Santa Cruz & Beach Boardwalk History & Roaring Camp train

[@liberalliar9216]

Sarah cannot deny Aidan as her son, he looks exactly like her. Excellent video and I enjoyed it tremendously!

[@felinemagic4473]

I worked at the Boardwalk for a while, first at Mr. Weavers Popcorn and Snowball stand then for the Seaside Company as a ride operator. I started as a kiddie ride operator (hated it) and then moved on to the big rides. Loved it. There are so many wonderful memories of the Boardwalk. It was a great time in my life. The Santa Cruz area is wonderful. Everyone should check it out.

[@Ron_Rhodes]

Some operators 'accidentally' left the circuit breaker off that powered the buzzers and horns on the kiddie rides. Not that I ever did that.

[@dank3823]

I love Santa Cruz. I have lots of fun memories of going to the boardwalk. Such a unique but fun area.

[@jbenziggy]

I totally agree!

[@arthurdalton517]

Good morning Jeff. I was born in Santa Cruz in 19 62 and According to my mom The Plung was closed due to a terrible event in 1962 wen a boy was drown in a Freek Accident. and shortly after the pool was closed. My mom also worked for the Lessons who were the owner of the Tanery. In the 50s The Famous Santa Cruz warf is Primarily owned by The Stagnero family and my parents and grandparents went to school with them. They are a Italian family. Infact we from Santa Cruz yousto call it the Stagnero warf .the big Redwoods are awesome I have been in the many times well Jeff I thought I would share with you some Santa Cruz history and you as usual do a great job .by the way I am the one from Sonora and now Spokane who comments on your channel again great channel

[@philmcmurray]

Loved this video! The Boardwalk has been a family tradition for the last 40 years for my family. And now that I have kids, the Roaring Camp train has become a new tradition when we camp in Felton and want to take the kids to the Boardwalk for the day. Thanks for the video!

[@cheez6934]

This was great timing Jeff! Glad you captured it before the current devastation!

[@dano8203]

It’s been 10 years since I’ve been there. This was a great episode so much in fact it I wanna go to Santa Cruz. Those old homes have so much charm and it’s amazing how they can track years in history by the rings in the trees.

[@lotusdolphin]

Jeff, this was absolutely brilliant. My grandparents had a cabin in Felton. I remember pictures of me as a toddler in our front yard. I guess it’s what you call it in amongst all of the redwoods. We went over there on most of our vacations and I remember laying on the porch looking up at the redwoods and listening to roaring camp train whistle go through the trees it was one of the most magical sounds. Grew up, going to the boardwalk going to the pier or the wharf smelling all the fish coming in from Stagnaro.’s. Brings back so many wonderful memories. We didn’t have a lot of money back then in the 60s and early 70s so my family would jump in the car and go sit on the wharf and watch them fish at night or we go over to the marina and watch the full-time people that would live on the boats and all the going on. I thought it was fascinating. Have to say after growing up over there on all of our vacations. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the plunge or shark rock. isn’t that amazing I guess she learned something new every day even though it’s right under your nose. Thank you, Jeff. Fabulous time in Santa Cruz. Cheers from Motown 😎happy trails.

[@mikes3174]

Wow! That brought back memories!! Sad to say it's been ~30 years since I've set foot in Santa Cruz. Your video brought back many fond memories. Thank you for taking us along. 😎👍

[@webchuck1]

Hello Jeff and Sarah, Happy Sunday! Thanks for sharing your trip to Santa Cruz and sharing the history. I hope your day is doing well.

[@JC-jl5tj]

Looking fly as always, Mr and Mrs Duffy!!

[@jbenziggy]

You already know! LOL

[@joycemchristiansen6557]

I was never there before, Jeff. And now,, thanks to you, I can sat that I have.

[@positivityplace]

Ah, Santa Cruz brings back such great memories. I used to drive there from Modesto every week or so to visit a girlfriend back in 2002. I had some amazing times exploring the town, and watching this video really reminds me of all the beautiful spots around Santa Cruz. I still remember it like the back of my hand, and those memories will always stay with me. Thank you for showcasing such a special place!

