San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
“Love” and “Double Joy”
樂 愛
Chinatown reached its peak in the late 19th century. Consisting of portions of three city blocks, it was the largest Chinese settlement in San Luis Obispo County. At its hub was the Ah Louis Store, situated among other shops, restaurants, living quarters for Chinese merchants and their families, and boarding houses for Chinese laborers.
The mural evokes images of Chinese-American history in San Luis Obispo County, including the Ah Louis Store; thousands of laborers who built railroads, and roads connecting San Luis Obispo with San Francisco and Los Angeles; a boat bringing the Chinese to the new country; Yin and Yang to symbolize Chinese life forces in harmony with Nature; and a powerful dragon to symbolize long life. The Chinese characters for “Love” and “Double Joy”, linked by a dragon, symbolize the duality of the immigrants’ experience: their love for the land of their birth and joy for their hopes in a new land. This message is still relevant to Chinese immigrants today.
funded by the City of San Luis Obispo and private donors through
the “Art in Public Places” program. Dedicated in this, the
Chinese Year of the Ox.
Erected 1997 by Chinatown Public Art Committee of the City of San Luis Obispo, California.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Asian Americans.
Location. 35° 16.901′ N, 120° 39.84′ W. Marker is in San Luis Obispo, California, in San Luis Obispo County. Marker is on Palm Street. Marker and Artwork are located across the parking lot from the Ah Louis Store building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo CA 93401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Ah Louis Store (a few steps from this marker); Chong's Candy Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); De Anza Expedition 1775 - 1776 (about 400 feet away); Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (about 400 feet away); San Luis Obispo Sesquicentennial (about 500 feet away); Carnegie City Library (about 600 feet away); General John C. Fremont (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Luis Obispo.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,165 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on February 26, 2012. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 28, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.