TRIP THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

Dancing at Big Trees Grove remained a perennial resort favorite. The first moonlight dance was hosted by original Big Trees Grove manager John Hooper back on May 5, 1877. 

Santa Cruz Weekly Sentinel, May 5, 1877

The dance floor measured approximately forty by fifty feet and accommodated up to sixteen sets of dancers who often enjoyed "waltzes, round dances, the schottische, polka, and Spanish dances." Hooper’s initial intention was to give three moonlight parties per month during the summer.

One such lively event, hosted by manager Joseph Ball, was the Southern Pacific Railroad Picnic in June 1889.

"When all the deep appetites had been satisfied enlivening music was commenced by the Second Regiment Band on the dancing platform. An excellent programme of dancing had been arranged and those fond of the invigorating exercise tip-toed over the platform to their heart’s content. All cares had been cast aside for the day and gray-haired couples were seen to join the young folks in the merry dance. The 'hopping' programme included fifteen selections and four extras and so carried away were many of the dancers that they forgot all about going home until the last train was almost ready to start." 

                         

The popular dance floor Hooper built was located next to the Giant.  

“Giant Redwood, Santa Cruz,” by Carleton Watkins, circa 1880s. From J. Paul Getty Museum Open Content Program at http://www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/123506/carleton-watkins-giant-redwood-santa-cruz-american-1880s.

Sources: “The Railroad Picnic,” Daily Alta California, June 9, 1889 and “The Railroad Picnic,” Santa Cruz Daily Surf, June 10, 1889.