Former workers will tell stories during ‘Walk of History’ at the
old cannery site
Gilroy – Five former workers and owners of the Gilroy Cannery will weave tales of tomatoes and tin cans for the public Saturday, May 13, from 3 to 5pm, at the old cannery site, 111 Lewis St. as part of the Gilroy Cannery Oral History Project. A “Walk of History” exhibit will display photos, artifacts, and transcripts of oral histories.
The Gilroy Oral History Project documents the stories of workers in the bustling food processing industry in Gilroy between 1914 and 1997. Gavilan Community College history professor Leah Halper and student Crystal Lombardo helped collect the oral histories.
South County Housing plans a 200-unit mixed-use development on the 13-acre site, formerly occupied by the Filice and Perrelli Cannery. The May 13 event will be held in conjunction with the demolition of remaining cannery buildings to memorialize the transition. The Oral History Project will become part of a permanent collection within the development.
