Libby Water Tower
The enormous fruit can-shaped water tower serves as the principal reminder of Libby, McNeil and Libby's contribution to Sunnyvale's growth.
Libby, McNeil and Libby established their first West Coast cannery in Sunnyvale in 1906, becoming the world's largest freezing and canning operation. The facility employed nearly 8,000 workers during canning season by 1923. The company provided workers with furnished cottages and encouraged civic participation, even offering paid vacation time in 1912 for employees to vote on Sunnyvale's incorporation as a city.
Represents the massive scale of food processing that made Sunnyvale a major industrial center and employer in the early 20th century.
Water tower remains as iconic landmark; original cannery buildings replaced by modern industrial complex.
Water tower visible from California Street and Mathilda Avenue overpass. Industrial area with limited public access.