Preserve and Protect the Past for the Future
Help Preserve a Historic Landmark
Upcoming projects such as the Hitch Ranch housing development and the construction of a new city hall and library, could put this historic landmark in jeopardy of being demolished. Join US in helping to preserve this historic Moorpark landmark!
Historical Contributions of Tanner's Corner
Mission Garage
One of Moorpark's First Gas Stations
One of Moorpark's First Gas Stations
Mission Garage, located on the northwest corner of High St. and Moorpark Ave. was run by Ira Gilpen Tanner, or I.G., as he was known. I.G. was born in Kentucky and came to Moorpark in 1913. He started working as an auto mechanic in 1905 and by 1916 was working in R.J. Batty's garage here in Moorpark. Shortly thereafter, he owned and operated Mission Garage.
One of Moorpark's First Gas Stations
One of Moorpark's First Gas Stations
One of Moorpark's First Gas Stations
Tanner built up his business to include auto repair services, one of Moorpark's first gas stations, and eventually even an electronics store. When I.G. came to Moorpark, the town was, "...just dirt roads, a house or two and a few store buildings." In 1938, Tanner left his garage to become the superintendent of the water district in Moorpark, a position he held until 1953.
Moorpark's First Fire Station
One of Moorpark's First Gas Stations
Moorpark's First and Only Courthouse
Starting in 1920, Mission Garage began serving as Moorpark's first volunteer fire department. The department was organized by I.G. Tanner and he was the town's first fire chief. Early fire fighting equipment consisted of gunny sacks, shovels, and hoes. The department slowly raised enough money to purchase a modern chemical fire fighting rig and eventually a fire truck.
Moorpark's First and Only Courthouse
Moorpark's First and Only Courthouse
Moorpark's First and Only Courthouse
Moorpark's first and only courthouse was located in one of the two small offices in the northern wing of Tanner's Corner. Judge Eugene Graham served in this office as Justice of the Peace in Moorpark from 1930 to 1947.
Life After Mission Garage
Moorpark's First and Only Courthouse
Historic Moorpark Landmark
After Tanner closed Mission Garage in 1938, the building served for many years as a garage, auto parts store, carpet store, and upholstery store. The building has had cameo appearances in a 1961 Perry Mason TV series episode entitled The Case of the Barefaced Witness and also in the 1976 action film Moving Violation.
Historic Moorpark Landmark
Moorpark's First and Only Courthouse
Historic Moorpark Landmark
It is hard to imagine High Street without Tanner's Corner! For years it has served the community in so many ways and should be preserved to be enjoyed by Moorpark's future generations.
How you can help
All Moorpark citizens should reach out to our Mayor and City Council members to voice their concern about the importance of preserving historic Tanner's Corner and all historic buildings in Moorpark.
Mayor Chris Enegren- cenegren@moorparkca.gov
Councilmember Dr. Antonio Castro.- acastro@moorparkca.gov
Councilmember Daniel Groff- dgroff@moorparkca.gov
Councilmember Renee Delgado- rdelgado@moorparkca.gov
Councilmember Tom Means- tmeans@moorparkca.gov
Contact Us
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Please follow the link below to submit your name and email address to receive updates and information regarding our efforts to preserve Tanner's Corner and all of Moorpark's historic structures!
