More Place Names
Donald T. Clark's Santa Cruz County Place Names was described by historian Sandy Lydon as the "single most important book ever published on Santa Cruz County." For each of the 1,790 names in the book, Clark gives the location, derivation (if known), and sources where the name has been used. It was first published in 1986, with a second edition printed in 2008 incorporating the author's corrections, revisions, and additions.
The purpose of this page is to share discoveries of names not included in Clark's book. If you believe that you have found such a name, and it fits the criteria the author used for inclusion in his book (see page xxi of the 2nd edition), please let us know and we will consider it for inclusion here.
If you find additional evidence for the use of the following names, please let us know.
The purpose of this page is to share discoveries of names not included in Clark's book. If you believe that you have found such a name, and it fits the criteria the author used for inclusion in his book (see page xxi of the 2nd edition), please let us know and we will consider it for inclusion here.
If you find additional evidence for the use of the following names, please let us know.
Capitola Grove
This private picnic grounds was located between Noble Gulch and the railroad track in Capitola (behind the current city hall). The name appears in newspapers between 1892 and 1927. It was used by large groups for picnics and barbecues, including the Society of California Pioneers of Santa Cruz County. The site is now a Capitola city parking lot. See for example, Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 10, 1892, p. 3, col. 1.
This private picnic grounds was located between Noble Gulch and the railroad track in Capitola (behind the current city hall). The name appears in newspapers between 1892 and 1927. It was used by large groups for picnics and barbecues, including the Society of California Pioneers of Santa Cruz County. The site is now a Capitola city parking lot. See for example, Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 10, 1892, p. 3, col. 1.
Gilbert Gulch
A small gulch off Branciforte Drive, 3.5 miles north of Santa Cruz and best known today as the location of the Mystery Spot. The name Gilbert Gulch dates back to at least 1919 when it was mentioned in the newspaper as a part of a "No Hunting" area (Santa Cruz Evening News, Nov. 28, 1919, p 6). The name shows up in newspapers as late as 1960. Probably named for J. S. Gilbert, early-day property owner.
A small gulch off Branciforte Drive, 3.5 miles north of Santa Cruz and best known today as the location of the Mystery Spot. The name Gilbert Gulch dates back to at least 1919 when it was mentioned in the newspaper as a part of a "No Hunting" area (Santa Cruz Evening News, Nov. 28, 1919, p 6). The name shows up in newspapers as late as 1960. Probably named for J. S. Gilbert, early-day property owner.
Hall's Beach
A second use of the name "Hall's Beach" has been discovered. Advertisements for the opening of Camp Capitola in 1874 say "Opening of Camp Capitola, At Hall's Beach, Soquel." This would be today's Capitola Beach. Samuel Alonzo Hall was proprietor of the camp. Source: Santa Cruz Weekly Sentinel, June 13, 1874, p. 2.
A second use of the name "Hall's Beach" has been discovered. Advertisements for the opening of Camp Capitola in 1874 say "Opening of Camp Capitola, At Hall's Beach, Soquel." This would be today's Capitola Beach. Samuel Alonzo Hall was proprietor of the camp. Source: Santa Cruz Weekly Sentinel, June 13, 1874, p. 2.
Hickey's Hill
"Another historic landmark is being removed from Mission Hill. The old wooden jail on Hickey’s hill adjoining the new Catholic Church, is being pulled down as the timbers were old and rotten and a menace to the limb and life of the small boy who made it his camp ground.
At the inception of this county in ’50 the building was used for the offices of County Recorder and Treasurer.
The Court House then was a wooden affair standing on Emmett street. Later it became a jail and then a mere adjunct to the pretentious stone building used for prisoner’s quarters." --Santa Cruz Surf, August 10, 1888, p. 4, col. 4.
Please let us know if you discover other uses of this name.
"Another historic landmark is being removed from Mission Hill. The old wooden jail on Hickey’s hill adjoining the new Catholic Church, is being pulled down as the timbers were old and rotten and a menace to the limb and life of the small boy who made it his camp ground.
At the inception of this county in ’50 the building was used for the offices of County Recorder and Treasurer.
The Court House then was a wooden affair standing on Emmett street. Later it became a jail and then a mere adjunct to the pretentious stone building used for prisoner’s quarters." --Santa Cruz Surf, August 10, 1888, p. 4, col. 4.
Please let us know if you discover other uses of this name.
Nedder's Grove
A grove on the property of Carl and Caroline Nedder, north side of Soquel Avenue near Arana Gulch. The name is mentioned in the newspapers several times between 1899 and 1907. "When David Jones and Mr. Wicht returned home from Santa Cruz last Friday they reported a serious runaway near Nedder's Grove."--Evening Sentinel, August 8, 1903, p. 3, col. 5.
A grove on the property of Carl and Caroline Nedder, north side of Soquel Avenue near Arana Gulch. The name is mentioned in the newspapers several times between 1899 and 1907. "When David Jones and Mr. Wicht returned home from Santa Cruz last Friday they reported a serious runaway near Nedder's Grove."--Evening Sentinel, August 8, 1903, p. 3, col. 5.
Rincon Heights
This appears to have been an alternative name for what is now known as Pogonip. It shows up a number of times in newspapers during the first three decades of the 20th century. "W. H. George, general manager of the Henry Cowell Cement company, Fred W. Swanton and Lloyd Bowman were laying off the new golf course on Rincon Heights. Lee Esty was drawing plans for the clubhouse." --Santa Cruz Evening News, Nov. 2, 1931, p. 10. This name was probably coined because it is at the southern edge of the Rincon Rancho and has a view overlooking the City of Santa Cruz.
This appears to have been an alternative name for what is now known as Pogonip. It shows up a number of times in newspapers during the first three decades of the 20th century. "W. H. George, general manager of the Henry Cowell Cement company, Fred W. Swanton and Lloyd Bowman were laying off the new golf course on Rincon Heights. Lee Esty was drawing plans for the clubhouse." --Santa Cruz Evening News, Nov. 2, 1931, p. 10. This name was probably coined because it is at the southern edge of the Rincon Rancho and has a view overlooking the City of Santa Cruz.
Reeds
"BROOKDALE. At Last On The Railroad Map--Rapidly Building Up. The railroad company officially announced this week that the name of the station at Brookdale had been officially changed on their books from “Reeds” to “Brookdale.” This at last puts Brookdale on the map. A round trip rate of 35 cents to Santa Cruz and return has also been made and Conductor Hollenback is authorized to sell tickets on the train, in lieu of an agent at that station." --Santa Cruz Surf, October 17, 1903, p. 1, col. 1.
Clark already listed "Reeds Spur" as a former name for Brookdale, but not "Reeds." An 1894 map by E.D. Perry, County Surveyor, uses the name "Reid Switch."
"BROOKDALE. At Last On The Railroad Map--Rapidly Building Up. The railroad company officially announced this week that the name of the station at Brookdale had been officially changed on their books from “Reeds” to “Brookdale.” This at last puts Brookdale on the map. A round trip rate of 35 cents to Santa Cruz and return has also been made and Conductor Hollenback is authorized to sell tickets on the train, in lieu of an agent at that station." --Santa Cruz Surf, October 17, 1903, p. 1, col. 1.
Clark already listed "Reeds Spur" as a former name for Brookdale, but not "Reeds." An 1894 map by E.D. Perry, County Surveyor, uses the name "Reid Switch."