Author Archives: Bruce

OUR HISTORIC SEA BEACH HOTEL circa 1890. Back in the day we’d build well designed significant structures like this Sea Beach Hotel to compete for tourists with the classy and distinguished Monterey/Carmel attractions. Today we’ve built a monstrous plastic tent … Continue reading →

BOARDWALK TRAIN AND BUS ACCIDENT. August 16, 1954. No explanations for this one. Either the bus driver parked wrong or took off at exactly the wrong moment. Do note how neat and clean the lawn at the Cocoanut Grove was … Continue reading →

PACIFIC AVENUE circa 1910. Look how wide Pacific was back in the day. Two way railcars room to park cars on both sides…where did it all go?? This is Lincoln Street on the left and Soquel going off to the … Continue reading →

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BUILDING CONSTRUCTION.1967.Contrary to popular opinion, they must have had plans or even blueprints when they built this mess. It doesn’t seem like anybody would have approved it had they known. But at least we can look around … Continue reading →

THE WORLD FAMED “JUPITER” LOCOMOTIVE. This engine was owned by the Santa Cruz Railroad Company and ran both board feet of lumber and bored tourists around our county circa 1878. It has been prominently displayed in the Smithsonian Institute since … Continue reading →

SANTA CRUZ DEPOT. Somewhere around the turn of last century we can see the depot before they added long running roofs along the tracks….back when trains had passengers. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com SNEAKY SUPER SECRET SOUND CHECK AT … Continue reading →

LOWER PACIFIC AVENUE, SANTA CRUZ. Maybe circa 1890’s?? notice no cars, street car tracks, and “Theraputic Baths” on the roof of a building maybe on Pacific and Spruce Streets. Any/all data would be appreciated. Additional information always welcome: email photo@brattononline.com … Continue reading →

PACIFIC AVENUE 1957. These snow photos that I print every season are necessary proof that it can happen here. It’s obviously 7:46 am by the Town Clock shown here atop the ODD Fellows hall right there 2 doors from the … Continue reading →

BEFORE THE POST OFFICE. The Swanton House was an early Fred Swanton project. It burned down in 1887 in the huge downtown fire. It was the first three story hotel in town. Our present post office opened around 1911/1912. Additional … Continue reading →

CLEAN BEACHES. This was back about 1940 or so, before the Dream Inn, before dirty beaches, The Ideal Fish Restaurant building was there. Check it out and think about how all the development this area has received, and just how … Continue reading →