Historic Landmark Blue Plaques Awards
Join friends, family, local history buffs, and neighbors to celebrate the 2019 Blue Plaque Awardees.
Honoring the structures and the people who make them special, this event is for anyone who loves Santa Cruz History. Blue Plaques are awarded to structures in Santa Cruz County that are at least 50 years old and hold historic significance. From old banks to iconic Victorian-era houses there's always more to discover around every corner. Hear from local historians and community members as they dive into interesting research and personal stories related to the Blue Plaque recipients.
This year's highlights include 2 early surf shops (Yount Surfboards and Johnny Rice Surfboards) and the Watsonville Buddhist Temple. We'll be also giving the Beach Flats Community Garden a certificate of appreciation for preserving history and culture.
The Awardees
1362 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz (re-plaque)
- 1906
- Patrick Neary Building
- Edward Van Cleeck, Architect
- Richardsonian Romanesque
240 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz (re-plaque)
- 1892
- Triplett Sisters House
- Eastlake-Queen Anne
- Home of Anna and Pearl Triplett, early California Pérez family
116 Taylor St., Santa Cruz
- c. 1892
- Dunfield House
- Italianate Style
2701 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
- 1945
- Yount Surfboards, 1963-1965
- Early surfboard shaper, Gale Yount’s shop
- Quanset Hut
6193 Soquel Dr., Aptos
- 1963
- Johnny Rice Surfboards
- Early surfboard shaper
- 1963-1965
423 Bridge St., Watsonville
- Established in 1906
- Watsonville Buddhist Temple
- Current Temple built in 1956
12547 CA-9, Boulder Creek (re-plaque)
- 1906
- Grace Episcopal Church
- Arthur Darwall, Builder and Lay Reader
- Gothic Revival
Santa Cruz County Historic Resources Commission Certificate of Appreciation to:
- Silva Ranch Barn, Hames Rd., Aptos
Santa Cruz City Historic Preservation Commission Certificate of Appreciation to:
- 1809 E. Cliff Drive
- 1310 W. Cliff Drive
- 325 Ocean View Ave
MAH Certificate of Appreciation to Beach Flats Community Garden, Raymond St., Santa Cruz
This year’s ceremony in memory of Peter McGettigan. Peter was a filmmaker, historian, storyteller, Chair of City’s Historic Preservation Commission, and member of MAH’s Historic Landmark Committee.
Historic Landmark Committee
- Suzi Merriam
- Ross Eric Gibson
- Ann Jenkins
- Don Lauritson
- Norman Poitevin
- Lisa Robinson
- MAH Staff: Marla Novo
Get Involved
Interested in joining the Historic Landmark Committee or nominating a structure for a Blue Plaque? Nominations are accepted year-round and awarded quarterly by the committee.
Thank you to our sponsors and co-creators Researchers Anonymous and the History Forum.
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