Big Shots: Sense of Place: Marilyn and friends help define a county.—Nic Coury
Big Shots
Monterey County stars at a new photography exhibit.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Marilyn Monroe shines a tired smile at photographer Margarete E. Clovis. Around them, onlookers pack shoulder-to-shoulder, waiting excitedly for a chance to meet the Hollywood idol. More pour out on the street.
The year is 1948, the year Monroe was given the title “Artichoke Queen.”
The photo, from Clovis’ Monterey County’s North Coast and Coastal Valleys, is a defining image in county history. It’s also one of many such photos currently displayed at the Monterey Maritime Museum as part of Looking at the Past: The Monterey Peninsula and Beyond. The exhibit includes photography from 14 other books – and about 75 images in total.
“These photographs are stories that bring the community together,” says Thomas. “It’s all local history. Everyone can relate to them.”
Artifacts in glass cases around the exhibit – from Hotel Del Monte owner Charles Crocker’s shotgun to a doll made from kelp – add depth.
One relic, a 1910 register book for the Del Monte, led to a contest.
“We noticed that Isaac B. Beers, a gentleman from San Francisco, was signed in every week,” says Thomas. “We started wondering who he was.”
Through Jan. 1, the MMM will accept stories of any length addressing whom Beers was and why he chose to visit so frequently. The person with “the most creative piece” will win a copy of all 15 books in the exhibit.
LOOKING AT THE PAST shows 10am to 5pm every day except Monday at the Monterey Maritime Museum, 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey. A book signing takes place this Saturday, Dec. 8, from 1-3pm. Free. 372-2608.
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