San Luis Obispo County Regional Photograph Collection

A man rides a horse along a quiet residential area of San Luis Obispo. The back of the postcard indicates the San Luis Variety Store is depicted in the image.

Sinsheimer Bros Building in left-background

Street view of construction of the San Luis Obispo mission plaza.

Street view of construction of the San Luis Obispo mission plaza.

Street view of construction of the San Luis Obispo Mission Plaza.

Colorized photo of a well-known horseshoe curve in present-day Poly Canyon. The bridge pictured crosses Stenner Creek. Written on back: Santa Maria Cal April 9-12 Dear sister- Well write a line or two here I may be up by Saturday as there is only a days worth insight now and may [cr] in [anoyoon?] my way up and go fishing [cr] about a quarter inch of rain yesterday and it looks as though it would rain again tonight [stad?] a good time at the [cr] leap year social. Frank

Written on back: Dear Mother: Got here in good shape "My house" is a neat, clean 3 bedroom one and will be quite handy as soon as I borrow a little furniture from Walter. Lots of farmers are harvesting and we will start Thurs. Will move equipment tom. In the meantime I'll get set up real good. Lots of love, Paul

Postcard with a hand-colored photograph of a passenger train crossing Stenner Creek as it approaches a well-known horseshoe curve in present-day Poly Canyon. Bishop Peak in the background.

Artificially colored photograph of a well-known horseshoe bend near Stenner Creek in present day Poly Canyon.

5th U.S. Cavalry Crossing Mountain, near San Luis, Obispo, Cal.

Artificially colored postcard photograph of "Estrada Gardens".

Artificially colored postcard photograph of "Estrada Gardens". Written on back: 'Sunday: I arrived all right Sat. had meeting from 10 [cr] 60 [cr] in eve I took bar for [cr] went to Martha. Where I am studying. Florena told me to day all about the Ranch [cr] Best regards from [cr]'

Color image of the public park in Paso Robles. Message on front reads, "Feb. 25, 1907. Dear Peter: - Have had a fine [illeg.] again."  Color image of the public park in Paso Robles. Addressed to, "Miss Rose I. [illeg.], San Luis Obispo, California."

A man and woman hugging to the right and the phrase 'Everybody Is Doing It In Paso Robles, Cal.: They Lose No Time!' with a blue pennant to the left. Back of postcard has message that reads: 'Paso Robles. D[illeg.] Friend Doe, No Heidleberg Push cards here. Out with a gun all day. Best [illeg.] [illeg.]' Addressed to 'Dr. N.J. Gunn, 22nd & Bryant St., San Francisco, Calif.'

Two people stand under an oak tree. Back of postcard has a message that reads: 'Many thanks for [illeg.] - appreciate your kindness, Dr. [Henry?].' Addressed to 'Edward F. G'Day E.'

Small brick building with sign reading 'City Jail: Keep Out', and an advertisement on the side that reads 'Chew The Old Reliable.' Back of postcard has a message that reads: 'Paso Robles Aug 30, Dear [illeg.], I was out with a gun all day. It was some storm this afternoon. Thunder and lightning. Everything in darkness this morning as the lightning struck a pole about a mile out of town and wrecked the wires. [But in regards?] Let George do it.' Addressed to Mrs. J.W. Gunn, Cor 22nd & Bryant, San Francisco, Calif.

A blank color postcard of the Motel Inn. The photographer is given as Rod Johnson, while the hosts at the time were Al and Marge Calkins. The Motel Inn was originally known as the Milestone Mo-Tel and was the first successful hotel designed for automobile owners ever. The Motel Inn closed in 1991 and now stands as the administrative building for the hotel next door, The Apple Farm.

A postcard of the Ramona Hotel, J. E. Rowan, prop. "The leading tourist and commercial hotel in San Luis Obispo. All outside rooms, fire proof and up to date. Dear Mrs. King ; - I am so sorry you are not feeling any better. I do hope you will improve soon. With lots of love, Frida Ernst. Addressed to Mrs. L. King, San Miguel, California." Built after the previously wooden building infamously burned down in 1905.

A blank postcard of the Ramona Hotel, J. E. Rowan, prop. This building was constructed after the previously wooden one infamously burnt down in 1905.

A blank postcard of the Hotel Andrews with two automobiles parked in front.

A postcard of the first Hotel Ramona building with two automobiles parked in front. This structure infamously burned down on November 5, 1905 due to a kitchen fire.

A postcard of the Elks Theatre. Message reads "Dear Mama:- We had a very nice trip down. It was very warm after we left Morro. Arrived home about five. Found everything all O. K. even the old sick hen was still alive. Coon was a very happy cat when we got home. He was very poor. They said he would not eat, but I doubt if he got a chance. I have not got him filled up yet. Mama I hope this finds you all well. Nettie." Addressed to Mrs. Ellen Whitaker, Cambria.

A blank postcard of Elks Hall. Some horses pull carts in front of the building.

A postcard for the Elk's Hall at the corner of Morro Street and Marsh Street in San Luis Obispo. Photograph was taken from the northeast corner of Marsh St and Morro St and colorized. Message reads "April 1, 1911 - Dear Friends just seen in the paper that Mary was very sick I do hope this will finde [sic] her better from your friends Bud and Lizzie B, San Luis Obispo 741 High St." Addressed to Mr. L. M. King, San Miguel, San Luis Obispo. This building was constructed in 1906 by Elk's members before being replaced in 1912 by a larger building which has since been extensively renovated over time. Currently the space is occupied by the Heritage Oaks Bank as of March 2017. Source: The San Luis Obispo Tribune, February 22nd, 1943.