Research on these events is yet to be completed. The newspaper stories on this page were researched by Helen Susko.

Click on images to see larger images and read more detailed information.

Santa Cruz Sentinel-News, October 14, 1945

Barson Tract to be Made Residence Property

Twenty-five acres on River In Heart of City Are Bought By Canfield And Gilbert Who Plan Huge Improvement

By Melba Whittaker

Five generations of Barsons, owners and operators of the Riverside Hotel property a tract covering 25 acres near the heart of the city and blessed with beautiful river frontage, have relingquished their interests in the historic piece of property by sale to Laurence Canfield and Fred Gilbert of C.E. Gafield and Son, realtors.

Plans for a million dollars worth of development have been made in the subdivision of the tract into about 100 lots and additional improvements in the property have been proposed.

Riverside Estates

At present under study by the planning commission, the proposed plat of the new tract, to be called Riverside estates, includes plans for a proposed street paralleling Bixby street to be known as Canfield avenue, dedicated to the late C. E. "Charlie" Canfield.

Another proposed street improvement is one to be known as San Lorenzo boulevard, beginning just north of the Riverside bridge and curving near the river front to meet Barson street. A third proposal is extension of Riverside avenue in a curvearound the hotel to intersect with its extension, which meets Soquel avenue.

Included in long-range plans for the new tract is a proposed bridge over the river extending Barson street through to Front st.

New Street Named Canfield

Suggested also is a boat landing to be constructed at the end of the proposed Canfield avenue, a street being dedicated to the late realtor by Fred Gilbert, one of the subdividers.

Building in the area will be restricted as to type of structure although size and cost will not be factors in the restriction.Paved streets, sidewalks, serwer facilities, gas and lights will be installed by the subdividers, who said Cardwell Construction company held a contract for street construction.

Work on the phase may be completed shortly after the first of the year, it was indicated construction to begin as soon as possible.

C.J. Ryland, Monterey architect, Canfield and Gilbert will be an architectural commission to judge restriction in the district.

Gilbert told the Sentinal-News that Canfield's would be the general agent for sale of the lots, but the tract will be opened to all brokers who may make applications for maps, prices, and other details at the local office.

Extend East Cliff Drive

He indicated that another of the long-range plans for the district included a proposed extension of East Cliff drive through the tract crossing Bixby street to the proposed San Lorenzo boulevard.

A high-class motel site, plus the present hotel site and apartment house sites have been provided by the large lots of the subdivision, it was stated, as well as for numerous small family homes.

E.R. Muttersbach, Lloyd Bowman and Tom Williams have been surveyors and engineers for the new tract and Gilbert has been general supervisor of the subdivision. Louis Rittenhouse is the legal advisor. California Pacific Title company has been escrowing the papers and will provide title insurance policies for all lots sold.

The spot is familiar to many Santa Cruzans who have watched the Barson orchards grow through the years. The tract is bounded by Bixby street on the east, Barson on the north, Riverside avenue cutting through the property, the river at the south and west.

Originally, the land, bought in 1870 by Alfred Barson Sr., original builder of Riverside House, contained more acreage, but Barsons deeded the Riverside Avenue and Barson street space to the City.

Hotel dates from 1877

Focal point of the Barson lands has always been the Riverside hotel, the first part of which was built in 1877 and then parts torn down and rebuilt in a big revision in 1910. Alfred Barson Sr, known to all his friends as "Fred," by which name his son, present operator, is also known, purchased the site after several years in business here with a general merchandise store and also after a turn at mining.

The elder Barson came to America when a child and moved west to Santa Cruz in 1864. He married Mary Archibald in 1866 and they had eight children, six of whom remain in Santa Cruz, five still in the old hotel.

Recalling some of the earlier days, Fred and mary Barson, most active in the family in the hotel operation, told of the first buildings there, the old two-story hostelry which was later added to in sections.

Barson Did Landscaping

Barson, himself, landscaped the beautiful gardens which attracted many visitors to the hotel in the days when it had its own club house and dances on Wednesday and Saturday nights, complete with an orchestra hired by the hotel and sandwiches and refreshments served by the owners.

An active man with a great vision, Barson used to meet all incoming trains and steamers with transportation to the hotel. He used to drive up Broadway to Ocean st, then down Soquel to get to the rail depot at Park street, the family recalled.

Was Alcade Grant

The "Barson Tract" first appeared in the records in 1848 when it was given as an American alcalde grant to Adna A. Hecox, the Michigan-born immigrant millwright of 1846, who undoubtedly took it because of its level fertility, as he was already building his home on what is now Mission street near Laurel.

In 1853 the tract was leased by Henry G. Blaisdell, six-foot-five, who had come down from San Francisco to raise potatoes, only to find that the mining district demand which had made them worth "a bit a pound" had ended.

Blaisdell, while here, helped organize the Masonic lodge, acting as worthy master at the meeting in the adobe still standing on School street. He returned to San Francisco where he engaged in the commission business until he went to Nevada in the Washoe mining excitment, to be elected the first Nevada governer.

Judge Heacock's Home

Before the confirmation of Santa Cruz land titles in 1866, the tract had passed into the hands of F. H. Heacock, judge of the superior court, whose residence ten years later became the nucleus of the Barson hotel. Heacock in 1876 resigned from the bench to head the company of Santa Cruzans which bought Lompoc rancho for half a million dollars and founded that town in Santa Barbara county.

The tract had been purchased, however, in 1870 by Alfred Barson. Barson's father, who came to the United States in 1849, had been one of the contractors who built England's first railroads. The father had crossed the plains in 1852. His son joined him by way of the isthmus ten years later and came to Santa Cruz in 1864 where he worked as a clerk for Hihn and Field in their store, and later had a grocery of his own.

Alfred Barson married Mary Ellen Archibald here in 1866 and lived until 1919. His father had died in Santa Cruz in 1885.

Part of City's Social Life

Ranking with Pope House, the Pacific Ocean House, Wilkins House, and the Ocean Villa Hotels, the Riverside offered social life to outrank them all in the older days. It became a center not only for summer visitors, but for the town as well.

Today the hotel is two minutes from town and two minutes from the beach. In the older days, it was a long way to either.

Barsons built a footbridge across the river, in line with the walk which fronted the hotel. They rebuilt it each year and patrons found it a great convenience because their aim in a summer vacation was being able to reach the beach easily.

Among the prominent families who became steady visitors at the Riverside was the family of artist Charles W. Saalburg, who became outstanding in that field.

