Abstract

This collection is primarily correspondence written by Nehemiah Blackstock, of Ventura, to Spencer Roane Thorpe between 1883-1886. Between 1883 and 1886, Thorpe primarily lived in San Francisco, California, permanently moving to Ventura for a short time in 1886. Correspondence mainly covers matters related to real estate purchases and management of agricultural land. Some financial and legal records from approximately 1878-1886 are also included.

Abstract The Nathan W. Blanchard collection consists of photographs, illustrations, papers, diaries, letters and other ephemera regarding the Blanchard family from the 1860s to the 1970s. Nathan W. Blanchard (1831-1917), who would later be a co-founder the Limoneira Company and oversee the successful planting and harvesting of over 50,000 citrus trees in the county, is best known for establishing the town of Santa Paula with E. L. Bradley in 1873. This collection also contains genealogical maps and...

Abstract

These papers were created by one branch of the Hobson family, early settlers in what is now known as Ventura County. Abram Lincoln Hobson (1861 – 1929) owned land throughout southern California and was an owner of Hobson Brothers Packing Company and Hobson City Markets. He was also actively involved in the local community. The documents include both business and personal correspondence and papers relating to his land holdings and business interests.

Abstract John C. Orr, born in Ventura County, is a fourth-generation lawyer and farmer. His great-grandfather, Orestes Orlando Orr, opened his law practice in downtown Ventura in 1882. In 1910 Orestes' son Harold Frank Orr joined his father's firm. In 1915 H.F. Orr recruited Erle Stanley Gardner, who would later become the author of the Perry Mason series. Their law firm, Drapeau, Orr and Gardner, was located on the third floor of the building on the corner of Main and California streets. American...

Abstract George Coffin Power and his wife Mary Brace Power moved to Ventura in 1887 from the east coast. Power arrived in Ventura with much experience and success in leading civil engineering projects, specializing in bridge construction. Power was quickly appointed deputy county surveyor and then elected county surveyor. He also served as city engineer for twelve years. Among Power’s achievements are the design and construction of the city of Ventura sewer system and of the first bridge over the...

Abstract

These are the personal papers of Henry B. Sparks, a long-time Ventura County resident and columnist at the Ventura County Star-Free Press. His papers include a scrapbook, newspaper clippings, letters, diaries, and photographs.