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Saturday, January 1, 2011

VISIT WONDERFUL CAMPO DE CAHUENGA ON JAN. 9TH.

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY IN 2011
During the long renovation of historic Campo de Cahuenga, it seemed that this priceless American treasure might never be opened again to the public. However, after years of really hard work, juggling government grants and regulations, restoring a delicate old structure, and facing one obsticle after another - the place is really handsome and ready for its re-debut on January 9th.
Naturally, when the working board of directors of the Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Society arrived this last Saturday to pitch in, in readiness to the grand old facility's historical re-enactment on the 9th, the gods just had to throw in just one more little adventure - a flood from an ancient water heater --- nothing was damaged except for a ruffle in the group's morale.
Here are a few candid photographs taken by Campo Board member, Phyllis Hansen of the work that went on this last weekend. (Phyllis, by the way acquired the beautiful leather chairs from the great LA Shares organization. They will soon grace the library tables coming soon for the facility.)

Putting a heavy glass display case into position. In the background are paintings just returned from two long years in storage.

 Union Army General John C. Fremont looks down on Campo de Cahuenga volunteers bringing back to life this treasure of the American West. Freemont accepted the capitulation of California forces at this very site. He would later become the first Republican presidential candidate, hero of Western exploration and of the American Civil War.

 A pastel drawing of the great Mrs. Armatage Forbes surveys the building that she and her associates built to preserve the heritage of Campo de Cahuenga for future generations. You've no doubt seen one of Mrs. Forbes El Camino Real bells along Ventura Boulevard or in front of California's historic sites.
The pastel is the work of the famous California artist, Orpha Klinker.
Seen through the glass display case is Guy Weddington McCreary, whose Weddington family were the founders of the town of Lankershim - later to become North Hollywood. In the foreground it Deuk Perrin. president of the Campo Association.


 Traditional Spanish wrought iron grills have been installed, adding to the charm of the Campo. The chairs from LA Shares await the arrival of library tables. The Campo Association awaits donors to add additional grill work for this grand old meeting place.

Campo de Cahuenga and its volunteers are a prime example of how Americans are willing to pitch in, when they are encouraged to do so.

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