Ventura County Landmark No. 41: Haigh/Talley Colony House

Historical Background

“When Simi Land and Water Company was formed by Thomas R. Bard and others to see to the subdivision of the area for the first time, advertisements were dispersed throughout the country. The ads reached the midwestern and the New England states, for that is where many of our early American families came from. These ads were more than a little ‘fanciful,’ as they showed the Simi Creek as a flowing river, with a paddlewheel steamer on it, and a man pulling out large fish. More than one buyer was lured by the promise of fishing nearby.” (Strathearn Historical Park and Museum, n. d.)

“In Chicago, a group of investors composed mainly of doctors thought they saw marvelous opportunity to buy western lands, so they formed the California Mutual Benefit Colony of Chicago, which was soon shortened to The Colony. Several of them headed west, with glowing descriptions and dreams of prosperity ringing in their ears. They arranged to send twelve pre-fabricated houses (pre-cut and partially assembled) to form the nucleus of the new little town, which they gave the grand name, Simiopolis.” (Strathearn Historical Park and Museum, n. d.)

“All but two of the Colony Houses were located in the town site laid out by the colony. (One was on the Austin ranch near Cochran and Erringer, where the Vons market is today; the other was near the present site of Walmart and Home Depot on Cochran near Madera.) The houses probably cost only a few hundred dollars, and the company as a special inducement, paid the freight on houses ordered before October 1, 1888. The first group of colonists left Chicago on November 8, 1888 for their trip west by rail.” (Strathearn Historical Park and Museum, n. d.)

“Simi Land and Water Company had built a three-story hotel at the east end of Simi Valley (at approximately the location of the present west parking lot of the Simi Valley High School), to accommodate their prospective buyers. Some of those first arrivals stayed at the hotel and others in tents near their property. Things did not go well with the colony from the beginning as the houses were not ready and many other problems arose; some did not stay long, but some did stay on, and they helped to get our farming era off to a very sound start during those next fifteen or twenty years.” (Strathearn Historical Park and Museum, n. d.)

Haigh/Talley Colony House

This Colony House, one of twelve pre-cut, partially assembled two-story houses shipped by rail in 1888, was originally located on Second and Ashland. Later owners of the house included the Henry and Grace Haigh family (1903 to 1909) and the John and Mary Talley family (1924 to 1961). Through the years the Colony Houses were modernized by various additions and running water. This building was the first historic building brought to the Strathearn Historical Park soon after its formation in 1970. The existing house was stripped of its additions when it was moved.

Furnishings and household items in the Colony House have come from many, many families. (Strathearn Historical Park and Museum, n. d.). On the porch you can see a diorama depicting the early business district on Los Angeles Avenue. (Your Audio Tour, n. d.)

Other landmarks located at Strathearn Historical Park include Ventura County Landmarks No. 6, 40, 91, and 93.