An Amusing Place: The Capitola Rink and Dance Pavilion, By Deborah

An Amusing Place

The Capitola Rink and Dance Pavilion

By Deborah Osterberg

In early photographs of Capitola, a large white structure dominated the view of the village.

In an effort to provide more amusements for visitors to Camp Capitola, in 1884 F.A. Hihn, owner of the resort town, erected a two-story structure in the heart of Capitola.

The new building, located on the south side of Capitola Avenue between Stockton and San Jose Avenues, served as a combination roller skating rink and dance pavilion.

In 1888, Mrs. Patty Reed Lewis became the new manager of “… the commodious hotel at Camp Capitola, together with the cottages, grounds, skating rink, etc.”

Mrs. Lewis was best known as a child survivor of the infamous snowbound 1846 Donner-Reed Party.

Her son James Frazier Lewis, Capitola’s first postmaster, became manager of various Hihn concessions, including the new Capitola Rink and Dance Pavilion.

A mere 35 cents got you a ride on the electric trolley line from Santa Cruz to Capitola, admission to the Capitola Dance Hall or Skating Rink, including skate rental.

Dancing in the hall was hosted every Monday, Thursday and Saturday evenings accompanied by the favorite dance music of the era performed by an array of brass bands including the Fifth Regiment Band and Schubert’s Full Brass Band.

The rink was open for skating every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. Its spring floor proved popular. In 1893 the Santa Cruz Surf declared that “[t]he interest in roller-skating continues from year to year at Capitola with unabated vigor.”

Special events attracted crowds throughout the season featuring $10 prizes for the couple doing the best cake walk or the guest who created the prettiest homemade Bon Bon cap. The Cascarone Ball was likely a favorite with the younger set. It involved hollowed-out chicken eggs filled with confetti, which partiers cracked over each other’s heads, bringing good luck to the desired target. By far the most popular promotion held each season was the Grand Masquerade Ball, with prizes awarded for most original character and fanciest costumes.

In June 1905 events at the rink and dance pavilion were managed by the Capitola Amusement Company, headed by Messrs. Brower and Cosby of San Francisco.

Three years earlier Mr. Brower operated a photograph gallery at the resort. The amusement company provided not only dance bands but also “… vaudeville performances by the best coast talent every Wednesday and Friday evening in the smaller hall at Capitola, which is itself capable of seating two or three hundred people …”

Unfortunately, Brower and Cosby very quickly ran into trouble with their creditors and by July “… their short-lived career as amusement caterers in Capitola” was defunct.

The Clover Leaf Trio came to Capitola in 1910 for a six-week engagement. The Trio of ladies were vocalist Mrs. Kate F. M. Cleaves, pianist Miss Myrtle J. Eldred and violinist Miss Heloise Desiree Coutolenc.

According to the Santa Cruz Sentinel, “The entertainment and dance given by the ‘Clover Leaf Trio,’… proved a success from start to finish, the cosy little hall being packed to the doors. Dancing was indulged in for an hour, then followed the stage performance consisting of high class vaudeville. P.J. Smith … brought down the house with his latest Hebrew songs … [and] Mr. Gilman introduced character impersonations from Shakespeare …”

Other acts included the latest comical farces, minstrel shows, and monologists who presented humorous stories.

“Capitola Rink” page 26

Annual Traditions

ACROSS

1. Verdant 5. Vietnamese neighbor 8. “Before” prefix 11. Curved molding 12. *It rings at midnight on Christmas Eve at church 13. Yarn store unit 15. Relating to armpit 16. Criminal’s surprise 17. Nephew’s sister 18. *4th of July spectacle 20. 1952 Olympics host 21. 1,000 kilograms 22. Meat sauce 23. Vacation location 26. French painter of “La

Danse” fame 30. Menu words (2 words) 31. Lean 34. Wine valley 35. Impertinent 37. *Annual Assumption tradition blesses it 38. #2 Down, pl. 39. Highest volcano in

Europe 40. Puppies 42. Bit of binary code 43. Dean’s official residence 45. Small stream 47. Wine quality 48. Bilbo Baggins’ land 50. Windsor family’s sport 52. *Popular New Year’s libation 56. Stored by bees 57. ____-de-camp 58. “On the ____” by Jack

Kerouac 59. Make laugh 60. Tear 61. Tibetan priest 62. Woolen cap 63. Banned insecticide 64. Big Bang’s original matter

