The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)

Ventura Area Information, History and Places Page.

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What follows is some history and general information about the local area and some places you may wish to visit.

DISCLAIMER: Whenever possible there is a phone number included in the listing. These attractions and their hours of operation are subject to change without notice. You may want to call ahead if you really, really don't want to show up somewhere and find it closed or out of business.

Note: All telephone numbers are Area Code 805 and all addresses are Ventura unless otherwise specified.

General Information

Ventura, known to some as the City of San Buenaventura, is gifted with a moderate climate, beautiful coastline, scenic mountains and many points of historic interest. The city grew around the Mission San Buenaventura which was established in 1782.

Ventura is a tourist city. People from all over the world visit Ventura and explore Ventura County to see such things as the Channel Islands National Park, Mission San Buenaventura, the City of Ojai, the City of Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara County), the beaches, to go whale watching, to go fishing, hiking, visiting museums and shopping, to name a few.

If you love to explore, you will certainly enjoy a visit to the Ventura area.

Submitted by Steve Mulqueen.

History

Mission San Buenaventura, named for Saint Bonaventure, was the most successful and influential of the California Missions founded by Father Junipero Serra. Following the great earthquake of 1812-13, the Mission lands were divided up among the settlers. Administrators were appointed to transfer such lands to private property owners and to proceed with secular development of the country.

In 1841 the Rancho San Miguel was deeded to Raimundo Olivas, who built the most magnificent hacienda south of Monterey on the banks of the Santa Clara River. Along with the Old Mission, this building, the Olivas Adobe, is part of Ventura's historic past and has been restored and refurnished as a splendid example of early California life.

Settlers came in after the Civil War, buying land from the Mexicans or simply squatting on property. Vast holdings were later acquired by Easterners, including the railroad magnet, Thomas Scott. He was impressed by one of the young employees, Thomas R. Bard, who had been in charge of train supplies to Union Troops, and Bard was sent west to handle Scott's property.

Bard is often regarded as the Father of Ventura and his descendants have been prominently identified with the growth of Ventura County. The Union Oil Company was organized with Bard as President in 1890, and had offices in Santa Paula. The main Ventura oil field was drilled in 1914 and, at its peak, produced 90,000 barrels a day.

For most of its history, Ventura has escaped the thrust of immigrating people, and has been able to enjoy its own more leisurely, less crowded way of life. At the same time Ventura became prosperous. The city is located between two richly endowed valleys, the Ventura River and the Santa Clara River, and so rich was the soil that citrus grew better here than anywhere else in the state. The growers along these rivers got together and formed Sunkist, the world's largest organization of citrus production.

Until the completion of the Ventura Freeway from Los Angeles to Ventura -- the last link finished in 1969 -- travel by auto was slow and hazardous. For most of the century that followed the incorporation of Ventura in 1866, it was pretty much isolated from the southern part of the State.

Even from the north, entrance was by way of a single road along the beach and stage coach passengers either had to wait until low tide when the horses could cross on the exposed wet sand, or go up the Ventura River Valley and then cross over the mountains to Santa Barbara via Casitas Pass, always a long and difficult trip. Inland, Ventura was hemmed in by the Los Padres National Forest, composed of mountainous country, deep canyons and peaks that rise as high as 8,831 feet, namely Mt. Pinos. Thus Ventura was isolated in that direction also, until a narrow road, the Maricopa Highway, was built in the 1920's.

Ventura has grown steadily ever since. In 1920 there were 4,156 people. In 1930 the population had increased to 11,603, and by 1950 the population reached 16,643. In the year 2000 the population was 100,916. Estimated population in July 2004 was 104,068.

Featured Places

Ventura Harbor Village

Ventura Harbor Village is Ventura's harborside shopping, dining, boating and entertainment center.

In a picturesque setting reflecting a Mediterranean charm, one may stroll the promenade, explore specialty shops and boutiques, enjoy fine restaurants and informal cafes. Activities available year-round include watersports and boating, exhibits and music. A good way to gain an appreciation of the entire area is to take a harbor cruise.

Ventura Harbor Village is located on Spinnaker Drive in Ventura. Follow Harbor Blvd. south to Spinnaker Drive and turn right.

