James Allen Day

James Allen Day, one of the pioneers of the orchard business in Ventura County, came to Ventura in 1874, and engaged in horticulture, planting 100 acres to apricots. He also let 150 acres, which was planted to fruit, under his directions, and he built the first fruit dryer in the county; so that he is entitled to the credit of having faith that the soil of this county would raise fine fruit, and he backed his faith with his works. He is a native of Franklin County, New York, and dates his birth July 3, 1828. His father, Orrada Day, was a native of Springfield, Massachusetts. Mr. Day's grandfather, Robert E. Day, was one of the first settlers of Hartford, Connecticut, having gone to that State before the Revolution. They were Welsh people. His parents had twelve children, three of whom are now living, Mr. Day being the sixth of the family, and the oldest survivor.  He was reared and educated in the State of New York, and his first business was the manufacture of lime and brick. He made a success of it in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for twenty years. Before going to Wisconsin he had spent five years in Massachusetts. When he came to Ventura he invested in land. He is still largely interested in real-estate, having 807 acres in one locality, and seventy-five acres adjoining Ventura. He has more recently interested himself in the construction of some fine blocks in Ventura. With three others he built the Masonic Block, one of the grandest buildings in the city, if not the finest. It is a credit to the city and also to its builders. Mr. Day had the superintendence of its construction. It contains two fine stores on the first floor, and above are several office rooms and a splendid Masonic hall, all the rooms being occupied. Mr. Collins and Mr. Day built the Collins Block, in which the Collins Bank is located, and this building is another ornament to the town. Mr. Day has done his part in the public enterprises of the place, and has been ever ready to help in what he believed was for its success. He was made a Mason in 1860, and is Commander of the commandery at the present time. 

    He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Warren, of Connecticut. She is the daughter of Mr. Alonzo Warren, of that state. Their union has been blessed with four children: the oldest, Alice, was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and is married to Mr. Charles G. Bartlett, of Ventura; Bera C. is now attending a university at Los Angeles; Mark E. and Lillie V.

    Mr. Day has now, in a measure, retired from business. He spends his time in the lovely home he has built, on a sightly spot, overlooking the town and the ocean. He has also a nice club room, in which he may often be found, enjoying especially the company of his friends.

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