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William Bowie papers

 Collection
Identifier: MVC087

Scope and Contents

Collection contains all printed information on the establishment of Ojai, history of Ventura County Fire Department, history of Ojai families, maps of Ojai and Nordhoff areas, photographs, newspaper clippings, USFS and VCFD records and other related printed material concerning Ojai. Much of the collection contains photocopies of original documents, photographs, records, and clippings.

Dates

  • 1924-1989

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Open for research. Advance requests can be made to Research Library staff via email.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

Property rights to the physical object belong to the Museum of Ventura County. Literary rights, including copyright, have not been determined. Contact the Research Library for further information: library@venturamuseum.org

Biographical / Historical

William (Bill) Bowie was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1902 and moved to Ojai where he remained for seventy years. Bowie worked for the United States Forest Service until the establishment of what would become the Ventura County Fire Department. A member of various local organizations and clubs throughout his life, Bowie was active in his community as well as being involved in preserving Ojai history. This collection created by Bowie depicts Ojai history through newspaper clippings, photographs, records, and notes by Bowie.

Extent

0.74 Cubic Feet (2 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Donated by community member and long-time resident of Ojai William (Bill) Bowie, this collection of printed material contains information on the history of Ojai and its first families, initial maps, and establishment of businesses. The collection also includes records and information on what would become the Ventura County Fire Department. Bowie collected material from his time spent working for the United States Forest Service, Oak View Volunteer Fire Department, and eventually the Ventura County Fire Department. An active member of the Ojai community, the collection also features extensive material on Ojai family histories and individuals of the area. Much of the collection is photocopied material, with some original documents and records included.

Organization and Arrangement

Original order of materials has been maintained.

Material was originally housed in three-ring binders and has since been foldered while maintaining original order. Materials of the same binder are noted in the finding aid.

Physical Location

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE: Stored off-site and advance notice is required for timely retrieval. Please request materials 2-3 days in advance. Researchers MUST make a research appointment on the Research Library website. Please make a note of the box numbers or container you are requesting.

Provenance/Source of Acquisition

William (Bill) Bowie; gift; 2015.

Processing Information

Processed by Stephanie Zager under the supervision of Krystell Jimenez, 2023.

Our collections are processed using MPLP methods so that we can prioritize access for users and identify potential priorities for more detailed processing. If while using our collections you think there is something that should be added or amended in the finding aid, we welcome your input. You can notify staff in the reading room or send us an email at library@venturamuseum.org Be sure to include the collection number and name and the box number you were working with in your email.

Title
Finding aid for William Bowie papers, 1924-1989
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared/updated by Stephanie Zager, 2023.
Date
August, 2023
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Sponsor
This finding aid was made possible in part through funding from the County of Ventura and the Heritage Fund at the Ventura County Community Foundation.

Repository Details

Part of the Museum of Ventura County Repository

Contact:
100 East Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 653-0323