Collections

This collection of photographs spans more than 100 years of Santa Cruz city and county development and activity. The photographs document communities and towns, some now gone; businesses and stores; industries: logging, mining, farming, ranching; the natural surroundings: beaches, forests, rivers, creeks, lagoons; cultural events and entertainment: theater, exhibits, celebrations, parades; institutions: government, churches, schools, libraries; military displays and recreation: team sports, camping, and fishing; and means of transportation: railroads, streetcars, airplanes, automobiles, ships and boats. It reveals the daily lives of Santa Cruz residents and where they lived, worked, played, and worshiped. The bulk of the photographs document the city of Santa Cruz, but there are many images of the North and South county as well. Other large portions include the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Casino, and the nascent film industry in Santa Cruz including actors, directors, and film crews on location.

Harmful/Sensitive Content Notice: Some digital primary sources may include language or depict actions that are dated, biased, or offensive. These records do not represent the views of the University Library. The intent is not to propagate or legitimize historical or ongoing biases; rather, we firmly believe that these materials provide significant historical evidence to help inform a more complete historical record. The context of the source item -- the circumstances in which these materials were created or compiled -- is critical to fully understand and assess its historical value or purpose as documentary evidence.