Books available at Strathearn Historical Park & Museum
Simi Valley- A Journey Through Time
“Simi Valley, A Journey Through Time” is the most complete history of Simi Valley, California ever written. Experts in the fields of anthropology, geology, paleontology, water resources, native plants and animals and local history researched and contributed the information, focused exclusively on Simi Valley. Information was gathered from several generations of pioneer families. Transportation routes, the railroad, history of agriculture and memories and reminiscences make it a very appealing book to all ages, and to newcomers as well as oldtimers. Some space is devoted to the past forty years, bringing it up to date with changes wrought by modern development. There are 546 photographs and illustrations, gathered by Bill Appleton, whose great grandfather took many of the historic photos shortly after the turn of the twentieth century.
If you are a local resident, or a history buff, this book is an absolute must! This 8 1/2″ X 11″, 500 page book is chocked full of pictures and information.
Simi Valley: A Journey Through Time is available for purchase in either a soft cover edition or a hardbound edition. Soft cover is $29.95 plus tax and the hardbound is $49.95 plus tax. They are available in our Visitors Center.
Strathearn Letters – Window on the Past
When a descendant of the Strathearn family donated a trunk of family mementos, Pat Havens, official Simi Valley Historian, found a cache of old family letters. She knew that the stories they told needed to be shared.
Robert P. and Mary Gray Lamb Strathearn settled in Simi Valley in 1891 to manage their newly acquired 14,000 acre cattle ranch. When away from home, Robert and their seven children would write letters back home. Mary Strathearn kept these letters and many can be enjoyed in this book.
Strathearn Letters – Window on the Past, is Pat’s second book and is hardbound. It contains more than 380 full color pages with numerous stories, letters, photos, paintings and drawings.
The hardbound book sells for $29.95 and is available in or Visitors Center.
On the Tapo, Simi Valley’s Finest Agricultural Development.
“On the Tapo” recalls Simí Valley in the agricultural era. Where orchards produced apricots, walnuts and oranges, and ranches grew sugar beets, tomatoes, barley and other row crops.
“On the Tapo” tells the story of the Tapo Rancho and the Tapo District through photographs, personal accounts, and documents obtained from the Tapo Mutual Water Company and the Tapo Citrus Association.
This book is available in our Visitors Center