[@jbenziggy]

You’re welcome! So glad that you appreciated this video!

[@privatepilot4064]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah! Always great to come along with you as you hunt history!

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! What was your favorite part?

[@privatepilot4064]

@@jbenziggy That’s a tough question. I like to watch it on the Video Lite app without the KZbin ads and then comment and thumbs up on KZbin. I would say the part about the Fremont Tree. It’s so well done.

[@staceymay2655]

Enjoy your channel, old pixs and info. You are a true History Hunter.! Gooddays Jeff/Sarah

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

Jeff, thank you so much. I haven’t been in Santa Cruz since I graduated high school in 1999 sure love California history and the Railroad history it’s great to see Sarah and your son. Thanks for sharing.

[@robertforrest7956]

Toured that whole area in 1980 with a friend that attended a private school there. We also went and stayed in Monterey and visited the aquarium. Wow, what a treat!! 🎉🎉

[@kaytlynwallace9567]

would that "private" school have been seventh day adventist, by chance..i went to "Montery Bay Academy" until 1965

[@robertforrest7956]

@@kaytlynwallace9567 No, it wasn't, but it was in that area. Very old school with bungalows set up as dorms.

[@kaytlynwallace9567]

@@robertforrest7956 oh, wasn't trying to be snoopy, just curious, thanx for answering

[@robertforrest7956]

@kaytlynwallace9567 I remember it was a girls-only school, it could be possible that's it as I really don't recall the name. I'm not able to contact Rita much anymore as she's in a convalescent hospital.

[@kaytlynwallace9567]

@@robertforrest7956 oh, mine had a girls dorm and a boys dorm..and very strict religion. seventh day adventis..but, the senior girls did sneak boys into our dorm, after the moniters went to bed. lol

[@petemoss1951]

You have done it again! Went there as a child, took my kids there as youngsters and got to see my grandson’s eyes light up see the Christmas train! Thank you , thank you !

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Pete, for sharing the memories! I think many a family enjoyed what the Boardwalk had to offer! Plus that cool beach along the stretch!

[@susanlahti9104]

This brought back many great memories.. spent many days on the beach as a teenager! Enjoyed the facts, pictures and history you gave us. TY

[@merelhoekstra7330]

You were a lucky baby at such a beautiful holiday beach place 👶🏼🏖️🎢🎡🏝️ Santa Cruz

[@lynnessewimperfect825]

Thank you for taking me back to my child and teenhood. I loved the Boardwalk, and my parents and I rode the Roaring Camp railroad. Some many feel good memories.

[@nicholedecker9124]

I went with my parents and brothers and sister every year. The big dipper was great! I am nearly 58, so that was 40+ years ago! And the redwoods was a favorite of mine. Thanks for the trip! 😊

[@sunshinesteve2820]

Welcome to town. Hope you enjoyed your visit.

[@BarbaraSalisbury-st7bu]

Beautiful scenery, interesting history and a good sprinkling of humor - loved the video, thank you!

[@alancamper7796]

Now this video brings back so many memories. Santa Cruz was a favorite hang out in the 80s. I’ll have to go back to check out the history there. Thank you for sharing.

[@jbenziggy]

We enjoyed this trip a lot! Trips before, not so much.

[@douglasmcbryan3705]

Thankyou for sharing. I was in Santa Cruz many years ago. Must go back..Nancy

[@CharlieA-q4y]

Your video of the Santa Cruz Area brought back a lot of memories for me as I lived in Santa Cruz for 8 years during the 1980's. My family and I loved going tide pooling at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. I have taken a ride on the Roaring Camp Railroad. My sister-in-law used to work at the Portland Cement Plant at Davenport. I originally grew up in the San Francisco East Bay Area and my parents would take my brothers, sisters and I to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk every Summer during the 1960's. So I have a long history with Santa Cruz.

[@swansfan6944]

Im glad you included some family photos, that was nice to see. This was a great video, very informative. Thanks for sharing Jeff. ❤Jodie 🇦🇺

[@bethintexas9678]

Thank you. I love your attention to the small details of history in the areas you visit. Sadly, though I was born in California and lived there many years, I never made it up to Santa Cruz. Thank you for bringing it to life for those of us who haven't been there.

