At the end of the covered bridge, where Riverside crossed Soquel, Frank Sawyer built a shoestore. He and his family lived in the middle of the block at 25 Campbell. His son, Preston, was an photographer whose pictures form the core of Santa Cruz's historic photograph collections.

Dec 4, 1903A small building is being erected at the west end of the covered bridge to be used as a shoe shop by Frank Sawyer

Riverside Lighting is currently on the site of 11 Riverside

I'm not sure which corner this grocery was on. Mr. Gregory lived down the street, near the Nethertons.

4 March 1926 4:3

Two new Names Appear on Role of Business Men

M. F. Gregory has purchased the grocery on the corner of Riverside and Soquel Avenues, added a green grocery, and many popular lines of goods, and is prepared to conduct a model mercantile establishment.

A restaurant is on the site of 10 Riverside. This 100-year-old redwood tree was probably planted in its front yard.

This house was comparable in size to the Bernheim house, and must have been as prominant. A square bay faced Riverside, as did a wrap-around porch. Between it and the river was a barn and a shed, similar to other houses on this block of Riverside.

While the front and back of the house has been remodeled since 1905, it appears to have the same footprint and proper age.

Newspaper Articles

Jan 2 1904 (page 7 col 4 )

Realizes a Dream
Which has been haunting his thoughts for life.
Climate, soil, products, diversity of interests, all appeal to him favorably.

Col. William V. Lucas, came from South Dakota here, resigning the superintendenacy of the Solider's Home, at Hot Springs SD to gain the freedom to make the change. Col. Lucas has been prominate since wartime in the politics and public afffairs of the North West, sering Dakota in Congress, and the GAR as a dependant Deptarment Commander, etc, etc. No prelude or introduction is needed to embellish the eloquent words in which he expresses his delight with what he has discovered here.

He writes: You ask me to give my impressions of Santa Cruz, its advantages, and attractions as I see them. After a fairly good investigation of the different localities in this state, claiming superior inducements for people in the east to migrant to, I was impressed wtih Santa Cruz as beingb the pretiiest location for a town or city of any I saw. The climate suited me much better than the exptremes which exist in the southern or northern parts of the state. The productiveness of the soil seemed to be beyond question, the environment satisfactory; accordingly, I left the Black Hills of South Dakota in July and came direct to Santa Cruz to find a home such as I dreamed of all my life, for my declining years. After six months observation and experience, I do not hestitate to declare that I am more than satisfied, that I found the spot I was looking for.

The transition from an Iowa and South Dakato cilmate is so gratifying words fail me to express it. For more than fifty years, I lived in those states, in the full belief that nothing better, all considered, could be found inthe United States. In many respects, those states are all I believed them to be, but Santa Cruz and vicinity maintain all the good qualities, and many others they do not. The idea abounds in the East, is that California has little else to to attact peoplke, other than climate, fruit, and flowers. While these attractions are drawing cards, a personal inspection of the rich valleys, and verdant mountain slopes, will convince the observing person that it is an erroneous idea. No state offers better opportuniites, for diversified farming operations, or richer returns for the labor expended than I have found here. The soil is all one can ask for, the seasons for cropping are vastly superior, to the best parts of the East. The variety of products is greater and surer, and the quality as good or better than the best of Iowa or South Dakota fields. The markets are better and steadier. Therefore I conclude the farmer of the middle west will make no mistake in coming here, to pursue his occupation. He will get quicker returns, for the same aomunt of labor expended, haved more time in which to do his work, and best of all, excape the rigourous winters that are always dreaded in those sections.

If the same energy skills and economy are practiced here, that must be there to succeed, surely there can be no question of the superiority of this part of California, over all parts of those states, for the farmer and the tiller of the soil. The diveristy of paying enterprises, is another marked advantage as I see it. The climate is all one can desire, no extremes, but a continual sunshine and health giving condition. I am more and more enchanted with the conditions that exist about Santa Cruz and wonder what could be added to make them better. Here I found climate, soil, water, scenery sunshine, flowers, good roads, fruit, schools, churches, health and comfort. What more can we ask for? Besides all lines of labor yield a competant return. The people here do not toil as constantly or as hard as they have to east of the range of mountains, and yet succeed as well.

