A 20th century Nobel- and Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, Steinbeck’s writing is infused with his experiences from growing up in a town full of productive agricultural fields and a culture made by the immigrants who worked them.
Decades of American children have grown up with images of romance, humor, and hardships of working class Americans that they discovered through his most famous works, The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men.
Eight Women, One Mission
More than a century has passed since the Steinbeck family moved into the house in Salinas. Today, the Steinbeck House is maintained by the Valley Guild, a volunteer group formed by eight enthusiastic women with a passion for preserving John Steinbeck’s history. Volunteers of the Valley Guild purchased and renovated the house and then created The Steinbeck House Restaurant, which opened on February 27, 1974, the 72nd anniversary of John Steinbeck’s birth.
Take the Self-Guided Mobile Tour
This piece is part of the Downtown Salinas Architecture Tour and an excerpt from a tour published by the Salinas Historical Resources Board. Download the free app with many tours of the Santa Cruz area and beyond at mobileranger.com.
Sources
- About Us. The Steinbeck House website, 2014.
- Of Mice and Men (1939). The Internet Movie Database website.
- John Steinbeck Biography. National Steinbeck Center website.
- East of Eden (novel). Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. website. Accessed February 2, 2016.
- John Steinbeck. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. website. Accessed February 2, 2016.
- National Register of Historic Places. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. website. Accessed February 2, 2016.
Michelle Costa
It’s early, at first I read, “eight women who are crazy.”
I love thinking about the history that is in this house every time I drive by. I am currently reading “Cannery Row” and it’s crazy to think about what it was like in his eyes, back then.
There is a lot of history in the Steinbeck house and on a wider note, in Salinas. It would indeed be interesting to experience Steinbeck’s life back then. Thanks for the comment.
Best place for lunch Tuesday-Saturday 11:30-2. Shop at The Best Cellar from 11-3 Tuesday-Saturday .
Starting First Friday Dinner on June 3rd 5:30-8:30.
Great author! Love the history!