Welcome to the Capitola Historical Museum, located in the charming seaside town of Capitola, California. Known as California’s oldest beach resort, Capitola’s story is deeply intertwined with the history of leisure and fashion in the Golden State.
The roots of Capitola can be traced back to 1869, when Samuel A. Hall first allowed campers to set up tents on the beach, an area he rented from Frederick Hihn. The landscape, with its cool mists and smooth beach, offered a perfect retreat from the inland heat. Hall’s foresight led to the establishment of ‘Camp Capitola’ in 1874, marking the birth of California’s first beach resort.
One of the key attractions of early Capitola was its bath house, where Victorian visitors could swap their cumbersome attire for more relaxed ‘aquatic costumes.’ This was truly revolutionary at the time, as sea-bathing was becoming a popular pastime. The evolution of swimwear is a fascinating aspect of Capitola’s history, and the Capitola Historical Museum featured an exhibit in 1999 titled ‘By the Sea, A Century of Swimwear,’ showcasing the transition from the modest Victorian bathing dress to the liberating styles of the 1960s.
In 1876, the Santa Cruz-Watsonville Railroad introduced passenger service to Capitola, further boosting its popularity as a seaside escape. Frederick Hihn, a German immigrant and a pivotal figure in the region’s development, took over the enterprise, transforming Camp Capitola into a bustling resort town by the sea.
The early 20th century saw significant changes, with the construction of the grand Hotel Capitola and the introduction of electric streetcar service from Santa Cruz. Although the hotel succumbed to a fire in 1929, the spirit of the resort lived on in the colorful shops and vibrant community.
Over the years, Capitola has been shaped by its residents and visitors, including Henry Allen Rispin, a San Francisco speculator who embarked on ambitious developments in the 1920s, and the Italian immigrants who formed a small fishing colony at the base of the Capitola Wharf.
Today, Capitola stands as a testament to California’s evolving leisure culture, offering a unique glimpse into the past. The Capitola Historical Museum continues to preserve and share this rich history, making it a must-visit for anyone intrigued by the stories of the Pacific Coast.
