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The Santa Cruz Area Chamber is 130 years old! We have come a long way since our founding in 1889. During the coming weeks and months ahead, the Chamber will provide a history lesson of our past and stories about the incredible men and women who have led this organization over the years. This column will occasionally highlight the Chamber’s achievements which is a direct reflection of Santa Cruz County’s history - the historic journey will be filled with events, projects and programs throughout the year culminating with our Annual Gala Celebration on October 17, 2019 at the historic Coconut Grove. Enjoy the ride through Santa Cruz County’s history. History Lesson 1: The Early Years Santa Cruz County was one of the original 27 counties created when California became a state on Feb. 18, 1850. The population was 643 and growing, as more people moved to the area to take advantage of the great climate and natural resources. Industries included lumber mills, lime kilns, flour mills, factories, tanneries, commercial fishing, dairies, agriculture, and wineries. Meanwhile, businesses, services, and stores were growing and in the 1870s, a concert hall and an Opera House were built in downtown Santa Cruz. Businesses sprang up in other areas of the county along Soquel Avenue, in Seabright, in Capitola, Pajaro Valley, and in the mountains. Santa Cruz was a fast growing town when its chamber of commerce was organized on October 3, 1889 as the Board of Trade of Santa Cruz, with the following mission which remains much the same today: "To foster, encourage and develop the mercantile, manufacturing, agricultural, horticultural, viticultural and home interests of the City of Santa Cruz and of Santa Cruz County; to collect, preserve, and circulate useful information concerning said city and said county; to encourage wise and helpful legislation, and oppose the enactment of all laws which might injuriously affect the best interests of said city and county; to promote integrity, fair dealing and good faith among members; to forward the improvements of streets, roads, avenues and public parks; to widen and extend our railroad and transportation facilities; to aid and encourage the erection of needed public buildings, the establishment of new manufactories and the advancement of local improvements; to buy, sell, lease and improve real estate in the interest of the corporation, and generally to strive with united efforts to increase the wealth, industries, influence, trade and population of said city and county.” The Board of Trade met in the County Bank Building in downtown Santa Cruz. The first president was Dr. Henry H. Clark, mayor, doctor, and member of the Santa Cruz promotion committee. He started the first electric light business with Fred Swanton and the first electric railway in 1891. The early 1900s saw the end of the lumber and lime industries in Santa Cruz County, but with its end came the rise of tourism and agriculture. Businesses sprang up to cater to the tourists: hotels, cottages, restaurants, attractions, casinos, and more. And, farmers were drawn to the great soil and year-round growing climate in Santa Cruz County and began establishing farms and vineyards throughout the area. Stay tuned for another Santa Cruz County history lesson in the weeks ahead…