510 Burnside Bend

Lots 38, 39, and 40

“The Tenney House”

Built in 1929

Currently owned by Dan and Deedee Clinton

Legend of Addresses and Lots
Click to enlarge

In 1929, the William and Lyla Tenney of Alameda purchased lot 40 and built their house upon it. The Tenney’s were very active in Bracken Brae. William’s brother, J. G. Tenney lived with them and together they owned a plumbing and contracting business in Boulder Creek. Their work included installing a hand operated elevator in the cabin at 333 Wooded Way, which still exists.

In 1935, Mr. Tenney was made custodian and the title of deputy sheriff was obtained from the county, which means Bracken Brae had its own sheriff. During the great depression, Mr. Tenney worked for the club clearing brush and felling dead trees and selling the firewood to club members.

The Tenney’s hosted many parties and were particularly fond of having his in-laws over, the Jardines. The Jardines eventually purchased lots 43,44, and 45 (now 580 Burnside Bend) but never built a cabin.


The trail of ownership in Marion Smeaton’s history of Bracken Brae. The dates are not entirely accurate.

In 1929, lots 39 and 40 were purchased by the Tenny family and they shortly thereafter build their house. The Tenney’s were active members of Bracken Brae.

September 17th, 1929 – Santa Cruz Evening News
Lot 40 is sold to W. A. Tenney
June 17th, 1937 – Santa Cruz Sentinel
W. A. Tenny’s brother J. G Tenney moves to Boulder Creek. The Jardine family gives them a visit. The Jardine eventually buy property in Bracken Brae also.
September 19th, 1937 – Santa Cruz Sentinel
W. A. Tenney has a plumbing business and fix it shop.
April 16th, 1938 – Santa Cruz Sentinel
The Jardine’s are again visiting the Tenney’s.
August 26th, 1938 – Santa Cruz Evening News
The Tenney’s have guests over for a picnic. One of the guest are the Raible family of 445 Hazel Brake.
Aug 26th, 1938 – Santa Cruz Evening News
The Jardines spend a lot of time with the Tenney’s.
April 6th, 1939 – Santa Cruz Evening News
J. G. Tenney is installing an elevator in Jennie Hosmer and Anita Gladdings house at 333 Wooded Way.
April 15th, 1939 – Santa Cruz Evening News
Mrs. Tenney’s birthday is celebrate with a surprise party.
November 23, 1939 – Santa Cruz Sentinel
The Tenney’s have an enchilada dinner at Bracken Brae. Guests include the Andersons of 445 Hazel Brake and Johnnie Montanari, owner of Johnnies Super.
February 10th, 1940 – Santa Cruz Evening News
W. A. Tenney has lost his shop space and must move his plumbing business to Bracken Brae.

The house is sold to David R. Farmer in 1945

David R. Farmer was a drama teacher at Boulder Creek High School and a professional actor mostly working in Mexico. He studied at Stanford and was from Hillsboro.

April 6th, 1945 – Santa Cruz Sentinel
The Tenney’s sell their house to Davis R. Farmer.
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The house is sold to Henry Suhling in 1947 and then to Victor Walne in 1962

May 2nd, 1968 – Santa Cruz Sentinel
Members of the Childrens Home Society meet for a Luncheon. Victor Walne and Harry Madden of 445 Hazel Brake are chairmen.