History fair a tremendous success

Last fall's History Fair at UC Santa Cruz was a huge success, with nearly 300 people in attendance. The event — sponsored by the Friends of the Cowell Lime Works — was held in the newly reconstructed Hay Barn, with displays, talks, and activities by more than 20 local historical and campus organizations.

There were an archaeological dig for children, demonstrations on timberframe construction, displays about logging and lime making, and information about how to do historical research.

"It was wonderful," said one attendee. "I stayed the entire afternoon. Everything was so interesting."

The history fair, held on October 24, coincided with the 150th anniversary of Henry Cowell's purchase of the land that would become UC Santa Cruz.

One of the campus's 50th-anniversary events, "A History Fair: Cowell Ranch and the land before UCSC" featured five short talks that focused on the pre-UCSC use of campus lands.