Taormina's History
The Taormina Community, from its inception in 1967 until 1982, was strictly a retirement community for Theosophists, and residents came to Ojai from all over the world. In 1982 the restrictions limiting residence and ownership to Theosophists were nullified and the community slowly changed into the representative sampling of Ojai Valley residents that it is today. However, it continues to attract creative and spiritual individuals with the current residents representing over ten countries, various spiritual beliefs and a myriad of creative endeavors.
The "historic significance" of the Taormina Community lies in its close association with Theosophy. Many of the early Theosophists were closely involved in the development of the Ojai Valley between the late 1920's through the 1960's. The Historic District is a living legacy of the Theosophical movement, its related intellectual and philosophical endeavors and their significance to the Ojai Valley.
If you would like to read an abstract of the historical report written by SanBuenaventura Research Associates click on the link below:
If you would like to read the entire report by the SanBuenaventura Research Associates
click <here>.Helene Vachet, a Taormina resident and historian, has published a book
about Taormina and its history.
click here to see the book.