DOWN

1. Bakery serving 2. Tangelo 3. Scorch 4. Regarding this point 5. “Live and ____” 6. Description for twins 7. Auto pioneer 8. Banana remnant 9. Puerto ____ 10. Compass bearing 12. “Jane Eyre” author 13. Pig part 14. *Action under mistletoe 19. Like a damaged apple, possibly 22. Jam container 23. Torn down 24. Fill with optimism 25. Sweating room 26. *Thanksgiving’s main event? 27. Beauty parlor 28. Chiropractor’s concern 29. Painting holder 32. Light gray 33. “Wow!” 36. *Birthday cake decorations 38. Seize the throne 40. Kind of humor 41. Ready 44. Deteriorate 46. Just about 48. Jumped aside 49. Lacked 50. Type of cotton 51. Female gamete 52. *Valentine’s Day tradition 53. *New Year’s resolution weight or savings target 54. One in a roster 55. Red-encased cheese 56. *Graduation flyer

We’ve left the nourishing waters of Cancer and find ourselves in the creative light of Leo, the fiery sign of kings and queens, of lions and leopards, the Sphinx, the blue star Sirius (where love originates), and the giant star, Regulus, at the heart of Leo. Leo is the “heart of matter” from which our life force emanates. Knowing this about Leo, we begin to understand the depth, breadth and dramatic life force of those born under Leo (Sun, Rising, Moon, Mars). Leo is both lion and pussycat all in one.

Leo is a fixed steady pulsating fire that never dims. Leo is the light of the Soul, the comforter, the healer. It is the Soul light of love and the freedom to create. When aligned with the Will to Good, Leo shines as bright as the Sun and glows with divine inspiration. Leo is the sign of identifying oneself by what one creates. Leo’s say, “Look at my creations!” And we praise them.

Leo, on the personality-building level, creates dictators not in touch with love or Divine Will, commanding others from their undeveloped little self. Let us see them as in training. These are their words, “I rule as a right of my presence in any situation. Let other forms exist. I rule because I am!” Leo on this level is the “benevolent dictator.”

When the personality is directed by the Soul (love, intelligent will, kindness, etc.) love from the heart of the Sun and from Sirius streams into the human heart creating the Will to Good, which is the Will to Love. Leos inspire people. They have an inner confidence. They are natural born actors, with an inborn sense of the dramatic. Leos need to be praised and recognized. That is how they evolve. Leos are leaders. Great leaders rule with Intelligent Will and Loving Intelligence. And at times they carry a fiery sword.

Update on Matthew: He remains in the hospital, stable, fragile, progressing in small steps daily, his brain needing to learn new pathways . We as a family ask that prayers continue. Updates are on my website – www. nightlightnews.org, on FB at Love For Matt Scott. And the Go Fund Me page is https://www.gofundme.com/f/matthew-cole-scotts-journey-to-recovery

ARIES All this week and weeks to come, the questions presented to you are: what engages your attention, what do you find creative about yourself, what resources would allow your creativity to expand, how do you relate to children (their care and well-being), where do you find rest and relaxation, and how do you party and have fun? Your answers define your present identity. Some Aries will attract a new love of something very interesting.

LEO Happy Birthday, Leo, now and forever. Ponder upon what you want/need for your birthday. Do you need a cupcake, an ice cream bar, a trip somewhere unusual, a new identity, a new past, a talk about money and investments, a teacher, a group to interact with, a new profession, expansion of your chosen profession, a wound to be healed, a brilliant relationship? Angels are standing by taking notes, waiting for your answers so they can spring into action. They remain with you all year long.

SAGITTARIUS Don’t let any mixed messages created by misinformation throw you overboard into the waters of confusion. Be aware that two areas of life, home/profession, presents dual realities. There is no end to the unexpectedness occurring in our world now. At times do you feel lost? Seek care and solace from friends, but only a very few whom you trust. Things cross-cultural, religious, higher education, long journeys can help. Visualize yourself on a long adventure, a pilgrimage divinely directed. Get good shoes.

TAURUS Something about the events or people in your life bring forth thoughts of family lineage, relatives and ancestors, birth and death. This information creates a foundation for your future life choices, with or without family, or creating a new one. Novel ideas occur to you, which, formerly rejected, will take root and change your perceptions (about family). Nurturance is a need now either from you or toward you. Both are best. You go first.

VIRGO This week tend to important activities - communication, bills, plans, agendas, purchases. Be sure your thoughts are not so internalized that you can’t reach out to others. Solitude may play a great part in the weeks ahead. When remaining behind the scenes, allow yourself to rest more so dreams have a chance to teach you new things through stories and numbers and symbols. Their messages are what the coming months will be like. Retreat to a garden. Sleep there under the stars.

