About seven miles west of Hollister is the second biggest city in San Benito County -- San Juan Bautista. In 2013, the U.S. Census estimated its population to be 1,922. It's a quaint town to wander around, especially if you're into exploring California history. The city was named after Mission San Juan Bautista, the fifteenth in the chain of 21 missions that the Spanish Franciscan friars built between San Diego and Sonoma.
The grounds of Carl Martin Luck Memorial Library and the adjoining Carl Martin Luck Museum and Carl Martin Luck Memorial Park were donated to the city by Francisca Luck, the daughter of Mr. Carl Martin Luck, when she passed away in 1974. She stipulated in her will that the property be used for a library, museum, and park complex in honor of the memory of her father, who operated a gas station there. Today, the renovated gas station is the museum.
Every holiday season for the past 30-some years, the city puts up its beautifully hand painted wooden icons along Third Street, the city's main street. Restored in 2010 by local artists, the icons honor the saints for which the California missions were named.
Along with its history, San Juan Bautista offers visitors a richness in art and theater -- El Teatro Campesiño is based here, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants to enjoy. To start your exploration, check out this online guide of San Juan Bautista.
Today, I'm linking up at Our World Tuesday. To see what's going on in other parts of the world, please click here.
I always enjoy visiting your blog. Sometimes, like to day - I miss California so much . . . your sharing always helps. The very best "medicine; for what "ails' me . . thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi, Maggid, thank you for leaving me a sweet message. I'm glad the posts help you with your homesickness. :-)
DeleteLove the hand-painted icon!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I think I ought to take a photo of each one. Thanks, for the inspiration.
DeleteThose ARE beautifully painted folk art!
ReplyDeleteALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
<3
I'm glad the powers that be decided to restore them than dump them. That would have been a loss.
DeleteI always enjoy your photos - nice work.
ReplyDeletePlease come share at http://www.image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-holiday-recipe-for-you.html
Hi, NC Sue. Thank you! :-)
DeleteWhat great signs. That old gas sign for the museum - third picture - is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI really love California and I've visited many of the missions, although I still need to visit the Mission of San Juan Batista. I like the icon--very unique and I'd love to see more!
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