HENRY ALLEN RISPIN & 1920S CAPITOLA
"With all the flamboyance of F. Scott Fitzgerald's Jay Gatsby, [Rispin] blew into town at the start of Prohibition, . . . promising to shore up the old Victorian Camp Capitola with stucco and a new image—a by-the-sea haven for the well-heeled." —Carolyn Swift, Santa Cruz Sentinel, May 6, 2001
Mansion Memories
In these first three videos, Frank Hill shares reminiscences of growing up near the mansion when it was St. Joseph's Monastery (1 min. 30 sec). Historian Carolyn Swift shares her perspective on H. Allen Rispin based on many years of historical research (6 min. 33 sec.). Former Public Works employee Eddie Ray Garcia tells about trying to protect the mansion from vandalism (13 min. 6 sec). These were excerpted from interviews done for the Capitola Memories Project. For the full interviews, visit the Capitola Historical Museum YouTube channel.
In these first three videos, Frank Hill shares reminiscences of growing up near the mansion when it was St. Joseph's Monastery (1 min. 30 sec). Historian Carolyn Swift shares her perspective on H. Allen Rispin based on many years of historical research (6 min. 33 sec.). Former Public Works employee Eddie Ray Garcia tells about trying to protect the mansion from vandalism (13 min. 6 sec). These were excerpted from interviews done for the Capitola Memories Project. For the full interviews, visit the Capitola Historical Museum YouTube channel.
Unlocking Mansion Secrets
In these next two videos, Capitola historian Carolyn Swift tells how the story of Mr. Rispin was pieced together over many years (10 min. 43 sec.). Next, she tours the mansion with restorer Ron Beardslee (18 min. 15 sec.). Both videos were recorded in 2006 before the fire.
In these next two videos, Capitola historian Carolyn Swift tells how the story of Mr. Rispin was pieced together over many years (10 min. 43 sec.). Next, she tours the mansion with restorer Ron Beardslee (18 min. 15 sec.). Both videos were recorded in 2006 before the fire.
Mansion Fire
In 2009 a fire destroyed the interior of the mansion, as reported by KSBW television.
In 2009 a fire destroyed the interior of the mansion, as reported by KSBW television.
Touring the Mothballed Mansion
Members of the "Santa Cruz Ghost Hunters" tour the mansion interior. The video was recorded in late 2012 or early 2013 after the building was "mothballed."
Reinventing Capitola
This walking tour video from 2021 explores the changes to Capitola made by Rispin and his architect, George McCrea, in 1919-1920.
This walking tour video from 2021 explores the changes to Capitola made by Rispin and his architect, George McCrea, in 1919-1920.