Ventura

Ventura (#) (-), U.S. navy steamer purchased by Goodall, Nelson & Perkins and converted into a coastwise steamer in 1873.

In the News~

'March 15, 1873 [Ventura Signal]: “Another Steamer. The enterprise of Messrs. Goodall, Nelson & Perkins knows no limits. Three years ago this port was visited by a little steamer, Occasionally; then came the Kalorama, once in ten days. Then in quick succession, the Constantine, making, in connection with the former, a weekly line; and now, it seems, we are to have a third and still better one, within a few weeks. Captain Johnson, the Company's resident agent here, informs us that the Reseca, known as one of the swiftest steamers in the U.S. navy, has been purchased by his company and is being refitted and will be in readiness to take her place in the line in a few weeks. Hew owners, in compliment to the people of Ventura county, and with excellent taste, have, have adopted the name, Ventura, for their new boat. Gentlemen, your enterprise is appreciated here, and then the Ventura makes her first appearance at our dock, we propose, with your permission, to press her into our service for a three days pleasure excursion to neighboring ports and islands.”

July 10, 1873 [SBDMT]: “The steamer Ventura, with something over two hundred persons on board, left Stearn’s Wharf at nine o’clock on the morning of the 4th, bound for Santa Cruz Island. The vessel reached her destination at 12 o’clock, and the excursionists at once debarked and repaired to the magnificent grove near the seashore. The exercises were of an informal character, and consisted of a prayer by Rev. Dr. Bentley, reading of the Declaration of Independence by Mr. Fawcett, a short speech by Mr. Johnson in reply to a sentiment offered by Mr. Bentley, and a very handsome little speech by Captain Goodall, in reply to ‘The Commerce of the United States’…”