Tillie Lewis, The Tomato Queen of San Joaquin @SmithsonianAmHistory

Tillie Lewis, The Tomato Queen of San Joaquin @SmithsonianAmHistory

Uploaded May 2020 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

With many restaurants closed, pantry staples are splaying a starring role in dinner preparation. Curator Peter Liebhold tells the story of the fascinating woman behind those cans of tomatoes.

Tillie Lewis, The Tomato Queen of San Joaquin

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Tillie Lewis, The Tomato Queen of San Joaquin