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Monterey, California: Rock Perch of Monterey's Famous

Fountain sculpture depicts Monterey notables and "diverse characters" lounging on a seaside boulder. Marine biologist Ed "Doc" Ricketts, author John Steinbeck and others.

Address:
660 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
Directions:
In a small park at Prescott Ave., on the bay.
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Center: the former farmer in overalls.

Rock Perch of Monterey's Famous

One of the businessmen, Harry Davidson, was an old farmer from my hometown who drove a beat up old truck and ate lunch at the same diner almost every day. Years later I came across his name in the plaque on this statue, and sure enough he's depicted in the same overalls I remember him wearing every day.

Davidson was a tomato farmer who bought an out-of-business sardine factory to can his tomatoes, but ended up developing it into restaurants and a hotel.

[George Wymenga, 06/25/2022]

Floppy and Doc Ricketts.

Doc Ricketts and Hoppy the Seagull

Though Hoppy the Seagull seems to be a ubiquitous presence along the Cannery Row bayshore, we can't guarantee he'll be perching on statues, scoping out your lunch, or dogging your every step in hopes of a handout. What we can guarantee is that Hoppy's droppings will be running down the noggins of Monterey's most famous residents.

The "Cannery Row Monument" to Monterey's "diverse characters" was erected in 2014. It's a fountain sculpture showing nine bronze figures in various states of relaxation, study, or work on a seaside boulder. Author John Steinbeck sits at the top of the rocky outcropping. His pal, marine biologist Ed "Doc" Ricketts, is at the bottom holding a starfish and an octopus (the rocks along the shore behind the statue are full of Ricketts-wannabes once the tide is out).

There's also an unnamed Chinese fisherman, and four local businessmen who helped turn the old rotting canneries into a tourist attraction.

[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 11/08/2015]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Steinbeck's Spirit of Monterey Wax MuseumSteinbeck's Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum, Monterey, CA - < 1 mi.
Doc Ricketts Death SiteDoc Ricketts Death Site, Monterey, CA - < 1 mi.
Cannery Divers MemorialCannery Divers Memorial, Monterey, CA - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Surfing Monument, Santa Cruz, CA - 24 mi.

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