BY THE SEA

Some visitors to Santa Cruz, and subsequently Big Trees Grove, arrived via steamship. The Union Guard, Company A, (Gatling Battery), a California militia group from San Francisco, traveled in this fashion for their 1879 excursion.

Pacific Steamship Company brochure, 1891 - Library of Congress

"On Thursday afternoon, July 3d, at an early hour, the Felton wharf was densely crowded by people who were expecting the Unions, who were to arrive on the steamer Ancon. A chain was stretched across the lower end of the wharf to prevent the mass of people getting too near and interfering with the movements of the Guard, and their friends on their arrival … Shortly after 4 o’clock the steamer hove in sight, and in a short time was at the wharf unloading her load of living freight. The company quickly formed in line, and preceded by the Committee, took up their line of march to their camp ground on the hill, the same place occupied last year. The company was received with loud huzzas as they proceeded on their way, and the streets presented an enlivened appearance, flags and decorations appearing from many buildings." 

Over the holiday the Guards participated in a procession through the streets, beach bathing, a shooting contest, and races.  

"Sunday dawned clear and warm. This was the day set for the picnic at the Big Trees. At 9 o’clock a vast concourse of people assembled at the Felton depot, and with the company rapidly filled thirteen cars. The conductor called 'all aboard,' and two engines started on their way through the tunnel, amid the playing of the band and hurrahing of the people. After a ride of 40 minutes the company got off at the Big Tree Station and wended their way to the Grove. Arriving at their destination the crowd started in to have a good time. Dancing was the main feature of the day. In the afternoon a substantial lunch was spread for the guests and friends of the company Capt. Fritz presiding, and the good things on the table were made to disappear. After eating came the drinking. Toasts were offered and responded to by many … At five o’clock the picnicers were aboard the cars again and on their way to Santa Cruz, much pleased with the day’s entertainment."

The wooden, sidewheel steamship on which this group arrived, the Ancon, later became famous. Following her coastal runs between San Diego and San Francisco, the Ancon began taking passengers from Washington State to Alaska. At Loring, Alaska she ran aground. Once safely ashore, one of her passengers took time to set up his painter’s easel and immortalized the scene as the 'Wreck of the Ancon'. The stranded artist was Albert Bierstadt.  

”The Union Guard – Their Enthusiastic Reception and Fine Appearance, Etc.,” Santa Cruz Weekly Sentinel, July 12, 1879.