by John Hibble The Native people who lived here and gave Aptos its name, lived on the land and were stewards of it. They may have been territorial, but they did not have the concept of land ownership. The first owners of this land would have been the King of Spain and the church. After […]
The Grand Hotel of Aptos
By John Hibble Clause Spreckels of San Francisco was one of the richest men in America because of his imagination and his energy. He was a whirlwind. When he purchased most of the Aptos Rancho from Rafael Castro in 1872, he had big plans for Aptos. He wanted to develop the sugar beet industry here. He wanted […]
Dining for History!
Join us at Erik’s DeliCafe on Monday March 16, 2020 and part of the proceeds will be donated back to the Aptos History Museum! While you’re there, be sure to take a look at the walls. There are some great historic photos of Aptos!!! Not in the neighborhood? Please use the donation button and donate […]
Ferris Wheel Seat up for Auction!
Have a little piece of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk History of your own!At this year’s annual Aptos History Museum Fundraiser the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is helping Aptos History stay alive by donating one of the Ferris Wheel Seats. The Ferris Wheel was retired in the Fall of 2017 after 60 years in operation.With over […]
Mardi Gras!
Annual Aptos History Fundraiser Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 Time: 5:00-7-00pm Location: Best Western Seacliff Inn, Aptos Cost: $40 general, $35 museum members Laissez les bons Temps Rouler! Let the good times roll at the Annual History Fundraiser at Best Western Seacliff Inn. Come in fun “Mardi Gras” style, enjoy fabulous appetizers, live music, a no-host […]
Rio Del Mar International Airport, By John Hibble
After the invention of the airplane in the first decade of the last century, airfields began to spring up everywhere. Although most were eventually called airports, airfields or landing fields is a more accurate term for many of the early ones, as they started out as open land. Early airplanes landed slowly enough that they […]
Personalized Brick
Now you & your loved ones can be a part of Aptos History! There are so many memories, people, and events in our lives that create an impact in our hearts. Whether you’re celebrating your favorite teacher’s retirement, welcoming your grandchildren to the world, or showing your spouse that your love is just as rock […]
Historical Timeline of Aptos
Ca. 7000 BC – Native Americans lived in Santa Cruz County Ca. 1000 BC – The Ohlones occupied the Monterey Bay area. 400 AD – Chinese Sailors are rumored to have discovered Monterey Bay 1542 – Cabrillo sailed by our coast. 1578-79 – Sir Francis Drake sailed by our coast. 1602 – Sebastian Vizcaino discovers Monterey Bay as a […]