Category Archives: Weekly Articles

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 →

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 →