John Steinbeck marveled at the discoveries around every corner inside Pacific Biological Laboratories, located at 800 Cannery Row then, same as it is now. This nondescript, wooden structure is called Doc’s Lab in Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row and the marine biologist within was referred to only as Doc. In real life, Doc was Ed Ricketts, the novelist’s friend and frequent collaborator. Ricketts is immortalized in Cannery Row and The Log from the Sea of Cortez, considered one of Steinbeck’s most important nonfiction works. Ricketts appears as a memorable character devoted to studying and sharing biology. His lab is described with books, microscopes and specimens collected everywhere—visitors had to grapple with the sights and smells of the various creatures stored inside. In the novel, Steinbeck writes, “If money came in, he bought laboratory equipment. It never occurred to him to buy a new blanket for himself.” This passion resulted in not only an immortal character, but also in a book of Rickett’s own. The scientist published Between Pacific Tides in 1939. This text is considered a trailblazing study of intertidal ecology, or the analysis of organisms living between low and high tides. Today, visitors can tour Pacific Biological Laboratories on Cannery Row and learn this unassuming building’s impressive history, from its beginnings as the La Esparanza Fish Packing Company, through the Steinbeck years and including its role in launching the Monterey Jazz Festival. Located just steps from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this museum provides terrific added context to Cannery Row’s rich history. Advance reservations for tours are required. Tours of Doc’s Lab are organized by Monterey Public Library. To view the current schedule and reserve a pass for a tour, visit: https://bit.ly/DocsLab “Western Biological deals in strange and beautiful wares. It sells the creatures of the sea… and sells bugs and snails and spiders and rattlesnakes, and rats, and honey bees and gila monsters. These are all for sale.” —John Steinbeck Doc Ricketts AND HIS LAB 1935, Edwards Ricketts Collection, Photographer Fred Strong, California History Room Archives, Monterey Public Library, Monterey, California. 1948, Edwards Ricketts Collection, Photographer George Robinson, California History Room Archives, Monterey Public Library, Monterey, California.
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