Carina Monica Montoya

The Depot circa 1900. The crate on the loading dock is a piano for George N. King.

Courtesy Fillmore History Museum

Although the Museum was closed for over a year due to the pandemic, we were still available, under COVID-19 restriction guidelines for researchers. During the time we were closed, we had several people conduct research on topics from a possible documentary on the St. Francis Dam Disaster to wanting to know the history of the older home they had just purchased. We are always happy to help people research their ancestry, home, or general history of our area.

One of the people who reached out to us was Fillmore resident, Carina Monica Montoya. She told us she was writing a book for Arcadia Publishing on Ventura County and needed photographs and information. Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series spotlights the history of neighborhoods, towns and cities of local writers and historians by showcasing vintage photographs, some spanning over 100 years.

Over several visits to the Museum, we were able to assist Carina in finding photographs and information on Fillmore, surrounding communities, and of Ventura County in general.Our many resources further inspired her to expand the book to include a chapter on disasters that significantly impacted the county but also helped to reshape it.

On July 10th, Carina will be at the Southern Pacific Depot in Fillmore for a book signing. Books are currently available on our website gift shop and will be available at the event. Please join us from 1 to 3 pm on Saturday, July 10th for a book signing.