Filice and Perrelli Cannery

Filice and Perrelli Cannery in Richmond, California.

Photo: Annamarie Morel

Filice and Perrelli Cannery

Access: Currently an operating business. No inside tours. Visible from outside only.
Location: 1200 Harbour Way S, Richmond, CA 94804

Opened in 1930, the Perrelli Cannery was established by Joseph Perrelli and quickly became an integral part of Richmond’s industrial landscape. The early years of the cannery were marked by significant challenges, as it struggled to survive the economic hardships of the Great Depression. According to its founder, the cannery “barely made it through” these difficult times, highlighting the resilience and determination of the business and its workers.

World War II and the Cannery Boom

The onset of World War II brought a dramatic shift in the fortunes of the Perrelli Cannery. The war effort created new demands for food supplies, and the cannery secured lucrative contracts to provide tomatoes and fruits to the military. This influx of government contracts not only ensured the survival of the cannery but also led to a period of significant growth. During the peak season, the cannery employed up to 1,200 workers, many of whom were essential to maintaining the high levels of production required to meet military needs.

Impact on the Italian-American Community

Despite this economic boom, the war also brought challenges, particularly for the Italian-American community that formed a large part of the cannery’s workforce. Many of these workers, including the founders, were of Italian descent and were deeply affected by wartime policies. In response to security concerns, Richmond was designated a “defense prohibited zone.” This designation imposed strict restrictions on non-citizens and those of Italian descent, many of whom lacked U.S. citizenship despite having lived in the country for years.

As a result, numerous Italian-American workers and community elders were forced to move away from Richmond. This displacement had a profound impact on the community and the cannery, disrupting the lives of many families and affecting the workforce that had been so crucial to the cannery’s operations.

The Resilient History of the Perrelli Cannery

Today, the building that once housed the Perrelli Cannery still stands on Harbour Way, serving as a tangible reminder of Richmond’s rich industrial heritage and the complex history of its immigrant communities. The structure itself is a testament to the resilience of the business and the people who worked there through some of the most challenging periods in American history.

The Perrelli Cannery’s story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and the enduring impact of historical events on local communities. Its legacy continues to be a significant part of Richmond’s historical narrative, illustrating the vital contributions of immigrant workers to the city’s industrial success and the lasting effects of wartime policies on these communities.

By preserving the building and remembering the stories of those who worked there, the city of Richmond honors the memory of the cannery’s contributions to the war effort and the resilience of its workers. The Perrelli Cannery remains a symbol of the enduring spirit of the Richmond community and its ability to overcome adversity through unity and hard work.