[@mlbolts72]

Great video . Thx 4 takin us along . Lots of cool history .. take care 🇱🇷🌊🚎

[@ronniedudley2697]

GREAT STORY AS ALWAYS ❤THANKS, JEFF AND SARAH.

[@WyomingTraveler]

Thanks for the trip along the California coast, I enjoyed it.

[@angiebeasworrick6569]

A great trip down memory lane for Jim. He learned to swim in the Plunge in the 50s, and him and his buddy double dated over the hill to Santa Cruz for his His high school graduation in 1963. Another great video. Wonderful Wonderful memory. Thanks

[@greyghostjay]

One of my favorites so far, only because as a child we'd go visit family up there. Such an awesome time. Thank You!

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Glad that you enjoyed this and that it rekindled old memories!

[@susanwoodwardrussell9993]

Thank you for taking me down memory lane Vacations with the family. Jr High graduation trip. High School Band Reviews. College performances and so many more. It's been a while since I've been there. Enjoyed it immensely.

[@mariaisabelarias2424]

I have never been there, I liked that your son is wearing my soccer team beanie. Cant wait for more history.

[@WayneKline]

Another great video Jeff & Sarah. Thank you for taking us all along on your summer adventures. Take care, best wishes!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for always supporting us in our video efforts, Wayne!

[@robertmcevoy24]

Great video Jeff and Sarah when I was 8 in 1963 my parents moved to Santa Cruz then in 1966 to Felton I could hear the train whistle from roaring camp at our home. Back then it was a great place to grow up so many things to do . I remember my Dad and I walking the railroad tracks from Felton to Santa Cruz what a hike. I’m in my late 60’s this video reminded me how lucky I was to live there in the Santa Cruz area back then. You really hit this one home for me.

[@jbenziggy]

Fantastic! Warms my heart. Walking from Felton to Santa Cruz sounds like a long long walk!

[@rickstevens1479]

Always enjoy your videos.. love history and California history in particular. You do great research, and it's a good excuse to have a family trip...

[@gregt8638]

Wow! I really enjoyed that!.. I've only been watching your channel for about a month now, and I really enjoy "traveling"with you! I love the history and feel of all the historic places you've brought us- but now this 'fun trip' was a surprising light hearted trip. Thank you!

[@nickpaz2421]

Jeff, I have never been there, but after seeing this video I will make a trip. As always thanks for the historical information. I didn’t know the history of Santa Cruz but thanks to you I am now more informed of Santa Cruz. Another great video. Thanks.

[@budperez2921]

Love your show, lived in Santa Cruz in the 80's for 5 years. My room mate was a champion surfer 🏄‍♀️ Richard Smit It was a great time. Now we live in Roseville. Placer county is a great place with lot of history.

[@CarlosHerrera-oh9ec]

That was kool. Nice to see u guys enjoy trips like that.. thanks for sharing

[@jamesf4405]

Loved the way you integrated childhood photos into the video! Great job!😊

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, James! I appreciate it!

[@DougPeabody]

That's spectacular coastline!

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Enjoyed again, Jeff and Sarah

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome! Thanks!!!

[@ninaellyson814]

Had fun on this one! I haven’t been to the Boardwalk since ai was in high school many years ago. Lol! Thanks for the trip. I enjoyed it very much and the history that went along with your trip. Some I never heard of. Thanks again guys! -Nina

[@lainydepp]

Brilliant 😊 I love the longer videos ❤

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! I’m glad we could make this longer!

[@Tonybeheler]

Another fantastic ,informational and very entertaining video .thank you so much .

[@jbenziggy]

So nice of you! Thank you!

[@brittbrittingham9871]

What great dialogue ! You spend some great time and effort . Video is awesome ! Jeff another great job .

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much! It does take lots of time shooting, editing and doing voiceovers!

[@rundown48]

Another wonderful episode.... best wishes and .................... Cheers.

