California Mission Restoration

The Mission Era of California may seem worlds away from our modern day skyscrapers. The Native Daughters have labored to help restore and preserve the beautiful monuments which are found in our twenty - one missions, creating learning centers for children and adults alike.

A DAY TRIP TO: SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO MISSION AND AREA
Barbie Guethlein- State Chairman of the Mission Restoration Committee 2009

I am planning a trip to the San Juan Capistrano Mission and areas on Sunday OCTOBER 25, 2009 on the Amtrak train.

There is much to explore in this historic town and lots to do as we go back in time 200 years.

So please mark you calendars and join us for a fun day by our beautiful Pacific Ocean coast.

October 8,1894 THE DEPOT itself taunts a 40' high dome with illustrated arches and a mission bell.

The very lovely San Juan Capistrano Mission founded October 30 ,1776 by Father Serra is captivating in it's own way. Today it embraces Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage that can be seen and experienced in every corner.

Also The Rios District is the oldest neighborhood in California. There are 40 homes still standing after 204 years of our rocky history to walk and enjoy the timelessness of.

The balmy air will surly sweep you up into smells, delights and sights of old by the sea.

The Santa Ana Standard was the weekly paper in 1894 printing the old way by European design.

Seeing The Blas Aguilar Adobe built in 1794 by local Native Americans and still stands on the east side of the plaza today.

Why yes the Swallows still fly all the way from Goya, Argentina each year beginning March 17th. to make their nests.

Even President Abe Lincoln was here with the 116th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry-Company C.

SO HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE !

Come join us for a lovely day of history and shopping and fellowship as we step into the 1700's !

The Amtrak : www.amtrak.com and or the # 1 800 371-5466

Coach is about $ 7.00 and Business Class $ 11.00

Check out on line : the Amtrak train to San Juan Capistrano for more info, times, hotels, things to do.

THE FESTIVAL OF THE BELLS AT MISSION
SAN DIEGO DE ALCALA

Barbie Guethlein, State Chairman of Mission Restoration

What a beautiful day Saturday, July 25th was in San Diego . We left at 9am and got there at 1:20. Driving up to the Mission gave me an excitement I haven't had in a while. Like walking into history and it taking over your heart and mind. Music was playing from the courtyard as we went in and tables were everywhere selling t shirts and games for the kids, plants and solar power information and raffle ticket booths. Father was giving out brochures to each person. We met Father Bill Springer and Pastor Monsignor Duncanson as they were walking around meeting and greeting. In the brochure there is a DID YOU KNOW page that was very interesting. Mission San Diego was known as "The Mother of the Missions" founded in Alta California. It is also referred to as the "Plymouth Rock of the west Coast". This mission was first settled six miles west of the present location on what is now Presidio Hill. The American Indian Villages were called Nipaquay.

The American Indians were called Kumeyaay and they had never seen clothes till the Spanish came. The first martyr was buried in the church named Father Louis Jayme November 1775. Food booths lined the back of the courtyard of every kind that was delicious and we could not resist. We sat at a table listening to a rather large band " San Diego Banjo Band" playing all the oldies. Then from behind me came Grand President Alice Forbes with a big smile. We talked awhile and she brought her family and introduced us. We took pictures over by the the Fountain and she and I and her daughter and granddaughter took a picture (or 2 ) and she is going to send it to the Star about our outing. She spoke to the curator and they are very happy about the tree we will be planting. Then we walked in to the church and all around the grounds enjoying all the beautiful trees and grassy areas. Then the children came out to dance for the crowd and that was the best. Vemetta's Dance Studio had all ages doing different songs and dances it was beautiful and sweet. We then said good by to Grand President Alice Forbes and we all left about 4:30 because the dancing was the last before closing. The Festival of the Bells turned out to be a lovely day.