1952 Map of Matilija

About this map

Matilija Creek and the Ventura River corridor anchor this mid-century topographic record, capturing the Ojai Valley during a period of significant post-war transition. While the steep grades of the Santa Ynez Mountains and Nordhoff Ridge remain largely dominated by the Los Padres National Forest, the valley floor shows the expansion of Meiners Oaks and Oak View. The infrastructure of the era is clearly visible, from the Matilija Dam and the emerging footprint of Lake Casitas to the established grounds of the Ojai Valley Inn and Villanova Sch. This survey reflects the region's character as both a retreat and a growing residential hub, where agricultural holdings like Rancho Matilija and Sopers Ranch met the encroachment of new suburban tracts along Ventura Road.