[@marydilley4455]

Hi Jeff and Sarah.....we watched this episode again since there's so much info in it! You do a fabulous job in researching and putting the episode together. We're planning a trip to see Redwoods soon. Thanks again!

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks, Mary! I hope you enjoy your visit to that area!

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Loved the video Jeff and Sarah Thankyou for sharing it

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

As a kid growing up in Georgia in the 70’s, I rode skateboards. We had to have a Santa Cruz sticker - it was the thing. Little did I know that my dreams of seeing the West coast would materialize when the Air Force sent us there to live for a few years. This video was great. Looks like we missed a few sights the last time we were there. We’ll just have to go back!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for sharing about that! Thanks too for serving our country! My son was in the Air Force too! How is life in Wyoming?

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

@@jbenziggy It's good out here. We'll soon be in fall - the best time of year for Cheyenne. Not too hot, not too cold, no violent storms and no snow. Cheers!

[@aprilrich807]

I was born in Oakland, as were my parents. Very special memories of spending my birthday at Playland At The Beach, as it was called when I was a tot in the late ‘60’s. Years later, taking my own sons to visit the Redwoods when they were little, though they were born in Southern California. Unfortunately all of my aunts, uncles, grandparents and parents are gone now, so we never visit now. But the memories remain. Thank you for this piece.

[@jbenziggy]

Memories are great to hold onto! Thanks for sharing yours!

[@dougtodd305]

Playland was the amusement park in San Francisco , I moved to Rio Del Mar in 1958, and lived all over Santa Cruz County, Been to all the places you mentioned, with my family.and as an adult. When you showed the train tunnel, I had lived right there. And worked right there . I used to wait for the bus to summer camp,at the original train depot, you mentioned is gone. Lifelong resident, many memories rekindled.

[@curtgomes]

As a young boy I rode the Sun Tan Special from San Jose to Santa Cruz. So many fabulous memories. The old wooden roller coaster on the boardwalk which had so much to see and do.

[@robertc.delmedico6242]

Well done Jeff!!! Great reporting!!!

[@heathergeorghiou9544]

I never have been there. Nice to learn something new. Thanks for all your efforts!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate the great feedback, Heather!

[@merelhoekstra7330]

Thank you 😊 Now I really have to stop watching your adventures for now cause it’s been 03.00 am so I have to go to sleep 😴

[@garyb5768]

I’ve been to all these places and it never gets old… Thanks 👍

[@jbenziggy]

You and me both!

[@corevette]

Loved the video, especially since I’m not a fan of graveyards. lol Well done. Thank you‼️

[@gcamarillo63]

Thanks for the visit brought back memories

[@jbenziggy]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@casedoumasr656]

Well Jeff and Sarah you sure covered a lot in this trip thank you .Will have to check out the steam train 🚂toot toot all on board thank you for this tag along 🇺🇸🏆

[@dianejohnson7235]

Wonderful trip!!!! Enjoyed it so much!!!!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@carlupthegrove262]

WOW! I've been to Santa Cruz many times and you. found some things I've not seen and not known... Thanks. When my children were young we camped several times at Henry Cowell State Park campground.

[@cnph7067]

Thank you Jeff & Sarah another great episode! Spent a lot of time in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay area growing up, mainly in Capitola and Pacific Grove. It’s a shame the many small rail lines (like the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay Railroad you show in this episode) throughout CA have pretty much all vanished, can you imagine if we still had them.

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Another FANTASTIC HH vid Jeff, Sarah and Aiden!!! A GR8 weekly "fix"!!! I practically lived at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in the summer of 1978 before my starting my Senior Year of HS at Leigh HS in San Jose! Had a fantastic summer there!!! Thanks for the memories guys!!! ~Chris

[@charlesclayton8534]

Jeff, absolutely loved, loved, loved the video!!! I love anything that has trains in it! Love Roaring Camp! Thanks for sharing! Tom in Ceres

[@marylouruss1087]

Thank you much for this lovely vacation.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@ch94086]

Great video! I vividly remember visiting the Coconut Grove ballroom with a bunch of ballroom dancing friends long ago in my 20's when they had big band dances. Ha, many of the crowd were Senior citizens who didn't really know how to dance. But still fun. Too bad they closed off one of the last ballrooms for dancing. They would be popular these days with new generations.