It was Saalburg, who, before the days of air views, conceived a most accurate picture of the Riverside House and its surrounding buildings, including the beach and the bay in the background.

Gave Streets to City

Barsons contributed much to the social life and development of Santa Cruz. Not only did the elder Barson provide the city with land for two major streets, but he also built sidewalks to Soquel avenue, the first constructed to the convience of his patrons. He had hoped to see Barson street extended by a river bridge, but it did not come during his lifetime, which ended in 1919.

Barsons held a Front St. lot hoping for a bridge there until only recently when the piece of property was sold.

Fred and Mary Barson recalled how the kids in the family helped dredge the river, how an oak tree fell from the hill in the eighties and lodged in the river, giving rise to the present sand bar below the bridge and now called "The Island." They remembered the days of great dances and when the first casino cut into their own activities.

They recalled visits to Riverside House made by the Liebes family, San Francisco furriers; the other big importers and wholesalers, bankers and merchants; Greenbaum, president of the London-Paris-American Bank; the Follis family, the Floods, etc.

Mary Barson recalled a fire in the days before the turn of the century when her father pumped the well dry fighting the fire, then turned to vinegar stocks stored at the hotel to finish extinguishing the fire.

Five generations of Barsons have lived at Riverside House. Fred, the elder, brought his father, Thomas Barson, a railroad builder, to live there. Thomas had come to America with a fabulous amount of gold from his enterprises, lost it, and began mining.

Besides Thomas and Fred, there was a second Fred, now the hotel operator, and there is another Fred, who is Alfred III, and a young Freddie, aged six. Living at the hotel are Fred and Mary, Robert Gale (the only one of the family with a middle name), Gertrude and Lilla. Arthur lives across the river on Third Street, being the sixth member of the family. His daughter, Mary, works for Canfield realty company.

Mary Barson, after taking a Sentinal-News reporter on the rounds of the hotel and grounds, looked at the place she has called home for so long. "We won't be leaving Santa Cruz," she said. "Here is home. But I do worry some. If we go, who will take care of our river. I hope the people who come here take care of the river."

[article accompanied by a picture of Riverside House by Charles Saalburg, "Hotel Founder," Alfred Barson, "Present Operator," Fred Barson, "Subdivider", Fred Gilbert, "Buyer" Laurence Canfield. ]

Santa Cruz Sentinal, Nov 24, 1945

Modernized Riverside Hotel Will Be Operated by Oakland Lessee

Cellar to garret modernization of the old Riverside hotel, owned for many years by the Barson family, has begun and Reginald E. Bayley, recently of the Athens club in Oakland, has leased the establishment from Laurence Canfield and Fred Gilbert, subdividers of Riverside Estates, of which the hotel is the hub.

Announcement of Bayley's taking the lease was coindicent with a statement by the subdividers that $35,000 wwould be spent in nodernizing the old hotel, built in the seventies. Bathrooms will be installed, gas heating is being put in, and painting and redecorating done. New lighting will be installed as well. When completed, the hotel will have over 55 rooms and a dining room to seat 250 persons and a banquet room to accommodate about 50 persons.

Bayley, whose management experience began when he served with the British army quartermaster corps in the last war, has taken a long term lease on the hotel and as chef inthe new kitchens, will have Richard Cours, formerly with the Palace and Whitcomb hotel.

To Open About February 1

Expecting to open the modernized hotel about February 1, Bayley is now securing other employes for the establishment. It was learned the new dining room will have a large dance floor and that beer and wines only will be served at the hostelry.

Bayley, recently of Berkeley, has come here with his wife and their son to make their home. A native of England, he was naturalized in this country in 1935, having come here as an employe of the White Star Steamship company, later working with Matson lines. Early in 1937, Bayley took a post with Pan American Airways, for which he supervised canteens and commissaries and was purchasing agent for the equipment and food used at all Pacific points on the line. Since early 1942, Bayley has designed and equipped housing and feeding units for Japanese evacuees in California and Arizone, managed army post exchanges, and been operations manager for Brennan commissaries at California points.

A member of the Geneva Executives club and Geneva association by virtue of his work as a caterer, he has a wide experience in management which should help him to make the Riverside hotel an outstanding spot inthe city.

Renovation of the hotel, expected to be one of the finest dining places in the city, is under direction of several local men. Darrow Palmer is in charge of carpenter work; Izant and Wilson are doing the plumbing, Frank Carroll is the electrical contractor, and Walter Allshouse is doing the painting. C. J. Ryland, noted architect, is supervising the renovation.

Santa Cruz Sentinal, May 16, 1948

Riverside Hotel, Old Barson Property, Sold to San Jose Man for Reported $130,000

Sale of the Riverside hotel, 75-year-old hostelry, to Jack Genovesi, San Jose Businessman, was announced yesterday by Laurence Canfield and Fred Gilbert. Although the hotel was modernized two years ago by Canfield and Gilbert, when they put the Riverside Estates on the market, Mr. Genovesi intends to add further improvements to make it one of the most attractive rendezvous in the city.

A menu from the 1950s.

Landmark of the City

The Riverside is one of the landmarks of this city, having been established 75 years ago. It was operated by the Barson family up until the time Canfield and Gilbert acquired it, with over 25 acres which they subdivided into the tract now known as "Riverside Estates," 70 percent of which has been sold for home and apartment sites.

Ranking with the Pope House, Pacific Ocean House, Wilkins House, and Ocean Villa hotels, the Riverside offered social life in the older days. It because the center not only for the town, but for summer visitors. Among them were the Liebes family, San Francisco furriers; Greenbaum, president of the London-Paris-American bank; the Follis family, the Floods, and many others.

During the ensuing years, the hotel became famous for its home-like atmosphere. It is not unusual for couples who were married at the Riverside to return to spent their golden anniversary there.

Has 62 rooms

The famous Riverside Hotel contains 62 rooms; two dining rooms with a seating capacity of over 250; and there is a large spacious lobby. The property covers a full block over an acre of ground, which is beautifully landscaped. It is now only four blocks from the beach or business district; in the old days, it was a long way to either. The hotel will be under the management of Mr. Genovesi, who takes over the property today. Government stamps on the documents indicate the investment was over $130,000. Gilbert, who negotiated the sale, stated it was an all cash deal.

The lower river in the 1940s.

Pickets March Seeking Pact with Hotel

Santa Cruz Sentinal, Aug 24, 1956

Union bartenders left their dim lights and smoky bars yesterday and this morning spent two-hour shifts parading in front of the Riverside hotel on Riverside avenue. The pickets carried placards stating that the establishment was "unfair to organized labor."

