The Ojai Valley Inn Background Timeline
Ojai Valley Country Club 1924
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Ojai Valley Country Club interior
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1924 – Ojai Valley Country Club opens with an 18-hole golf course by famous designer George C. Thomas Jr. The philanthropist and real estate developer Edward Libbey built the County Club to augment his Arbolada and West Hills developments of large Spanish Revival mansions.
Mid-1920s – Libbey’s plans to add a swanky hotel are abandoned with his death and the advent of the Great Depression.
1930 – Libbey’s estate closes the County C1935 – Despite the Depression, a 25-room hotel is added next to the clubhouse. It includes a dining room and bar. The small resort is only open during the winter and struggles to attract guests.
1942 – In the wake of Pearl Harbor, the Army converts the former golf club into a training facility. It is called Camp Lah We Lah His, meaning The Strong, The Brave in the Pawnee language. Nine of the golf course’s 18 holes are covered by Quonset huts and barracks.
1944 – The Army moves out and the Navy takes over. Camp Oaks was an auxiliary facility for sailors based at Point Mugu and Port Hueneme.
Mid-1920s – Libbey’s plans to add a swanky hotel are abandoned with his death and the advent of the Great Depression.
1930 – Libbey’s estate closes the County C1935 – Despite the Depression, a 25-room hotel is added next to the clubhouse. It includes a dining room and bar. The small resort is only open during the winter and struggles to attract guests.
1942 – In the wake of Pearl Harbor, the Army converts the former golf club into a training facility. It is called Camp Lah We Lah His, meaning The Strong, The Brave in the Pawnee language. Nine of the golf course’s 18 holes are covered by Quonset huts and barracks.
1944 – The Army moves out and the Navy takes over. Camp Oaks was an auxiliary facility for sailors based at Point Mugu and Port Hueneme.
Barracks on part of the former 18-hole golf course
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Army camp sign
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Soldiers on the steps of barracks, 1943
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Battalion parade on the grounds of the Ojai Country Club
1945 – April - With many servicemen cheering them on, and the end of the war approaching, film stars Bob Hope and Bing Crosby play a round of golf with servicemen partners. They were gearing up to promote their fourth road film, Road to Utopia.
- The event reminds everyone there is half a golf course under the Quonset huts and barracks. And brings up the question: what should be done with the 200-acre property after war?
Bing Crosby and Bob Hope play golf with sailors
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"Road to Utopia" movie poster
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