The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-05-20
Preserving Relics
Of Spanish Epoch
Commentator for the Effort
To Rehabilitate Relics of
Romantic Era of
The State
BY REV. A. T. KURTZ, 81.

California are to be preserved and
their names perpetuated if the work
already started in severe sections does
not mscarry. One of these movements
is fast gaining ground in the Santa
Clara valley, where many an historic
building and silent spot bear mute tes-
timony of a Spanish regime.
In the southern part of California
the Landmarks club is devoting money
and energy to further the perpetuation
of the old missions, and in every way
possible is striving to implant in the
hearts of the people love for the
relics of the past. 'El Canine Real,
or the Kings Highway" stands today
tribute to their zeal.
Mrs. Alice Hare, president of the
Womans club of Santa Clara, has been
the prime mover in this most worthy
cause in that locality. Her idea OF
placing Canine Real bells on sign posts
throughout this portion of the state
has met with widespread enthusiasm,
and in a few days the first of these
will be installed on the Alameda" or
| Beautiful way which extends from
San Jose to Santa Clara. Many other
bodies have affiliated themselves with
Mrs. Hare, notable among which are
the California club, the Native Daugh-
tiers and the Native Sons. All are
equally determined that the project
shall go through, and all will back it
with their support.
The Landmarks club of Santa Clara
county has also taken the matter up
and is working in harmony with the
other organizations. The president of
this club is John E. Richards, superior
Judge of San Jose, and the vice presi-
dent is Rev. Richard A. Gleason, S. j.,
of Santa Clara college.
Both these gentlemen are enthusi-
astic promoters of the undertaking and
are doing all in their power toward its
furtherance.
In speaking about the matter Father
Gleeson said: THE northern part of
California is awakening to great
movement long in progress in southern
California to perpetuate the memory of
the old mission by rehabilitating in
some manner Ell Canine Rear-the
Kings highway. This road, as is well
known, led from Mission San Diego in
the south to Mission st. Francis Solano
in the north. One of the most beauti-
full portions of this royal highway
extends from the city of San Jose
over the Alameda or The Beautiful
way to Santa Clara.
Padre Magin Catala between the years
1897 and 1902. 1t is said that Father
Catala employed 200 Indians in the
building of this road, and also in the
planting and watering of the willows
which lined its sides. These willows
as they grew formed grand archway
and afforded leafy screen against the
sun all the way from town to town.
For the irrigation of these trees
and the small patches of vegetation
raised by the Indians water was drawn
to the Alameda from the Rio de
Guadalupe by means of bitches dug by
the natives. Not for the sake of mere
beauty, however, did Padre Magin exert
his energies in the construction of thls
road. He wished to provide an ex-
cellent roadway between San Jose and
the dwelling of the Franciscans at the
Mission Santa Clara.
THE trees were not planted for mere
shade alone, but to protect the traveller
from the herds of horned cattle which
roamed the pasture lands on either side
of the avenue.
For many years during the early
part of the nineteenth century re-
ligious professions used the Alameda,
notably on Corpus Christi, when the
blessed sacrament was carried with due
solemnity between the long lines of
natives assembled to pay homage. The
little children led the procession, scat
tering wild flowers along the course,
followed by Indian neophytes singing
sacred canticles. and finally came the
padre under a canopy bearing the
monstrance with the consecrated host
For over thirty years after Ameri-
can control extended over California
The Beautiful way was kept as pic
turesque as ever, but then followed
the ruthless destruction of the willow
trees for firewood, until at the present
time hardly one is to be found along
its course, and although the Alameda
is adorned with handsome residences
and beautiful grounds. the unique old
landmark of the overshadowing will
lows is a thing of the past, and in song
and story alone will be preserved the
Alameda of Magin Catala."
In speaking of Mrs. Hare and her
connection with the present movement
Father Gleeson said: Mrs. Hare is
to be greatly complimented for the sue
cess which has attended her efforts,
and in my opinion is deserving of un-
stinted praise"
The first bell sign post is on its way
from Los Angeles to Santa Clara, where
when it arrives Father Gleeson will
have charge of the ceremonies which
will mark its placing.