I used to live just 3 minutes from this mission. Have spent many evenings walking the mission property. It is quite stunning at sunset, set to a backdrop of red and orange hue. Overall, Mission San Luis Rey is a beautifully restored example with a lot to see inside and out. I had no idea that the 1950s "Zorro" TV show was filmed there! Thank you for sharing!
I enjoyed this episode so much. My oldest brother was well known in grade school as an artist. His 4th grade teacher, who taught California history, paid him, when he was in 6th grade to draw several of the mussions to hang in her classroom. When he was in high school she contacted him again to sketch them once more as the originals were well worn. As I remember. 4th grade was one of my favorite learning about the Missions and seeing my brother's artwork on the walls. I hope this isn't the only Mission you feature.
My son moved to Bakersfield and lived there for a few years before moving back to Ohio. He met his now wife there. She was from Ventura and they were married at the mission there. I learned a lot about the missions from that experience. Thanks for the visit to this one. Also, there is a very interesting TH-cam video of Jonathan Harris talking about Guy Williams and their working together on Lost in Space.
Another great video Jeff, thank you so much. Loved you inserting Guy Williams as Zorro. Used to watch him in that and later in Lost in Space, as a kid.
Call me fuddy duddy. My wife and I have traveled to all the California missions except for 4. They make an interesting road trip. The history behind them is fantastic. Thank you for bringing us these videos. You guys are truly our scouts for interesting travel locations complete with the history behind them.
I was baptized, had first holy communion and attended school at Mission San Gabriel in the 1960s. I love St. Junipero Serra, and he’s been canonized because he’s worked miracles (recent ones). Yes, he’s controversial now, but it’s hard to know what really happened. Pretty amazing accomplishment in any case. Thanks for the video Jeff.
I remember our 4th grade field trip to San Juan Batista in 1965 I was so impressed by it and have great memories of it. I’m glad to see that some of the Bells are still up the crazies back home in Santa Cruz are removing them supposedly they want to remove history it’s shameful. We learn from our history be it painful or good. Good work Jeff and Sara
I'm glad it was restored. Even though I don't agree with how they treated the Natives, the Missions are an important part of California history. I would like to see more of these. I live in Petaluma so I have seen the Sonoma Mission from the outside. My husband and I were going to check it out but he didn't feel well that day. Thank you. By the way, I loved Zorro. Sargeant Garcia was a hoot. ☮️💖🎶
Jeff, thank you for the visit to the mission. I enjoyed this video a great deal. When I live in California, I took the opportunity to visit many of the missions in the southern part of the state, however, I did not get to this one. Seeing this mission was fun, since as a kid, Zorro was one of my favorite TV shows.
Hello Jeff, that's one beautiful church, that's so cool that Zorro was filmed there! The title caught my interest that I had to watch it right away. Also great interduction & ending timimg! 😃🔔
Okay Now you're in my Neck of the Woods❤ can't wait to see this. I Homeschooled 5 kids for over 20 years. We did 13 of the 21 Missions. I am a Visual Learner. Love Hands on. We Followed the Oregon Trail, we Followed the Lewis & Clark During the Bicentennial. We went Back east & took 28 days & did Civil War. What a Blessing those Trips were for Our Family. My Kids Always Named Our Trips. The First One was the Cowboy & Indian Trip. Our Destination was going to be Mt. Rushmore , but extended it to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, cliff Dwelling Indiana, Cody Wyoming, Deadwood South Dakota, 4 Corners, The Trapper Jim Bridger in Utah, Copper Mine in Utah, so many Wonderful Places. During 4th grade History we Went to where the first Gold nugget was found State Park. The Mormon History there. Cemetery. We panned for Gold. Went to Sacramento Museum & saw Patty Reed's doll. The Reeds were part of the Donner Party. Went up the pass where that all happened. Ive only scratched the surface of some of our field trips. My kids are all grown & moved on. I live alone but telling these stories helpe to keep my History Alive. I don't know if you ever read them?? Maybe someone does??