Led by the doughty Mrs. Midred Rowe, business manager of Local 346, the Culinary Workers and Bartenders union is fighting for a labor contract from manager Pete Marchese.

Mrs. Rowe, walking with a placard this morning, said, "Union member chef Al Rhoades has quit working for them and they've lost three watresses and bartenders, who were union members and refused to cross the picket line.

"One truck drove up and refused to deliver an order because of tthe driver wouldn't cross the picket line," Mrs. Rowe said.

Mrs. Rowe also said that bread for the hotel ahad been delivered across the street and non-union hotel employes were picking the bread up from the house and taking it into the hotel kitchen.

Pete Marchese told Mrs. Rowe that the situation regarding the contract had not changed.

The union expects to picket the hotel from anything from "nine or ten days to nine or ten weeks, depending on the decision of the strategy committee," a spokesman said.

'"We have had a few cries of 'Communist' from people passing in cars, " Mrs. Rowe said, "but most of the people have been couraging."

Union Pact Okay Ends Picketing

Santa Cruz Sentinal, Dec 14, 1956

Santa Cruz members of Local 345 of the Culinary and Bartenders union last night voted unanimously to accept a contract negotiated by Pete Marchese of the Riverside hotel and union officials.

Following the negotiations in Watsonville which ended early yesterday morning, the five-month old picket line maintained by the local around the Riverside hotel was withdrawn yesterday "pending union approval."

Watsonville members of the union will vote on the issue Monday, said Mrs. Mildred Rowe, business agent of the local.

Marchese said this morning, "It's a union shop contract and I'm glad to have it signed and the picket line away from the Riverside. This has gone on too long."

Mrs. Rowe in Watsonville said today, "A union shop contract has been signed with the Riverside hotel. There were a few minor changes in the working of the Watsonville contract which went into effect in this city last year. Both sides are extremely happy that an agreement seems to have been reached."

Mrs. Rowe continued, "I hope the removal of the picket line from around the Riverside makes a big difference to Mr. Marchese's business. The union will do all within its power to help the hotel now that a contract is pending."

The business agent refused to comment on Riverside Chef Al Rhoades' position. Rhoades, a union member, crossed the picketline a month ago and went back to work for Marchese.

Non-union employes now at the Riverside, "may join the union if they wish," according to Marchese. Mrs. Rowe declinet to comment on their status.

The Santa Cruz Central labor council has authorized picket lines in front of Ship Ahoy restaurant and in front of the St. George hotel.

The business agent for the union said today, "So far we've made no definite plans for picketing any other establishmnet in Santa Cruaz. There are a lot of things to be taken into consideration before we throw a picket line around either of these places."

The tentative agreement between Marchese and the union followed a series of meetings with Mediator Louis DeWorlf, state labor conciliator, in attendance.

Historical Society Is Told of Riverside Hotel's Early Days

Santa Cruz Sentinal, January 23, 1959

Eighty-five members and guests of the Santa Cruz Historical Society heard highlights of the history of the Riverside hotel Monday following a 6:30 p.m. dinner meeting in the historic hostelry. Arthur Barson, a grandson of Fred Barson who purchased the hotel property in 1870, was the speaker.

Barson traced the family history from the time his great-grandfather Thomas Barson, left Nottingham, Eng., down to the present day with the help of old family records and newspaper clippings. When his grandfather acquired the 30 acres bordering the San Lorenzo river, the purchase included the home of Judge Hecock, then a one-story building. By adding two-stories on top of the original sturdy redwood home, the hotel--then konwn as the "Riverside House," ws originated, according to Barson.

Today, the oldest part of the hotel structure, from the lobby to the west end of the building is the original home. Barson, who worked as a belalhop in the family hotel recalled humorous incidents in later years, including the family dog which leaped to the ground from the top of a four-story tank house which stood on the property; the Chinese cook--almost like one of the family--who served faithfull for many years and was given two complete burial services, one Christian and one Chinese, in accordance with his last wishes.

The hey-day of the historic hotel lasted through the 1880s and 1890s, when "people came to stay through the summer months to escape the heat of the cities," according to Barson. With World War I and the popularity of the automobile, vacation habits changed and family hotels lost their popularity as vacation spots.

Barson recalled the large hotel vegetable garden and orchard, which supplied everything from turnips to apples and the finest fruit for the hotel dining room. Jersey cows and hogs were penned on the property. Horses and carriages were available at the hotel stable for guests who wished to drive out into the hills or along the shore roads. In 1945, the Barsons sold the hotel and the property for a subdivision.

Barson--who has one sister, Mrs. Mitchell Lasich of Watsonville, is the last member of the family to bear the family name. At present, he and his wife and children live in the home at 603 Third Street, purchased by Barson's father when the hotel was sold. "Just across the river from the old family property, where Dad could love over and still see 'our hotel'," Barson concluded. In charge of the program for the evening was Mrs. Everett Allen who introduced Barson and his wife. During the short business session, President Denver Wolfe displayed a new redwood burl gavel presented to the society by Everett Allen.

[Arthur Barson's family made these newspapers stories and family photos available to me. --Linda]

Down Goes the Riverside Historic Riverside Hotel to be Replaced by Motel

SC Sentinal January 26th, 1966

A variance to change the landmark Riverside hotel into a motel operation, with associated new bar, dining room, and lobby and existing banquet facilities will be considered by the city planning commission tomorrow night. The variance request is one of 13 items on the commission agenda in addition to the first hearing on requests of the East Santa Cruz businessmen's association for rezoning of 773 East Side parcels. The meeting will begin at 7:30 o'clock in the city council chambers. Peter J Marcesi, owner of the historic Riverside hotel at 210 Barson street, told The Sentinal this morning that he hopes to complete demolition and rebuilding of the bar and dining room...... .[obscure. original article required]

Construction of a 20-plus unit, two-story motel wing presently is staged for next fall. The hotel would be razed. "We hope to take full advantage of the summer season," Marchese said. He said he and Enginer Norris Houk have not completely settled on the motel design. To be retained will be the banquet room, built about five years ago with a capacity of over 600 persons, and the kitchen area constructed more recently. Additional storage facilities in the latter are also proposed. The 80-year-old hotel presently is a non-conforming use in a neighborhood apartment zone. Zoning ordinances forbid replacing......[obscure. original article required]

However, previous variances have been granted for the hotel on the grounds that it actually is in a beach oriented area and would be of a "distinct benefit to the district. " The hotel banquet facility is the only one in the city able to handle convention groups of over 500 persons. Plans submitted with the variance application indicate increase in the capacity of the bar and dining room facilities. The latter to seat aobut 20-25 persons. About 60 parking spaces will be provided. Marchese said it is hoped the motel development will have a capacity "as close as it can" to the hotel's 43 rooms. This is about 100 persons.

