NEW OLD IMAGES OF THE MISSION SAN FERNANDO

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY                       2013

The Mission San Fernando Rey de España has many reasons for being viewed as a major treasure in our community. Founded as a bastion of empire of Spain, the mission brought Catholic Christianity to our region of Southern California, was secularized by the government of an independent Mexico, was scouted by Kit Carson, allowed to fall into ruin by Andreas Pico as an adjunct to his rancho, provided an overnight retreat  for the leader of the world's Catholics Pope John Paul II, and continues to this day in both historic and modern roles. 

Cemetery of the Mission San Fernando Rey c. 1895 - historic postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2013.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

This "Santo Campo," seen here in a neglected state, continues its original function today as Mission Cemetery. Very near this ancient burial site, the beloved performer Bob Hope and Dolores Hope are buried.

 Travelers in covered wagons at the Mission San Fernando c. 1895.  Excerpted from a booklet entitled the Fabulous San Fernando Valley published by Western Federal Savings - date unknown.  Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2013. (click on image to enlarge it - and view section of the photograph below.)

"The only known existing photograph of a San Fernando Mission Indian Woman"  Fabulous San Fernando Valley published by Western Federal Savings - date unknown.  Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2013. (click on image to enlarge it.)

KIT CARSON PART OF SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORY

2009 The Year of Valley History
Kit Carson - Image in the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - Gift of Gary Fredburg. Scanned image's background modified to increase clarity of Carson's image.

The famous American frontiersman Kit Carson was only 20 years old when he first visited the Mission San Fernando Rey de España. A brilliant untrained linguist and fearless explorer, Carson was of great value to John C. Fremont and others who planned to subjugate the American West.
Carson was an integral part of the expeditions that mapped what is now the western United States. In 1846, Carson found himself involved with the war to wrest California from the Republic of Mexico.
Historic Campo de Cahuenga’s renovation should be complete soon. Among its many treasures is well worn deck of playing cards that belonged to Kit Carson.

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.