Sunnyvale in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Prune Heaven
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 17, 2020
1. Prune Heaven Marker
Mexicans and "Okies” picked fruit in the valley's
orchards through the 1930s, often "camping
out” in whatever orchard they were working.
Displaced Oklahomans usually traveled individually
from farm to farm calling out, "Do you need
an extra hand?” The common wage in the 1930s
ranged from $.20 to $.35 per hour or $2.00
to $3.50 for a 10-hour day.Mexicans would often be hired in groups through a labor foreman. When World War II began, the Bracero Program formalized the migration of Mexican farm workers to California fields.
Starting at the age
eight, and for
the next ten years
of my youth, I was always "invited"
to join the family "camping trip"
to what we kiddingly referred to as
"Prune Heaven."
...the work was
a combination of
pure misery, dirt,
painful backs, aching
knees, sunburned
hands and necks...
-Rudy Calles, one-time
migrant worker, 1979.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1979.
Location. 37° 21.378′ N, 122° 1.496′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Labor Day Prunes (here, next to this marker); Prune Capital of the World (here, next to this marker); Yugoslavian Orchardists of Sunnyvale (here, next to this marker); Heritage Park Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Vintage Sundial (within shouting distance of this marker); Antique Entry Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); Prune Steamer Pot / Hendy Manhole Cover (within shouting distance of this marker); City Hall Bell & City Hall Cornerstone (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sunnyvale.
More about this marker. The marker is located outdoors under the roof of the orchard interpretive exhibit that is just to the south of the museum.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 17, 2020
2. Prune Heaven Marker - wide view
Courtesy of the California History Center at DeAnza College, August 17, 2020
3. Marker detail: Mexican family of prune pickers on the Garrod Ranch, Cupertino, date unknown
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 145 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 27, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