Historical Riverside Hotel Is Still Living in SC Memories

Santa Cruz Sentinal date obscure

Another reminder of historical Santa Cruz was gone today with the complete razing of the 90-year-old Riverside hotel at Barson street and Riverside avenue. In its place will rise a new dining room and cocktail longue and later a large motel unit. Business is being temporarity carried on in the banquet and convention building built in 1950.

Pete J. Marchese, who with his wife, as operated the hotel since 1948, said that construction on the new project should start tomorrow. The new dining room will seat 160. In recent years, the Marcheses have brought the Riverside into prominence as a banquet and convention center and family style dining spot.

One of the original Santa Cruz hotels, the Riverside was built for use as a hotel in 1870 by Alfred Barson. It was to remain in the Barson family for the next five generations. The Barsons came from England. Thomas Barson, who with his father-in-law, Edward Gale, built England's first railroads, came to America in 1849. He crossed the plans in 1852 to California. Later he was joined by his son, Alfred, also born in England. Alfred settled in Santa Cruz in 1864.

In 1879, Alfred purchased 30 acres of land near the San Lorenzo river from the late Superior court Judge E. H. Heacock. A second story added to the existing home created the Riverside hotel, which eventually contained more than 60 rooms. At one time it was the summer residence for weathly San Franciscans, known in those days as the "carriage trade." An orchard, vegetable gardens, a dairy and a poultry farm furshined almost all the food needed for the hotel patrons. A foot-bridge was built across the river by the Barsons for an easy route to the beach.

In 1910, the hotel was enlarged and boasted a bath in every room. A pear orchard became quite noted, supplying New York and European markets. During World War I the serving of meals was stopped at the hotel. With the coming of motor car, summer long vacations became less popular.

Alfred Barson had eight children. The only one still living is Mary Barson, 88, who is presently in a local nursing home. In 1945, the hotel was sold to C. E. Canfield and Fred Gilbert. They subdivided the property and remodeled the hotel. Then, in 1948, they sold the hotel to Jack Genovesi, San Jose businessman. Mr. and Mrs. Marchese lease the modernized business from Genovesi, who is Marchese's father-in-law. Marchese said the new facilities should be open for business in October.

Historical Riverside Reopens Doors in Modernized Fashion

Santa Cruz Sentinal, Sept 2, 1960

The modernistic reincarnation of the historic Riverside hotel will have its grand opening tomorrow, with dinner being served from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Focus of attention will be on the new dining room and cocktail lounge, a $125,000 addition to the Riverside's modern banquet facilities. Proprietor Peter Marchese and owner Jack Genovesi of Saratoga announced the dining-banquet complex will be named simply "The Riverside."

The additions replace the 80-year-old hotel, razed last spring. It was a landmark at the corner of Riverside avenue and Barson street on the main thoroughfare to the beach. The new building, designed by engineer Norris Houk, stands in bold contrast to its predecessor. Outside, it is flat-topped. Handsome exposed aggregate tilt-up slab walls surround the dining room.

A butterfly canopy, constructed of welded steel, extends a welcoming arm from the lobby to Barson street. An Arizona stone wall extends from the westerly wing through the walls and into the lobby and lounge fireplace. Unique brass grillwork, cast and fabricated especially for The Riverside in Fort Worth, Tex., separates the lobby and the lounge.

The suspended ceiling in the dining room includes an intriguing free-form cavity in the center which is designed to collect and pass off smokey air. Marchese said the dining room has a capacity of 160 persons. A small banquet room for 35 persons is at one side. The main banquet room, built about five years ago, seats 500 and is considered the only one in Santa Cruz adequate for major convention activities.

The cocktail lounge has a capacity of 80. In addition to the fireplace, a piano bar and dancing floor provide major attractions. Loren Cox will be at the keyboard tomorrow.

Marchese noted that The Riverside now provides parking for more than 100 cars on the lot. Continuous background music will flow through the building. The Riverside will be open six days a week, closing Mondays. Special luncheon items and sandwiches will be offered from 11:30 am to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Dinners will be served from 5 to 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sundays.

Marchese said a varied menu of meat and sea foods--and salads from The Riverside's famous salad bar--will be offered. "Good food and good service will be our number one aim," he said. Hans Frauchiger, chef at The Riverside since May, will head the kitchen staff. He was with the Brown Derby in Hollywood for 29 years. Marchese said a motel is being discussed for a portion of the full-block site. "But that is in the future," he added.

Japanese Firm Buys Riverside

Santa Cruz Sentinal, June, 22, 1972

A Santa Cruz landmark resturant, The Riverside, has been sold to a Tokyo-headquartered Japanese restaurant chain for an undisclosed sum.

Min Chuan Enterprising Co. operates several restaurants throughout the Orient, but this will be its first United States venture.

Riverside co-owner Pete Marchese said the Japanese firm has not disclosed its plans for the business.

The Riverside, one of the largest restaurants in Santa Cruz, dates from 1870 when it was opened as a hotel restaurant by Fred Barson at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Barson Street. Barson purchased the 30-acre site from Judge E. H. Heacock. The Heacock home was enlarged to form the original hotel building.

The property remained in the Barson family for five generations and the hotel was a spa for weathly San francisco Bay Area residents who arrived at its doors in horse-drawn carriages.

The business operated as a restaurant-hotel until 1960 when Marchese and co-owner Jack Genovesi rebuilt the structure into a modern restaurant-banquet complex.

Marchese and Genovesi have owned the restaurant since 1948. They said they will continue to operate it until October when the Japanese firm will take over.

