Felton History: Rideout Ranch Series – Early 1900’s

A few months ago one of my readers, Carol Harrington, who has deep roots in Felton, started sending me some wonderful photos of Old Felton. In Sept. she sent some that had “Rideout Ranch” written on them. I’d never heard of it so I contacted 2 of my history buddies, Randall Brown and Derek Whaley. Randall sent me some wonderful info all about the place. Then Derek did some research. Here’s what one reader, a blogger (me) and two terrific local historians came up with when we collaborated:

Rideout Ranch, Felton. About 1912. Courtesy of Carol Harrington.

1937 Rideout Ranch ad. Courtesy of Randall Brown.

Rideout Ranch, Felton. Circa 1912. Courtesy of Carol Harrington.

1937 article about Rideout Ranch, Courtesy of Randall Brown.

Rideout Ranch property, circa early 1900’s. Courtesy of Carol Harrington.

1906-1907 News briefs about Rideout Ranch, Felton. Courtesy of Randall Brown.

Rideout Ranch building, Felton. Courtesy of Carol Harrington.

Press Banner article by Derek Whaley.

Felton History: 1960’s Bob Judd Quartet at Costella’s

Joseph Di Benedetto, who played drums in the band has kindly sent a photo of the band that was in this Costella’s ad circa 1960’s. Scroll down to see photo. Thanks Joseph!

Costella’s Ad:

Costella’s Chalet ad. 1960’s. Courtesy of Jo Chaney.

Photo of Bob Judd Band:

Bob Judd Band at Costella’s. L to R: Don Rutter played Cord-a-vox, Ernie High on string bass, Joseph Di Benedetto, drums and Bob Judd far right. 1960’s. Courtesy Joseph Di Benedetto.

Zayante/Lompico: 1920’s Photo

Photo Courtesy of Randall Brown:

What’s now Zayante Rd at Graham Hill Rd? Circa 1920’s.

Ronnie Trubek Solves Decades Old Mystery!

Local Historian and Realtor Ronnie Trubek has solved a mystery that has plagued Valley residents for close to a century. The photo of Policeman Doc Capelli on his motorcycle, circa 1920’s, (courtesy of Carol Harrington) was thought to be taken in either Felton or Santa Cruz, but no one knew for sure. Many experts were consulted and several possibilities were brought forth, including Boulder Creek. But where exactly WAS Doc when this photo was taken? Enter well known and highly respected local Historian Ronnie Trubek. “I am certain that the porch overhang supports are the same as your photo shows”, says Trubek, also noting an obvious safety hazard common in many Valley homes. Trubek suggests, “maybee we oughta add a railing to keep folks from fallin’ down our stairs”. Darn good advice, in this reporter’s opinion! Shown below are the two photos, that appear to confirm Trubeks‘ astute observation and solves the mystery once and for all. Behind Doc is Felton’s Grand Central Hotel (now the corner of Hwy 9 and Felton Empire Rd.) Thanks Ronnie!

Photo #1:

Policeman Doc Capelli on his motorcycle. Felton’s Grand Central Hotel in background, per Ronnie Trubek. Photo Courtesy of Carol Harrington.

Photo #2 Courtesy Ronnie Trubek:

Felton’s Grand Central Hotel. Courtesy of the Ronnie Trubek Collection.

Felton: Post Office – circa 1930’s

Unidentified photo of woman and child in front of Felton Post Office, circa 1930’s?

Felton Post Office, circa 1930’s. Courtesy of Carol Harrington. People unidentified.

