Voices of Ventura County

Title

Voices of Ventura County

Description

Voices of Ventura County Digitized Oral Histories is a remarkable collection that commemorates the rich tapestry of Ventura County's history over the past 150 years. Curated from the extensive archives of the Museum of Ventura County's Research Library, these fifteen oral histories bring to life the diverse stories and experiences of the county's inhabitants.

Thanks to a partnership with CAPS Media, this invaluable selection of oral histories has been expertly digitized, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for generations to come. From the experiences of indigenous communities to the challenges and triumphs of modern-day Ventura County, these oral histories shed light on the region's evolution.

Each account reflects the unique perspectives and lived experiences of individuals who have witnessed the county's transformation firsthand. Through their voices, we gain a deeper understanding of Ventura County's cultural, social, and economic development.

Voices of Ventura County Digitized Oral Histories stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the county and the resilience of its people. It is a celebration of community, culture, and the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between past and present.

Creator

Museum of Ventura County

Date

August 2023

Collection Items

George Biggers and Harry Banks are interviewed about bee behavior and the history of beekeeping in Ventura County. Biggers worked as a beekeeper professionally, and is noted for his appearance in Ripley's Believe It or Not! with a "bee beard." Banks…

Interview with Alejandro Ruiz about his life in Piru, work on Rancho Camulos, and his Yaqui heritage and family roots in Sonora, Mexico. Ruiz began working on Rancho Camulos in the 1930s and worked there for 50 years.

Content Warning: The…

Interview with Monroe Everett about his life in Moorpark and the history of water access in the area. Born in Montalvo in 1907, Everett was a lifelong Ventura County resident. He grew citrus, avocados and walnuts on his Moorpark farm. Graduated from…

Interview with Jose Flores about his life and time living in Saticoy and about his military service. Flores was born in Mexico but came to Ventura County as a toddler where he continued to live for 82 years. The Saticoy Community Center was named for…

Interview with Ventura's pioneer surfer, Jack Cantrell. Cantrell was born in Oxnard on Halloween in 1928. He started surfing the same year that he started the Jack Cantrell Oil Company, 1953. Known as "the tennis shoe kid" because he wore tennis…

Interview with Grace Brigham Maxwell about her childhood and visiting her grandparents' ranch in Simi Valley. Maxwell describes life on the ranch and her family and friends in Simi.

Content Warning: The following oral history may contain outdated…

Interview with Francisca "Pequita" Burket Parker, the granddaughter of Adolfo Camarillo, about her family, horses, and life in Ventura County.

Content Warning: The following oral history contains outdated language and may include terms that are…

Interview with Maria Sanchez Rios about her family and life in Fillmore. Rios discusses her family history, the 1918 Flu Epidemic, and her experiences with discrimination as a Mexican American.

Content Warning: The following oral history contains…

Interview with Annie R. Smith about the history of the Black community in Ventura. Smith's parents were the only Black family in Ventura when they first moved to the city in 1895. Smith discusses school, work, and her house burning. She was born in…

Interview with Gene Stafford about his family and life in Port Hueneme. Stafford describes his Chumash heritage, work as a box-maker at a lemon ranch, the harbor at Port Hueneme, the Seabees and China Alley in Oxnard.

Content Warning: The…

Interview with Nao Takasugi about his family, discrimination as a Japanese American, and the beginning of his political career. Takasugi discusses Alien Land Law, internment camps of WWII and reparations, and the Asahi Market in Oxnard. Nao was mayor…

Interview with Margaret Pascoe Thacher about her and her husband's work at Thacher School, her life in Ojai, the Pierpont Inn, fires, and Lee Quong.

Content Warning: The following oral history contains outdated language and may include terms that…

Interview with Helen Yamamoto about her family history, life in Santa Paula, trip to Japan, Japanese internment during WWII, and her life following the war. Helen died in 2010.

Content Warning: The following oral history contains outdated language…

Interview with Harry Lechler about his life in Piru. Lechler was born in the Piru Hotel in 1912 and was a lifelong resident of Piru. Lechler discusses collecting objects for over 60 years and creating a eclectic museum containing a little of…
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