Artist: Manuel Muñoz Olivares
In addition to being the official portraitist for the Mexican government, Muñoz painted portraits of President John F. Kennedy, President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson, and Juan Carlos and Sofia, King and Queen of Spain.
The mural consists of panels representing the history of Oxnard. The following nine descriptions are presented clockwise beginning at the upper left.
- The first scene symbolizes the twilight of the peaceful and free life of the Chumash Indians. They lived on this plain for some 9,000 years, going about their daily activities. The women are busy with the preparation of food, while others are repairing their boats, building their huts and fishing in the company of whales.
- In the second scene is the arrival of the Spanish conquistador, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, in the year 1542. In addition, we can see the arrival in 1782 of the Franciscan missionary Fray Junipero Serra, who was responsible for the construction of almost a score of missions along the length of the Californias. The arrival of these personages amazes the local Indians.
- The section at the top right is a view of Oxnard in the year 1910. Children are amusing themselves with their customary games while some travelers pass through on the way north to San Francisco.
- Channel Islands Harbor, a major fishing port and pleasure boat marina.
- The panel at the lower right represents modern Oxnard. This is Oxnard’s Financial Plaza, its gardens, its sculptures and fountains.
- The bottom center represents the culture of Oxnard. The Pagoda in Plaza Park was originally built in 1910 to cover an irrigation system. The bandstand was added in 1911. The Carnegie Art Museum was originally the Oxnard Public Library and served as a library from 1906 until 1963, starting with funding from Andrew Carnegie.
- The bottom left panel is a well-deserved tribute to the local agricultural workers. These people make possible the sowing and harvesting of fruits and vegetables for which Oxnard has become famous.
- At the center left is the sugar beet factory that was built by the Oxnard brothers in 1897 and 1898. At its time of highest productivity, it was the second largest in the world.
- The bottom left panel is a well-deserved tribute to the local agricultural workers. These people make possible the sowing and harvesting of fruits and vegetables for which Oxnard has become famous.
- In the central position, occupying the place of honor, is Emily Ritchen, Head Librarian of the Oxnard Public Library from 1943 to 1968. She lovingly explains the history of Oxnard to children of various ethnic backgrounds.
Last updated April 23, 2020