A Little de Tolosa Club History and Info:

In the late 1980's the Monday Rotary Club (Rotary Club Of San Luis Obispo) discussed the possibility of forming a second Rotary Club in the City. Over the yeas there was opposition to this move until 1983-84 the then President, Jack Dewar, convinced his Board to establish a second Club. The Board tapped Rotarian's Al. Rizzoli, Lee Ballati, and Dennis Allen to form the new Club.

So on June 27, 1985 the Rotary Club Of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was chartered as Rotary Club # 21978 with 26 members and Dennis Allen as its first President for the "in organization" year 1983-1984 and then Rotary Year 1984-1985. ( See list of Past Presidents)

What does the "de Tolosa" really mean in San Luis Obispo de Tolosa?

San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, actually is the formal name of both our City and the Old Mission, after which the City was named.  It's the Spanish name give by Father Junipero Serra when he founded the fifth Mission in what was to become a string of Missions along the "NEW" Spanish territory in "Alta California." Starting at San Diego, the Missions are spotted along the California Coast where, except for a few, they eventually, became new cities in the area.  All were named for a Saint by the Franciscan's as they founded the churches that we identify as Missions.

Translated from the Spanish, San Luis is "Saint Louis."  Obispo means "Bishop" in Spanish.  The Spanish words de Tolosa mean "of Toulouse."

Louis was the second of three sons of Charles II, duke of Anjou (France) and King of Sicily.  Born in 1274 , this "prince" was educated as a noble. As a youth, Louis and his brothers, were held hostage in Spain.   While in captivity the brothers were taught by Franciscans.  Louis became very pious and desired learning.  Upon release (1296) he renounced his inheritance and titles to join the order of Little Brothers Of St. Francis.  His rise in the order was spectacular and he was consecrated as Bishop and assigned to Toulouse, France.

As Bishop he was known for his healing of disease, halting poverty, and reconciliation of the many divisions in the area.   He became ill while serving his flock and died of fever in 1297. 

Saint Louis was one of the favorite saints of Father Serra and thus became one of the first patron saints named to the Missions.  Of note:  of his many royal relatives was his uncle Louis who became St. Louis - named later for a little city in Missouri.