WWII Challenges For Workers and Businesses
Opened in 1930, this cannery “barely made it through" the Great Depression, according to its founder Joseph Perrelli. World War II brought new contracts to supply tomatoes and fruits to the military and allowed the cannery to hire 1,200 workers during peak season. However, many cannery workers were Italian, like its founders, and were affected by the new law designating Richmond a “defense prohibited zone." As a result, many community elders lacked U.S. citizenship and were forced to move away from Richmond. The company’s building still stands on Harbour Way.
Note: The cannery may be viewed from the outside. There are no NPS guided tours of this buidling. Please be mindful of the business and their property.
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
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Audio Stop: Filice and Perrelli Cannery
This brief audio program takes a look a the historic cannery in Richmond, California.
Credit / Author:
NPS/Luther Bailey
Date created:
08/01/2023
Audio Transcript
Opened in 1930, this cannery “barely made it through" the Great Depression, according to its founder Joseph Perrelli. World War II brought new contracts to supply tomatoes and fruits to the military and allowed the cannery to hire 1,200 workers during peak season.
However, many cannery workers were Italian, like its founders, and were affected by the new law designating Richmond a “defense prohibited zone." As a result, many community elders lacked U.S. citizenship and were forced to move away from Richmond. The company’s building still stands on Harbour Way.
Audio Stop: Filice and Perrelli Cannery
This brief audio program takes a look a the historic cannery in Richmond, California.
Credit / Author:
NPS/Luther Bailey
Date created:
08/01/2023
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service