VENTURA : Olivas Adobe Tour Focuses on 3 Women

When Ventura’s Olivas Adobe was the hub of busy Rancho San Miguel in the last century, three women influenced events there: Dona Teodora Olivas, known as La Patrona ; her daughter Rebecca, and Candelaria, a Sespe Indian.

The three will be the focus of a walking tour at the adobe today.

“We will view the rancho and way of life there from three different perspectives,” said Richard Senate, city historic sites manager who will guide the tour.

Docents will portray the women.

Born in poverty in Mexico, Dona Teodora married Don Raimundo Olivas, a soldier who procured a land grant when he retired from the military.

The couple built the adobe house between 1847 and 1849 and rose to wealth and prominence, Senate said. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

One of their 19 children, Rebecca, was born into a life of luxury but fell on hard times with the death of her parents and the decline of the rancho.

Candelaria, a mission Indian, moved to the adobe as a maid and cook.

Although records are unclear whether she married Jose Dolores Olivas, a son of Dona Teodora and Don Raimundo, Candelaria did bear him two children.

The free, one-hour tour will begin at 1 p.m. at the adobe, 4200 Olivas Park Drive.