A PICTURESQUE SPAN

Author's Personal Collection

"A picturesque foot-bridge spans the San Lorenzo river, just back of the tan vats, and one crossing it may look into the pellucid depths of water to the graveled bottom. In driving from Santa Cruz city to this point the river is forded, thus diversifying the trip by encountering so lovely a stream. Many picnic parties meet at these Big Trees, and enjoyment is the order of the day."

This 1883 mention of "tan vats" referred to a primitive tannery which once operated in the mid-19th century along the San Lorenzo River on Isaac Graham's Rancho Zayante. Using four large troughs, about three feet across and twelve feet long, cut from a single giant redwood, settlers tanned bear skins and deer hides. By the early 20th century only one vat remained along what is now known as the Pipeline Trail. Reportedly the big flood of 1955 washed away both remnants of this history.

Note:  Over the years there were many versions of the swinging bridge. Frequent floods on the San Lorenzo River destroyed many of them.  

Source: “Santa Cruz County,” Santa Cruz Weekly Sentinel, December 1, 1883.