Los Banos Rotary Club History
Color Photos Tell Story of Missions

A pictorial story of California's' old Spanish Missions was unfolded to members of the Rotary Club Tuesday noon in a series of exceptionally well executed color slides and recorded voice accompaniment. The presentation was made by Sam Blakesley, Merced realtor and amateur photographer. The slides include 21 Missions located along the El Camino Real or Kings Highway, all founded and built in the 1700s by Father Junipero Serra, prominent priest of the Franciscan Order commonly known as the Gray Friars.
Of particular interest locally were the pictures of Mission San Carlos Borromeo en Carmelo, at Carmel, founded by Father Serra in 1770, and the Mission San Juan Bautista, founded by Father Lasuen in 1797, in the town of San Juan Bautista, west of Hollister.

Following the showing of the Mission photos, Blakesley concluded the presentation with a series of wildlife shots, some of which were exceptional in detail and subject matter.

November 29, 1957

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