Tour Will Uncover Secrets of City’s Past

In the alleys behind Peirano Grocery, within the whitewashed walls of the mission and in dark corners of various downtown buildings, the echoes of half-forgotten events in Ventura history can be heard.

Residents have a chance to glean tidbits about some of the city’s secrets Saturday on a Mysteries of Main Street walking tour.

City of Ventura historian Richard Senate will lead the tour, aimed at uncovering the offbeat history of Ventura’s former “Camino Real” from dusty village to thriving city.

Senate said the tour will introduce Chumash astrology, the legends of underground Chinatown and the remarkable wooden bells at Mission San Buenaventura--reputed to be the only wooden bells in any mission in America.

He said he will also talk about the Mystery Stone--an ancient stone with cryptic scratchings that some people say are the mark of ancient Irishmen.

Senate gives historical walking tours through different sections of the city, but this tour will focus on early history, concentrating on the downtown area from Palm Street to the mission.

The tour starts at the Albinger Museum, 113 E. Main St., at 1 p.m. and will end at 3. The cost is $6. For information and reservations, call 658-4726.