Monterey in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Grand Procrastination

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, April 23, 2012

1. Grand Procrastination Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This simple bronze plaque honoring the work of John Steinbeck was sculptured in 1938 by William Gordon Huff. It was dedicated that same year by noted Western historian Dr. Charles L. Camp with all the unwavering oratorical profundity which traditionally distinguishes this ancient and honorable order.

It took 47 years, however, to get around to mounting it. Credo Quia Absurdum.

Rededicated and mounted at last on this 13th day of July, 1985

Yerba Buena
Chapter No. 1
Monterey Viejo
Chapter No. 1846
E Clampus Vitus

“He sows hurry and reaps indigestion”
(Robert Louis Stevenson)

Erected 1985 by Monterey Viejo Chapter 1846, Yerba Buena Chapter 1, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music •

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Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1985.

Location. 36° 36.935′ N, 121° 54.058′ W. Marker is in Monterey, California, in Monterey County. Marker is at the intersection of Prescott Avenue and Wave Street on Prescott Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 99 Prescott Avenue, 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. Building Cannery Row (within shouting distance of this marker); Working Women (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cannery Row Monument (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); McAbee Beach (about 400 feet away); The Del Mar Canning Company, 1927-1947 (about 500 feet away); Jone Quock Mui (about 500 feet away); John Steinbeck (about 500 feet away); Silver Harvest (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monterey.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. They are E Clampus Vitus markers honoring William Gordon Huff.

Also see . . .

Tortilla Flats Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, April 23, 2012

2. Tortilla Flats Plaque

The William Gordon Huff sculpture referred to in the marker text.

Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck. Wikipedia entry. “Tortilla Flat (1935) is an early John Steinbeck novel set in Monterey, California. The novel was the author’s first clear critical and commercial success. The book portrays with great sympathy and humour a group of paisanos—literally, countrymen—a small band of errant friends enjoying life and wine in the days after the end of [World War I]. Tortilla Flat was made into a film in 1942. Steinbeck would later return to some of the panhandling locals of Monterey (though not the Spanish paisanos of the Flat) in his novel Cannery Row (1945).” (Submitted on May 19, 2012.)

Additional commentary.
1. William Gordon Huff (1903 - 1993)
William Gordon Huff, the well known sculptor and artist, was an active member of E Clampus Vitus. His work is seen on many Clamper plaques throughout Northern California.

— Submitted May 3, 2012.

Additional keywords.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, April 23, 2012

3. Grand Procrastination Marker

The upper marker - The William Gordon Huff sculpture.
The lower marker - The Grand Procrastination marker.

“Tortilla Flat”

Grand Procrastination Marker and the William Gordon Huff Sculpture image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, April 23, 2012

4. Grand Procrastination Marker and the William Gordon Huff Sculpture

The plaques are mounted on the corner of the building facing Prescott Street.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,125 times since then and 38 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week May 20, 2012. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 27, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.