Sun Blesses Campo de Cahuenga Events

Historical accounts showed that it rained during the signing of the Campo de Cahuenga Treaty on Jan. 13, 1847, which ended hostilities between the United States and Mexico.

But during the Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Assn.’s 47th annual celebration of the treaty Sunday in North Hollywood, people were more likely to break out sunglasses than umbrellas as Mother Nature gave Southern California a respite from the recent rainstorms.

“Last year, it rained and we only had 130 people,” said Guy Weddington McCreary, association president, who estimated that about 200 people showed up for Sunday’s event. “I was talking to my friend God yesterday and asked, ‘Please don’t let it rain.’ ”

Favorable weather conditions, however, had no effect on the flu bug that hit actors of Dale Himebaugh’s Living History Individuals. They had been scheduled to perform the reenactment of the meeting between Mexican Gen. Andres Pico and Lt. Col. John C. Fremont, who signed the treaty that eventually led the way for California to become the 31st state.

In lieu of a performance, Jim Gulbranson, the association’s curator, gave a narrative account of the historical meeting and treaty signing.

But the Pico Fiesta, which followed the signing of the treaty, went on as scheduled. The Fiesta Dancers, dressed in authentic costumes, performed dance numbers in celebration of the treaty signed 151 years ago. Yesteryears Dancers, a troupe known for 19th century dances, also performed.

A historical analysis by McCreary highlighted the significance of the treaty and the Campo de Cahuenga itself, now set in the middle of a construction site for an MTA subway station.

McCreary called it “one of the most important historical California locations and spots in the United States.”