Elizabeth Bard Memorial Building
In 1900, Dr. Cephas and Thomas Bard purchased property at the corner of Fir and Poli streets in Ventura to build a hospital in memory of their mother, Elizabeth Bard. The Mission Revival structure, featuring covered terraces, a covered porch and a three-story bell tower, opened in January 1902. Dr. Bard became seriously ill in February 1902 and died at the new hospital in April 1902 at age 56. After being operated as a hospital for nearly 30 years, the building was sold to the County of Ventura in 1932. It was used for 44 years as offices for county officials and a detention facility. The building was extensively renovated after being sold to a private investment group in 1982. It is a Ventura Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ventura, Ventura County
Images by Andrew Schmidt