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Press Releases 2008
CONTACT: Mary Planding, Director, Marketing & Communications
(831) 479-6158
mary.planding [at] cabrillo.edu
May 27, 2008
Sandy Lydon Leads Historical Tour of Paradise Park and California Powder Works for Cabrillo College Donors
Aptos, CA—Recently Cabrillo College donors were treated to a historical tour of the California Powder Works in Paradise Park, led by Cabrillo College professor emeritus and venerate showman, Sandy Lydon. Lydon and 60 donors toured the historic remains including the old Powder House and covered bridge.
The group, made up of donors to the President’s Circle, covered 2.5 miles and saw a number of original features including bunkers, essential worker houses, a charcoal kiln, the cannon site and the California Powder Works Office. Cabrillo College President Brian King, and his wife, Cristina, also attended the event. During lunch at the park’s outdoor picnic area, King thanked the donors in attendance for their support of the college and its students.
During its heyday, the California Powder Works helped to make Santa Cruz County the second largest industrial county in the state, second only to San Francisco County. Black powder, gun cotton and other explosives were manufactured at the site during its history as a major national explosives manufacturer. Despite the dangers involved in living on-site, many workers and their families did, and at one time 35 children attended the local schoolhouse. An explosion in 1898 caused debris to fall on Mission Street in Santa Cruz and killed thirteen people and injured twenty-five. The work, which attracted many immigrants including Chinese, Portuguese, Italian and Irish, was dangerous but well paid.
Barry Brown, a local historian specializing in the history of the California Powder Works and Paradise Park, also spoke to the group. Brown provided a self-published 41-page tour booklet about the California Powder Works to each of the tour participants. He plans to write a book about the past and the present history of the Paradise Park area. Cyndy Crogan, a recognized expert on covered bridges, also joined the group.
A group of freemasons from Fresno bought the old California Powder Works property in 1924 and used it as a summer escape from the valley’s heat. Over the years, many of the homes have become permanent residences. Currently, members occupy about 400 homes in Paradise Park.
Donors in attendance included Jim and Nancy Atkisson, Jan and Walt Alexander, Ed and Kathleen Banks, John and Linda Burroughs, Fred Chen, Karen Cogswell and Ted Kirkiles, Wally Dale and Jean Couvillion, Diane Craddock and Peter Koronakos, Elsie and Norm Daily, Dwayne and Linda Downing, Bruce Dunn, Joel-Ann and Mahlon Foote, Harland and Therese Johnson, Brian and Cristina King, Janet and Randy Krassow, Charles and Karen Leigh-Wood, Marilyn and Seth Manning, Fred and Linda McPherson, Frank and Kate Miller, Bob and Saralee Millslagle, Cliff and Ruth Nichols, Earleen Overend and Wayne Palmer, Pat and Rowland Rebele, Burton and Cynthia Rees, Melinda Silverstein, Bill and Brigid Simpkins, Dale and Kathie Sinor, Al Smith, Mary and Elaine Solari, Rachael Spencer and Kevin Rooney, Betsie and Dave Tanza, and Jim and Sue Wilson.
For more information on the President’s Circle and how you can support Cabrillo College students call Melinda Silverstein, executive director of the Cabrillo College Foundation, 831-479-6338.
About Cabrillo College
Cabrillo College is a leading California community college serving Santa Cruz County with locations in Aptos, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. It is ranked #1 in transfers to UC Santa Cruz. Founded in 1959, the college offers over 100 academic and career technology programs that serve multiple educational goals such as A.A. and A.S. degrees, certificates of proficiency, skills certificates, transfer to 4-year institutions or for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Our mission is to enhance the intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of our diverse community by assisting all students in their quest for lifelong learning and success in an ever-changing world.