Some of the most important buildings and places on Oxnard High School’s campus are used by students every day including the: library, gym, football field, and Performing Art Center. But what most people don’t know is the history they carry that dates back to the early 1900s. These places have been named after people who have made a great impact on the city of Oxnard or even on our campus.

Madeline Miedema

The OHS library is named after Oxnard historian Madeline Miedema who worked as an educator in Ventura County for nearly 70 years. She was a member of various community organizations, including the Ventura County Museum of History and Art and was known for her lectures on Oxnard history.

She attended Haydock Elementary School and Oxnard High School. She received a teaching credential at the University of California, Berkeley and an administrative degree at the University of Southern California. During her career as an educator in Oxnard, she served as Vice Principal at Hueneme High School and curriculum coordinator for the Oxnard Union High School District (articles.latimes.com).

Lemuel Clarence “Bud” Houser

The OHS Bud Houser stadium is named after Lemuel Clarence Houser for his many athletic achievements. During the first year of the second Oxnard High School, Houser set a shot put record in 1922 for 56’3” (conejovalleyguide.com). The faculty surprised him with this on the day of his graduation.

He went on to compete in the 1924 Olympics in Paris. He won a gold medal for shot put and discus. He also competed in the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam and won a gold medal for the discus throw (venturacountysportshalloffame.org).

William David “Bill” Bannister

The W. D. Bannister gym was named after the first principal of the second Oxnard High School when it was rebuilt in its current location in 1924.

Joe Crosby

This name is seen on the entrance of the OHS Performing Art Center which is used for a variety of different events. According to OHS teacher Mr. Datcher, Crosby was a teacher who worked his way up to an administrator and the PAC was eventually named after him.