History of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce

The institution now known as the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce has a long history. It dates back to the formation of a community group organized on March 7, 1887. Known at that time as the Saratoga Village Improvement Association, this was the first known Saratoga booster association. The members met to improve the community welfare and they were the forerunner of many local improvement groups that were variously named the Board of Trade, Village Association and currently, the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has had a critical role in the development of the Saratoga community and was instrumental in helping Saratoga incorporate as a modern town.

The goals of the very first group, the Association formed in 1887, were to beautify the area. They met to lobby the County supervisors for road improvement that included grading and regular sprinkling, planting hedges and promoting Saratoga. Highway 9, now known as Big Basin Way, was a critical County thoroughfare dating back to the days before statehood. It provided the Saratoga area with an important economic advantage because it was the route to the lucrative lumber mills in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This route was also the road to Congress Springs and the scenic areas in the hills. The Association was keenly aware of the potential of this important local asset and wanted to make sure it was a scenic and reliable route.