Monterey in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Working Women
Historic Cannery Row
Women packed oval sardine cans at the California Packing Corporation, a part of Del Monte Foods (middle). They were paid by the piece, or can. In 1939, at the peak of the industry, a worker made 23 cents for every 16 cans of fish she put up. Some canneries pinned piecework cards to the women’s back to keep track of the number of cans they filled.
The forelady walked the line every hour, checking the progress of “the pack” and marking piecework cards (bottom). These floor managers had to speak enough of the several languages represented in the workforce to resolve any problems that came up. At a season’s height, women worked as many as 12 hours a day, six days a week.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.
Location. 36° 36.953′ N, 121° 54.019′ W. Marker is in Monterey, California, in Monterey County. Marker is at the intersection of Cannery Row and Prescott Avenue on Cannery Row. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 665 Cannery Row, Monterey CA 93940, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Cannery Row Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Procrastination (within shouting distance of this marker); Building Cannery Row (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); McAbee Beach (about 300 feet away); Silver Harvest (about 400 feet away); Fish Hoppers (about 400 feet away); The Del Mar Canning Company, 1927-1947 (about 400 feet away); Giant Kelp Beyond the Breakers (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monterey.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 585 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 9, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.