But the author only found lasting love later that decade. Gwyn became the mother to Steinbeck's two sons, Thom (also a novelist) and John Steinbeck IV ( who died in 1991). Steinbeck would divorce Carol and marry his second wife, Gwyn, in 1943. Loaded with provisions, including ample supplies of beer, the two science-loving pals were joined by Steinbeck's wife, Carol Henning, and Monterey deck hands Horace 'Sparky' Enea and Tiny Colletto. Abbott declared the situation 'beyond the ability of regularly constituted law enforcement agencies' as he commanded all able-bodied men between 18 and 45 to report to his office to help in seizing, arresting and confining persons. The history quotes The Salinas Index Journal - the precursor to The Californian - in its Sept. 15, 1936, and made national headlines, according to a 'History of Salinas' from the Salinas Public Library. Violence erupted at Main and Gabilan streets on Sept. And the locals didn't think much of the hometown boy who glorified the strikers' cause.' The sheriff passed out billy clubs so the local posse could crack heads if the Okie strike got out of control.

5, 1989, the late Herbert Hinrichs, then 88, told of his friendship with Steinbeck and what the mood in Salinas was in the 1930s during the era that Steinbeck depicts in his Dust Bowl saga, 'The Grapes of Wrath.'Īccording to that report, 'Hinrichs was part of a 1,000-man posse commandeered by the Monterey County Sheriff to put down a lettuce strike that frightened the town to its core. The reverence that Steinbeck now receives from those coming from near and far to visit the Steinbeck House and the National Steinbeck Center was not always shared by those in his hometown.

Of mice and men cannery row