The Riverside Neighborhood After 1945
In 1945, the Barson family sold the hotel and orchards and the land was subdivided.Over the next fifty years floods, fires, and construction shaped the character of the neighborhood. The following story from the Sentinal retells the history of the Barson family as appears else where in this site. The last question of Mary Barson is particularly inspiring: "Who will take care of the river? " Major events after 1945: 1955 December Flood 1965-66 "The Riverside" is built 1965 Bridge and River levee constructed c1970s "New" Riverside opens c1970c New Riverside burns down c1980s Riverside Garden Hotel built Research on these events is yet to be completed. The newspaper stories on this page were researched by Helen Susko. Barson Tract to be Made Residence Property Modernized Riverside Hotel Will Be Operated by Oakland Lessee Riverside Hotel, Old Barson Property, Sold to San Jose Man for Reported $130,000 Pickets March Seeking Pact with Hotel Union Pact Okay Ends Picketing Historical Society Is Told of Riverside Hotel's Early Days Down Goes the Riverside Historic Riverside Hotel to be Replaced by Motel Historical Riverside Hotel Is Still Living in SC Memories Historical Riverside Reopens Doors in Modernized Fashion Japanese Firm Buys Riverside Click on images to see larger images and read more detailed information. Santa Cruz Sentinel-News, October 14, 1945 Barson Tract to be Made Residence Property Twenty-five acres on River In Heart of City Are Bought By Canfield And Gilbert Who Plan Huge Improvement By Melba Whittaker Five generations of Barsons, owners and operators of the Riverside Hotel property a tract covering 25 acres near the heart of the city and blessed with beautiful river frontage, have relingquished their interests in the historic piece of property by sale to Laurence Canfield and Fred Gilbert of C.E. Gafield and Son, realtors. Plans for a million dollars worth of development have been made in the subdivision of the tract into about 100 lots and additional improvements in the property have been proposed. Riverside Estates At present under study by the planning commission, the proposed plat of the new tract, to be called Riverside estates, includes plans for a proposed street paralleling Bixby street to be known as Canfield avenue, dedicated to the late C. E. "Charlie" Canfield. Another proposed street improvement is one to be known as San Lorenzo boulevard, beginning just north of the Riverside bridge and curving near the river front to meet Barson street. A third proposal is extension of Riverside avenue in a curvearound the hotel to intersect with its extension, which meets Soquel avenue. Included in long-range plans for the new tract is a proposed bridge over the river extending Barson street through to Front st. New Street Named Canfield Suggested also is a boat landing to be constructed at the end of the proposed Canfield avenue, a street being dedicated to the late realtor by Fred Gilbert, one of the subdividers. Building in the area will be restricted as to type of structure although size and cost will not be factors in the restriction.Paved streets, sidewalks, serwer facilities, gas and lights will be installed by the subdividers, who said Cardwell Construction company held a contract for street construction. Work on the phase may be completed shortly after the first of the year, it was indicated construction to begin as soon as possible. C.J. Ryland, Monterey architect, Canfield and Gilbert will be an architectural commission to judge restriction in the district. Gilbert told the Sentinal-News that Canfield's would be the general agent for sale of the lots, but the tract will be opened to all brokers who may make applications for maps, prices, and other details at the local office. Extend East Cliff Drive He indicated that another of the long-range plans for the district included a proposed extension of East Cliff drive through the tract crossing Bixby street to the proposed San Lorenzo boulevard. A high-class motel site, plus the present hotel site and apartment house sites have been provided by the large lots of the subdivision, it was stated, as well as for numerous small family homes. E.R. Muttersbach, Lloyd Bowman and Tom Williams have been surveyors and engineers for the new tract and Gilbert has been general supervisor of the subdivision. Louis Rittenhouse is the legal advisor. California Pacific Title company has been escrowing the papers and will provide title insurance policies for all lots sold. The spot is familiar to many Santa Cruzans who have watched the Barson orchards grow through the years. The tract is bounded by Bixby street on the east, Barson on the north, Riverside avenue cutting through the property, the river at the south and west. Originally, the land, bought in 1870 by Alfred Barson Sr., original builder of Riverside House, contained more acreage, but Barsons deeded the Riverside Avenue and Barson street space to the City. Hotel dates from 1877 Focal point of the Barson lands has always been the Riverside hotel, the first part of which was built in 1877 and then parts torn down and rebuilt in a big revision in 1910. Alfred Barson Sr, known to all his friends as "Fred," by which name his son, present operator, is also known, purchased the site after several years in business here with a general merchandise store and also after a turn at mining. The elder Barson came to America when a child and moved west to Santa Cruz in 1864. He married Mary Archibald in 1866 and they had eight children, six of whom remain in Santa Cruz, five still in the old hotel. Recalling some of the earlier days, Fred and mary Barson, most active in the family in the hotel operation, told of the first buildings there, the old two-story hostelry which was later added to in sections. Barson Did Landscaping Barson, himself, landscaped the beautiful gardens which attracted many visitors to the hotel in the days when it had its own club house and dances on Wednesday and Saturday nights, complete with an orchestra hired by the hotel and sandwiches and refreshments served by the owners. An active man with a great vision, Barson used to meet all incoming trains and steamers with transportation to the hotel. He used to drive up Broadway to Ocean st, then down Soquel to get to the rail depot at Park street, the family recalled. Was Alcade Grant The "Barson Tract" first appeared in the records in 1848 when it was given as an American alcalde grant to Adna A. Hecox, the Michigan-born immigrant millwright of 1846, who undoubtedly took it because of its level fertility, as he was already building his home on what is now Mission street near Laurel. In 1853 the tract was leased by Henry G. Blaisdell, six-foot-five, who had come down from San Francisco to raise potatoes, only to find that the mining district demand which had made them worth "a bit a pound" had ended. Blaisdell, while here, helped organize the Masonic lodge, acting as worthy master at the meeting in the adobe still standing on School street. He returned to San Francisco where he engaged in the commission business until he went to Nevada in the Washoe mining excitment, to be elected the first Nevada governer. Judge Heacock's Home Before the confirmation of Santa Cruz land titles in 1866, the tract had passed into the hands of F. H. Heacock, judge of the superior court, whose residence ten years later became the nucleus of the Barson hotel. Heacock in 1876 resigned from the bench to head the company of Santa Cruzans which bought Lompoc rancho for half a million dollars and founded that town in Santa Barbara county. The tract had been purchased, however, in 1870 by Alfred Barson. Barson's father, who came to the United States in 1849, had been one of the contractors who built England's first railroads. The father had crossed the plains in 1852. His son joined him by way of the isthmus ten years later and came to