Atascadero, California - The First Master Planned Community in California

In January of 1913, after considerable research, a 23,000 acre parcel was identified as the optimum site for a new community that would combine "All the advantages of country life with city conveniences" and would be planned specifically to accommodate the automobile. E.G. Lewis selected the Atascadero Rancho based on topography, climate, rainfall, proximity to the coast and location on the El Camino Real (Hwy 101) halfway between the major urban centers of California. Seven months later he secured that tract with a $500 option to purchase the $1,000,000 property. The subdivision remains the largest ever filed in San Luis Obispo county.
Museum Fans
Historical Happenings
E. G.'s German Born Neighbor
   Last week I introduced Edward Gardner Lewis' Paso Robles neighbor, Ignace Paderewski and this week you will get a glimpse of E. G.'s neighbor to the southwest of the Colony.  Some of the following information was found in my cousin,
1/20/2012 10:19:00 PM
The Great Publishing Plant
   Most everyone who thinks he can accomplish anything at all, thinks there is some one particular thing that he can do just a little better than most people.  If he thinks this hard enough, and tries hard enough to do it he is rather
1/20/2012 10:17:00 PM
People's University & American Art Porcelain - The work of The University City Pottery
People's University (Lewis 1907 - 1912)   The information found in today's article are excerpts from an article written by Paul F. Evans in the December 1971 edition of Spinning Wheel, The National Magazine about Antiques.  The article
12/14/2011 12:31:00 AM
Atascadero Centennial Daffodil Project Has Deep Roots
This project was conceived by Lee Swam as a way to beautify Atascadero in general and Colony Homes specifically in advance of our Centennial celebration which is only 2 years away.  The goal is to plant 25,000 bulbs prior to the
12/14/2011 12:29:00 AM
Pup in a Cup
Hearty wishes to you from the Atascadero Historical Society as we enter the Holiday season!Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Day and found lots of things to be thankful for.  Remember, as Christmas shopping begins; buy American and locally
11/29/2011 12:52:00 AM
Another Use for the Caladero Processing Plant
Another Use for the Caladero Processing PlantHospitality was alive and well in the young colony of Atascadero according to the article published in the July/August 1920 edition of The Illustrated Review.  E. G. Lewis put the members of the
11/24/2011 1:21:00 AM
Caladero Pumpkin Flour introduced in 1920
Caladero Pumpkin Flour introduced in 1920I hope everyone enjoyed celebrating Thanksgiving Day with family and friends.  I am not a fan of Pumpkin pie but it is a Thanksgiving Day tradition in our household not only for dessert but for breakfast
11/24/2011 1:21:00 AM
Atascadero's First Zoo
Atascadero's First ZooE.G. Lewis definitely had a sense of humor as witnessed in this excerpt from a very long article he wrote in the January 1920 issue of The Illustrated Review.  He frequently added amusing paragraphs in his articles
11/24/2011 1:20:00 AM
Removed Rotunda Trees to be Utilized by Historical Society
Removed Rotunda Trees to be Utilized by Historical Society  When you travel across the Lewis Avenue bridge heading toward the Junior High, you will see a sight that most of us haven't seen in our lifetime.  The grandeur of Atascadero's
11/24/2011 1:19:00 AM
The Story of a Pioneer
 If perchance you attended  the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase a couple of years ago and viewed the Historical Society's exhibit, you may have noticed an elderly gentleman pictured holding some gigantic vegetables. 
11/24/2011 1:18:00 AM
Great Morro Road
 Today's article is excerpt from the “E. G. Lewis Monthly Letter” and can be found in the November 1916 edition of the Woman's National Magazine.  The monthly column written by E. G. provides interesting reading as he described the progress
11/24/2011 1:17:00 AM
The English Dynamo
  In 1919 E. G. Lewis and the Colony gained a new neighbor on Eagle Ranch by the name of Frederick Peabody, owner of the company that made Arrow Collars for men’s shirts.  I will just touch the surface of the accomplishments that Frederick
11/21/2011 6:30:00 PM
1950 Aerial View of E. G. Lewis Civic Center
   Found this photo in the August 17, 1950 Atascadero Advertiser a shopper guide to the local businesses published by the Atascadero News in cooperation with the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce.  This aerial picture of Atascadero shows
11/5/2011 5:45:00 PM
E. G.'s 1916 Visit to Mr. Tognazzini
 Mr. Lewis wrote about the Colony's beach property (currently a Morro Bay housing development known as the Cloisters) in the following excerpt copied from one of his monthly letters to his many readers.  The Colony Holding Company built a
11/5/2011 4:34:00 PM
Paderewski “future ruler of Poland”
This month, during the Paderewski Festival, the Paso Robles Historical Society and The Pioneer Museum showcase displays celebrating Ignace J. Paderewski.  The Pioneer Museum has borrowed one of our Illustrated Review magazines showing photos and
11/5/2011 4:32:00 PM
Preserving Atascadero's Living Museums One House at a Time
Some of you may have noticed the old Colony house out by Home Depot that was moved down closer to El Camino Real a few years back.  There were 17 homes left unfinished that sat for the last few years before the homes were purchased and finished
8/22/2011 9:47:00 PM
Keeping up with the Museum
Atascadero Colony Museum  I just posted 2 Historical Happenings Articles on the website:
1. E. G.'s German Born Neighbor
2. The Great Publishing Plant

  January 20 Comment

1 people like this including     
Atascadero Colony Museum  Wonderful blog... spot on!
The Uncataloged Museum: Click!
uncatalogedmuseum.blogspot.com
  January 14 Comment

1 people like this including     
James Wilkins  Starting to plan our move back into the Historic City Hall. There are some pretty exciting things in our future!
November 05 Comment
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