
The Ojai Valley Museum Walking Tour docents recently took a tour of the historic Camarillo Ranch House. Ojai walking tour coordinator, Cricket Twichell, arranged the tour with her friend Cynthia Simpson, who is the Ranch House Decor Chairwoman. Cricket has donated items to the Ranch House including her mother's antique lace collection, which is on display. The tour was a real treat for me because, even though I've lived in Ventura County for over 20 years, I had never been to the Camarillo Ranch.

Not only does Cynthia Simpson coordinate the enormous task of installing seasonal decorations at the ranch house, she also coordinates the acquisition of historical furniture and other household items donated to the ranch and arranges the display of these objects in the house.
Photo from right to left: Cynthia Simpson, Barbara Washburn, Rose Boggs, Cricket Twichell, Helen Peterson, and Vincent Peterson
Photo from right to left: Cynthia Simpson, Barbara Washburn, Rose Boggs, Cricket Twichell, Helen Peterson, and Vincent Peterson

Adolfo Camarillo was short of stature (5-feet tall) but big in every other way. Often called "The Last Spanish Don", he was a leader in numerous organizations and businesses and founded the City of Camarillo. The official seal of Camarillo, incorporated in 1964, is of Adolfo on a white horse. He gave 50 acres for the first high school in Camarillo, which is named after him, and land for the expansion of St. John's Seminary.
But Adolfo may be most known for the development of a breed of horse called the Camarillo White Horse. The Camarillo White Horses became famous over the years as they paraded and performed at fiestas and other activities throughout the State. Often dignitaries would be seen riding the Camarillo White Horses including President Harding, Governor Ronald Reagan and the son of President Gerald Ford.
The Camarillo family never bred the horse as a business, so eventually the breed had dwindled significantly. Breeders are now successfully bringing the white horses back.
But Adolfo may be most known for the development of a breed of horse called the Camarillo White Horse. The Camarillo White Horses became famous over the years as they paraded and performed at fiestas and other activities throughout the State. Often dignitaries would be seen riding the Camarillo White Horses including President Harding, Governor Ronald Reagan and the son of President Gerald Ford.
The Camarillo family never bred the horse as a business, so eventually the breed had dwindled significantly. Breeders are now successfully bringing the white horses back.
To learn more about the Camarillo Ranch House or to rent the facility for weddings or other events go to www.camarilloranch.org