Santa Cruz in 1864 where he worked as a clerk for Hihn and Field in their store, and later had a grocery of his own. Alfred Barson married Mary Ellen Archibald here in 1866 and lived until 1919. His father had died in Santa Cruz in 1885. Part of City's Social Life Ranking with Pope House, the Pacific Ocean House, Wilkins House, and the Ocean Villa Hotels, the Riverside offered social life to outrank them all in the older days. It became a center not only for summer visitors, but for the town as well. Today the hotel is two minutes from town and two minutes from the beach. In the older days, it was a long way to either. Barsons built a footbridge across the river, in line with the walk which fronted the hotel. They rebuilt it each year and patrons found it a great convenience because their aim in a summer vacation was being able to reach the beach easily. Among the prominent families who became steady visitors at the Riverside was the family of artist Charles W. Saalburg, who became outstanding in that field. It was Saalburg, who, before the days of air views, conceived a most accurate picture of the Riverside House and its surrounding buildings, including the beach and the bay in the background. Gave Streets to City Barsons contributed much to the social life and development of Santa Cruz. Not only did the elder Barson provide the city with land for two major streets, but he also built sidewalks to Soquel avenue, the first constructed to the convience of his patrons. He had hoped to see Barson street extended by a river bridge, but it did not come during his lifetime, which ended in 1919. Barsons held a Front St. lot hoping for a bridge there until only recently when the piece of property was sold. Fred and Mary Barson recalled how the kids in the family helped dredge the river, how an oak tree fell from the hill in the eighties and lodged in the river, giving rise to the present sand bar below the bridge and now called "The Island." They remembered the days of great dances and when the first casino cut into their own activities. They recalled visits to Riverside House made by the Liebes family, San Francisco furriers; the other big importers and wholesalers, bankers and merchants; Greenbaum, president of the London-Paris-American Bank; the Follis family, the Floods, etc. Mary Barson recalled a fire in the days before the turn of the century when her father pumped the well dry fighting the fire, then turned to vinegar stocks stored at the hotel to finish extinguishing the fire. Five generations of Barsons have lived at Riverside House. Fred, the elder, brought his father, Thomas Barson, a railroad builder, to live there. Thomas had come to America with a fabulous amount of gold from his enterprises, lost it, and began mining. Besides Thomas and Fred, there was a second Fred, now the hotel operator, and there is another Fred, who is Alfred III, and a young Freddie, aged six. Living at the hotel are Fred and Mary, Robert Gale (the only one of the family with a middle name), Gertrude and Lilla. Arthur lives across the river on Third Street, being the sixth member of the family. His daughter, Mary, works for Canfield realty company. Mary Barson, after taking a Sentinal-News reporter on the rounds of the hotel and grounds, looked at the place she has called home for so long. "We won't be leaving Santa Cruz," she said. "Here is home. But I do worry some. If we go, who will take care of our river. I hope the people who come here take care of the river." [article accompanied by a picture of Riverside House by Charles Saalburg, "Hotel Founder," Alfred Barson, "Present Operator," Fred Barson, "Subdivider", Fred Gilbert, "Buyer" Laurence Canfield. ] Santa Cruz Sentinal, Nov 24, 1945 Modernized Riverside Hotel Will Be Operated by Oakland Lessee Cellar to garret modernization of the old Riverside hotel, owned for many years by the Barson family, has begun and Reginald E. Bayley, recently of the Athens club in Oakland, has leased the establishment from Laurence Canfield and Fred Gilbert, subdividers of Riverside Estates, of which the hotel is the hub. Announcement of Bayley's taking the lease was coindicent with a statement by the subdividers that $35,000 wwould be spent in nodernizing the old hotel, built in the seventies. Bathrooms will be installed, gas heating is being put in, and painting and redecorating done. New lighting will be installed as well. When completed, the hotel will have over 55 rooms and a dining room to seat 250 persons and a banquet room to accommodate about 50 persons. Bayley, whose management experience began when he served with the British army quartermaster corps in the last war, has taken a long term lease on the hotel and as chef inthe new kitchens, will have Richard Cours, formerly with the Palace and Whitcomb hotel. To Open About February 1 Expecting to open the modernized hotel about February 1, Bayley is now securing other employes for the establishment. It was learned the new dining room will have a large dance floor and that beer and wines only will be served at the hostelry. Bayley, recently of Berkeley, has come here with his wife and their son to make their home. A native of England, he was naturalized in this country in 1935, having come here as an employe of the White Star Steamship company, later working with Matson lines. Early in 1937, Bayley took a post with Pan American Airways, for which he supervised canteens and commissaries and was purchasing agent for the equipment and food used at all Pacific points on the line. Since early 1942, Bayley has designed and equipped housing and feeding units for Japanese evacuees in California and Arizone, managed army post exchanges, and been operations manager for Brennan commissaries at California points. A member of the Geneva Executives club and Geneva association by virtue of his work as a caterer, he has a wide experience in management which should help him to make the Riverside hotel an outstanding spot inthe city. Renovation of the hotel, expected to be one of the finest dining places in the city, is under direction of several local men. Darrow Palmer is in charge of carpenter work; Izant and Wilson are doing the plumbing, Frank Carroll is the electrical contractor, and Walter Allshouse is doing the painting. C. J. Ryland, noted architect, is supervising the renovation. Santa Cruz Sentinal, May 16, 1948 Riverside Hotel, Old Barson Property, Sold to San Jose Man for Reported $130,000 Sale of the Riverside hotel, 75-year-old hostelry, to Jack Genovesi, San Jose Businessman, was announced yesterday by Laurence Canfield and Fred Gilbert. Although the hotel was modernized two years ago by Canfield and Gilbert, when they put the Riverside Estates on the market, Mr. Genovesi intends to add further improvements to make it one of the most attractive rendezvous in the city. A menu from the 1950s. Landmark of the City The Riverside is one of the landmarks of this city, having been established 75 years ago. It was operated by the Barson family up until the time Canfield and Gilbert acquired it, with over 25 acres which they subdivided into the tract now known as "Riverside Estates," 70 percent of which has been sold for home and apartment sites. Ranking with the Pope House, Pacific Ocean House, Wilkins House, and Ocean Villa hotels, the Riverside offered social life in the older days. It because the center not only for the town, but for summer visitors. Among them were the Liebes family, San Francisco furriers; Greenbaum, president of the London-Paris-American bank; the Follis family, the Floods, and many others. During the ensuing years, the hotel became famous for its home-like atmosphere. It is not unusual for couples who were married at the Riverside to return to spent their golden anniversary there. Has 62 rooms The famous Riverside Hotel contains 62 rooms; two dining rooms with a seating capacity of over 250; and there is a large spacious lobby. The