Abstract The 1983 23rd Summer Olympics were largely held in Los Angeles. However, several events took place in Ventura County. Lake Casitas hosted canoeing and rowing events, which created many job and volunteer opportunities for Ventura County residents. This collection consists of items donated by several Ventura County residents who either worked at, volunteered for, or attended Olympic events. Materials consist of both official publications produced by the Olympic organizing committee, newspaper...

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This collection contains photographs, newspaper clippings and historical highlights of Boy Scout activities, ceremonies and events throughout Ventura County. This collection was donated to the museum by Thomas R. Carr, a lifelong Eagle Scout in Ventura County who served under several board member positions for the Ventura County Boy Scout Council.

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 The Oxnard Press-Courier was a newspaper located in Oxnard, California from roughly 1899-1994. The paper ceased publication in June 1994 due to stiff competition from the Los Angeles Times. This collection consists of the paper's morgue and negatives. A newspaper morgue is a reference collection that includes clippings, old files, notes, and photographs kept by reporters for quick reference. Materials include clippings, photographs,...

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...

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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.