The magnificent beach at the gates of the city, is one unlike any other city in the state--broad, ample, and perfectly safe for those who delight to buffet the surf. It is a summer resort without a successful rival and a winter resort without a successful competitor. The dawn of a new era is upon the city, and wise and conservative management will make it the Saratoga of the Pacific Coast. To sum up again, my opinons of Santa Cruz and its surroundings, I will say it far exceeds all I supposed it to be when I came here. I am satisfied to remain content in its midst. What more could I say? The old citizens do not appreciate the blessings that they enjoy as one does who has spent a lifetime in other climates and other environments and now steps into the warm congenial sunshine of a Santa Cruz winter or the cool, invigorating breezes of a perfect summer. Yours Truely, W. V. Lucas

Feb 29 1908 (page 7 col 2)
Anniversary Club
South Dakotans gather as guests of Mrs. W. V. Lucas. Mrs. W. V. Lucas's home on Riverside Avenue was the scene of a very happy gathering of Dakota ladies on Saturday afternoon. The occasion being the anniversary of the birth of Mrs. Lucas. The guests were welcomed by the hostess who looked very charming in a quaint and pretty cap and kerchief costume of Martha Washington time. The duties of the chief officer of the club interfering somewhat with her duties as hostess, Mrs. Lucas appointed Mrs. J. A. Williams to preside in her place. Roll Call of members was responded to with thoughts from George Washington and a nicely written sketch of his life was read by Mrs. Vandervort. A social hour followed the business session, including a guessing game in which Mrs. G. W. Hawes was declared winner. A very nice tamale luncheon was served in the daintily decorated dining room where the cherry tree and hatchet idea was still further carried out. The place cards bearing tiny hatchets tied with the club colors. Wishing Mrs. Lucas many happy returns of the day, the club adjourned to meet with Mrs. Rich on March 12. The subject for next study will be the life of Thomas Jefferson.

Mrs. Emma Lanfear, Miss Laura Lanfear; Arther Chubb, Linotype Operator, Sentinal; L. M. Chubb, Clerk Great Eastern Tea Co.; John Doman, Bookkeeper; Edwin. W. Fields, foreman, Sentinal.

It is likely that 24 Riverside was a boarding house. You can see the the side view that the back of the house has a long porch providing separate entrances.

If you compare the photo of the house as it is today (2003) with the outline that is visble on the Sanborn map, it is easy to see that the shape of the front bay window is quite different now. However, the outline of the older bay is still visible on the front of the house.

Aug 1, 1903 4:4

Recent Changes in Real Estate

The Buchanan homestead on Riverside Avenue was sold to Eugene Brown from Salem Oregon, who has come here to make his permanent home.

Aug 27, 1907 2:3

Two New Cottages Being Erected by Eugene Brown on the East Side
Eugene Brown, the contractor, has about finished a modern five room cottage for George Gridley on Pennsylvania Avenue, and will soon start one for A. L. Clark, near Mr. Gridley's new residence. Mr. Brown is using fibered hardwall plaster in both of these houses. This is an inside finish made of gypsum and manila fiber, said to stand rough usage better than any other kind known. He is the first to introduce this building material to Santa Cruz.

Sep 30 1902 Delightful Tea

In honor of the birthday of Mrs. I. R. Morgan, Mrs. Clare Ownens was the hostess at a delightful afternoon at her home on Water St in honor of the birthday of her mother, Mrs. I. R. Morgan. The rooms were beautifully decorated with eschschoitzias, and delicious refershments were served. Miss Edith Thornburgh entertained the guests with some charming songs. Mrs. Morgan was the recipient of many pretty gifts and the afternoon was greatly enjoyed by all. The ladies present were Mesdames I. R. Morgan, O M. Owens, Elizabeth Scott, Thomas Thompson, Jospeh McVey, Jessie Douglas, Peter Crinnion, Clark Owens, Misses Edith Thornburgh, Mabel Morgan, Gladys Morgan, Master Ignatius Revere McVey.

40 Riverside is in front. The little porch roof was added after the 1905 Sanborn map.

No Directory Entries

In front of this house are three beautiful palms. This site includes more examples of old palms in the neighborhood.

This house was soon after 1905 purchased by members of the Armstrong Family, who also had relatives at 60 (721) Riverside.

Mar 19 1908 3:2

Death of Edward Greenwood
Passes away at residence of his nephew, J. E. Armstrong

Edward G. Greenwood, a pioneer resident of California, passed away last evening at the residence of his nephew, Chief of Police J. E. Armstrong, at 50 Riverside Avenue. He was one of the early settlers of the state. He came to California 56 years ago, and for the past 40 years has made Santa Cruz his home. He as born in Nova Scotia, was 83 years of age, and leaves a sister, Mrs. Catherine Armstrong, in this city, three nephews, J. E, William, and Thomas Armstrong, and two nieces, Mrs. Charles Reed, and Mrs. Kate Ellis. The deceased was known by the name of Willard and was a writer and author. He came to California in 1852 with the rush of gold seekers and following the life of a miner and woodsman. At one time he lived in Blackburn Gulch, and was known and highly esteemed by the old residents.