Simi Adobe–Strathearn House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Simi Adobe–Strathearn House
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Strathearn House, September 2008
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| Location | Simi Valley, California |
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| Built | 1893 |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000825 |
| Added to NRHP | May 19, 1978 |
The Simi Adobe–Strathearn House is a very old and important building in Simi Valley, California. It used to be the main office for a huge piece of land called Rancho Simi. This rancho was also known as Rancho San José de Nuestra Senora de Altagracia y Simi. It was one of the first big land grants given by the Spanish government in Alta California.
The name "Simi" comes from Shimiji. This was the name of a village where the Chumash people lived long ago. Rancho Simi was the first Spanish land grant in the areas that are now Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. It was one of the biggest land grants in California, covering about 113,000 acres.
The main building of the rancho became the home of Robert P. Strathearn. This is why it is also known as the Strathearn House. It was built between 1892 and 1893. The Strathearn family lived there until 1969. Then, the house and some land around it were given to the Simi Valley Recreation and Park District. Today, two rooms from the original adobe building are still part of the Strathearn House. You can find it in the Robert P. Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley, California. Rancho Simi is now a California Historical Landmark (#979) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Exploring Strathearn Historical Park and Museum
The Simi Adobe–Strathearn House is part of the Strathearn Historical Park and Museum. This is an outdoor park that helps people learn about history. The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District owns and takes care of the park. The Simi Valley Historical Society also helps run it. The Strathearn House is set up like a historic house museum. It shows how people lived long ago with old furniture and household items.
What to See at the Park
The park has a Visitor Center with different exhibits about Simi Valley. This is also where tours of the park begin. You can only go inside the buildings if you are on a tour with a guide. Besides the Simi Adobe–Strathearn House, many other old buildings have been moved to the park. These buildings show what life was like in the past.
Some of the historic buildings you can see include:
- The Montgomery children's playhouse, built in 1924.
- The St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, built in 1902.
- The first Simi Valley Library.
- A Colony House, built in 1888.
- The Banaga Barber Shop.
- The Currier pitting shed.
- Two barns filled with old farm tools and equipment.
About the Simi Valley Historical Society
The Simi Valley Historical Society is based at the park. This group works to find, protect, and keep historical buildings, places, and landmarks safe. They also collect old items that are important to history. The society provides a place to keep these items. They also offer information about the area's history to the public. They encourage people to keep learning about the local history.
More to Learn
