Author Archives: Bruce

CHUCK ABBOTT & FRIENDS PLANTING A TREE, June 3, 1965. I have no idea who the other folks in this photo are. But it’s Chuck Abbott caring how “his downtown” looks by planting a tree in the front yard of … Continue reading →

“NEW” HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPH. These four “heritage” or historical trees could be killed if Dentist Bill Christie has his way. They are very prominently located at 918 Center Street at the intersection of Center Street and Union Street across from The … Continue reading →

RONALD REAGAN AT THE CIVIC AUDITORIUM. This was taken October 8, 1966 when he was running for Governor of California against Pat Brown. Brown was trying for a third term after having to deal with the Watts riots and UC … Continue reading →

RORY CALHOUN AND WIFE LITA BARON IN SANTA CRUZ. This was probably taken upstairs in the Palomar Hotel or maybe the Del Mar mezzanine sometime in the 1950’s. That’s Eunice and Leonard Sanchez and Mary and “Hi” W. Eisile with … Continue reading →

FISHING ON THE SAN LORENZO. December 8, 1940. This was on the opening of Steelhead Season (remember steelhead?). It’s at Murray Street on East Cliff Drive photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com … Continue reading →

COOPER AND FRONT STREETS.This was taken after 1866 when the Hall of Records went down. It was also before 1882 when the Octagon was built and became our Hall of Records. Note the City Jail, now MAH, isn’t up yet … Continue reading →

DOWNTOWN SOQUEL circa 1900. Carolyn swift in her book “Soquel Landing to Capitola~ by~the~Sea” says that’s the Congregational Church in the foreground, and Daubenbiss house on the hill in distance, center of photograph. photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo … Continue reading →

THE BEAUTIFUL SPIVEY’S RESTAURANT. This was taken November 13, 1964. This gorgeous structure was on the corner of Ocean and Water Streets where Chase Bank sits. (formerly Home Savings & Washington Mutual). Spivey’s was always open 24 hours and I … Continue reading →

CHUCK AND ESTHER ABBOTT AT THE NEW LIGHTHOUSE. Taken on 10/27/1967. The Lighthouse was dedicated November 22, 1967. The Abbott’s moved here in 1960. The lighthouse was built as a monument to their son who died surfing. photo credit: Covello … Continue reading →

PACIFIC AVENUE AND CATHCART STREETS, JAN.29,1963. You can barely make out the J.C. Penny Store on the close right which is now Taqueria Vallarta and Johnny’s Bike and Sport Shop is now Old School Shoes. That big Santa Cruz Bowling … Continue reading →