Boardwalk’s Fun House
Bumps, bruises and splinters didn’t prevent the Boardwalk’s Fun House from being a very popular place from 1925-1971. The spinning “barrel” was a dizzy challenge, but many local kids spent
Sky Glider, 1967
In 1967 the Boardwalk introduced the 1000-foot-long Sky Glider, which gave riders a bird’s-eye view of the beachfront scene.
Neptune Casino by Horse and Buggy, 1906
In 1906 the horse was king, and visitors to the Neptune Casino arrived by horse and buggy right on the beach.
Santa Cruz Beachfront
Okay, let’s go WAY back in time. Here’s a photo of beachfront Santa Cruz, 1889. Notice the steam-powered merry-go-round in the upper left, and the passengers awaiting the horse-drawn streetcar.
Free Beach Concerts, 1912
The Boardwalk has a long history of free beach concerts, although the bandstand has changed over the years from a permanent structure, to the seasonal bandstand we have today. This
Chicken Pies for 15 Cents, 1933
Winifred Blaisdell stands behind her counter at Winnie’s Turnover Pies in 1933. Hot chicken pies for 15 cents? I want one!
Norris and Rowe Circus Performers, 1907
With the pleasure ship Balboa in the background, Norris and Rowe Circus performers pose in the Santa Cruz surf, 1907.
Giant Dipper Trivia
• Amount of paint for two coats: 862 gallons • Number of light bulbs 3,150 • Length of lumber if laid end to end: 14 miles • One of the
Dick Hale Sky Diving Show, 1970
The Dick Hale Sky Diving Show took place at the Boardwalk beach throughout the 1970s. Fun stuff!!
Horse-Drawn Carriages Park on the Beach, 1904
Horse-drawn carriages park on the beach as an electric streetcar leaves Neptune Casino, 1904.
A Day at the Beach, 1954
My mother Connie Buchholtz (holding me) drove for Santa Cruz Metro. She passed away Jan. 17, 2007. The young girl next to her is my aunt, Merrie Groszmann, who worked
“Screaming”, 1952
When I was 3 years old my parents ran “Burt’s” bar, it was located right across the street from the roller coaster (now a parking lot). I went to bed
Brass Ring
Before we were married, my husband, Harold surprised me with a trip to Santa Cruz to ride the carousel. We had a great ride but I tried unsuccessfully to get
A Poem
A sunny blue sky shines over the beach’s shore Amusement park screams are heard nearby as Giant Dipper riders take the plunge Napping and tanning, tourists and locals relax along
Birthday Dips
My family and I decided to celebrate my 40th Birthday at Santa Cruz. My husband and daughter decided to ride the Giant Dipper 40 times between them in honor of
Bonnie’s Hair Saved Me
When I was 7 years old I begged my mom to ride the Wild Mouse roller coaster with me. After hours of begging she finally agreed. My mom has never
