The fun and follies of an April Fool | Ross Eric Gibson, Local History
"President Teddy Roosevelt visited Santa Cruz in 1903, so the town was dressed up to disguise some of the eye sores detracting from its beauty, such as barn-like bath houses and unattractive utilitarian-looking stores," writes Local History columnist Ross Eric Gibson. "As a result, Fred Swanton began the 'New Santa Cruz Movement' to finance festivals, public events and picturesque buildings like his Neptune Casino, to improve the promotional appeal of Santa Cruz."
Source: santacruzsentinel.com