Ventura County history, interesting stories, science, art, radio and things worth exploring — by Andy Ludlum
by Library Volunteer Andy Ludlum
When a baby was teething and wouldn’t stop crying, there’s a good chance that Ventura County parents in the late 1800s reached for “Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup.”
Source: Museum of Ventura County
by Library Volunteer Andy Ludlum
One hundred years ago a tragic mix of poor judgment, navigational errors, irregular currents, and fog cost 23 sailors their lives.
Source: Museum of Ventura County
A nearly 100-year-old inference problem was caused by radios using “positive feedback” which is found in oscillator circuits that are at the heart of today’s amateur radio equipment.
Source: Conejo Valley Amateur Radio Club
By Library Volunteer Andy Ludlum
Ventura residents were shocked in February 1921 when they read about girls rioting at the local state training…
Source: Museum of Ventura County
By Library Volunteer Andy Ludlum
This is the story of an early Ventura County sheep rancher. His remarkable tale has been overlooked and almost lost over time.
Source: Museum of Ventura County
By Library Volunteer Andy Ludlum
It was a stand-off worthy of the old Wild West. The taciturn lawman was face to face with a huffing, puffing adversary. Neither was ready to back down.
Source: Museum of Ventura County
By Library Volunteer Andy Ludlum
The frail old man, known to everyone in Simi as “Grandpa Stones,” practically had to be carried over…
Source: Museum of Ventura County
By Library Volunteer Andy Ludlum
It was the opening day of duck season in October 1925. The last thing the hunters expected to bag along the shore east of Hueneme was dozens of 50-gallon barrels of pure alcohol…
Source: Museum of Ventura County
By Library Volunteer Andy Ludlum
When two pirate ships appeared off the California coast in November 1818, it was a moment the governor of the Royal Presidio of Monterey had been dreading for six weeks…
Source: Museum of Ventura County
“Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.”