H.P. #8
Louis Einstein Home (1913)
1600 M Street
Edward T. Foulkes, Architect
Craftsman English
Cottage
The Einstein Home was designed by architect Edward T. Foulkes for Louis Einstein (1847-1914), pioneer merchant, banker, and civic leader in Fresno County. In 1874 Einstein and H. D. Silverman opened a store in Fresno under the name Silverman and Einstein Company. After Silverman's death in 1877, the name was changed to the Louis Einstein Company. Einstein moved from storekeeping to banking when he founded the Bank of Central California in 1887. He served as president of the bank until his death. He also served as president of the Einstein Investment Company and the First National Bank of Coalinga. Active in nearly all the early economic developments of Fresno, Einstein supported the city's first irrigation, gas, and street car ventures. He helped in organizing the free library movement and for several years served as a member of the Library Board. A patron of the liberal arts and music, Einstein was active in the formation of the Unitarian Church in Fresno. Louis Einstein died in his home in 1914. His widow, Eda, and other family memberes continued to live in the house until her death. The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) bought the house for their activities building in 1950. It has been in continuous use by the YWCA since then.
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