Mitchell Block Historic District facts for kids
The Mitchell Block Historic District is a special area in Ventura, California, filled with old and important buildings. It was officially recognized as a historic district by the City of Ventura on May 31, 1980. Later, in 1982, it was also considered important enough to be a National Historic District. People say it's "the only intact and relatively unaltered block of houses remaining downtown," meaning it's a rare place where old homes still look much like they used to. This district includes Plaza Park, a very old Moreton Bay fig tree in the park, and eight houses on the 600 block of East Thompson Boulevard. Two parts of the district are especially famous: the Plaza Park Moreton Bay fig tree and the Conklin residence at 680 East Thompson Boulevard.
A Look Back at the Mitchell Block's History
In the 1880s, three brothers named John, Thomas, and Edward Mitchell, who had moved from Ireland, bought land on the south side of East Thompson Boulevard. They built two houses there. The Mitchell brothers then sold the rest of their land in 1904 and 1905. This is when the other houses in the district were built.
By the 1970s, some of these old homes were starting to look a bit run-down. But once the area was named a historic district, it encouraged the owners to fix up and take care of their properties. This helped save the block's unique old-timey feel.
In 2007, a group called the City's Historic Resources Group suggested that the historic district should mainly focus on the eight houses on East Thompson Boulevard. They also thought Plaza Park should be recognized as a separate historic landmark.
Exploring the Historic Homes and Park
The Mitchell Block Historic District is home to several interesting properties, each with its own story. Let's take a closer look at some of them.
Plaza Park: Ventura's First City Park
Plaza Park was established in 1869, making it Ventura's very first city park. It covers a whole city block in downtown Ventura. Over the years, this park has been a popular spot for many different festivals and events. It's a central gathering place for the community.
The Conklin Residence: The Oldest House
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Located at 608 East Thompson Boulevard, the Conklin residence was built in 1877. It's designed in the American Colonial style and is the oldest house on this historic block. Because of its age and unique style, it was named Ventura Historic Landmark No. 7 in 1974.
The Mitchell Family Homes
The Mitchell brothers built two important brick houses in the district.
Mary Mitchell House: A Castle-like Home
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The Mary Mitchell house at 670 East Thompson Boulevard was built in 1890. It's a Victorian-era brick house with cool Gothic details and a square tower that looks a bit like a castle! The Mitchell brothers built this special home for Edward Mitchell's daughter, Mary.
John Mitchell House: An Italianate Design
The John Mitchell house at 692 East Thompson Boulevard was built in 1886. It's an Italianate style brick house, designed by an architect named T. B. Steepleton. It has gabled roofs and tall windows. This house was built by the Mitchell brothers for Edward Mitchell's son, John. It's one of only two brick houses in Ventura built before 1900 that are still standing today.
Other Victorian and Craftsman Houses
The district also features several other interesting homes built around the turn of the 20th century:
- The William McGuire house at 620 East Thompson Boulevard (1905) is a Victorian-era style house.
- The Earl E. Barnes house at 632 East Thompson Boulevard (1904) is a Craftsman house with a deep, welcoming porch.
- The Joseph M. Riley house at 644 East Thompson Boulevard (1904) is a Queen Anne style house.
- The Dr. J. J. Streets house at 658 East Thompson Boulevard (1903) is also a Queen Anne style house.
- The W.F. Sittel house at 682 East Thompson Boulevard (1905) is another Victorian-era style house.
The Plaza Park Moreton Bay Fig Tree
At the northwest corner of Plaza Park stands a giant Ficus macrophylla, also known as a Moreton Bay Fig Tree. It was planted way back in 1874. This amazing tree is 68 feet high, and its branches spread out an incredible 130 feet! It's a true landmark in the park.
