Historic Posts, Camps, Stations and Airfields

San Miguel Recreation Site

(San Miguel United Services Organization [USO])

 

 

US Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District History (1992)

 

On 17 January 1942, 4.94 acres were acquired by the United States of America by deed from F.W. Tutin. The Federal Works Agency transferred "custody" of the property to the Department of the Army by letter dated 13 July 1948.

A United Service Organization (USO) recreation building was constructed at this site sometime during World War II, probably in 1942 or 1943. The building was approximately 19,000 square feet, twostory, and included, among other facilities, a gymnasium and a large cooking facility. Army troops stationed at Camp Roberts used the property for recreational purposes.

 

The Army, as agent only, to the Federal Works Agency, maintained "temporary custody" of the property until it was relinquished to the Housing and Home Finance Agency on 3 December 1954. On 23 July 1954, 0.26 acres were transferred to the State of California by Quitclaim Deed, and on 15 June 1960, 4.68 acres were transferred to the Franciscan Fathers of California by Quitclaim Deed. The former USO building was demolished and removed circa 1984. The site is essentially vacant and unused except for a patch of asphalt (4 feet by 20 feet) and an electrical box.

Sources:

1. A real estate file is maintained by the Real Estate Division, Los Angeles District, Corps of Engineers.
2. San Luis Obispo County Records Office.
3. Albert Davis, Curator of the Camp Roberts Museum, was the main contact for the site.
4. Arian Ramage, a local rancher, conducted the demolition of the USO building.

 

 

 

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Updated 8 February 2016