MRS. ARMITAGE FORBES - A CONNECTION BETWEEN THE VALLEY AND MISSION SAN GABRIEL

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Commemorative bells in the Museum of San Gabriel Mission - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.
The small bell on the shepherd's crook stand at the top left was among those sold to support the El Camino Real project.
Postcard showing El Camino Real - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010.
Clipping showing the El Camino Real Bell dedicated in 1908 at the first church in Los Angeles - San Gabriel Mission
Invitation to the dedication of the El Cammino Real bell at the Plaza Church in Los Angeles 1908 - Mission San Gabriel
Death notice of Mrs. Armitage Forbes - Mission San Gabriel

There are many connections between the San Fernando Valley and the Mission San Gabriel Archangel, some of which are obvious and others less apparent. Among the lesser known ties between the Valley and the Mission are found in the faded display cases in the Mission's museum. Look and you will discover a small frame with the death announcement of Mrs. Armitage Forbes along with an invitation to attend the dedication of the El Camino Real bell in front of the Pueblo Church in the Plaza in Los Angeles. This event in 1908 was another victory for Mrs. Forbes in her tireless effort to mark and preserve California's missions and adobes. The preservation of Campo de Cahenga on the border between North Hollywood and Studio City is one of the crowning achievements of this grand lady.