San Luis Obispo

In the middle of the town of San Luis Obispo, California, is a small park called Mitchell Park. It is a friendly, grassy park with an old-fashioned gazebo right in the middle. The gazebo has played host to several events. From weddings to concerts, fairs to farmer’s markets. What some people attending these events may not be familiar with is the history of that old gazebo. How it got there? Why it is there? And where did the ‘Mitchell’ name come from?

Directly across the street from the park is a small house built by Frank Campbell Mitchell. The person in which the park was named after. Frank Mitchell was the mayor of San Luis Obispo back in the late 1800’s. He built the home to live in. The park, however, came later.

During Frank’s time as mayor, he became one of the most likable men in all

the town. Almost everyone liked him… almost.

One man, by the name of Jonathan Moore, took a dislike to Frank on the very first day they met. It was in 1884 when Jonathan and Frank met on Chorro Street in front of the newly built Siinsheimer building. They both had taken a liking to an extremely attractive young lady by the name of Judith Evans, who, coincidentally, was walking right past the two men on the street.

As Judith walked by, she was greeted with both men tipping their hats to say hello, just as a gentleman would do. But when she finished passing by, she was also greeted with a cat-call whistle. She immediately stopped, as she was insulted. She turned to Frank and Jonathan. “How dare you!” she exclaimed. “I am a lady. Not some hussy of a tramp! Please apologize!”

Frank was the first one to speak, not giving Jonathan a chance. “Madam, I am not the one that made that very rude gesture towards you, but please accept my apology for my friend’s behavior.”

Jonathan was appalled that Frank would point the blame at him, even though he was not the one to do it. “I never did such thing!” Jonathan yelled. He gave Frank a strong push on the arm. Frank did not like getting pushed and Franks reflexes took over as he whipped his walking cane around hitting Jonathan in the face.

Judith, seeing a fight about to start, turned, and quickly walked away.

The fight continued for a few minutes until both men realized that Judith had left the area. They left, not saying anything more to one another.

Your turn. Finish the story: