Ruth “the Human Submarine” Kahl, 1938
Remembering Ruth Kahl who passed away recently at the age of 99. As a teenager, Ruth “the Human Submarine” was a featured performer in the Boardwalk Plunge, she held the
NORCAL Junior Lifeguards, 1968
Check out this 1968 photograph of Junior Lifeguards taking a break in front of the Boardwalk.
Ice Skateboards on the Boardwalk, 1995
When Olympic ice skaters visited the Boardwalk for a TV special in the summer of 1995, it was definitely a major production. Ted Whiting shares photos and memories from the
Clam Chowder Cookoff Minigolf
When our Clam Chowder Cook-Off first began, way back in the ’80s, organizers faced some interesting challenges. For starters, the event was held indoors, around the mini-golf course, so things
Zebras on the Carousel
Each winter our carousel horses get a fresh coat of paint, but did you know that a few of our horses were once painted like zebras? Pretty wild, eh?! Shout
I grew up across street at Casa Alta apts., 1971
From 1971 – 1981, my mom, my brother and I lived across the street from the roller coaster. I spent my whole young life in this beautiful place! There was
Enjoying the Beach, 1960
This is a photo of my late husband, Marc Paris. He always loved the Santa Cruz area, and we were fortunate to move there a year before he passed in
Dipping Our Toes in the Ocean , 2014
I moved to California from the East Coast when I was 18 and on my own. I’d never traveled far or been to the coast or experienced the ocean. I
The Willoughby Family, 1931
Alfred and Emily Willoughby often came to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to visit their daughter Esther Willoughby Harris and her husband John Ralph Harris and their precious granddaughter in
Amazing Life “Ride”, 1970
I first met Ed while waiting to ride the Giant Dipper. Since I was standing in front of his friend Art, we spoke to each other first. When our conversation
Cocoanut Grove, 1948
The Cocoanut Grove became a California Historical Landmark in 1987. During the 1940s all the important bands stopped to perform here as they traveled between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Taking The Plunge
The huge indoor saltwater swimming pool was a popular Boardwalk attraction for nearly 60 years!
Better than Disneyland, 2018
My children have been to Disneyland dozens of times but say they have more fun on “our” boardwalk. Coasters, thrill rides and ice cream cones are what they love. Thank
Grandkids first visit to the Boardwalk, 2018
This picture is of our 2 youngest grandchildren and their first visit to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Our family has been coming here since the late 1940s. I sometimes joke
Senior Sneak Day, 1965
Campbell High School traditionally sent its senior class to the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz for one day, towards the end of the school year. It was called Senior Sneak Day.
The Mystery Love Letter , 1968
My wife and I return to the Boardwalk every year on Memorial Day or Labor Day. It started in 1968 when a young sixteen year old girl walked to the
