Donated by community member and long-time resident of Ojai William (Bill) Bowie, this collection of printed material contains information on the history of Ojai and its first families, initial maps, and establishment of businesses. The collection also includes records and information on what would become the Ventura County Fire Department. Bowie collected material from his time spent working for the United States Forest Service, Oak View Volunteer Fire Department, and eventually the Ventura County Fire Department. An active member of the Ojai community, the collection also features extensive material on Ojai family histories and individuals of the area. Much of the collection is photocopied material, with some original documents and records included.

William (Bill) Bowie was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1902 and moved to Ojai where he remained for seventy years. Bowie worked for the United States Forest Service until the establishment of what would become the Ventura County Fire Department. A member of various local organizations and clubs throughout his life, Bowie was active in his community as well as being involved in preserving Ojai history. This collection created by Bowie depicts Ojai history through newspaper clippings, photographs, records, and notes by Bowie.

0.74 Cubic Feet (2 boxes)

Property rights to the physical object belong to the Museum of Ventura County. Literary rights, including copyright, have not been determined. Contact the Research Library for further information: library@venturamuseum.org

Open for research. Advance requests can be made to Research Library staff via email.