Beth Ingels Research File, 1931-1991

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Scope and content:: 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.
Biographical / historical:: 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.
Acquisition information:: Gift.

Collection Guide Author:: Finding aid created by Monterey Public Library staff.
Date Prepared:: 1931-1991
Date Encoded:: This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on April 17, 2025, 11:29 a.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:: Access by appointment only; contact Local History Librarian or designated staff.
Terms of access:: Reproduction by Local History Librarian or other designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of the materials.

Location of this collection:: Monterey Public Library

625 Pacific Street

Monterey, CA 93940, US