In 1998, Oxnard was one of nine libraries across the state selected to conduct a photo history project as part of the Shades of California program.  The project was patterned after the Shades of Los Angeles project initiated by Los Angeles Public Library.  Library patrons were invited to bring their collections of family photos to the library.  Project volunteers were available to gather information about the individual photographs and selections were made for duplication.  Photographers from W. P. Photographic Services were on had to photograph the images for the purpose of adding them to the library's existing collection.

On August, 1998, the Oxnard library collected 240 photographs.  Then in August, 1999, held an Open House and Exhibit.  To see a sampling of the Shades of Oxnard photos, and those of other libraries, click on the button for Shades of California.

Martin V. Smith, prominent Ventura County developer, got his start in Oxnard in 1941 when, at the age of 23, he traded several jukeboxes for a then-failing hamburger drive-in on Oxnard Blvd.  After returning from military service in the Pacific during World War II, Smith turned the Colonial House restaurant into one of the finest in the area.  The Colonial House attracted Hollywood celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Bing Crosby and Clark Gable.

Mr. Smith went on to develop a number of restaurants, motels, shopping centers, and finally the high-rise Financial Plaza Tower.  Martin V. Smith and Associates occupy the 21st floor of the Financial Plaza Tower.