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The Alma Store Near Los Gatos

The town of Alma no longer exists, but at one time this local merchant provided for residents and the tourist trade alike.

In the 1880s the general store at Alma, situated on the Old Santa Cruz Highway, supplied the locals with many of their needs.

It was also a bustling stop for passengers from the South Pacific Coast trains travelling from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. 

By 1922 the Alma Store was also serving the nearby Greenleaf Lodge, Wake Robin Inn and Rest Haven Inn resorts. 

Sadly, the towns of Alma and Lexington were relinquished to make way for Lexington Reservoir in 1951.

Source: Hooked on Los Gatos, the Library and Museum History Project

Bruce Franks Collection

Phillip Salfen December 22, 2012 at 04:53 pm
I've got some aerial shots, somewhere in this mess, of Alma and Lexington, before the dam was completed.
Diane Spiteri December 22, 2012 at 05:45 pm
Wow, what a piece of history. I have lived here all my life, over 50 years, and I never knew that. We know Lexington oh so well. Great piece of history to pass on to the kids.
Phillip Salfen December 23, 2012 at 12:13 am
Diane, If you want more of the Alma/Lexington area photos go to the Source Link, at the end of the article above, and look at the "Bruce Franks Collection". Lots of great photos in there!
I believe Bruce also wrote a book on the subject, although I haven't seen a copy of it. Only the original manuscript he had sent to my parents for proofreading and fact check. But that was back in the late '80's or early '90's.

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We need more details/facts, I realize these are minors and their names are protected. But when,Read More where and what were the circumstances!
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Sheila Sanchez (Editor) June 18, 2013 at 10:17 am
I just emailed Sgt. Stephen Walpole, but he's on vacation until June 20. I last reported on a rapeRead More at the Los Gatos Lodge in March, but Sgt. Harris back then said the department's records unit need time to research just how many of these sex crimes had been reported to police. I'll check with the district.
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Sheila Sanchez (Editor) June 5, 2013 at 09:46 am
Thanks for the announcement, Laura. Can you please post this under events? That's where our usersRead More are going to find out what's happening in town, too! Thank you.
Sheila Sanchez (Editor) June 4, 2013 at 08:08 am
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