Ojai in Ventura County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Nordhoff School

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. Nordhoff School Marker

Inscription.
The first school built within the confines of present Ojai city limits, Nordhoff School served the children of the Lower Ojai Valley from 1876 to 1895.

Nordhoff School, later known as "The Little Brick Schoolhouse," was then converted into a private residence with the interior core of the schoolhouse remaining through subsequent renovations.

Among the most notable residents were Ojai's fourth mayor, Alton Lucius Drown, and his wife, Gertrude.

Erected by City of Ojai. (Marker Number 14.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.

Location. 34° 26.937′ N, 119° 14.711′ W. Marker is in Ojai, California, in Ventura County. It is on Matilija Street east of Signal Street, on the left when traveling east. Located at the Lavender Inn bed & breakfast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 E Matilija St, Ojai CA 93023, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

on Central Coast,

and in the

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Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Ojai Arcade (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ojai Post Office Tower and Portico (about 500 feet away); Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); The History of Libbey Bowl (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ojai City Jail (approx. ¼ mile away); Ojai Valley Inn & Spa (approx. one mile away); Matilija Junction RR Station (approx. one mile away); Weinberger Memorial Garden (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ojai.

Regarding Nordhoff School. The city of Ojai was originally called Nordhoff.
Nordhoff School - 1876
Ojai Manor Hotel - 1947
Moons Nest Inn - 1999
Lavender Inn - 2004

Nordhoff School Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Nordhoff School Building and Marker

The marker is to the right of the door.

Nordhoff School image. Click for full size.

courtesy Ojaihistory.com

3. Nordhoff School

Original Nordhoff School - 1875 image. Click for full size.

courtesy Ojaihistory.com

4. Original Nordhoff School - 1875

Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 49 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 4, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3, 4. submitted on April 5, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.