Preservationists Battle to Make Quonset Hut a Landmark

In its 1950s heyday, folks here recall, the joint was hopping--weddings, baptisms, and dancing to the golden tones of local bands.

Today, the Quonset hut, with its broken windows, dirty metal siding and chipped linoleum floors, is no longer the social hub of this tiny Ventura County community, having been replaced 10 years ago by the Piru Community Center.

County officials have talked about tearing down the old hut, leading longtime residents--many third- and fourth-generation--to lobby for its preservation.

Their campaign suffered a setback last week with the death of Al Gaitan, a 58-year-old Piru man who spent much of the last year seeking historical landmark status for the hut.

Gaitan’s supporters say his passing has only made them more determined to see his dying wish achieved.

“Al always said people need to know the real Piru,” said Stephanie Acosta, a 34-year-old youth coordinator. “Everybody bypasses us like we don’t exist.”

New development is being planned here, including a $1-million town square project with a gazebo and fountain. Many longtime residents, however, are saddened as they see more and more of their history disappear as new buildings replace old.

“The old folks are all gone,” said Rita Miranda, 62, of Santa Barbara, who grew up in Piru and came to town Tuesday for the funeral of Gaitan, her brother.

Even the history of the Quonset hut is getting fuzzy. Most people recall that it was built after World War II to house farm workers, although no one knows for sure.

Monica Nolan, Piru’s economic development coordinator, said the county’s Cultural Heritage Board might agree to grant landmark status if enough residents want it.

“If there is really a sentiment in the community to save it, the community’s got to decide,” Nolan said. “Otherwise I can see the rationale for the [county] wanting to take it down.”

County officials plan to tear down the old hut to make way for the expansion of a local rail line.

Since the new community center was built in 1990 few people have rented the Quonset hut, which for years was the town’s only community center. Rental rates are the same for both buildings, so given a choice people typically choose the new building over the hut.

Nolan said she told Gaitan that if he could document the hut’s cultural importance, there might be a case to save it.

Many in Piru recall good times in the hut, but they have few records or even photographs. Harry Lechler, a lifelong resident, had a collection of Piru artifacts in his backyard but recently sold them.

“If we can save the hut, or at least move it, then that will be something for important for the younger generation,” Acosta said.