Sigh. Thank-you so much. Having seen all the ruins in the Southwest, I hoped to tour all the missions after my divorce & return to California. I live adjacent to La Purisima, so I was already familiar with the 3 closest to me. But, I've not had as much success with my quest. I've only added Carmel, San Clemente, & San Diego to check off my list. Your stop today is likely the closest I'll come to San Luis Rey. ---Zorro was a heart throb to this 2nd grader. My first remembered joke of the day (I grew up in North Dakota where this made sense), was of a farmer who asked his son if he'd like to ride in to town with him to get supplies. Not often given that treat, he jumped at the chance. Once in town, he was allowed to wander while his Dad got the supplies. At one point, the lad spotted a nun at a street corner & he kindly offered to escort her across the street. She turned & thanked him, stating "there aren't many nice young men like you anymore" & he proudly declared "That's OK lady, any friend of Zorro's is a friend of mine."!
Growing up in upstate NY, we learned nothing about the history of the SW. I guess it wasn't Anglo-Saxon enough. Moving out west in 1975, l was amazed of the historical beauty of the missions in Ariz and Cali. I hope you do more in the future. Great job.
I've been to about 7 of the missions including this one. Didn't know about Zorro being filmed there. The furthest north I went to see a mission was at San Luis Obispo. I am a Catholic but agree that what the priests subjected the indignenous natives to for suposed conversation is a stain on the Cathlic Church. RIP to all the natives at all the missions buried wthout even a name. The missions are beautiful in themselves and should be appreciated.
Many natives died of small pox and other diseases brought over by the Spanish in a relatively short period of time. Their version of the bubonic plague...and many of those people were mass buried too without names.
thank you both for another fine history lesson about those that came before us. I to loved to watch Zorro. When Huell Howser passed on, we thought our history was gone, but you came along to save the stories of those Pioneers who made their mark in our history. By the way, you were in San Bernardino at the Pioneer cemetery where my birth mother is buried back in the Potters field area that is now walled off so that no one can see or get in to that area. There are native american Indians and other old graves that need to be identified in that area. This completes another pat of Jims' family history. Thanks so much for all you do Jim&Angie
That's a fascinating location, loaded with history. Thanks, Jeff for guiding us around, and filling in tidbits of info. I'm glad that it's still an active place, observing understandable precautions. great video ☀️👏💒
Went to mass at Mission San Luis Rey on several occasions. St. Mary's downtown was my church home. I do remember watching old Zorro reruns on the Disney channel back in the late 90s and was blown away when the mission showed up in a couple of episodes!
My mother was a fourth grade teacher in Stockton, so I have visited most of the California missions, but not this one. I love your series. . Thank you.
This is one of most favorite Missions in California. Our family had many friends who lived near here and eventually, my parents retired in this area. I remember attending Mass with my family and friends and having picnics on the grounds. Last time I visited this mission, there used to be a lot more trees and shrubs. Guess the drought affected them. North County of San Diego was a fun place to go to when I was growing up. I also spent a lot of time around Santa Barbara Mission and especially Mission Santa Inez up near Solvang, CA.
I live around 1.5 miles from the Mission. Was raised most of my life in Oceanside. My Mother and Brother whom passed away in 2015 and 2016 are laid to rest in the cemetery. It’s a beautiful place.
Love the missions! I've visited a few, my mom lived 15 miles from one and I built a sugar cube mission in fourth grade. They're such peaceful places, but the history is troubling as far as the fate of the Native Americans. I live on the Great Plains now and I'm learning more about Native American history. There are large reservations here. Anyway, thank you for bringing this to everyone!
