A Photography Project
The first train depot in Ventura County was built in Santa Paula in 1887 on the Coast Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad, the main line between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It is now the home of the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce.
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Lars & Karn Pederson were members of the Norwegian Colony that settled the Conejo Valley in 1890 in the area that would become Thousand Oaks. Their typical turn-of-the-century farmhouse and water tower were constructed in 1913-14.
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In 1904 Oxnard mayor Richard Haydock wrote a letter to Andrew Carnegie soliciting a donation to build a library in the city. Carnegie’s donatation covered all but $2,000 of the $14,000 cost. The Oxnard Public Library opened in 1907.
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The California Oil Museum in Santa Paula was established by the Union Oil Company in 1950 on the first floor of the building where the company itself had been established in the offices on the second floor in 1890.
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Most of the notable specimens of Ficus macrophylla, commonly known as the Moreton Bay fig, in Southern California were planted in the late 19th century.
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The cornerstone of St. Mary Magdalen Chapel in Camarillo was laid on July 1, 1913. The mission-style chapel was dedicated by the Bishop at a ceremony on July 4, 1914, attended by most of the townspeople coming in flag-draped cars.
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The 2-story Queen Anne style Camarillo Ranch House was built in 1892 by Adolfo Camarillo, known as “the last Spanish don.” He was one of the most successful ranchers, largest landowners and influential citizens in Ventura County history.
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