1955 Map of Laurel

About this map

The San Andreas Fault Zone slices across the northeast corner of this map, defining the steep topography of the Santa Cruz MTS. This 1955 survey, with updates from 1968, reveals a landscape where religious and educational institutions once found seclusion in the canyons. Bethany Bible College and the St Clare Retreat are located in the western reaches, while several schoolhouses reflect the changing rural population, such as the Glenwood School and Highland School (Abandoned). The transition from early industry to mid-century recreation is evident, as old Railroad Grade lines and the Olive Spring Quarry share the map with community spaces like the Happy Valley Conference Ground and Kennolyn Camp. Evidence of early settlement persists in labels for Redwood Lodge and the Spanish Ranch, situated along the winding paths of Old San Jose Road and the Old Glenwood Road.