Gamblers

After the renovation was complete the Santa Cruz Historical Society decided it was time for a fund raiser. The challenge was to guess the exact date and time that the first southbound whale would be sighted after midnight Dec 20, 1985.

Lud McCrary,of Big Creek Lumber Co., had an airplane and volunteered to fly out over the ocean every morning as soon as it was light enough to see. He did this until the first whale was sighted.

The first prize was a weekend for two at the Davenport Bed and Breakfast; second prize was a candlelight dinner for four served in the Davenport jail and the third prize was a trophy case fitted with Davenport whale buttons dated 1971-85 made and donated by Alvin Gregory (now deceased).

On Jan 10 at 5p.m. a wine tasting party was held at the Davenport Cash Store (now the Roadhouse) and prizes were awarded by Alvin Gregory who was part owner, with his brother Francis, of Gregory's grocery store and restaurant. Gregory's store was where the Mexican restaurant is now.

Boy Scouts renovate the jail

By the time the jail was turned over to the Society for Historical Preservation damage to the building was extensive. Graffiti and weeds covered the exterior. There was no paint on the surface, just weathered gray cement. Jim Franks, a Harbor High School student took it on as a project to earn his Eagle Scout badge. However so much damage had been done that the project wound up involving many people and six months of time. Jim's father, James Franks, became interested and coordinated much of the work. Roy Rydell, a local artist (now deceased) helped with the designs for the paint job and the landscaping.
The original cost was estimated at $700.00, but ended up being more than double that. Funding came from SCOPE, a community organization that encourages land and home beautification.

Was the jail sold?

Yes! in 1979 it was purchased by a woman, who lived in Hillsborough. She wanted it for a getaway cottage. Then in July of 1980 she formally presented it to the county Society for Historical Preservation

Davenport Jail will be open this Sunday, Sept. 6th. Hours are from 11AM to 4PM

Davenport Jail

Davenport Jail

The Clampers have been working hard at the jail. The "Clampers" are an organization dating back to the 1849 California gold rush. They are a hearty party group of men dedicated to drinking and history--in that order. (Seriously, they are a hard working and talented group.)
Last year they removed a large and very tall tree that was overshadowing the jail. It looked like a strong wind would bring down the tree onto the roof our our tiny jail. This year, another nearby tree just bent over in one of the coastal windstorms and right on top of the jail. It in turn brought down several other limbs. The Clampers removed those trees and smoothed out the surrounding ground. Then they repaired the door lock and handle. All for free. It is part of their dedication to history.

Davenport Jail

I think the characters that broke into the jail must have seen the donation can sitting on the inside desk or the one sitting on the rocks outside the jail. The cans are actually paint cans painted with black and white stripes. People were leaving donations and the robbers, probably, thought there was enough money for supper. However, deposits are made at the end of the day so only 13 rusty pennies were left.