CAPRICORN You are being called to a great work. What is that. Does it have to do with life and death, with tending and nurturing others? Are you called to care for an unexpected situation? Do you need to lead now? Your life perspective has changed this past month due to certain events. A great creative surge is enveloping you. You are called to actions that affects another’s life. You are reconsidering everything. And stepping into your role of leadership. You have been preparing for years. The time has come now. Someone needs you.

GEMINI The early training (and experiences) we received as children form the foundation of who/what we are today. It’s important to see these early experiences as gifts that gradually allowed you to become awake, aware and conscious. They also allowed you to find your way and create your own brilliant life. Seeing life in this light liberates your heart and mind. Turn toward this now, speak from this position. See the glass half full with sunlight shining through it.

CANCER The questions are what’s most important in your life these days and what is not? There’s need for determining the difference between the two. It’s important to observe your life and have practical knowledge so that difficulties don’t appear in terms of family communication. Messages may become conflicted and misunderstood. Stay within this mantra. “Let reality govern my every thought. And truth be the master of my life.”

LIBRA I’ve been wondering how Pluto in your 4th house of home and family environment has influenced you. I’ve wondered how this important transformative symbol has influenced your daily life and what choices you’ve had to make. Is there something about life and death you are tending to? Pluto brings forth transformation needed that we can’t push aside. And so I ask how are you, how is the family, how and where is your home? We are standing with you.

SCORPIO Some things new should be coming forth in your professional life, career, or in how others see you. Good things. In the meantime as you await this new reality, step forward into the public and act as an ambassador of goodwill. In a community monastery, called Figueira in Brazil, people are trained to be healers and “harmonizers.” Each of us will be called to be healing in the coming times. Consider becoming a healer and a harmonizer). It’s done silently with intention and dedication. Humanity in crisis will need these important skills. •••

AQUARIUS This time is most important for Aquarians. Leo is the opposite sign to Aquarius. Leo is where your creativity resides. A profound situation is occurring in your life. There is an integration of life’s energies, past, present and future. Your experiences are the prototype of humanity’s later experiences. You are the forerunner. For you to move forward, it’s important to integrate all talents and gifts from the past. Gather them into a bundle and offer them to the world. With conscious intention. Can you visualize this? Then a healing happens.

PISCES An event has occurred and your daily life is in question. What will you do? There are choices. Will you be here or there or yet in another direction altogether. Neptune in Pisces creates a state of confusion leading to a sense of non-direction at first. You need a witching wand, a divining rod, a branch of the hemlock or hazel or willow tree, to find the ley-lines, the currents of your future. You need a foundation now so your future can come forth. That foundation at this time is prayer. Have courage that all will be well in time. “Capitola Rink” from page 25

In 1907 H.W. Nixon, who owned the largest skating rink in the State, came to make “… the Capitola rink on a par with his San Jose rink.” He enlarged the Capitola rink and put in a new maple floor which was said to be “… smooth as glass, none better in the State.” Nixon also provided performances by fancy and trick skaters.

The Capitola Rink and Dance Pavilion continued to draw large crowds for concerts and dances into the early 1920s. By then the skating rink came under the management of the Sizeloves, a family of professional skaters who often mounted their own shows.

Little Bebe, the little five-year-old clown, will do his funny caper on skates. There is little seven-year-old Katy, who does stunts on roller skates so good that the management will give ten dollars to any one duplicating her stunts. And Earl, the eldest one, nine years old, does classical dances on ice or roller skates …

In 1924, the outmoded dance pavilion and rink was moved south toward the middle of the block and clad in stucco. With a new tropical themed interior, the refurbished building became the Hawaiian Garden nightclub and ballroom. The popular locale on the west side of San Jose Avenue operated until February 1933 when it — and most of the block — burned to the ground. n

Deborah Osterberg is curator of the Capitola Historical Museum, which is open noon to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday at 410 Capitola Ave., Capitola. Contact her at capitolamuseum@gmail.com •••

Photos Courtesy of the van Zuiden Collection

Locally owned and operated since 1966

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF LANDSCAPE MATERIALS IN TOWN

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CASA CARES ABOUT BEING THERE. NO MATTER WHAT.

Join us for an online information meeting to learn more about how you can be there for a child in foster care. All it takes is 2 hours a week to make a lifetime of an impact.

COMMUNITY GRANT DEADLINE EXTENDED

The City of Capitola announces the deadline for nonprofits to apply for the 2022-23 Community Grant program has been extended to 5 p.m. Aug. 15. Grants are for three years.

