Pacific Biological Laboratories

Pacific Biological Laboratories

Company type	Private
Industry	Marine biology, scientific supplies
Founded	1923
Founder	Ed Ricketts, Albert Galigher
Defunct	1940s
Headquarters	Monterey, California , United States
Products	Preserved marine animals, prepared microscope slides

Pacific Biological Laboratories (PBL) was a supplier specializing in preserved marine animals and prepared microscope slides, focusing mainly on coastal aquatic species. It served educational institutions, museums, and scientific research organizations. Situated on Cannery Row in Monterey, California, the laboratory gained literary fame through John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row, where it appeared under the fictional name "Western Biological Laboratory." Following a fire in 1936, Steinbeck became a part-owner by purchasing half of the company’s shares.

History

Established in 1923 by marine biologist and entrepreneur Ed Ricketts alongside his college friend Albert Galigher, PBL began operations in Pacific Grove before moving to Monterey around 1930. Ricketts eventually assumed full ownership and used the laboratory as his home during challenging periods in the mid-1930s.

On November 25, 1936, a fire originating at the neighboring Del Mar Cannery devastated most of PBL’s inventory. Fortunately, Ricketts’ manuscript for Between Pacific Tides was spared since it had already been sent to the publisher. Steinbeck’s financial backing after this disaster was instrumental in revitalizing the business.

The outbreak of World War II led to a downturn in PBL’s commercial activities; nevertheless, its biological collections remain preserved within renowned institutions such as the Field Museum, Smithsonian Institution, California Academy of Sciences, American Museum of Natural History, Harvard’s Museum of Comparative Zoology, and Sweden’s Museum of Zoology at Lund University.

Besides its commercial function, PBL served as a gathering place for creative and intellectual figures including Bruce Ariss, Joseph Campbell, Henry Miller, John Steinbeck, Lincoln Steffens, and Francis Whitaker.

Catalog

Ricketts’ initial scientific work was a catalog featuring marine specimens documented through both photographs and illustrations. Originally created for promotional purposes, this catalog is believed to be one of the earliest comprehensive records of intertidal species from Monterey Bay.

Preservation and legacy

In 1949, one year after Ricketts’ passing, the Pacific Biological Laboratories building was sold to local grocer Yock Yee. Subsequently, high school literature teacher and jazz aficionado Harlan Watkins leased the property and later bought it in 1956. By 1958, a group including Frank Wright, Ed Haber, Joe Turner, Fred Fry, and Ed Larsh organized to purchase the building under the name “Pacific Biological Laboratories.” This location became a regular meeting spot for well-known Monterey artists and writers such as nationally acclaimed cartoonists Hank Ketcham (creator of Dennis the Menace), Eldon Dedini, and Gus Arriola. Several members also played key roles in founding the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1958.

In December 1993, ownership transferred to the City of Monterey for $170,000; however, former owners maintained access until 2015. The building underwent seismic retrofitting in 1998, and restoration efforts by the Cannery Row Foundation were recognized with the Governor's Award for Historic Preservation.

To honor Ricketts’ centennial on May 14, 1997, a commemorative plaque was installed at 165 Fountain Avenue by the Pacific Grove Heritage Society alongside the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Association. The Pacific Biological Laboratories is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The City of Monterey currently provides monthly guided tours of this historic site.