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Places, Earth |
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Throughout the country, state parks, historic sites, homes, buildings, museums, and similar institutions are struggling to continue operating. Because of general financial problems, many of these institutions are operating on a reduced schedule or in danger of closing. Some are being forced to sell off artifacts and property. Many will not weather these hard times without your help. Places Earth urges everyone to support these vital and important public resources any way you can. Please donate your treasure, time, and talent. Write to your governor and other elected officials telling them to find a way to keep state parks open. It will be your loss. Public Service Announcement | Test space for future ad if donations don't increase. |
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Strathern Historical Park, Simi Valley, California
All photographs taken by Kenneth A. Larson. All rights reserved. © 2003 - 2012.|
Strathern Historical Park is a collection of 18th and 19th century buildings, some in their original locations, some have been moved here from elsewhere in the Simi Valley area. Visited August 9 & 23, 2003 and for the annual Ghost Tour in October 2003. All photos were taken in August of 2003 (the camera store lost the October photos). Simi Valley was once inhabited by Chumash Indians. The name Simi may have came from the Chumash word "Shimiji", meaning little white clouds. A Chumash village once stood in what is now a manufactured home park just west of Strathern Historical Park. El Rancho Simi was the earliest Spanish colonial land grant within Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. In 1795 it was given to members of the Pico family. It was one of the largest land grants ever made, approximately 113,000 acres. At one point, the ranch covered most of Simi Valley and Moorpark. Strathern Historical Park is the site of the "Main Ranch," the "Middle Ranch" was west in Moorpark. The Simi Adobe was probably built shortly after the land grant in 1795. Part of that adobe still exists along with a later addition. The Adobe was about midway between Missions San Fernando Rey and San Buenaventura. A group of Chicago doctors started a health resort and had twelve prefab houses sent west by rail. The colony of doctors, called the California Mutual Benefit Company of Chicago, never materialize, but the town was referred to as "The Colony," and the houses have always been known as "Colony Houses." One is preserved at the park. Other farm buildings and machinery from the Ventura area have been gathered at the Park. Strathern Historical Park is located at 137 Strathern Place, Simi Valley, California. |
 The original adobe. In the foreground are the ruins of half of the original adobe. The newer wood frame front was added later. Photo Date: 8-9-03. |
 The original adobe beyond. Photo Date: 8-9-03. |
 The newer wood frame addition and windmill. Photo Date: 8-23-03. |
 The newer wood frame addition to the original adobe. Photo Date: 8-9-03. |
 Windmill. Photo Date: 8-23-03. |
 The newer wood frame addition. Photo Date: 8-23-03. |
 Strathern Historic Park rests along side the old El Camino Real (The King's Highway or the Royal Road) which connected the 21 California Missions, in this case, between San Fernando Mission and San Buenaventura Mission. Photo Date: 8-9-03. |
 Sundial and gazebo. Photo Date: 8-9-03. |
 Water tank base. Photo Date: 8-9-03. |
 Windmill with old church awaiting restoration beyond. Photo Date: 8-9-03. |
 Colony house. Photo Date: 8-9-03. |
 Colony house. Photo Date: 8-9-03. |
 Old style washing machine. Photo Date: 8-23-03. |
 One of many pieces of old farm machinery. |
 Library. Photo Date: 8-9-03. |
 Library door. Photo Date: 8-9-03. |
 Sign. Photo Date: 8-23-03. |
 Folk Art. Photo Date: 8-9-03. |
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| Ventura County Main Page |
This page last updated: Tuesday, 25-Sep-2007 21:25:37 EDT
| Note: This is not the official site for any of the places shown in Places Earth. Places Earth is not responsible for accuracy of the information. Hours of operations, prices, exhibits, and sometimes locations are subject to change without notice. |
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This web site started because of my love for Architecture and interest in History. This web site is for your benefit and I make no profit on it. I don't allow paid advertising. This site is supported primarily from my regular paycheck as a Set Designer and there haven' been many this year. I sell art at www.klimages.com. A non-tax deductable donation to help cover the cost of operating this web site may be made to Kesign Design Consulting through PayPal ... | ||
 You can buy candles from my wife. |
 Or donations can be mailed to the address on the contact page. |
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This site maintained by Kenneth A. Larson. Copyright © 2004 - 2012, Kenneth A. Larson. All Rights Reserved. Website content including photographic and graphic images may not be redistributed for use on another website. |
| This site is a non-commercial alternative to my commercial design portfolio site. This site's only purpose is for your enjoyment. There is no advertising and I make no profit. If you are in the need of a designer, please check my commercial site www.kesigndesign.com. |
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