The Community Grant program is budgeted at $125,000 from the city general fund and $60,000 earmarked for youth and early childhood programs from a percentage of the voter-approved transient occupancy tax.

The focus is on: Stable, affordable housing and shelter, health and wellness, and healthy environments.

There are two types of grants: Operational (up to $7,500) toward general operating costs for programs that foster health & well-being of Capitola residents and Outcome ($7,500 - $15,000) toward implementation and/or evaluation of programs that foster health & wellbeing of Capitola residents; directly benefits Capitola residents. For an application, see https://www.cityofcapitola.org/

CHIPPING FUNDS FOR WILDFIRE SAFETY

The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County offers neighborhoods with eight or more participating households a reimbursement of chipping costs for creating defensible space for wildfire preparedness. The program is open to Santa Cruz County residents in the Wildland Urban Interface, which has potential for wildfire to impact their properties. Early-bird registration opens July 25 for FireWise USA communities; other neighborhoods can apply Aug. 1 through Sept 30.

All chipping must be completed by Oct. 30. A neighborhood representative can sign up to reserve funds, first-come, first served, at www.rcdsantacruz. org/chipping-programs.

Each property must clear vegetation within 100 feet of occupied structures or 10 feet on either side of a private road that could contribute to the start or spread of wildfire.

The general concept is trees should be kept farthest from the house, shrubs can be closer, and lawns and bedding plants can be the closest. If your landscaping is different, improve defensibility by keeping larger trees limbed up and shrubs free of dead, dry material.

Fire crews are more likely to prioritize defending your property if you have taken steps to limit fuel loads around your buildings.

Funding is provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Fire Prevention Program. For information email chipping@rcdsantacruz.org or call Matt Abernathy at (831) 464-2950 x28

CZU REMEMBRANCE

The second annual CZU Remembrance Gathering will be Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Historic Brookdale Lodge, Highway 9, Brookdale.

Organizers Antonia Bradford and Julie Horner say there will be food, music, information on “hardening your home,” artifacts on display, donation opportunities, vendors, and art installations. To showcase your art, fire survivor or otherwise, email info@czuevent.com.

The CZU Fire took the homes of 911 families. The road to recovery has been filled with challenges and heartbreak.

There will be the chance to volunteer or make your needs known, whether you are a fire victim who needs help with your rebuild finishes or you need help clearing your property of fuel load to make your land more fire-resistant.

Bradford is working on an art installation to shine a light on what the fire community is contending with, to not only educate but also garner support. She’s asking families to fill out this survey and she will arrange a time to meet you: https://forms.gle/YoLiQAqcHW1EzpMN7

COUNTY FAIR ENTRY INFO

Most Entries due Thursday, August 25 The Santa Cruz County Fair, which will be Sept. 14-18, is using the ShoWorks online entry system this year for all departments.

For most entries, the deadline is Aug. 25. See https:// santacruz.fairwire.com/

Submitting your entries online will save you time on receiving day and help the fair display your items.

You can pay any entry fees by credit card online! Paying by credit card will incur a 3% processing fee. Checks can be dropped off at the fair office.

If you prefer paper entry forms, they are in the entry guide. The first time you use the system, click on the blue button in the upper right corner of the page to create an exhibitor account using your name, address & email address. Youth exhibitors are asked to enter birthdate & age.

This year, everyone needs to create an account. Write down your password. Once your account is created, you can use the username and password each time you visit the system. Use the blue buttons in the middle of the page to move to each step.

Find the department, division and class you wish to enter. Departments are listed alphabetically with some departments broken into categories (Home Arts and Agriculture Horticulture.) Fill in the required fields, marked by blue asterisk (*), and any optional fields needed to describe your entry.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by August 19

troubleshoot your issue with a 30-minute (or less) appointment. (Except July 12) Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays, 11-11:45 a.m. — Join us outside on the deck to read stories, sing songs, and chant rhymes. There will be an art & craft project to pick up and complete at home. Aptos-Capitola Chess Club: Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. — Come and play chess, one of the world’s oldest and most popular games, against other kids! One-hour meetings include 15 minutes of instruction by chess master Dana Mackenzie. For ages 6 to 18. (no session Aug. 2) Toddler Time: Wednesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. — is a weekly early literacy program for families with children ages 0-3 years old. Music, movement, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, and songs are a fun way for your child to learn. ••• Mondays, Aug. 1 & 8 — Bridge Club, 10:30 a.m.noon. Register at Santa Cruz County Parks Sunday, Aug. 7 — Advisory Council of Teens, 2-4 p.m. for ages 12-18 Friday, Aug. 12 — Live Oak Book Group, 1:45-3:15 p.m. This month’s selection is The Round House by Louise Erdrich. For information email Julie Soto (sotoj@santacruzpl.org). Wednesday, Aug. 24 — HICAP Medicare Presentation, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn how to save money each year by using the Medicare.gov website to be sure you have the least expensive Part D plan for your prescriptions. Presented by the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, part of Senior Network Services.

