"Why, it is to be another Montecito, that means that the very rich are going to flock to the Ojai Valley to live, they will build fine homes and improve the valley. Hurrah for the Ojai, bless her, she is entitled to all that she is to receive." Ventura Free Press - 1916

Prior to 1916, the small Western town, that had been named Nordhoff, was any thing but beautiful. It was very typical for the time - false fronts on the stores and knotty boards for the sidewalks. The name had come from the famous author, Charles Nordhoff, who had written so many books on the health benefits of California, which had caused a great boom in real estate sales.

The coming of Mr. Edward D. Libbey to town would change the whole course and development of the Valley. Libbey owned the Libbey Glass Company, and was accustomed to making things of beauty, and the Ojai Valley was going to fall under his touch. In looking around, he felt that the valley itself was enchanting; however the town lacked the charm to match its surroundings.

Libbey took it upon himself to transform the downtown into a Spanish-style city with arches, pergolas and a stately post office tower for a focal point. When it was finished, people flocked to the small town to view - in wonder - the transformation.

The El Roblar Hotel (now The Oaks at Ojai), the Catholic church (now The Ojai Valley Museum), The Ojai Country Club (now The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa) and the sprawling Arbolada, are all projects that Libbey was responsible for bringing to the Valley.
Libbey, pleased with the final results of his buildings, said: "There has been too little attention paid to things aesthetic in our homes. The time has come when we should encourage in ourselves, thoughts of things beautiful, and the higher ideals which encourage and promote, must awaken in the people the fostering of the love of that which is beautiful and inspiring"

By David Mason
Ojai Valley Historian