Balcom House, October 2022. Credit: Google Maps.
Ventura County Landmark No. 82: Balcom House
Historical Background
This Italianate-style house was built in 1885 by William Elder Balcom, who immigrated from Canada to Ventura County around 1860. He and his wife Margaret raised eight children, first living on their ranch in the canyon that still bears the Balcom name. When their older sons assumed responsibility for ranch operations, the rest of the family moved into this house to be closer to schools and community life in Santa Paula (FamilySearch, n.d.; Calisphere, n.d.).
Architectural Features
As an Italianate-style residence, the Balcom House reflects signature elements of the style, including its prominent two story slanted bay window, tall and narrow window proportions, and ornamental detailing. Italianate architecture of this period often included bracketed cornices and refined, symmetrical massing, contributing to the elegant character associated with late 19th century family homes in developing towns such as Santa Paula (Ventura County Resource Management Agency, Planning Division, 2016).
The Balcom Family & Community Role
William Elder Balcom (1831–1901) became a well known rancher and early resident of Santa Paula. Archival photographs from the 1880s show the Balcom family at their ranch home, reflecting their long presence in the area’s agricultural community (FamilySearch, n.d.; Calisphere, n.d.). The Balcom name remains part of local history through Balcom Canyon, a reminder of the family’s early role in the region’s development (FamilySearch, n.d.; Calisphere, n.d.).
Property Today
The Balcom House remains privately owned and retains its historic Italianate character. Its original exterior features are still visible, allowing the home to maintain its historic appearance and contribute to the overall early residential ascetic of Santa Paula’s older neighborhoods (Ventura County Resource Management Agency, Planning Division, 2016).
Additional Reading
References
Calisphere. (n.d.). Ranch House, Santa Paula [Photograph]. Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection. https://calisphere.org/item/7e2a97f0ba5774365fb71eb48754e82a/.
FamilySearch. (n.d.). William Balcom (1831–1901). https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/KL79-DQ1/william-balcom-1831-1901.
Ventura County Resource Management Agency, Planning Division. (2016, May). Ventura County Historical Landmarks and Points of Interest (3rd ed.). https://rmadocs.venturacounty.gov/planning/programs/cultural-heritage-board/publications/ventura-county-historical-landmarks-and-points-of-interest.pdf.
Date Designated: September 1982
Location: 933 Pleasant Street, Santa Paula
Photos:
