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.

Voices of Ventura County

Remembering Margaret, a remarkable woman! Born in 1909 and departed in 1995, she played a pivotal role alongside her headmaster husband Anson at Thacher School. A treasure trove of stories, she recounts tales of her grandparents, Ojai hotels, fires she witnessed, the evolution of schooling, and the legendary Pierpont Inn. She sheds light on Lee Quong and the Chinese community's invaluable contributions and discusses the evolving landscape of Thacher School.

Voices of Ventura County - Margaret Pascoe Thacher

Alejandro Ruiz, an 89-year-old Native American, shares his story of growing up in Piru Canyon, California, and working at Rancho Camulos for over 50 years. His grandparents raised him on the Dominguez ranch, where they had cattle, vineyards, and a big house. Alejandro recalls his childhood, chores, family, and attending services at the Camulos chapel. He met his wife, Susie Encinas Ruiz, in school, and they got married in the 1930s. Listen to his amazing life story!

Voices of Ventura County - Alejandro Ruiz

Maria Sanchez Rios was born in 1912, in Fillmore, California. Her parents immigrated from Mexico in 1906 and settled in Riverside before moving to Fillmore. Maria grew up in a small house with her three brothers and three sisters. She started school without knowing any English but learned with the help of a dedicated teacher. Her family was actively involved in their local church, and they eventually moved to a larger house in Fillmore. Maria and her siblings learned to play the piano, and she later married Henry Rios. Her oral history also touches on topics like the flu epidemic, family photos, discrimination, and the importance of bilingual education.

Voices of Ventura County -  Maria Sanchez Rios

Join us on a journey through time with the incredible Mrs. Harold Parker (formerly Paquita Burket)! Her captivating oral history interview unveils childhood memories and a cherished family legacy. In Ventura County, an extraordinary tale unfolds, painting vivid portraits of her parents and grandparents. Mrs. Parker's words remind us of the power of kinship and unbreakable bonds. She shares stories of the famous Camarillo white horses and family parades, weaving a rich tapestry of traditions that will leave you amazed.

Voices of Ventura County - Mrs. Harold Paquita Parker

Grace Brigham Reed Maxwell, in an oral history interview conducted in 1977, shares her childhood memories of visiting her grandparents in Simi Valley, California. She described a memorable trip in 1904, the warm relationship with her grandfather, the family home, the meals they had, and other aspects of life on the ranch, including chickens, peacocks, and a parrot. The interview provides insights into the family's experiences and the joyous times spent together.

Voices of Ventura County - Grace Brigham Reed Maxwell

From internment to college graduate and then from Mayor to Assemblymember, Nao Takasugi recounts his life story, from his early travels that opened his eyes to discrimination in America to how crucial support of organizations like the American Friends Service Committee for Japanese students helped him reach his dreams. A family friend's act of kindness, running his family’s store while they were interned, highlights the kindness, trust, and resilience that can grow in community. Let's remember history's lessons and appreciate the strength of those who faced adversity.

Voices of Ventura County - Nao Takasugi

Jose Flores, born in Mexico in 1920, migrated to the United States with his family in 1922. They settled in Santa Monica before moving to Santa Paula and then the Del Mar Ranch in Limoneira in 1929. Jose became a leader during a strike by lemon pickers and later served in the Army during World War II. Despite facing discrimination, he maintained a positive outlook and taught others about the importance of individual attitudes versus government policies.

Voices of Ventura County - Jose Flores

Monroe Everett, a prominent figure in Moorpark, California, played a significant role in water development in Ventura County. In an interview conducted in 1989, he shares his family's history, including his grandfather's journey from Michigan to California. He discusses the early days of transportation, the introduction of electricity, and agricultural practices for growing apricots and walnuts. Monroe Everett also highlighted the importance of water development for reliable crop production and his involvement in drilling wells and how his Cal Tech education impacted his work as an engineer.

Voices of Ventura County - Monroe Everett

Jack Cantrell was born in Oxnard on October 31, 1928. He attended school in Oxnard and Ventura, graduating from Ventura College in 1950. Cantrell began surfing in 1953 after meeting a fireman named Mike Melrose. He bought boards from Velzy and glassed them himself. Cantrell surfed at Mondo's and Rincon, and he named Mary Monks "Mary Mondo." There were few people in the water when Jack began surfing and fewer options for surfboard shapers to buy boards from. Listen now to learn about the history of surfing in Ventura County!

Voices of Ventura County - Jack Cantrell

Harry Lechler, a resident of Piru, California, shares his family's history in the area. His grandfather, George Washington Lechler, came to California during the gold rush but eventually settled in Piru. Harry talks about his family's beekeeping business and the old adobe house his grandfather built. 

Content Warning: The following oral history contains outdated language and may include terms that are considered offensive by today's standards. This oral history includes the use of a racist place name. Listener discretion is advised.

Voices of Ventura County - Harry Lechler

George Biggers and Harry Banks, interviewed by Bill Schneider for the Saticoy Historical Society in 1982, discuss the history of beekeeping in Ventura County. They mention notable beekeepers like C.J. Corey and Samuel Miller Waitson Easley, as well as the challenges and hazards of beekeeping, including bears. George Biggers shares his personal experiences and memories, including his first encounter with bees and his beekeeping business. He also mentions his wife and their unique honeymoon trip transporting bees to Bishop. Despite challenges, Biggers has won numerous awards for his beekeeping expertise. He was famous for wearing a beard of bees that went from his ears to his waist on the show Ripley's Believe It or Not in the 1950s!

Voices of Ventura County - George Biggers

Helen Yamamoto, a second-generation Japanese-American, shares her oral history in an interview conducted on August 26, 1986. She discusses her family background, including her grandparents' immigration from Japan to Hawaii and later to the United States. Helen talks about her parents' experiences, their farming endeavors, prejudice faced by Japanese farmers, and her own upbringing in Santa Clara County. She emphasizes the importance of education and highlights her mother's remarkable abilities in operating a grocery store and speaking multiple languages.

Voices of Ventura County - Helen Yamamoto

Eugene Stafford, born and raised in Port Hueneme, California, recounts his family history and childhood in this fascinating tale! Raised by his Chumash Indian mother, his story brings to life the small town of Hueneme. Baptized at Camulos Ranch, his life story includes learning the Chumash way of preparing acorns for traditional Chumash food, a long career as a box maker in the agricultural industry, and the growth of Port Hueneme.

Voices of Ventura County - Eugene Stafford

Annie Smith's oral history outlines her family's journey and experiences in Ventura, California. Their arrival in 1895, the close-knit community, the changing landscape, and the devastating fire that reshaped their lives. History gives us glimpses into the lives and resilience of those who came before us.

Voices of Ventura County

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