Adventure 051, Site 040 – Ah Louis Store

Capture California, the Game-2012

Adventure: 051, Site 040 – Ah Louis Store

California Landmark Number: 802

Team: Thing One, Thing Two

Date:  September 18, 2012

Location:

Latitude: 35° 16.892′ N

Longitude: 120° 39.85′ W

Address: 800 Palm Street , San Luis Obispo, CA

Description:

Date Built: 1874

A little off of the center part of San Luis Obispo, but not too far away, is the Ah Louis Store. The notable thing about this store is that is was an early supplier of Chinese ingredients, and other items, for the community. It is still maintained with a pleasing appearance with white siding and blue trim. The building now houses The Nest, a boutique store. Across the street, there is a mural dedicated to the Chinese workers. It is entitled Love and Double Joy. (Ah Louis' real name was On Wong)



NO. 802 AH LOUIS STORE - Ah Louis' Store, established in 1874, was the first Chinese store in the county. It sold general merchandise and herbs and served as a bank, counting house, and post office for the numerous Chinese coolies who dug the eight tunnels through the Mountains of Cuesta for the Southern Pacific Railroad, 1884 to 1894.
Location: 800 Palm St at Chorro St, San Luis Obispo



References:

• HMDB.ORG
  
• Wikipedia
  
• San Luis Obispo's Historical Society
  
• NPS Site
  

Overall Landmark References:

• David Schmitt's California State Historical Landmark (Schmitt)
  
• Wikipedia: California's National Landmarks (WCNL)
  
• State of California's California Historical Landmarks (CHL)
  
• Wikipedia: California State Landmarks (WCSL)
  
• State of California Historical Resources (CHR)
  
• National Registry of Historical Places (NRHP)