1910 era San Luis Obispo saloon
October 5, 2008 – 5:36 pm
I don’t have to tell you, times are tough today. It’s time to head down to the saloon and toss one down the hatch.
This undated, uncaptioned bar was somewhere in San Luis Obispo. There was a choice of whiskey from Irving’s to The Old Government or you could tap the barrel of Tennessee Moonshine.
The last item was rung up for 95 cents on the register. Cigar boxes of San Luis Perfecto’s are on the top of the bar.
The lights were both gas and electric; my guess is this in the 1910’s.
Spittoons lined the floor; it is likely only refined lady ever in the place was the picture on the wall.
Last call historians, anyone know where this is or recognize the people?
6 Responses to “1910 era San Luis Obispo saloon”
Terrific. Everything — from the spittoons on the floor to the dusty bottles in the cupboard — exudes a wonderful seediness. I love it.
By Sarah on Oct 13, 2008
i think this picture is the building next to the old johnson’s for kids. it used to be a craft shop and before then a grocery market.
By Andrew on Oct 16, 2008
Thanks for the comment Andrew.
Do you think this is the Sinsheimer building on Monterey or the building on the Chorro Street side?
Anyone else have an idea where this is?
By David Middlecamp on Oct 17, 2008
Howdy David,
I think I might be able to narrow down the possibilities. Could you tell me what do you see out of the back window. Is it a tree with hills in the back ground or painted over windows? There were several saloons on Monterey Street during 1910-1920. There was the Hunsaker Saloon at 862 Monterey which is now a parking lot, the Novelty Saloon where Ross Dress For Less today, St. James Saloon where Beverly’s is today. On Higuera there was a saloon at 710, 719 which is now Michaels Optical, 720 where Kevin Main Jewelry is today. On Chorro there was the Tullman Saloon, Stearns Saloon, Hogan Saloon, and lots more around town. The ceilings in this saloon are really tall. That may help. There is a good chance that this building may not be there anymore. Thanks for putting up these photos. I have enjoyed playing “name that business”.
Guy Crabb
By Guy Crabb on Oct 18, 2008
Hello Guy,
Thanks for commenting.
It appears to me that the photo was made after dark and the dark shape in the window is the bar mantle reflected in the glass.
Other details:
On each side of the mirror is a pair of artillery shells.
In the middle of the bar is what looks like a teapot, though these customers don’t look like the Earl Grey types.
By David Middlecamp on Oct 22, 2008
hey i like the picture i looked at the picture real good and it looks like a photo taken after the old west took place theres wall paper on all the walls
By bobbie mccoy on Jun 11, 2010