Felker, William

William Felker was, according to Leon Rowland, one of two men (the other was Reuben Button) hired to build a bridge across the San Lorenzo River at the Water Street ford in 1871, which survived until the winter of 1881-82. Rowland also notes that designer/builder Thomas Beck built the first substantial bridge at this location in 1868 (earlier bridges were seasonal). Beck's bridge washed away in 1871. Felker and Button both lived nearby on the east side of the river, and have streets named for them.

• History Pages: 48 - Santa Cruz in 1882: Water Street Gets a New Bridge