Louis Family Papers

Photo of men and horses working in a brickyard. Caption reads: 'Ah Louis bricks were originally made by crude methods with clay-dirt from the hillside of the San Luis Mountain. But the product proved to be strong and durable for numerous structures built about the turn of the century in the City of San Luis Obispo, have withstood severe storms, and the ravages of the elements and earthquakes. They were eventually deliberately torn down due to building restrictions. Some of these were the old Andrews Hotel, the original county courthouse, the Southern Pacific Railroad Roundhouse, the east wing of the Old Mission Church, and the El Monterey- Obispo Theatre building. Still standing and still being used is the original Sperry Flour Company building (now the Furniture Warehouse and Sport Shop), nearly all of the Andrews Bank block, Sinsheimer Bros. Store and the Ah Louis Store.'

Interior of store with Taoist Temple shrine

This may be a portrait of three Louis siblings, however there is no information provided on the image itself to identify the children. The pansy frame was created by Elinor Hegone, who seems to have been active around 1912-1915, which may help date the photo.

Howard (Toby) Louis sitting in front of what is most likely 863 Chorro St., which in 1930 was listed as the residence for Mae (Louis) Watson and her family (Mae was Howard's sister).

Ah Louis, seated, reading Chinese-language newspaper. Most likely photographed in the interior of the Ah Louis Store, sometime between 1933 and 1936, after he returned from his last trip to China.

Ah Louis with beard and Howard Louis with two unidentified people, standing in front of the Ah Louis Store in Chinatown, Palm Street.

Ah Louis (On Wong) standing with cane on Chorro Street, near intersection of Palm Street, in front of the side of the Ah Louis Store (brick structure with metal shutters). This is dated after 1933 because in 1933 on a trip to China he grew out his goatee, prior to 1933 records suggest he was clean shaven. In the background the building is tentatively identified as the Sauer Adobe.

Ah Louis (center), standing with son Howard Louis (left) and two unidentified people. They are standing in front of the Ah Louis Store, with the opposite side of Palm Street visible.