The San Francisco call., 1909-12-22
DEDICATE BELL TO
MARK old HIGHWAY
First Ell Canine Real Memorial
in Alameda County Is Un-
YeiIed in San LeandrO

SAN LEANDRO, Dec. 21--In the
presence Of several hundred club
women, city officials and residents of
san Leandro, the first FL Canine real
bell in Alameda county, erected TO mark
the ancient roadway of the Franciscan
fathers, was formally unveiled this aft
ernoon at $50 o'clock. The bell, placed
at the apex of the plaza, where Hay
ward and san Lorenzo avenues meet. is
exactly midway between the Mission de
los Dolores, san Francisco, and the
Mission San Jose, being 1S12 miles dis
.tant from each.
The ceremonies were impressive. The
clear skies and the background of green
trees and flowers in the plaza, with the
brilliant cOloring of the women's ap-
parel. made the scene typically Call
fornian.
Mrs. S. NJ. NJ. Woodman, chairman
Of the day, introduced Mrs. H. A
Hebard Of Alameda, the district chair
man Of the history and landmarks sec
tion of the California Federation OF
Women's Clubs, the speaker of the day.
TELLS OF GREAT HIGHWAY
She said in part:
El Canine real the kings highway. the
road constructed by the padres 10 connect the
y missions. which they established IN Cali
fornia, with esch other and with the presldios
the military and trading stations OF the span
Mission de SosnO de Sonoma from San Diego
OF the old road from Mexico, making in all
highway nearly thousand miles long.
TO reconstruct a large portion Of this ancient
road and 10 open up the missions 10 the pubic.
early history OF our state, the object OF the
-wonens clubs Of this state in undertaking the
present movement. which is resulting IN the
erection OF these mission bells at the important
points.
OF southern California the Fl Canine real asso-
citation has been formed by 500 Of the most
prominenet men and women in the state. Some
Of the vice presidents are joseph X hhoNianu;
BENJAMIN Ide Wheeler. David Starr Jordan and
Mrs John Swift. Not only does the association
hone 10 reconstruct and widen the old road but
81 is the intention 10 make the highway a
nstiousi and state enterprise, 10 eEtenn u 70
the northern boundary Of the state II Woulo De
> road Geo miles in length. another Appian way
lie famous Roman way. only lined with God
own monuments. trees and flowers, lhsteau on
ming OF the road here today With the oeoleauon
OF this bell.
BELL Is UNVEILED
At the conclusion of her address. Miss
Ynez Estudillo. granddaughter Of Jose
Joaquin Estudillo, who resigned the
commandancy Of the San Francisco pre-
sfdfo in 1887 to found the city of san
T.eandro. released the American fag
draped about the bell and rang three
chimes. Following the unveiling OF the
bell. Rev. Father O'Mahoney Of st.
Leanders church performed the cere-
mony Of blessing the bell.
Mrs. ". s. Peters. in behalf Of Mrs
A. A Goddard Of Sacramento, state
landmarks chairman. presented the bell
10 the city Of San LeandrO in a brief
speech. In his response, Mayor T. +.
GIL spoke OF the honor San Leandro
felt in being the place chosen in which
the first bell IN the county was erected,
and paid a tribute TO the Alta Mira
club. He touched upon the peaceful
conquest OF California, the period be-
tween 1859 and 1922, in which the
Franciscan fathers had selected the
choicest spots in the state for their
missions. Following the conclusion of
the ceremonies, the Alta Mira club held
q reception in Masonic hall.