Edward Ricketts
1897-1948
Marine biologist, philosopher, writer, ecologist, and friend to many. Immortalized as “Doc” of John Steimbeck’s Cannery Row, the real man had a profound influence on the thinking of writers, artists, and scientists through his non-teleological approach to the study of life. Steinbeck described him as a man whose “mind had no horizons, he has an interest in everything.”
At his laboratory on Cannery Row, he built up the most comprehensive file of marine tidal animals ever attempted on the Pacific Coast. His marine science writings which included Between Pacific Tides, Sea of Cortez, and The Outer Shores are still among the most respected works in the field.
His life was cut short when the car he was driving was struck by the evening train at this site on May 8, 1948. However, his influence on the world community and the people of Cannery Row will live forever.
Marker can be reached from Wave Street near Drake Avenue.
Courtesy hmdb.org