You can take the kid out of California but never the California outta the kid! Moved to Utah in '88 but Ill ALWAYS &FOREVER be FROM California! Lol! Orange County born 'n raised and yes, I remember the sugar cube missions of school in the '60's and all the California history no one else taught in other states, apparently. I remember Zorro too. Didn't know some of it was filmed there, but it makes sense. Wonder how the sound guy worked around that clock chime? Hmm...? Lol! "Our" mission was Capistrano. I guess what's interesting to me is how close to everyday modern life these historic places are. I know a few of the old missions are out in the country even now. But the humming and noise of cars isn't far off. I miss my old home, Jeff and after many years of trucking don't know if I can revisit such places. Thank you for your videos and the arm chair tours you give me & others of my home state (mostly). God bless & be safe!
Living in Morgan Hill, Ca for several years, my young family remembers our weekend trip visiting several of the Missions as one of those memories that they still talk about today. I enjoyed this visit to this Mission because of those wonderful memories that we still have. Thanks for looking into this part of this history.
Another great video, I enjoyed it very much. Hopefully you will film more videos of the missions. I am looking forward to them. I have had the pleasure of visiting all 21 missions. For me, the most interesting is San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo in Carmel. This is where Father Junipero Serra is laid to rest. Also, his office and living quarters are preserved. Thank you for blessing my Sunday.
I used to watch Zorro movies when I was a child, around 1970's. Watching your video makes me go back in time as the movies, at home, were in B&W. By the way, you can find many historical constructions and history in old Santa Fé, NM. I lived there in 2011 and I recommend you to visit the capital of NM. You won't regret. Jeff and Sarah you both know already how much I love your videos and stories. Keep on doing this wonderful work and thank you for it. Huggs from Porto Alegre, Brazil 🇧🇷
Watching the TV series Zorro was a regular event for me as a young boy. It was quite a thrill seeing Guy Williams in full Zorro costume riding his horse in the Rose Parade in Pasadena. Thanks for another great video.
I haven't been able to finish the video at this point, so, I don't know if you did see what I'm about to mention. 😊 There is another large cemetery around back of the mission. I think there may be a door you can walk through to it but you can definitely drive around (if gates are open). Also, as you're exiting the property, on the right hand side, is another even older cemetery. Maybe called a pioneer cemetery?(I could be confusing it with Julian). It has an entry but no real great markings. Old fence. All dirt. It looks like nothing at first glance. Thank you for your video! I love the missions, don't know which I haven't been to. It's fourth grade that they used to study them. I don't know if they still do, my 4th grade grandson did not. 😢 😢😢😢
Hi Jeff, we used your video as assignment for our 9 year old grandson who will be entering 4th grade. You are correct, 4th graders learn about the 22 CA Missions. We have taken to 6 so far. Compliments to you and your wife for the excellent research on History Hunters wherever you go. We have donated and it’s worth the donation.
That is awesome! Wow! Always appreciate the donation, too! We heard from a waitress at one of our favorite places that her junior college instructor used our video on Ellie Nessler in their criminal justice class! We were floored. We are happy to know you have used our video to help teach your grandson! Thank you, Stephen!
Between 1987 and 1997 while on vacation from work I was able to get to visit all 21 missions, My favorites are San Diego, Capistrano and La Purisima. I appreciate the work you do in making your videos.
You have certainly visited more missions than I have! What an accomplishment! Thank you so much for the good words about our channel! We strive to keep things interesting!
Thanks again for a most informative and professionally done video. I appreciate the non-revisionist and objective historical views of your productions. My wife & I have our burial plot and headstone paid for and installed at San Luis Rey.
Another great video. Right in our neck of the woods. Although I haven't been to the mission in ages, I attended a service there with a friend back in the 70's. I'm glad to see it looking so beautiful and cared for. .
I loved the bells at the beginning and end of the video! I love the missions. I helped my kids make their models when they were in school. Great memories!
Loved visiting the old missions. I remember helping the kids in fifth grade building missions for their school project and chaperoning field trips! Great memories!!! Thank you Jeff! Your biggest Tennessee (formerly California) fans!!!!! My brother-in-law used to live in Oceanside. He had a printing business. They live in Florida now.
Hi Jeff, I grew up in California, in Tustin. At Guin Foss Elementary school, Mrs. Payne's class, we studied California history, the missions, and took a field trip to San Juan Capistrano mission where I vowed to become a nun - lol never happened.