[@johnsaucerhunter]

A wonderful episode that brought back plenty of memories of my childhood and visits to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. My favorite game was the tossing of darts at the ballons, My Mother and Father simply adored the Roaring Camp Train and would schedule some of their anniversaries around a ride on the locomotive. Thanks for the Blast from out past.

[@oldermusiclover]

my fav flowers, the poppies are still blooming there cool train love it

[@jbenziggy]

Beautiful flowers! The state flower too!

[@oldermusiclover]

@@jbenziggy I know that is why you can no longer buy them in flats already blooming like you could when I was a kid

[@laurielaurie8280]

Its been decades since I've been to the Big Trees National Park. Its beautiful up there.

[@littlebig634]

A very nice video I enjoyed very much

[@rhondaz356]

I ABSOLUTELY enjoyed this video, from beginning to end. Comparing the present, to the history of the locations was so interesting. I loved all the visuals, from the present, and the past, as well. Thank you for bringing us along on this journey, with Sarah and her son. **Your research, as well as personal knowledge were topnotch, Jeff. FANtastic 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@209spiritseekers]

Love all your videos jeff

[@barbaraobryan7892]

I have never been to Santa Cruz so thank you for the tour!

[@ford32able]

Lived in Morgan Hill, CA and traveled to Santa Cruse well over a 100 times. I did business in that town and on one occasion my son and I (14 years old) we arrived at the Board Walk early for my appointment and so we went to the roller coaster and the operator allowed us to ride that crazy thing 20 times in arrow. Great memories...

[@dsinavich5141]

Hi Jeff and Sarah... awesome vlog ..lots of history and a beautiful place Santa Cruz....so much to see ...love the trains....thanks again for all your great vlogs... take care..... Deborah 🇨🇦

[@paulkalff6408]

Jeff and Sarah! Another great episode! 1) My grandfather, Percy Hall, Cal 1899 Civil Engineering, Cal H.O.F. 1993 Football - did the cut-and-fill calculations for Hw 17 in the mid-30s. 2) I met Mr. Clark and his wife in 1962 before the opening of the RC&BT. The original loading area was on the East side of the Felton South Pacific Coast/Southern Pacific Station. The rail first used was 35 Lb. to the yard from the Carson & Colorado RR. that was torn up in 1961. 3) Thousands of Monarch Butterflies visit the area between that wooden highway bridge toward the old Santa Cruz station location each year. 4) I lived in Saratoga and spent many days traveling from 'Toga through 'Gatos to 'Cruz/the beach & Henry Cowell Redwoods. 5) My mother and her family used to take the Suntan Special from Oakland to Santa Cruz several times each summer, often staying at the retreat at Mt. Hermon. Those rails from 'Gatos to Zayante were abandoned and ripped out in the late Summer-Fall of 1940. Sand trains from Olympia/Zayante to Watsonville ceased operation sometime in 1982-1983 after severe storms rendered the railroad right of way impassable and too expensive to re-open. The Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad has owned the right of way since 1985 after purchasing it from the Southern Pacific.🚂🚃🚃🚃

[@andreajohnson1796]

Thanks for sharing history I'm in awe of them , Beautiful trees are a blessing, good for shades , cooling , or wind breaks

[@lucas1956-y3x]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of History

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! What was your favorite part?

[@moisesperez4605]

Very informative video, love history and actually love your videos as well

[@jbenziggy]

Much appreciated! Thanks!!!

[@joelhurley2678]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah I enjoyed your video on Santa Cruz and no I am not one of the people that have ever been to Santa Cruz so one day I'll try and go.

