By Kimberly Eng Lee, CHCP President

CHCP Advisory Board Member Gloria Hom shared this mosaic, a meaningful tribute to the legacy of her grandfather, Thomas Foon Chew, founder of Bay Side Cannery. The mosaic is located at 340 Portage Avenue in Palo Alto. Thomas Foon Chew purchased 4 acres to expand from Alviso to Mayfield (now Palo Alto) in 1918. The business grew to become one of the largest vegetable and fruit canneries in the nation. Over 100 years later, the building has been repurposed for commercial and public use, and was renovated so the community can view the former cannery building’s historic elements, such as its soaring monitor roofs.

On the outside, a glass mosaic mural depicts images of apricot blossoms, fruit, and packing and canning facilities showing the innovations that Bay Side was known for, like the patent drawing for an asparagus sorter. A stacked “totem” of cans shares details about Thomas Foon Chew, while interior elements will tell of the larger agricultural story of the Valley.

Click on a photo to enlarge.