and his well-known novel Cannery Row. In the novel's opening sentence, Steinbeck described the street as "a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream."
Why did the canneries fail in Monterey Bay?
The canneries failed after the collapse of the fishing industry in Monterey Bay in the mid-1950s, which resulted from a combination of factors, including unfavorable oceanic conditions, over-fishing, and competition from other species.
When did Monterey Bay Aquarium open?
The Monterey Bay Aquarium (opened in 1984) is located at the north end of Cannery Row, at the former site of the major Hovden Cannery. Norwegian immigrant Knut Hovden founded Hovden Food Products Corporation which opened on July 7, 1916.
Where is the story of Cannery Row set?
Cannery Row. (novel) Cannery Row is a novel by American author John Steinbeck, published in 1945. It is set during the Great Depression in Monterey, California, on a street lined with sardine canneries that is known as Cannery Row. The story revolves around the people living there: Lee Chong, the local grocer; Doc, a marine biologist; and Mack, ...
What is the plot of Cannery Row?
Cannery Row has a simple premise: Mack and his friends are trying to do something nice for their friend Doc, who has been good to them without asking for reward. Mack hits on the idea that they should throw a thank-you party, and the entire community quickly becomes involved. Unfortunately, the party rages out of control, ...
Why did Steinbeck write Cannery Row?
He wrote Cannery Row in 1944 in an attempt to recover a Depression era world in Monterey which was, by then, already inaccessible to Steinbeck.
What is the procession of linked vignettes in Cannery Row?
A procession of linked vignettes describes the denizens' lives on Cannery Row. These constitute subplots that unfold concurrently with the main plot.
What is the backdrop for the book Cannery Row?
Cannery Row is the living backdrop for the book. As described in the opening paragraph: "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.
What is Dora's role in Cannery Row?
During the darkest days of the Great Depression, Dora paid people's grocery bills and fed their children, very nearly going broke in the process. Dora runs a business that plays an important role in Cannery Row's society. Dora is debatably the most successful character in the book.
What is the enigmatic figure in Cannery Row?
The Chinaman's association with the eternal sea reminds one that the fast-paced and hilarious adventures of the Cannery Row characters are merely ripples in the vast sweep of human experience.
What is the purpose of the Cannery Row Foundation?
The purpose of the Cannery Row Foundation is to preserve the historical and literary. resources of Cannery Row, Monterey, California, and to research, interpret, educate, disseminate, and celebrate the unique multicultural essence of Cannery Row’s historic, literary, cultural and ecological legacies.
Who is the Queen of Cannery Row?
the Kalisa Moore "Queen of Cannery Row" Memorial across from Doc's Lab, and the Fisherman's Memorial at Fisherman's Wharf... ( Carmel Magazine, P 204-208) Myron "Doc" Etienne (September 10, 2016) renowned attorney and PBL Group member. who at the time of his death was one of three Lab members left—and sadly,
What year was the Western Flyer in the Herald?
1984, Western Flyer in the Monterey County Herald: The Cannery Row Foundation has a history with the Western Flyer. From the Archives: 1987 BBC on Cannery Row! "Of Life and Men" with Howard Stableford, BBC.

Overview
Cannery Row is the waterfront street bordering the city of Pacific Grove, but officially in the New Monterey section of Monterey, California. It was the site of a number of now-defunct sardine canning factories. The last cannery closed in 1973. The street name, formerly a nickname for Ocean View Avenue, became official in January 1958 to honor John Steinbeck and his well-known novel Cann…
History
Cannery Row was the setting of John Steinbeck's novels Cannery Row (1945) and Sweet Thursday (1954). Both were the basis for the 1982 movie Cannery Row, starring Nick Nolte and Debra Winger. It is also mentioned in Bob Dylan's song "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands". Pacific Biological Laboratories, a biological supply house, was located at 800 Ocean View Avenue (now 800 Cannery Row…
Today
Today the area offshore from Cannery Row is the Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area (part of the larger Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary) and is home to a large resurgent population of California sea lions.
Cannery Row itself is now a tourist attraction with many restaurants and hotels, several of which are located in former cannery buildings, and a few historic att…
See also
• John Steinbeck
• Ed Ricketts
• Bruce Ariss
• List of canneries
• Monterey Bay Aquarium
Further reading
• Hemp, Michael Kenneth (2003). Cannery Row: The History of John E. Steinbeck's Old Ocean View Avenue. The History Company. ISBN 0-941425-01-0.
• NPR's Morning Edition: Ed Ricketts and the 'Dream' of Cannery Row
• The Stevenson Plan, A Novel of the Monterey Peninsula (M. Bryce Ternet, 2013)
External links
• Cannery Row
• The Cannery Row Foundation
• The Pat Hathaway Photo Collection: Cannery Row, Historic Monterey
• City of Monterey's Cannery Row Walking Tour