Village Historic Walking Tour

It is a picture of what everyone's hometown was or should have ever been... It is a picture of true western history and natural beauty... It is a picture of Americana... It is the Village of Arroyo Grande!

As you stroll through the Village you'll begin to feel as if you have been transported back to a simpler time. You'll see the place that Arroyo Grande's outlaws were forced to call home-the Hoosegow. You'll see where thousands of travelers passed on the historic Pacific Coast Railway. You'll see where a farmer was hung in a dispute over land that became known as the infamous "Terrible Tragedy." You'll see history!

Valley History

Branch Street serves as the main thoroughfare through historic Arroyo Grande. It is appropriately named after Francis Z. Branch, the gentleman who helped the town find its beginnings. Branch came to the Arroyo Grande area on a bear hunting expedition in 1832. Charmed by the untouched land, he later purchased 16,000 acres and became a successful cattle rancher.

After a year-long drought devastated the valley in 1864, Branch began to sell pats of his land to settlers. By 1876, thirty–five families had settled in the valley and established two stores, two saloons, a wheelwright, butcher shop, launder, and livery and feed yard. A local railway depot was established in 1882 and Arroyo Grande was on it’s way to becoming an established town.

Historic Landmarks

A. The Paulding History House, 551 Crown Hill, built in 1889.

B. E.C. Loomis Building, 415 E. Branch, built in 1910.

C. The Pacific Coast Railroad Line (historical marker). Cottage hotel for train passengers in two-story home in rear.

D. Mason Street Bridge, built in 1923.

E. Mrs. J.T. Richards' Home, 127 S. Mason Street, circa 1890.

F. Dr. Walter's Sanitarium / Heritage House, 126 S. Mason Street. Constructed in 1895, the building is now being used as the Heritage House and Museum by the South County Historical Society. Museum Hours are Saturday, Noon to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

In 1997 the City of Arroyo Grande agreed to lease to the South County Historical Society a historic home at 126 Mason Street. This home was built in the late 1800's but the exact date is unknown.

Records show the property was sold in 1895 to Charles A. Pitmen and by the price paid for the property, we think the house existed. In 1906 the house was sold to Dr. H.S. Walters and was known for many years as "Dr. Walter's Sanitarium."

The house had numerous owners over the years. In 1948 the house was turned into a duplex and the Travis and Roundtree families lived there. The Roundtrees owned the house and sold it to Travis in 1961. The city of Arroyo Grande bought the house December 5, 1976, and used the house as a daycare center and home for their Recreation Department.

The Society acquired the home in June of 1997 and has done major restoration work to make it a mini museum and visitor center, A gazebo and period garden is being used for social events and weddings. The restoration work was done by volunteers from the society, community, and local businesses.

G. Santa Manuela School House, the last remaining one room school in the county. Built in 1901. Open, free to the public, and for special tours with Docents from the South County Historical Society, from 12-3 pm on Saturdays and 1-4 pm Sundays.

Santa Manuela School House, which the Society owns and maintains, was built in 1901 on the corner of the Joseph Jatta Property, which is now under Lopez Lake. It is a one room school house, which was in use until 1957.

In 1999, with cooperation from the Village Improvement Association and the City of Arroyo Grande, who granted funds to move the school to Short Street, adjacent to the swinging bridge. This building is completely restored to its original use including the school books, maps, slate boards, pictures, etc.

H. Swinging Bridge, First built from rope by Newton Short in 1880's.

The Swinging Bridge was originally constructed in 1875 by Newton Short, whose land was divided by Arroyo Grande Creek. Sides were added after 1902. The Bridge was given to the City of Arroyo Grande in 1911, and they have since provided the maintenance and care. In January of 1995, a tree fell on the bridge during a fierce storm, damaging it beyond repair. Through Federal funding and the fundraising efforts by the local business community and residents, the bridge was reconstructed and opened in May of 1995.

The only swinging bridge of its kind in California, it spans 171 feet in length, 40 feet above the creek.

I. I.O.O.F Hall, 128 Bridge Street, built in 1902. Future South County Historical Museum and Museum on National Register Historic Places.

In 1985, the Society acquired the I00F - Odd Fellows Hall, located at 128 Bridge Street in the Village of Arroyo Grande, The hall was built in 1902 on land donated in 1898 b Mrs. Elston. Ben Stuart, a local contractor did the stone work. The building was completed in six months at a cost of $5,500. It was dedicated on January 10, 1903. This two and half story structure is faced with native sandstone which came from a quarry south of Arroyo Grande.

Meanwhile, the Curator has been collecting local historical artifacts for our museum, Donations have been received from many of the old families in the South Country, friends who have moved away, and people who want a home for their family antiques.

J. Olohan Building, 102 Bridge Street - Built in 1907 as a hotel.

K. 100 Branch Street, built in 1905 as the Bank of Arroyo Grande.

L. 110 E. Branch, built in the 1880's as the Palace Saloon.

M. 112 E. Branch, built in 1895 for Phillips Brothers' Furniture.

N. 116 E. Branch, built to house the U.S. Post Office.

0. 118 E. Branch, built in 1897 for The Meat Market. Later acquired by Lewis Novelties.

P. 120 E. Branch, built in 1897 to house Swall's Meat Market.

Q. 122 E. Branch, built in 1897 for J.T. Richards' Grocery.

R. Stone Building, 123 E. Branch, built in 1904.

S. 124 W. Branch, built in 1887 to house the Methodist Episcopal Church.

T. 120 Hart Lane, built in 1860 by George Robbins.

U. Hoosegow, on LePoint Street (between Miller and Nevada), was built circa 1906.

V. The Stewart House, 331 S. Mason, circa 1902. First postmaster of Arroyo Grande.

Photos courtesy of Vivian Krug, Ross Kongable, Richard Boult

South County Historical Society

History in San Luis Obispo County

According to Madge

History of the Cottage Hotel and E.C. Loomis Feed Mill

Arroyo Grande Valley Prime Farmland a National Treasure to Protect

Village Historic Walking Tour

Valley History

Historic Landmarks