El Camino Real Bell

El Camino Real Bell. . , El Camino Real is Spanish for "The Royal Road” or "The Kings Highway". Originally the El Camino Real was the 700 mile road that connected the 21 California Missions. They stretch from San Diego to Sonoma. Each mission was one day's journey by horseback. In 1892, Anna Pitcher who resided in Pasadena began a campaign to preserve El Camino Real along with Tessa Kelso. Her efforts were adopted by the California Federation of Women's Clubs in 1902. , Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes (Harrye Rebecca Piper Smith) and Mrs. Caroline Olney spearheaded the idea. She founded the California Bell Company in 1906 and designed the 90 pound bells and cast the first 450. The first one was unveiled at the Plaza Church on Olvera Street on August 15, 1906. The poles were 11 feet tall and were in the shape of a Shepherd's hook. , By 1926, the bells had fallen into a state of disrepair. From 1926-1931 the California Automobile Association and the Automobile Club of Southern California maintained the bells. In 1974, the California Legislature appointed Caltrans to be responsible for repairing or replacing the bells. The bells were originally cast in iron but are now cast in concrete. , Our bell was donated by Bronwyn Ralph. The bell pole was purchased by donations from members. Aqua Tech Waterjet Company designed the sign from pictures of the old El Camino Real Signs and was also made possible by donations. The sign marks the distance to Mission San Fernando and the Old Plaza in Los Angeles.