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The fifth California mission founded by
Father Junipero Serra, Sept. 1, 1772.
Named after Saint Louis, Bishop of Toulouse,
France.
Present building built 1793-1794.
Front portico added: 1794, torn down in 1877,
restored in 1933.
Wooden siding added in the late 1870’s;
removed between 1920 to 1934.
In 1769, Fr Serra, a member of the Order of
Franciscan Minors (O.F.M.), received orders from Spain to bring
the Catholic faith to the Natives of Alta California. Mission
San Diego was the first mission founded in Alta California that
same year.
On September 7 - 8, 1769 Gaspar de Portola traveled
through the San Luis Obispo area on his way to rediscover the
Bay of Monterey. The expedition’s diarist, Padre Juan Crespi,
O.F.M., recorded the name given to this area by the soldiers as
llano de los Osos, or the level of the bears (Bear Plain) as this
was an area with an abundance of bears. Since then, various translations
of the Crespi Diary have called this area La Canada de Los Osos
(The Canyon of the Bears) which has been further mistranslated
as the Valley of the Bears.
In 1770, Fr. Serra founded the second
mission, San Carlos Borremeo, in Monterey which was moved to Carmel
the following year. As supplies dwindled in 1772 at the then four
missions, the people faced starvation. Remembering the Valley
of the Bears, a hunting expedition was sent to bring back food
in the summer of 1772. Over 25 mule loads of dried bear meat and
seed was sent north to relieve the missionaries, soldiers, and
neophytes (baptized Natives). The Natives were impressed at the
ease by which the Spaniards could take down the huge grizzles
with their weapons. Some of the meat was traded with the local
people in exchange for edible seed. It was after this that Fr.
Serra decided that La Canada de Los Osos would be an ideal place
for the fifth mission. The area had abundant supplies of food
and water, the climate was also very mild, and the local Chumash
were very friendly. With soldiers, muleteers, and pack animals
carrying mission supplies, Fr. Serra set out on a journey to reach
the Valley of the Bears. On September 1, 1772, Fr. Serra celebrated
the first Mass with a cross erected near San Luis Creek. The very
next day, he departed for San Diego leaving Fr. Jose Cavaller,
O.F.M., with the difficult task of building the mission. Fr. Cavaller,
five solders and two neophytes began building what is today called
Mission San Luis, Obispo de Tolosa.
www.misssionsanluisobispo.org |
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Located at 536 Marsh Street, the historic
Jack House and its Victorian gardens is an ideal setting for weddings,
receptions or other events. The grounds feature a gazebo, patio
area with fountain, kitchen and utility building, restrooms, and
barbecue area. The house has been renovated to return visitors
to the Victorian days and the nearby washhouse has been converted
to a gift shop - tours are scheduled two days a week, call 781-7300
for the current viewing times. This is a very popular site for
weddings and receptions - call (805)781-7222 for reservation information.
Historic Jack House and Gardens - more information
www.jackhouse.com |
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Barbecued ribs, freshly picked produce, arts
and crafts, and live entertainment ...it's San Luis Obispo's lively
Farmers' Market! Held every Thursday night (except Thanksgiving
in which case it’s held the Friday evening after turkey
day or cancelled when it rains), Farmers' Market is a street fair
and produce market. No dogs allowed, City Ordinance. Locals and
visitors alike can shop for the county's freshest produce and
flowers, devour delicious ribs and sandwiches, browse local shops
open late, and enjoy assortments of live entertainment. Recognized
as a leader of such activities in California, Farmers' Market
is held on six downtown blocks of Higuera Street, between Osos
and Nipomo streets. The area is closed to all through traffic
to make room for this fabulous event. City Ordinance prohibits
dogs from attending. Please leave your four legged friends at
home. Look out for a six-foot bear — that's mascot "Downtown
Brown" giving out hugs and paw shakes to Market-goers.
www.Farmers
Market.com |
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