Sea Foam House

The Sea Foam House hotel ran its first Sentinel ad in March of 1880 (right), and the name was mentioned until 1891. The name of the original owner/lessee is probably of Swiss origin, which wouldn't be surprising. Several Santa Cruz hotels were owned/managed by Swiss immigrants during this time period, including the Swiss Hotel on Water Street, owned by Swiss native Giovan Tinetti.

At some point, the establishment became a restaurant only (perhaps with private living quarters above). The Tori family ran the "Il Trovatore" Italian restaurant for over 40 years.

• See Panorama 4: Steinegger Bird's Eye View of Santa Cruz, 1888-89 for a photo and Sanborn map.
• See also History Pages: 58 - The 1890s Santa Cruz beachfront
• 1890s: St. James.
• 1922-1975: Il Trovatore.
• 1976: damaged by fire (photo). Is the 1976 fire victim a different building from the original?
• Is it the same building that houses Cowell's Beach Surf Shop today?