On July 13, 2026, the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board designated the Piru Citrus Association Labor Camp (“El Campo”) and the Piru Quonset Hut Community Center as Points of Interest, recognizing their important contributions to Piru’s history and heritage. Although the original structures no longer stand, these designations ensure their history and significance will continue to be recognized through Ventura County’s Cultural Heritage Program, including future outreach materials, the interactive historic properties map, and site-specific webpages.
Piru Citrus Association Labor Camp (“El Campo”): Established in 1950 during the Bracero Program and incorporating bunkhouses dating back to 1927, the camp supported the daily routines of seasonal farmworkers for more than five decades. Though demolished in 2011, a historical display room was incorporated into the Valle Naranjal Farmworker Housing development that replaced the camp.
Piru Quonset Hut Community Center: Built in the 1940’s, this was known as a beloved gathering place for weddings, baptisms, quinceañeras, dances, and other community celebrations. The Quonset Hut served as the heart of community life before being replaced by a new community center.
During the on-location Cultural Heritage Board meeting, longtime Piru residents shared personal memories of both sites, highlighting the lasting impact these places had on the community and the importance of preserving their stories for future generations.
Learn more about Ventura County’s Points of Interest, Landmarks, and More at the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board webpage.