Felton: Doc Capelli – Comment re: Yesterday’s Post

Fascinating comment from Jack Baker re: Doc Capelli’s motorcycle:

	Jack Baker tenakee@gmail.com 50.29.215.47	Submitted on 2014/10/13 at 4:27 am Doc appears to be mounted on what I think is a 1922 Deluxe Henderson 4 cylinder motorcycle. They were one of the most powerful motorcycles of their time and motorcycle police favored Hendersons because they were faster than the vehicles of the day and were very sturdy, reliable bikes. My great grandfather Orley Baker and great uncle Glenn Baker from Santa Maria both rode these same Hendersons in the early to mid 1920’s as traffic officers for northern Santa Barbara County. Traffic Officer Great Uncle Glenn Baker raced his Henderson motorcycle from Lompoc, Ca. to Pt. Honda (now part of the Vandenburg missile testing base) on the night of Sep. 8, 1923 to arrive as the first official to aid in the rescue of sailors at the mass grounding of 7 – 314′ long, 32′ beam 5 yr. old U.S. Naval destroyers of Destroyer Squadron 11. One and a half Naval destroyer divisions were wrecked on the rocks in the fog at night on Pt. Honda, north of Pt. Arguello. One of the worst naval disasters in U.S. history, it happened due to a navigational error and unusual currents from the Tokyo earthquake in Japan that week. 23 men were lost, most from the destroyer U.S.S. Young in the follow the leader mass grounding on the 24 hour, 20 knot exercise run from San Francisco to San Diego. 7 destroyers managed to avoid the rocks of Pt. Honda, “the Devil’s Jaws”. The Henderson motorcycle logo looks a little faded on the side of the gas tank, but it is identifiable. Hendersons were built from 1913 to 1932 and went out of business during the Great Depression. They were great motorcycles; Doc Capelli was very fortunate to ride one!

Felton: Policeman Doc Capelli

I LOVE this photo of “Doc” Capelli taken either in Felton or Santa Cruz, date?

Doc Capelli. Photo taken in either Felton or Santa Cruz. Courtesy of Carol Harrington.

Lime Kilns: Hihn St. Felton Mash up – Then and Now

Photo #1 – 1902 Felton Lime Kiln, Hihn St, Felton. Harry De Wald 2nd from right.

Courtesy of Carol Harrington. 1902 Felton Lime Kiln, now Hihn St, Felton. Carol’s great grandpa was Harry De Wald, 2nd from right.

Photo #2 – Mashup Courtesy of Derek Whaley, Railroad Historian:

Courtesy of Derek Whaley: http://www.santacruztrains.com/p/santa-cruz-rr.html

Zayante: 1940’s Family Remembers (story + photos)

Many thanks to Noni McCullough Borden who shared her family photos including Zayante School 1945-1943:

#1-The story:

Noni McCullough Borden Family History of Zayante, 1940’s +.

#2-Zayante School Photo with students:

1945 Zayante School and Kids. Courtesy of Noni McCullough Borden.

#3 – Identity of several of the students:

Courtesy of Noni McCullough Borden,

#4 – 1943 Noni and brother Pat at Zayante School:

1943 Noni and brother Pat at Zayante School. Mrs. Wise was the teacher that year.

#5 – Noni’s Mother, the pioneer, 1942 at Zayante:

1942 Noni’s Mother at Zayante. Courtesy of Noni McCullough Borden

New Listing in Historic Felton Grove!

Home For Sale: 150 Park Ave, Felton $599,000

 Check out the history and neighborhood at FeltonGrove.com.

• Lovely 2+ BR on 1/4 acre flat, sunny lot. Many recent upgrades with quality materials. Approx. 1100 sq. ft.
• Home was elevated above flood level so has massive garage/shop/storage space below.
• Detached 2 car garage at ground level has legal storage above. Could be great for gym, office space or?
• Excellent location in historic part of Felton (feltongrove.com). EZ walk to downtown, shopping, bus, coffee shops, parks, vineyard, New Leaf Market, etc.

Contact Vicki Wees, Realtor (bre#00684938) for details and showings:

831-359-0200                         Vicki Wees                         vnwees@yahoo.com

        Felton Grove Realtor, resident and historian for over 30 years.

Listed by T-Bird, B. Franzosa bre#01103336