For more information call 642-8538.

Channel Islands National Park

Although the islands themselves are located from about 11 to over 20 miles offshore, the mainland part of the Channels Islands National Park is located in Ventura Harbor. In this building you will find a tide pool exhibit and dry-land specimens featuring wildlife located on and beside these islands. A theater shows movies periodically throughout the day. These will give you a better idea of what the islands themselves are like. At the very top of this building is an observation area with telescopes available through which (on a fairly clear day) one may view the islands themselves.

Just in case your appetite for adventure has been whetted enough, also in the Harbor is a business called Island Packers. As you might guess from the name, these good people will "pack" you to the islands by boat.

Directions for reaching the Channel Islands National Park building are the same as for Ventura Harbor Village but continue on Spinnaker Drive until it dead-ends. It's the tall grey building on your right.

For more information about the park call 658-5711. For Island Packers call 642-1393.

Coastal Hideaways

From their brochure: "'Coastal Hideaways' is nestled in the charming little town of Ventura. The Beach Villas are located along the beautiful Ventura coastline just minutes from downtown. Browse through antique and speciality shops or take a bicycle ride on one of Ventura's oceanfront bike paths. A short walk from your Villa on the beach will lead you to many quaint coffee shops and fabulous resturants. The Ventura Harbor Marina is just minutes away (by car) for your shopping and dining pleasure or perhaps a visit to a local Santa Ynez wine tasting room for a wine tasting experience."

To reach Coastal Hideaways from the show grounds follow Harbor Blvd. to Monmouth Way (Shell gas station on your right at the corner) and turn right. Follow Monmouth one block to Pierpont Blvd. and turn right. Turn left on Brockton Lane and follow it to 1070 Brockton.

For more information call 963-2082 or visit http://www.coastalhideaways.com./

Buenaventura Gallery

The Buenaventura Gallery is located at 700 East Santa Clara Street near the main post office in Ventura. There you will find art works by local artists on display and for sale.

To reach the Gallery from the show grounds take Figueroa Street (runs right beside the fairgrounds) to Santa Clara and turn right. When you're beside the post office on your left and a park on your right the gallery will be just beyond the next cross street and to your right. The hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

For more information call 648-1235.

Seniors Craft Shoppe

The story of the Seniors Craft Shoppe from their brochure: "The shop is an idea that has developed into a success story. In 1977 Mrs. Mabel Owen and Mrs. Dearie Hampton got together with four other seniors who enjoyed crafting and developed a plan for senior citizens to earn money for their crafts.

"They started by displaying their articles at 'First Sunday at the Park' and other outdoor sales. Eventually through the help of an organization for the aging, the group obtained a grant which enabled them to open the store in its present location with a membership of more than 40 men and women."

As you may have gathered, the Seniors Craft Shoppe sells anything the members choose to make. With 40 members doing their own thing you come up with a very long list of items that may be available at any time you visit them. Their brochure mentions everything from baby clothes to carousel horses. I guess you'll just have to go and see for yourself what's available when you're in town.

To reach the Shoppe in downtown Ventura from the show grounds follow Figueroa Street (runs right beside the fairgrounds) to Main Street and turn right. It's located at 429 East Main Street which will be on your right. They're open seven days a week.

For more information call 643-3059.

The City of Oxnard

The Maritime Museum at Channel Islands Harbor

The Maritime Museum presents Marine Art, Antique Models, Mr. Marple's Shop and Collection of world class models, Marine History and Memorabilia, and the Port of Hueneme story. It is open Thursdays through Mondays from 11 am to 5 pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. There is no admission charge but donations are appreciated. Guided tours are given throughout the day.

The Museum is located in Museum Square at Fisherman's Wharf. The address is 2731 Victoria Avenue which is the corner of Victoria and Channel Islands Blvd. in Oxnard. NOTE: Harbor Blvd. from Ventura runs into the beginning of Channel Islands Blvd. in Oxnard. Just curve to the left following Channel Islands Blvd. and cross the bridges (one large bridge and then one small bridge). Shortly past the second bridge you'll be at Victoria Avenue. Turn right, enter the first drive to the parking lot on your right and look for the sign ahead and a little to the left.

For more information call 984-6260.

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