El Camino Real Bells
The site of the original bell at the Mission Nuestra Senora Reina de Los Angeles. A new bell was unveiled as the California Department of Transportation celebrates the 100th anniversary of the El Camino Real Mission Bell markers at the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. (Richard Hartog / LAT)
HISTORY: The new bell hangs across from the plaza at Olvera Street in downtown L.A. as the initial installations 100th anniversary is marked. In the last decade, Caltrans has erected 555 of the markers along the Kings Highway. The originals had largely disappeared. (Richard Hartog / LAT)
ICONIC: The bell symbolizes the padres establishment of Californias string of missions along El Camino Real. (Richard Hartog / LAT)
APPROVAL: The installation ceremony across the street from the Olvera Street plaza draws applause from onlookers, including Diana McFarland, left, Miriam Nichols and Erline Tuttle. (Richard Hartog / LAT)
Onlookers take in the new bell celebrating the 100th anniversary of the El Camino Real Mission Bell markers. The statue at right is of Father Junipero Serra and it was erected in 1932. (Richard Hartog / LAT)
