WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

Author's Personal Collection

Recently I was searching the newly digitized collection of Santa Cruz photographs posted by the University of California, Santa Cruz. It is a marvelous array of historic photographs known as the Santa Cruz County Historic Photograph Collection and contains over 10,000 images. 

I was excited to see some images of Big Trees Grove which were either new to me or the evident inspirations for familiar postcards. 

Special Collections, University Library, University of California-Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Historical Photograph Collection) - ms0427 pho 06791

One such image which was the basis of a postcard is this one of two ladies standing in front of a big tree. The real photograph brings not only greater clarity but also a surprise. 

It appears that for their photo opportunity, the ladies stepped over a tangle of barbed wire wrapped around the base of the tree. 

It seems likely that the barbed wire was placed purposely to protect the forest monarch from vandals and souvenir hunters. 

We know that in 1892 a picket fence, topped with barbed wire, was placed around the base of the Giant for that exact purpose. Discovery of this photograph reveals that this practice was used to protect other trees in the grove as well. 

The photograph also demonstrates the creativity of the person who colorized the image. Green grass at the base of the redwood? I think not. 

Though the university's description estimates the date of the photograph as circa 1890, judging by the ladies' clothing and the broad brimmed hat one is wearing, the date is more likely somewhere between 1905-1915.  

When you visit Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, site of the historic Big Trees Grove resort, please remember while walking the Redwood Loop Trail to respect the protective fencing and stay on the designated trail. No climbing is allowed on the redwoods or their roots and trunks. Please take nothing but memories and leave nothing but footprints. Thank you.

The Santa Cruz Historic Photograph Collection which premiered in October 2020 "spans more than 100 years of Santa Cruz city and county development and activity. Take a few minutes and browse this wonderful collection.