Ojai Valley Tennis Club

On a Saturday afternoon, December 14, 1895, William Thacher called a meeting for all ladies and gentlemen interested in tennis. The next issue of The Ojai newspaper reported: “It was decided to form a tennis club open to all residents and visitors in the valley making the initiation fee twenty-five cents and dues twenty-five cents every three months…A handicap tournament for members, a challenge tournament with the Ventura Club, and a Tennis Tea were discussed as events for the coming winter.”

The first week of February, 1896, the Ojai Valley Tennis Club initiated its first valley-wide tournament consisting of a single elimination mixed doubles event. Thus, The First Ojai!

Today the Ojai Valley Tennis Club is still running The Ojai but has broadened its mission to promoting interest in physical fitness, as well as tennis, and providing recreational facilities for young people throughout the area.

OVTC objectives include:

  • Conduct and maintain the spirit and traditions of The Ojai Tennis Tournament
  • Raise funds to contribute to the maintenance and improvement of tennis courts and other recreational facilities
  • Introduce tennis to youth at an early age and provide opportunities for their continuing enjoyment and development
  • Sponsor and conduct tennis clinics and other recreational activities for Ojai area youth
  • Award athletic scholarships for advanced training for outstanding youth who demonstrate financial need
  • Cooperate with and assist other youth programs and activities

Ojai Valley Tennis Club
Office: 210 S. Signal St. Ojai, CA 93023
Mail: PO Box 482, Ojai, CA 93024
Tel: 805-646-7241
Fax: 805-646-6748
Website: www.ojaitennistournament.com
Tax ID: 23-7134523