COUNTYWIDE : 3 Somis Site to Be Labeled Landmarks

Three buildings in Somis are scheduled to be designated historical landmarks by the Board of Supervisors today.

The board is scheduled to name the Somis Thursday Club, Fulkerson Hardware store and Somis School as buildings that reflect elements of the county’s history.

Patricia Havens, who represents Somis on the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, said the designations help make property owners aware of the significance of their buildings.

“We picked these buildings because they have played an important role in the lives of many residents here,” Havens said.

Landmark status also helps protect the buildings from any major architectural change or from being razed. Written notice must be submitted to the county 180 days before demolition.

“The time period gives us a chance to convince people not to do it,” Havens said.

Among the three buildings, the Fulkerson Hardware store at 3403 Somis Road is perhaps the most well known, Havens said.

Rebuilt after fire destroyed it in 1912, the store has been a leading retailer in the town for almost 80 years.

The Somis Thursday Club, 5380 Bell St., was originally built as a schoolhouse in 1895. Pine trees planted by pioneers of Somis line the front yard, Havens said.

The Somis School building, located at 5268 North St., was constructed in 1923.

“It’s a good example of 1920s architecture,” Havens said of the school, which is still in use.

Owners of the buildings may now enter them into the National Register of Historic Places, Havens said.