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 Caption reads: 'Ah Louis bricks were originally made by crude methods with clay-dirt from the hillside of the San Luis Mountain.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.'

Ah Louis used the Wells, Fargo & Co's Express to send $20.00 to Tony [?] [Jun?] who lived in San Francisco. This service was to pay money by telegraph.

Interior of store with Taoist Temple shrine

The box-rent receipt for Ah Louis in 1888. The rental lasted for a quarter of a year and ended June 30, 1888. The price was 75 cents. The back of the receipt lists the regulations of the rental. Handwritten Chinese script is written across the regulations.

A box-rent receipt for Ah Louis (spelled 'Luis' in the document). This rental lasted for a quarter of 1888, from July 14 to September 30. The price was 75 cents. On the back of the receipt are regulations for the rental. Chinese script is written over the regulations.

Receipt for payment by Ah Louis (spelled Luis in the document) to the San Luis Water Co., for March 1 to April 1, 1888. Details of the payment and water services are listed on the receipt, as well as the bill price of fourteen dollars and fifty cents. On the back of the receipt is a line of Chinese script.

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).