Santa Paula’s Treasured Architecture at the Ag Museum

This new exhibit at the Ag Museum examines local architecture spanning over two centuries, and includes the opportunity to experience a self-guided walking tour!

The Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula will host an opening reception on Saturday, March 16, 2019 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate the opening of Santa Paula’s Treasured Architecture, an exhibit that explores the local architectural highlights in the community spanning over thirty years. The opening reception is free for members of the Museum and $5 for nonmembers.

“Nestled in the fertile orchards of the Santa Clara Valley, the prosperous agricultural community of Santa Paula has attracted visitors for decades not just for its reputation as the Citrus Capital of the World, but for its stately historic homes and unique mixture of architectural styles,” Agriculture Museum Manager Elena Waller. “Santa Paula’s Treasured Architecture will bring to light the community’s unique and celebrated residential and commercial structures reaching back as far early as the late 1800’s.”

Santa Paula’s Treasured Architecture features black and white photographs by local photographer Michael Moore and commissioned by the Santa Paula Historical Society in order to identify and aid in the preservation of 70 architecturally exceptional residences and commercial buildings. Handpicked by commit and awarded the outstanding Maintenance and Restoration Award, individual were honored for their property’s preservation of historical integrity.

A stroll down Santa Paula Street is akin to stepping back in time as one saunters by the elegant homes of varying architecture, spanning from the late 1800s to the mid 19th century. The diversity in style is due in part to the unusually large number of architect-designed homes, which is more often seen in an urban setting, but not typical for a farming community. The idealistic setting of this Santa Clara Valley community would draw the attention of many early architects in the Ventura County area including Franklin P. Ward, Herman Anlauf, Roy C. Wilson, Robert Raymond, and John Stroh, as well as Hunt and Burns and Allison and Allison of Los Angeles.

While by no means a complete list of the amazing historic homes in the community, Santa Paula Treasured Architecture is a snapshot of the sophisticated and varied architectural styles that reflect the taste and influences of Santa Paula’s past. The close proximity of the features homes and commercial buildings to that of the Agriculture Musuem allows our victors to experience these richly detailed and well preserved buildings in person with a self-guided walking tour.

Santa Paula Treasured Architecture is on display March 16, 2019 through June 9, 2019.

The Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Ave, Santa Paula. For information, please visit https://venturamuseum.org/visit-agriculture-museum/ or call 805-525-3100.