Landmark Agoura: 'Old Agoura' Sign

There's no shortage of signage in Agoura Hills. Modern and antique. "Signs, signs, everywhere signs," as the song goes. From the revolving billboard, announcing upcoming attractions at the Canyon Club, to temporary placards, political and otherwise, vying to catch motorists' eyes along both sides of the relentlessly busy Ventura Freeway, a.k.a. "The 101."

For a quick change of pace, exit the 101 North at Cheseboro Road, turn immediately right and follow the road into another time. This gateway into Old Agoura is surprising, starting with the over-the road arching wooden "Old Agoura" welcome sign.

Pass underneath to find horse country, with ranchettes, horse stables – a California old west environment. Rambling ranch style homes with equestrian expanses blend with sprawling modest properties, Old Agoura Park heading towards Driver Avenue. Just beyond "Old Agoura" No. 2 is Agoura High School.

You can also find these entering, exiting welcome signs from the other direction. From Kanan Road, turn east onto Thousand Oaks Boulevard, turn right at the high school's football field, and left on Driver Avenue.

Between the Old Agoura twin signs is a contemporary trip to the ole' days. To the locals, it is as familiar as Halloween in October but visitors from hikers, horse-riders, cyclists and motorists may find the historic signs folksy and fun. There's the feeling of simpler times, when neighbors knew each other and kids could walk home from school.

History books depict Old Agoura as a stagecoach stop, and mention Old Agoura as a 1920s locale for motion pictures needing rural settings. As the area grew and needed a post office, a list of suggested names included that of French sheepherder Pierre Agoure, who settled there in 1871 when he was 17. The Postal Department selected Agoure and changed the last letter, which became Agoura.

How many other communities have twin rustic signposts mirror its special past?