The Cannery Row Monument

About 10 year(s) ago by The Inns of Monterey

The Cannery Row Monument pays tribute to the many notorious and famous characters there were vital to the evolution of Cannery Row. Atop the rock like monument sits John Steinbeck, surrounded by eight other bronze figures - characters reminiscent of when Cannery Row was the bustling sardine canning district that exposed him to the lives of people who filled him whit literary inspiration.

Also sculpted on the monument is Ed Ricketts, Steinbecks good friend and famous marine biologist who studied the sea life and tide pools of Monterey Bay. Ricketts' work omvogprated marine biology and many consider him to be among the "fathers" of marine biology. The monument also includes figures suggestive of a Chinese fishermen and cannery workers, and of the colorful Dora Flood, who made everybody happy and was equally famous fo helping the poor during the Great Depression.

The four "boys" huddled together on the rock were modeled after four entrepreneurs who embraced the remnants of the canning district and dedicated themselves to its rebirth. Representiong great American industries such as lodging, restaurant, farming and fishing, Ted Balestreri, George Zarounian, Harry Davidian and Bert Cutino shared a vision for Cannery Row and a deep affection for its inhabitants. The boys in association with the Coniglio, Crispo and Meyers families brought tourism and hospitality to Cannery row, helping to preserve it for all time.

The monument was created by sculptor Steven Whyte under the direction of Mr. Ted Balestreri.

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