property covers a full block over an acre of ground, which is beautifully landscaped. It is now only four blocks from the beach or business district; in the old days, it was a long way to either. The hotel will be under the management of Mr. Genovesi, who takes over the property today. Government stamps on the documents indicate the investment was over $130,000. Gilbert, who negotiated the sale, stated it was an all cash deal. The lower river in the 1940s. Pickets March Seeking Pact with Hotel Santa Cruz Sentinal, Aug 24, 1956 Union bartenders left their dim lights and smoky bars yesterday and this morning spent two-hour shifts parading in front of the Riverside hotel on Riverside avenue. The pickets carried placards stating that the establishment was "unfair to organized labor." Led by the doughty Mrs. Midred Rowe, business manager of Local 346, the Culinary Workers and Bartenders union is fighting for a labor contract from manager Pete Marchese. Mrs. Rowe, walking with a placard this morning, said, "Union member chef Al Rhoades has quit working for them and they've lost three watresses and bartenders, who were union members and refused to cross the picket line. "One truck drove up and refused to deliver an order because of tthe driver wouldn't cross the picket line," Mrs. Rowe said. Mrs. Rowe also said that bread for the hotel ahad been delivered across the street and non-union hotel employes were picking the bread up from the house and taking it into the hotel kitchen. Pete Marchese told Mrs. Rowe that the situation regarding the contract had not changed. The union expects to picket the hotel from anything from "nine or ten days to nine or ten weeks, depending on the decision of the strategy committee," a spokesman said. '"We have had a few cries of 'Communist' from people passing in cars, " Mrs. Rowe said, "but most of the people have been couraging." Union Pact Okay Ends Picketing Santa Cruz Sentinal, Dec 14, 1956 Santa Cruz members of Local 345 of the Culinary and Bartenders union last night voted unanimously to accept a contract negotiated by Pete Marchese of the Riverside hotel and union officials. Following the negotiations in Watsonville which ended early yesterday morning, the five-month old picket line maintained by the local around the Riverside hotel was withdrawn yesterday "pending union approval." Watsonville members of the union will vote on the issue Monday, said Mrs. Mildred Rowe, business agent of the local. Marchese said this morning, "It's a union shop contract and I'm glad to have it signed and the picket line away from the Riverside. This has gone on too long." Mrs. Rowe in Watsonville said today, "A union shop contract has been signed with the Riverside hotel. There were a few minor changes in the working of the Watsonville contract which went into effect in this city last year. Both sides are extremely happy that an agreement seems to have been reached." Mrs. Rowe continued, "I hope the removal of the picket line from around the Riverside makes a big difference to Mr. Marchese's business. The union will do all within its power to help the hotel now that a contract is pending." The business agent refused to comment on Riverside Chef Al Rhoades' position. Rhoades, a union member, crossed the picketline a month ago and went back to work for Marchese. Non-union employes now at the Riverside, "may join the union if they wish," according to Marchese. Mrs. Rowe declinet to comment on their status. The Santa Cruz Central labor council has authorized picket lines in front of Ship Ahoy restaurant and in front of the St. George hotel. The business agent for the union said today, "So far we've made no definite plans for picketing any other establishmnet in Santa Cruaz. There are a lot of things to be taken into consideration before we throw a picket line around either of these places." The tentative agreement between Marchese and the union followed a series of meetings with Mediator Louis DeWorlf, state labor conciliator, in attendance. Historical Society Is Told of Riverside Hotel's Early Days Santa Cruz Sentinal, January 23, 1959 Eighty-five members and guests of the Santa Cruz Historical Society heard highlights of the history of the Riverside hotel Monday following a 6:30 p.m. dinner meeting in the historic hostelry. Arthur Barson, a grandson of Fred Barson who purchased the hotel property in 1870, was the speaker. Barson traced the family history from the time his great-grandfather Thomas Barson, left Nottingham, Eng., down to the present day with the help of old family records and newspaper clippings. When his grandfather acquired the 30 acres bordering the San Lorenzo river, the purchase included the home of Judge Hecock, then a one-story building. By adding two-stories on top of the original sturdy redwood home, the hotel--then konwn as the "Riverside House," ws originated, according to Barson. Today, the oldest part of the hotel structure, from the lobby to the west end of the building is the original home. Barson, who worked as a belalhop in the family hotel recalled humorous incidents in later years, including the family dog which leaped to the ground from the top of a four-story tank house which stood on the property; the Chinese cook--almost like one of the family--who served faithfull for many years and was given two complete burial services, one Christian and one Chinese, in accordance with his last wishes. The hey-day of the historic hotel lasted through the 1880s and 1890s, when "people came to stay through the summer months to escape the heat of the cities," according to Barson. With World War I and the popularity of the automobile, vacation habits changed and family hotels lost their popularity as vacation spots. Barson recalled the large hotel vegetable garden and orchard, which supplied everything from turnips to apples and the finest fruit for the hotel dining room. Jersey cows and hogs were penned on the property. Horses and carriages were available at the hotel stable for guests who wished to drive out into the hills or along the shore roads. In 1945, the Barsons sold the hotel and the property for a subdivision. Barson--who has one sister, Mrs. Mitchell Lasich of Watsonville, is the last member of the family to bear the family name. At present, he and his wife and children live in the home at 603 Third Street, purchased by Barson's father when the hotel was sold. "Just across the river from the old family property, where Dad could love over and still see 'our hotel'," Barson concluded. In charge of the program for the evening was Mrs. Everett Allen who introduced Barson and his wife. During the short business session, President Denver Wolfe displayed a new redwood burl gavel presented to the society by Everett Allen. [Arthur Barson's family made these newspapers stories and family photos available to me. --Linda] Down Goes the Riverside Historic Riverside Hotel to be Replaced by Motel SC Sentinal January 26th, 1966 A variance to change the landmark Riverside hotel into a motel operation, with associated new bar, dining room, and lobby and existing banquet facilities will be considered by the city planning commission tomorrow night. The variance request is one of 13 items on the commission agenda in addition to the first hearing on requests of the East Santa Cruz businessmen's association for rezoning of 773 East Side parcels. The meeting will begin at 7:30 o'clock in the city council chambers. Peter J Marcesi, owner of the historic Riverside hotel at 210 Barson street, told The Sentinal this morning that he hopes to complete demolition and rebuilding of the bar and dining room...... .