Old California

We’ve always been fascinated by the tales of old California.  People coming from all over the world in search of gold and silver, fertile lands to farm, or just to create a home for a new generation of Californians.  

Lex, Sar and I visited the Ojai Museum in Ojai, California just recently.  Ojai is a unique little sanctuary of resort spas, a small shopping precinct, a world famous music festival, well-known spiritual center, and was home to a now deceased centenarian artist, Beatrice Wood.

To get to know the area, we visited the Ojai Museum housed in a former Catholic Church.  It was charming but also very informative.  We were delighted by the exhibit that is currently on display about the former inhabitants of the area.

Mama Dada?

The founder of AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)  She decided to create the organization when she observed a retired teacher living in a chicken coop because it was all that she could afford on her pension.

Remnants and relics of the former Catholic Church

Edward Libbey founder of the Libbey Glass Company was fond of Ojai and helped in beautifying the downtown district in the 1920’s

A special exhibit of the valley inhabitants during the Rancho Era and their descendants

The Legend of Zorro was inspired by Joaquin Murrieta

Yes, a relative of that famous Cuban Congo player, Desi Arnaz of “I Love Lucy” fame.

A hair wreath

Tales of Old California and perhaps some gossip?

Well, we hope you enjoyed this visit as much as we did.  We couldn’t fit all of the wonderful exhibits in this post but perhaps we will visit again in the future.

Ojai Museum:

​Sun 12n-4pm, Tues-Sat 10a-4pm
Suggested donation: $5 adults, $1 children 6-18
Free: current members, under 6
and, through Labor Day,  military members and their families
Address: 130 W. Ojai Ave