Beth Ingels Research File
Finding aid created by Monterey Public Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Monterey Public Library
2023
625 Pacific Street
Monterey, California 93940
(831) 646-3741
https://www.monterey.org/services/library/history_room/index.php
Title: Beth Ingels Research File
Dates: 1931-1991
Collection Number: ARC 566
Creator/Collector:
Extent: 1 document case: 0.85 l. ft.
Repository:
Monterey Public Library
Monterey, California 93940
Abstract: Ingels wrote advertising copy in San Francisco and on the Monterey Peninsula, became an editor of Carmel, Pacific Grove, and
Monterey newspapers and various publications, and wrote short stories and articles. She also wrote an unpublished novella
entitled "Cannery Row" which focused on labor conditions and organizing. She died in Carmel in 1975.
Language of Material: English
Access by appointment only; contact Local History Librarian or designated staff.
Reproduction by Local History Librarian or other designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of the materials.
[Identification of item]. Beth Ingels Research File. Collection Number: ARC 566. Monterey Public Library
Gift.
Biography/Administrative History
Beth Ingels (Elizabeth Gladys Ingels) was born in Monterey on December 23, 1905 to Clyde Ingels and Edith S. Wettman. Her
father purchased a ranch in Corral de Tierra, southeast of Monterey, where the family moved in 1917. Beth Ingels was a Monterey
High School student of Susan Gregory, granddaughter of English merchant and educator William Hartnell and Teresa de la Guerra
from a prominent early Spanish California family. Gregory, who taught English and Spanish, influenced Ingels to write and
learn journalist skills when Gregory advised the student staff of the school yearbook, El Susurro. In the 1930s Ingels became
friends with Carol and John Steinbeck. Steinbeck was also a friend of Susan Gregory, for whom he dedicated his novel Tortilla
Flat. Gregory shared stories with Steinbeck about her "paisano" neighbors and Ingels told stories of Corral de Tierra which
influenced Steinbeck's Pastures of Heaven. Ingels also participated in social gatherings at Ed Rickett's Lab.
Scope and Content of Collection
Collection consists of two series: Series 1. Beth Ingels' typescript articles, short stories, and the novella, "Cannery Row."
Series 2. Writer John Thompson's interview notes and draft and published articles about Beth Ingels.
John Thompson
Beth Ingels
Elizabeth Gladys Ingels
Cannery Row
Monterey, California
Cannery Row