Thursday, October 20, 2011

Santa Cruz, California

Most people don't think of casinos when they think of Santa Cruz. Instead, they might think of the boardwalk, hippies, UC Santa Cruz, Birkenstocks, Monterey Bay, the earthquake, etc.
But back in 1904, when the casino was built, it was a main attraction. There was no boardwalk; that was built later around the new casino. The original casino (shown below) burned down in 1906. Work started on a new one in 1907.  As far as I know, that building is still part of the current boardwalk, although there is no gambling there. You can read more about the casino and see a picture of it in flames on the Santa Cruz Public library website., along with some pictures of the new casino.



Here's the back of the card, sent to Ida Schack of Chicago in 1905.

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7 comments:

  1. SabrinaOctober 20, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    Santa Cruz is my hometown so it was so fun to see this postcard. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Lisa BOctober 20, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    All those domes remind me of the Pavillion at Brighton. Very nice building.

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  3. Cappuccinoandartjournal.blogspot.comOctober 20, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    Still looks like that! I love Santa Cruz. Great postcard.

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  4. Alan BurnettOctober 21, 2011 at 3:25 AM

    It certainly is a grand-looking building and, like Lisa B, it immediately put me in mind of the Brighton Pavilion.

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  5. Postcard RanchOctober 23, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    Quite a structure! The Moorish architecture reminds me of Utah's Saltair pavilion.

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  6. LindaOctober 24, 2011 at 5:28 AM

    A gorgeous pavilion, reminds me of the elaborate structures of Luna Park, Coney Island in its heyday.

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  7. David LymanJanuary 28, 2013 at 9:51 AM

    The word "Casino" had a different meaning 100 years ago. Back in those days a casino was a large public building that could be used for a variety of pleasurable activities like dancing, concerts, theater, sports, civic events, banquets, and maybe even gambling if such activities were approved upon by its citizens.
    Great site! Keep up the good work!

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