Santa Cruz

Pleasant, if cheesy, poster of the city of Santa Cruz showcasing local businesses.

This type of advertising poster/view was commonly produced in cities across the United States during the 1980’s and 1990’s, and contains valuable information about the economic diversity in those decades prior to the Internet. This particular example is of the city of Santa Cruz, and includes illustrations of over 100 local businesses and dozens of caricatures of individual proprietors. Attractions such as the municipal pier and boardwalk are depicted alongside images of gigantic fish, talking otters, and historic placards nestled deep in the forest. A fascinating combination of entrepreneurial spirit and civic pride.