San Luis Obispo County Regional Photograph Collection

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.

A color view of a street in San Luis Obispo. The Clock Tower can be seen on the left, across from the Wineman Building which still stands today (including the neon sign).

Ten men pose in front of tents

Postcard photograph of a bridge in San Miguel crossing the Salinas River near present day Bradley Rd.

Artificially colored postcard photograph of a train as it enters San Miguel, CA. Written on front: Best wishes from Anna and Willie [cr]

Written on front: 'Old Spanish Ranch house near San Miguel'

Artificially colored photograph of Mission San Miguel. Writing on back reads "Won't be on this local Saturday going [cr] the night So you see Jim want see, Regards from all"

Postcard photograph of east side of Mission San Miguel, founded in 1797.

Postcard photograph of a rodeo at "Santa Margarita Ranch".

Postcard photograph of a rodeo at "Santa Margarita Ranch".

At a Southern Pacific Railroad depot. Written on back: 'Santa Margarita all well here been looking for you for the last month hope you are all well haven't heard from your Mama for some time she was not well then all send regards as [cr]'

Sign indicates that R.W. Robertson is the proprietor of Hotel Margarita. There is also banner, likely unrelated to the hotel, in the top left that bears the name and title, 'O.S Sellers, Manager'.

On front photograph, the following shops can be seen: Saloon; J. Vega, Horseshoeing and General Blacksmithing; OS Sellers, General Merchandise; W.A. Miller. Written on back: 'Santa Margarita Saw Mardge and all all well looking for you any [cr] time [cr] has a big [cr] Boy this morning All going fine Regards [cr] Lingo'

Written on back: 'this is one of the 50 teams owned by the [cr] sugar [cr] and is driven By Fred Ernst, Betteravia, Cal.'

Artificially colored postcard photograph of Union Sugar Co., now abandoned.

Artificially colored postcard photograph of horses hauling beets in Santa Maria, California.

Front of card bears the caption: 'In the Santa Maria Valley sugar beets are harvested with gang-plows, hauled by traction engines. Over 20,000 acres are given over to beets and beans in this district.' On the back of the card, there is typewritten text that reads: 'Second Annual Suggestion. February 23, 1912. Aren't you coming to California this spring? The Golden State was never more beautiful, prosperous - attractive in every way - than it is this year. Big agricultural and industrial opportunities are awaiting the arrival of folks like you. The Southern Pacific is offering SPECIAL LOW RATES, from March 1 to April 15, 1912, in order that you may see our glorious western country. Why put off the trip any longer? Come out into the sunshine while 'coming' is good - and inexpensive! You'll never regret it - that's sure! Give us a suggestion of what you're interested in, on the attached card - please! Yours Contentedly, '. The back also bears the seals of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, San Francisco, CA 1915 and the Panama-California Exposition, San Diego, CA 1915.

Presbyterian Church, constructed in 1905 and still standing on the eastern corner of Marsh and Morro St as one of San Luis Obispo's historic buildings.

Colorized photo of the San Luis Obispo Presbyterian Church, constructed in 1905 on the east corner of Marsh and Morro St. and still standing as one of the city's historic buildings.

Presbyterian Church, constructed in 1905 and still standing on the eastern corner of Marsh and Morro St as one of San Luis Obispo's historic buildings.

Convent, at one point called the "San Luis Obispo Old Mission School" located at 761 Broad St.

Colorized photo of a convent, at one point called the "San Luis Obispo Old Mission School" located at 761 Broad St. Written on back: 'Well Glen you neadent look for me Home this weak as things are going Slow both sides has me subpeoned so and I am Elected for [cr] Next weak was over at Nettis Monday all is well S.L. Whitaker'

Colorized photo of a convent, at one point called the "San Luis Obispo Old Mission School" located at 761 Broad St. Stamp on back of card reads: 'San Luis Postcard Store, Chas. F. Davis, Prop.; Stationery, Periodicals, Books, Novels, etc.; Pennants and Felt Novelties; Wholesale and Retail Post Cards; 889 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, Cal.'

Presbyterian Church, constructed in 1905 and still standing on the eastern corner of Marsh and Morro St as one of San Luis Obispo's historic buildings.

'Visiting Hours' printed on door window. This might be La Audria Apartments on Marsh Street at 1909 Bridge.