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

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.