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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

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First Ride "Hostess" (Operator), 1972

I started working at the Boardwalk taking tickets. Girls were not allowed to operate the rides. That did not sit well with me and I started bugging management. I remember the newspaper...

My Grandparents on Vacation , 1915

My Grandparents and great grandparents spent 1 month every summer in Santa Cruz. They sometimes stayed at La Playa Cottages. They'd pack their trunk and board the train in Oakland....

Outside Cocoanut Grove Then and Now, 1938

The Boardwalk's Cocoanut Grove has gone through many changes over the years, but its function as an entertainment center has remained about the same. Here's a photo...

Boardwalk Pleasure Pier Then and Now

This photo shows the location of our Pleasure Pier in the 1930s. The Santa Cruz Wharf in the background has been there since 1914.

Giant Dipper Then and Now, 1924

A photo of construction workers on the Giant Dipper back in 1924, with how it looks today.

Sky Glider Then and Now, 1967

A photo of our Sky Glider back in 1967 (the year it was first introduced) with a photo of how it looks today.

Bands on the Beach

Here's a fun photo of the beach bandstand back in the 1970s. It sure has changed a lot over the years!
Boardwalk photo

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 never a dull moment!...