[@jud45m4x1mu51]

I truly enjoy your videos thank you. My dad pass last February. He is now laid to rest in the Oakdale cemetery next to my mom's mom and dad. My dad's mother is buried in copperopolis. My mom and dad were both born in 1952. My mother's father worked on train number 3 and Sonora. My father used to tell me all kinds of stories of Lake Tulloch. And he also worked at a restaurant I believe in Oakdale called brawlies. My mom's aunt and uncle had a ranch in lockeford. In closing, my ancestry on my dad's mother's side links me to Gen. Robert Edward Lee and Martha Washington. Thank you again, and God bless

[@jimbullard441]

An interesting look at an area I knew literally nothing about.

[@jbenziggy]

Does it make you want to visit California?

[@jimbullard441]

@@jbenziggy I would definitely like to visit there. I last went as a kid, - like I also did to Washington DC/Smithsonian, so don't remember much. My parents met in SF after WW2, but would love to see all of the state. Don't like what politicians have done to the state, but that doesn't detract from the beauty and history of the the state.

[@jbenziggy]

@@jimbullard441 there is one party in charge in Sacramento and they continue to double down on stupid. We’ve thought about leaving but it’s such a great place. One of the prettiest states in our union!

[@jowhite8446]

@@jbenziggy Your right on the double down comment. I grew up there, then in the 70's parents brought us to what's now a screwed up state being Washington. We are now fleeing to Idaho although its starting to head down the same path. But definitely had many good memories in Santa Cruz decades ago as a kid. Its too bad California has been destroyed by the ones running it because its a beautiful place even still!!

[@maryirdenieks9515]

What a great video. Great memories of falling asleep on the beach and getting burnt to a crisp! Thank you so much for an out- standing video!!

[@jbenziggy]

Yikes. I bet you looked like a lobster!!!

[@161papa]

Yes, I have been there. A couple of years ago, I was in Santa Cruz for a day while on a road trip. When I was in high school, I ran a Linotype machine in print shop. Even back in the late 70's, it was a dinosaur, but it was the school ha. It always makes me feel old every time I see one in a museum. Another great video, Jeff.

[@DippityDoWrong]

Great video! Miss those redwoods. Hoping Sarah’s hip continues to heal.

[@scottedwards8979]

Great episode, was great running into you at footers! Lol

[@davidclark9150]

Thank you Jeff and Sara for taking us along with you on this trip. It was so much fun. I think this was one of your best videos in a long time.

[@jbenziggy]

Happy to hear that! Thanks, David!

[@mikewhite2aadvocacy172]

I can't believe that I have never been to their Boardwalk, this has given me a great idea for my next vacation, thanks

[@jbenziggy]

You should! But go earlier in the day. It isn’t as crowded as other amusement parks in California.

[@steveflaim2656]

I grew up in San Jose (born in 1948). Santa Cruz was a frequent destination for the family on weekends. Thanks for this fun video! It brought back great memories!

[@jbenziggy]

Happy to hear that it brought back memories, Steve! Thanks!

[@havingfun3619]

Now that I've finished the video, I would like to add that to me, this was one of your best. From content to storytelling to editing -simply outstanding. I've been to Cruz many, many times, but haven't seen the redwoods since I was a kid- thank you.

[@frankflstf]

Thank you for sharing bro you did a great job

[@alanatolstad4824]

It's such a treat to be able to sit back & benefit from all your hard work researching the history of the places I'll never get to. (When I saw that water tank, I thought sure you were gonna pull up the music and clip of Petticoat Junction!) And wasn't that the koolest octopus you've ever seen!---And the homage to the VWs, the new commercial always puts a lump in my throat.

[@alfonsocasillas7290]

Yes, I’ve been there. My sister and my brother-in-law met at Santa Cruz College.

[@aletabowling4389]

Loved this episode, Jeff! We live on the East Coast and haven’t ever gotten to California. We get our kicks from you showing us all these cool places. Thanks, Jeff! Hi, Sarah!

[@johnscanlon5889]

Jeff and Sarah, I was born in Monterey and grew up in Aptos. I learned lots of details about Santa Cruz, I did not know. Very good job ! Thanks!

[@dougtodd305]

AHS...

[@kevinroberts1709]

First rate storytelling as per usual . Even when the attraction sells itself . 👍👍