[obscure. original article required] Construction of a 20-plus unit, two-story motel wing presently is staged for next fall. The hotel would be razed. "We hope to take full advantage of the summer season," Marchese said. He said he and Enginer Norris Houk have not completely settled on the motel design. To be retained will be the banquet room, built about five years ago with a capacity of over 600 persons, and the kitchen area constructed more recently. Additional storage facilities in the latter are also proposed. The 80-year-old hotel presently is a non-conforming use in a neighborhood apartment zone. Zoning ordinances forbid replacing......[obscure. original article required] However, previous variances have been granted for the hotel on the grounds that it actually is in a beach oriented area and would be of a "distinct benefit to the district. " The hotel banquet facility is the only one in the city able to handle convention groups of over 500 persons. Plans submitted with the variance application indicate increase in the capacity of the bar and dining room facilities. The latter to seat aobut 20-25 persons. About 60 parking spaces will be provided. Marchese said it is hoped the motel development will have a capacity "as close as it can" to the hotel's 43 rooms. This is about 100 persons. Historical Riverside Hotel Is Still Living in SC Memories Santa Cruz Sentinal date obscure Another reminder of historical Santa Cruz was gone today with the complete razing of the 90-year-old Riverside hotel at Barson street and Riverside avenue. In its place will rise a new dining room and cocktail longue and later a large motel unit. Business is being temporarity carried on in the banquet and convention building built in 1950. Pete J. Marchese, who with his wife, as operated the hotel since 1948, said that construction on the new project should start tomorrow. The new dining room will seat 160. In recent years, the Marcheses have brought the Riverside into prominence as a banquet and convention center and family style dining spot. One of the original Santa Cruz hotels, the Riverside was built for use as a hotel in 1870 by Alfred Barson. It was to remain in the Barson family for the next five generations. The Barsons came from England. Thomas Barson, who with his father-in-law, Edward Gale, built England's first railroads, came to America in 1849. He crossed the plans in 1852 to California. Later he was joined by his son, Alfred, also born in England. Alfred settled in Santa Cruz in 1864. In 1879, Alfred purchased 30 acres of land near the San Lorenzo river from the late Superior court Judge E. H. Heacock. A second story added to the existing home created the Riverside hotel, which eventually contained more than 60 rooms. At one time it was the summer residence for weathly San Franciscans, known in those days as the "carriage trade." An orchard, vegetable gardens, a dairy and a poultry farm furshined almost all the food needed for the hotel patrons. A foot-bridge was built across the river by the Barsons for an easy route to the beach. In 1910, the hotel was enlarged and boasted a bath in every room. A pear orchard became quite noted, supplying New York and European markets. During World War I the serving of meals was stopped at the hotel. With the coming of motor car, summer long vacations became less popular. Alfred Barson had eight children. The only one still living is Mary Barson, 88, who is presently in a local nursing home. In 1945, the hotel was sold to C. E. Canfield and Fred Gilbert. They subdivided the property and remodeled the hotel. Then, in 1948, they sold the hotel to Jack Genovesi, San Jose businessman. Mr. and Mrs. Marchese lease the modernized business from Genovesi, who is Marchese's father-in-law. Marchese said the new facilities should be open for business in October. Historical Riverside Reopens Doors in Modernized Fashion Santa Cruz Sentinal, Sept 2, 1960 The modernistic reincarnation of the historic Riverside hotel will have its grand opening tomorrow, with dinner being served from 5 p.m. to midnight. Focus of attention will be on the new dining room and cocktail lounge, a $125,000 addition to the Riverside's modern banquet facilities. Proprietor Peter Marchese and owner Jack Genovesi of Saratoga announced the dining-banquet complex will be named simply "The Riverside." The additions replace the 80-year-old hotel, razed last spring. It was a landmark at the corner of Riverside avenue and Barson street on the main thoroughfare to the beach. The new building, designed by engineer Norris Houk, stands in bold contrast to its predecessor. Outside, it is flat-topped. Handsome exposed aggregate tilt-up slab walls surround the dining room. A butterfly canopy, constructed of welded steel, extends a welcoming arm from the lobby to Barson street. An Arizona stone wall extends from the westerly wing through the walls and into the lobby and lounge fireplace. Unique brass grillwork, cast and fabricated especially for The Riverside in Fort Worth, Tex., separates the lobby and the lounge. The suspended ceiling in the dining room includes an intriguing free-form cavity in the center which is designed to collect and pass off smokey air. Marchese said the dining room has a capacity of 160 persons. A small banquet room for 35 persons is at one side. The main banquet room, built about five years ago, seats 500 and is considered the only one in Santa Cruz adequate for major convention activities. The cocktail lounge has a capacity of 80. In addition to the fireplace, a piano bar and dancing floor provide major attractions. Loren Cox will be at the keyboard tomorrow. Marchese noted that The Riverside now provides parking for more than 100 cars on the lot. Continuous background music will flow through the building. The Riverside will be open six days a week, closing Mondays. Special luncheon items and sandwiches will be offered from 11:30 am to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Dinners will be served from 5 to 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Marchese said a varied menu of meat and sea foods--and salads from The Riverside's famous salad bar--will be offered. "Good food and good service will be our number one aim," he said. Hans Frauchiger, chef at The Riverside since May, will head the kitchen staff. He was with the Brown Derby in Hollywood for 29 years. Marchese said a motel is being discussed for a portion of the full-block site. "But that is in the future," he added. Japanese Firm Buys Riverside Santa Cruz Sentinal, June, 22, 1972 A Santa Cruz landmark resturant, The Riverside, has been sold to a Tokyo-headquartered Japanese restaurant chain for an undisclosed sum. Min Chuan Enterprising Co. operates several restaurants throughout the Orient, but this will be its first United States venture. Riverside co-owner Pete Marchese said the Japanese firm has not disclosed its plans for the business. The Riverside, one of the largest restaurants in Santa Cruz, dates from 1870 when it was opened as a hotel restaurant by Fred Barson at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Barson Street. Barson purchased the 30-acre site from Judge E. H. Heacock. The Heacock home was enlarged to form the original hotel building. The property remained in the Barson family for five generations and the hotel was a spa for weathly San francisco Bay Area residents who arrived at its doors in horse-drawn carriages. The business operated as a restaurant-hotel until 1960 when Marchese and co-owner Jack Genovesi rebuilt the structure into a modern restaurant-banquet complex. Marchese and Genovesi have owned the restaurant since 1948. They said they will continue to operate it until October when the Japanese firm will take over.
The Barson Years -- After 1945 -- Other River and Neighborhood scenes
Riverside Home\| The Lot \| Nethertons \| The Duplex \| The Eudemons \| The Boutelles \| The Friends \| The Rosewoods \| The Neighborhood

The Riverside Neighborhood After 1945

Major events after 1945:

1955 December Flood

1965-66 "The Riverside" is built

1965 Bridge and River levee constructed

c1970s "New" Riverside opens

c1970c New Riverside burns down

c1980s Riverside Garden Hotel built