Though most people are familiar with the name of E.G. Lewis, founder of Atascadero, not as many know about his wife, Mabel Lewis. 

Strong supporters of the women's right to vote, E.G. and Mabel Lewis owned and operated multiple publications suitable for women. Prior to moving to California, Mabel formed the American Women’s League, a way to unite multiple women's organizations to promote subscriptions to popular periodicals of that era. She was president of the League around the time they moved to Atascadero.

Recognized for her love of animals and gardening, Lewis devoted her time to the artistic side of planning and developing Atascadero in 1913.

According to Lon Allan’s book Atascadero: The vision of one – The work of many, she started her own zoo, housing deer, sheep, owls, raccoons and more behind her private residence, located where the Vons shopping center is today. “She had a petting zoo behind headquarters. Whatever the workers found as they were working in the Colony. They would find [the animals] and bring them to her to give them a home.” 
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"One of her crowning achievements," her obituary said, "was her founding the Atascadero Music Club, which had music lovers all over the county in membership."

With her love of beauty and community, Mabel Lewis left a treasured legacy of progress and advocacy for women's rights.

Follow our page to read more about inspirational women as we build up to our "Women of Note" concert on May 1, 2022!

Source:  Mabel Lewis: Founder’s Wife Was a Lover of Animals & Gardening. Atascadero News. (2019, July 1). Retrieved February 1, 2022, from https://atascaderonews.com/atascadero-news-magazine/colony-people/mrs-e-g/ 

Did you know the homeless shelter on Orcutt Road in San Luis Obispo, CA was named after a resilient lady named Maxine Lewis?

Arriving in SLO county in 1959 with her husband and eight children, she went to work helping the elderly, infirm, and homeless in the community. In a Nov. 25, 1971, story, Lewis said: “As far back as I remember, I always wanted to work with people, to help people — especially children and old people.” 

After a car accident rendered her unable to maintain her job as a nurse, Maxine overcame hurdles that would test the grit of a weaker person. One of her attempts to help an elderly woman with housework resulted in terrible racial slurs that cut deep. Despite the challenge, however, she was determined that there were people who would accept her offers of help.

In 1968, Maxine founded Grass Roots II, an assistance organization specializing educating people on their rights regarding better housing for lower-income people & housing for the poor. Child care centers, adult literacy classes and educational programs soon followed.

Maxine was named Citizen of the Year by Phi Delta Kappa for her outstanding service to schools and citizen of the month by the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce for “humanistic and dynamic services to people in need.” 

Her care and compassion for the community is summed up in this quote: 
“We’re just trying to bring a little sunshine into someone’s life. Or just to let them know we care,” she said.

Follow our page to read more about inspirational women as we build up to our "Women of Note" concert on May 1, 2022!
Source:
Middlecamp, David. “The Story of Maxine Lewis, Who Strived ... - San Luis Obispo.” San Luis Obispo Tribune, 11 Dec. 2014,
​https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/photos-from-the-vault/article39505848.html. 

𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭: 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐

Women of Note is guaranteed to inspire and uplift our audience as Canzona weaves together stories of noteworthy and courageous women from near and far through music, poetry, and song. Join us for an evening concert commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in history!