Oxnard in Ventura County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Petit Ranch House
Photographed By Craig Baker, March 16, 2022
1. Petit Ranch House Marker
Original Owner: Justin and Frances Petit. Original Location: 1900 East Wooley Road. Construction Date: Ca. 1896. Architect: Herman Anlauf.
The History
The Petit family emigrated from France to America in 1853 when baby Justin was two years old; his sister Annette was 12. The Petits settled first in Pennsylvania then Kansas; after Annette and her husband moved to California, the rest of the family followed. Here Justin married Frances Kaufman, one of the five Kaufman daughters whose father was the first American pioneer to farm in the Santa Clara River Valley. The Petits had seven children. Like many early farmers from humble beginnings, the success of their sugar beet and lima bean crops enabled the Petits to grow wealthy in Oxnard.
The Design
The Petit Ranch House is an exceptional example of Queen Anne Style and the only house in Heritage Square that fits unambiguously into a definite architectural category. This fanciful late Victorian style was typified by irregular rooflines, towers, spindle work, multiple surface designs and colors. The Petit house embraces them all. Of special note is the two-story bay window with its rare curved glass and colored flash glass panes. Designed by Herman Anlauf – who also designed Santa Paula's Faulkner House and the
this page online
Restored by Petit descendent, Gary E. Blum.
Erected by Oxnard Heritage Square. (Marker Number 100.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Architecture • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Ventura County Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. 34° 11.67′ N, 119° 10.76′ W. Marker is in Oxnard, California, in Ventura County. Marker can be reached from B Street south of 7th Street, on the left when traveling south. Located in Heritage Square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 730 S B St, Oxnard CA 93030, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Perkins / Claberg House (a few steps from this marker); First Church of Christ Scientist (a few steps from this marker); Petre Ranch House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Oxnard Pagoda (approx. ¼ mile away); American Beet Sugar Factory (approx. 0.3 miles away); Henry Levy House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Cesar E. Chavez (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Maulhardt Winery (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oxnard.
Regarding Petit Ranch House.
Photographed By Craig Baker, March 16, 2022
2. Petit Ranch House and Marker
The marker is at lower right.
No. 100 - Justin Petit Ranch House. Built 1896. Designated April 1986.
730 S B Street, Heritage Square, Oxnard.
This Queen Anne Victorian-style house is one of fifteen turn-of-the-century structures relocated to a city block in downtown Oxnard called Heritage Square. Originally on Wooley Road, it was the first farm residence in Ventura County lighted by electricity. The two-story house had eight porches, seven bedrooms, two parlors, two bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, foyer and maid's room. The house features unique curved windows and a profusion of architectural details. A native of France, Justin Petit became one of the most successful farmers of lima beans, sugar beets and lemons in the County. Architects: F. P. Ward and Herman Anlauf. (Other landmarks located at Heritage Square: No. 70 and 145.)
Photographed By Craig Baker, March 16, 2022
3. Heritage Square
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 437 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 23, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
