Castroville Artichoke Center of the World mural - Castroville, California
Posted by: hotshoe
N 36° 45.768 W 121° 45.200
10S E 611269 N 4069284
Lush mural of artichoke harvest and shipping
Waymark Code: WM597W
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 11/30/2008
Views: 14
"This mural celebrates the history of the artichoke industry circa 1940's-1950's in Castroville. Known as the artichoke capitol of the world, this beautiful coastal community enjoys a moist microclimate that is ideal for the cultivation of artichokes. Local workers are depicted harmoniously performing various tasks of the period from cultivation to transportation, including the hand harvesting of artichokes in sacks, a method still in practice today. Depicted in the mural is the refrigerated technique used to transport artichokes by train. Blocks of ice were manually loaded into ice sheds, crushed in a chipping machine, and sprayed into train boxcars to preserve fresh artichokes for shipping. The background scenery depicts Castroville's early history of the grazing and dairy industry as shown by the Royal Creamery and the lush rolling fields of the Castroville region. "
(transcribed from the mural label, any mistakes my own)
This mural was part of the 2002 Monterey County Youth Employment Training Program, by One Voice Arts and Leadership Program. Youth apprentices: Alejandro Fernandez, Eric Fernandez, Venancio Fernandez, Michael Islas, Anita Islas, and Erica Soler.
City: Castroville
Location Name: Pajaro Street end of "giant artichoke" fruit stand and deli building
Artist: Will Northcutt with Martha Aguilar
Date: 2002
Media: acrylic
Relevant Web Site: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and description of your visit. One original photo of the mural must also be submitted. GPSr photo NOT required.