About this Collection

Photographs from the 1860's to the 2000's, documenting the history of Santa Cruz County.

See the About sectionfor the library's reproduction policy and restrictions on use.

Various sources were used to identify persons, events, and places. Citations to print sources were abbreviated. See the About section for a list of sources used.

Items in Photograph Collection

Railroad train on the beachfront, after line was broad-gauged
Railroad train on the beachfront, after line was broad-gauged.

Date: 1885
Type: PHOTO

Depot and freight platform for the Southern Pacific Railroad and San Juan Pacific Railroad at Chittenden
Depot and freight platform for the Southern Pacific Railroad and San Juan Pacific Railroad at Chittenden.

Date: 1908
Type: PHOTO

South Pacific Coast train in front of the Mission Street tunnel
South Pacific Coast train in front of the Mission Street tunnel. The South Pacific Coast Railroad Passenger depot was located on Cherry Street (later called Chestnut Street) next to the tunnel . In the next street over, Park, was the Santa Cruz…

Date: Undated
Type: PHOTO

Unidentified wharf with railroad tracks
Unidentified wharf with railroad tracks. Railroad Wharf? Cowell's Wharf?

Date: Undated
Type: PHOTO

The Octagon, designed by J. W. Newcum
Designed by J. W. Newcum, the "Octagon" served Santa Cruz County for 86 years as its Hall of Records, at the southwest corner of Front and Cooper Streets.

Date: ca. 1890's
Type: PHOTO

The First Congregational Church
The First Congregational Church, Center and Lincoln Streets, was designed by Warren H. Hayes in the Richardsonian Romanesque style and erected in 1890.

Date: Undated
Type: PHOTO

Charles E. Towne Groceries and Provisions
Charles E. Towne Groceries and Provisions, Poultry and Grain. While this image is earlier, the business was still in existence in 1902, when Santa Cruz City Directory listed Charles E. Towne as a grocer on 154 Pacific Avenue. Pictured are: (from…

Date: ca. 19th c.
Type: PHOTO

Train leaving Zayante Inn
Train leaving Zayante Inn.

Date: ca. 1917
Type: PHOTO

Train at the Southern Pacific depot in Brookdale
Train at the Southern Pacific depot in Brookdale. The town was laid out in 1900 by Judge Logan and originally called Clear Creek. When the post office was established in 1902, the name was changed to Brookdale.

Date: Undated
Type: PHOTO

Southern Pacific's Number 2520 on Beach Street
Southern Pacific's Number 2520, on Beach Street. It is passing under the arched bridge that connected the Casa del Rey and the Casino.

Date: ca. 1940's
Type: PHOTO