NATURE BOWL 2022: FAMILY CHALLENGE

Back by popular demand, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Nature Bowl 2022: Family Challenge is open, with the deadline to enter Wed., Aug. 31.

CAPITOLA LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

In-Person Tech Help: Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-Noon — Are you stuck with a technology question? Tech savvy staff at the Capitola Library would like to help you

WATSONVILLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Friday August 5 thur Sunday August 7

The Watsonville Strawberry Festival traces its roots to the Watsonville Strawberry Dessert Festival founded in 1994 to help downtown Watsonville recover from the Loma Prieta earthquake. The Festival now exists to provide a safe, family-friendly experience, recognize the largest and most valuable crop in the Pajaro Valley; and provide nonprofits an opportunity to raise funds and showcase their work.

The festival is hosted by the city Parks & Community Services Department. There will be food, family activities, vendors, and live entertainment.

CDFW’s North Central Region initiated this familyfriendly competition during the pandemic as a delightful and educational way for families to explore nature close to home — in their backyards, neighborhoods and local wild areas — while having fun outside and working together to complete nature-related activities.

The 2022 challenge includes two scavenger hunts, one provided by CDFW and the other to be created by your family. There is also an extra credit element of cataloging your found items – just like a scientist. To sign up and receive the Nature Bowl 2022: Family Challenge packet, email genelle.treaster@wildlife.ca.gov . The Family Challenge packet is available at https:// wildlife.ca.gov/Regions/2/Nature-Bowl

SCCCUBY MASCOT SEARCH

Santa Cruz Community Credit Union leaders are looking for their next mascot, SCCCUBY. If you have or know a charismatic, canine friend, you might be looking at the next SCCCUBY.

To enter, from July 25 – Aug. 10, post a favorite picture of your dog on Instagram and tag #SearchforSCCCUBY, or email your photo to marketing@scccu. org and in-clude your name and the name of the dog.

If your dog becomes the next SCCCU mascot, you win a $100 gift card to Western Feed Supply. The runner-up will win a $50 gift card to Mountain Feed Store in Ben Lomond. SCCCUBY will be featured in future marketing campaigns, including a special Instagram feed.

The winner will be announced Aug. 16, at Santa Cruz Community Credit Union’s 45th anniversary party 5-6:30 p.m. at the Soquel branch. https://scccu.org

CABRILLO YOUTH STRINGS FALL SEMESTER

The Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program will begin its fall semester Friday, Sept. 9. Classes will be on consecutive Fridays for nine weeks in the Music Building, VAPA, at the campus in Aptos. An entry-level String Orchestra Class, Grades 4-6 Beginning Strings for violin/viola/cello will be offered Fridays, 4-5:15 p.m.

Auditions for Festival Strings (beginning note-readers) and Cabrillo Strings (intermediate-advanced) will be 3:45-4:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, with a rehearsal following. Festival Strings will meet 4:15-5:45 p.m. and Cabrillo Strings will meet 4:15-5:55 p.m.

String players ages 5 to 18 are welcome. Students must provide their own instruments and bring pencils & music stands.

Covid-19 distancing will be followed. Students and parents must wear N94/95 masks or a double mask that includes a surgical mask outside and inside the music building, except when alone.

A concert is planned for Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. To participate or make contributions, call (831) 479-6101 or visit https://www.cabrillo.edu/cabrillo-youth-strings. Register through Cabrillo Extension, 479-6331, or extension.cabrillo.edu before the first class.

VENDORS WANTED

The Cabrillo Host Lions Club is looking for vendors for the 2022 Midsummer Magic Market, taking place Saturday, Aug. 20, at Aptos Village Park.

The Market features collectables, gifts, art, jewelry, produce, and more. What do you have?

Canopies on the grass are $30 each. Reservations are due by July 31. Proceeds go to Lions local charities. Contact 831-688-3356 for information.

CANDIDATE FILING CLOSES AUG. 12

Three seats are open on the Capitola City Council. If an incumbent does not file, the deadline is extended to Aug. 17.

As of July 22, Gerry Jensen, Alexander Pedersen, and incumbent Yvette Brooks have been issued nomination papers. For updates, see: https://www.cityofcapitola.org/cityadministration/page/2022-city-council-candidates