The History Center of San Luis Obispo County

Fan of neo-noir films? Keen on a story with a bit of wine, and even the chance to spot a familiar sight or two? Perhaps even our own research room! We were very excited to work with this fantastic film crew producing what we're sure will be a great movie. Follow them on Instagram so you too can get ready to see this movie when it comes out!

On April 7th, 1926, a massive fire at Tank Farm was started by a lightning strike. The fire lasted almost two weeks, and the inferno was so intense that it created its own micro-climate for five days as the fire raged on. At its worst, a vacuum induced by the flames reduced buildings to rubble with the force of suction alone.

Soup's on! On April 18, you could pick up your own amazing collection of Dallidet harvest for a meal you won't forget! We sold out last fall, so get your tickets now. Also this photo was taken on December 18, 1961, with Alex and Phyllis Madonna in the center, though if you know the names of either the gent on the far right or our great chef we'd love to know! https://www.historycenterslo.org/soup.html

What a lovely Spring bonnet! Little Miss Ruth Walch enjoyed a festive horseback ride with her faithful steed and her giant pup too! The location is noted as "Sacramento Ranch, SLO County" do you happen to know where that ranch is now located?

We're so excited to show off our new staff photos- it took forever to find so many matching bow ties, but it was worth it! Don't we all look great? Just kidding, we only have two staff, but maybe we should get matching bow ties! This funny troupe is from the Elks Club for a vaudeville performance sometime before the turn of the century. Happy April Fools!

Back in 1961 Harry Fryer, Sr. and these two unidentified women were helping at the holiday food drive. Do you happen to recognize the organization they were volunteering with or either of the female volunteers? Thank you researchers!

Before you drive over for our Sunday drive through BBQ, take the chance tonight to learn why this neighborhood is such an important part of our history. Sign up for tonight's free Carnegie Lecture to learn about Eto Park and Brook Street and how this neighborhood is a testament to what happens to communities ravaged by racial intolerance and segregation. https://www.historycenterslo.org/lecture.html Seen here the Watanabe family in the 1910s, join us tonight to learn more about their impact on the neighborhood!

Have you finally finished your leftovers? Ready for another BIG meal with none of the cooking? Buy tickets for our drive through BBQ! Jump in your car like Young Louis did back in the 1930s, and feed the whole household on THREE POUNDS of tri-tip, loaf of french bread, salad and beans! All the funds go right back to supporting the History Center which we sincerely need after the economic collapse cut our yearly subvention by $70,000! Get your tickets right here: https://www.historycenterslo.org/bbq.html

Another fall-flowering plant at the Dallidet is New England Aster or Michaelmas daisy as it tends to flower around September 29, the feast of St. Michael. An herbaceous perennial, abundant flower heads provide critical fall nectar for pollinators, especially Monarch butterflies. Flowers are ray florets and range from deep violet to pink, with orange-yellow disc florets in their centers. In the Asteraceae family, along with chrysanthemums, daisies and sunflowers, New England ...asters are cespitose, with several erect stems emerging from a single point. Hairy, clasping leaves are densely arranged on stout stems for a robust, upright habitat. Native to Eastern and Central North America, New England asters flourish in meadow prairies, marshes and stream banks. Easy to grow, New England asters are long-lasting cut flowers, even though the flowers close at night. According to Greek mythology, asters were created by the tears of the Greek goddess, Astraea, saddened by how few stars were in the dark sky. She began to cry and her tears fell to the ground and became star-shaped flowers, or asters, an emblem of Venus, goddess of love. See more

In 2020 did you learn something from a Carnegie lecture, enjoy the peace of the Dallidet gardens, or go down the research rabbit hole with our incredible collection? Then please help us on this #GivingTuesday! Due to the pandemic the $70,000 we expected from the county subvention was withdrawn. Donate, buy a membership, get tickets to our delicious BBQ, or bid on our auction online! We've been here since 1953, and we want to keep sharing, preserving, and making history with you! Thank you everyone!