So glad you you were able to come to California's Largest Mission in Oceanside! Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is an Oceanside gem with so much history to unpack! ☺
I just watched this again. Thank you for the beautiful segment on this particular mission. I would come here for mass and some days to just find solace when going through a difficult time. No matter, you gave great insight into the faux parts of it (they sold out for $ 😪) but still a part of the story. What was very beautiful was the tower that had the shadow of the palm tree while you talked about the gate. Just magnificent. The WOKE have challenged Christians and what I suggest is that everyone, Catholic or not, pray the rosary...it's the best weapon against the demonic realm. 🙏🏻❤
Good day Jeff that was a great learning experience I will never get to California but iam so lucky to be able to watch and learn about the history of California from your videos keep up the great work watching from Moosecreek Ontario Canada
I remember my mother and her Native Daughters of the Golden West parlor (chapter) fund raising to purchase and install those mission bell markers along a stretch of the El Camino Real.
Thank you for another history filled facts regarding the California missions. Sunday morning always gives me great coffee and a fact filled vlog. As I have told you before I follow the two of you .
I had this video archived for future viewing and I’m glad I did, Jeff, As always thank you for taking us there through this video and for matching the scenes with one of my favorite shows and characters of all time, Zorro. I even dressed up as Zorro one time for Halloween even though I was a girl. Guy Williams was also one of my first crushes as a little girl. I think they probably filmed near the old adobe bricks outside as well. I remember seeing the old pepper tree also in one of the episodes. The mission has been well taken care of as well as the clothing and artifacts in museum and mission grounds. Thanks for the memories. 🩷🙏⛪🌳🐿
Hi Jeff ! Our Grandfather, Captain Bill Rust, USMC. would take us here through the 60's and 70's as kids and San Juan Capistrano...the history is overwhelming. Thank you and Sarah for the time and effort you put into making these productions. P.S.... We are the family, with the daughter resting near Karen Black at Eternal Hills. We appreciate all you do...so much. Happy Sunday. May, God Bless. Cheers from NORTH of Detroit 🇺🇲
Hi Sarah and Jeff I really did enjoy this visit wow that's a beautiful beautiful place very quiet and Serene there I noticed I remember Guy Williams I don't remember Zorro because I was born in 1957 and it was out when I was born but I seen reruns of him in that show he also was in the show Lost in space he was pretty good actor for Zoro the inside of the mission of the black-and-white and the ones that you just took to let us see it looks about the same as it did 66 years ago and beyond those old artifacts are very interesting to see that they're still keeping them I enjoyed this visit very much so interesting to see very cool thank you so much. Thank you for doing all the black and white scenes of Zorro and the color version now it was done very well thank you for all the hard work. ❤️💯👍🙋
Hi Regina, I, too, was too young for Zorro. I was more into Batman and Robin and Lost in Space! LOL. Thanks for the very nice comments, as always! Hope you're not burning up in the Midwest. I just returned from Kansas City which is giving a lot of videos in the coming weeks! Jeff
This was extraordinarily interesting, Jeff. I've been all around there, but never actually visited that site...thanks for doing this episode. ... As others mentioned, it was "kismet" that the bells tolled your opening...and closing. Perfect timing.
Thankyou for this video. I live in British Columbia and have been to most of the California missions. Michaels used to sell kits for the California students to build their mission models. Nancy
Another interesting episode. I've always wanted to take a trip visiting each of the missions. Good bad or indifferent they are part of California history.
Fantastic episode Jeff. I'll be heading down to Oceanside Camp Pendleton and San Diego next week. This will be one of the places I visit while there. It's amazing how much we don't know about places we've been. Thank You very much!
My high school career was spent in southern California and I graduated from Apple Valley Senior High in '75, but didn't have to do a report on California missions. My other high school was in Vista. Ninth Grade was in San Diego.
Jeff , once again the homework you have done is outstanding . Thank you to yourself and your lady friend , who I have a serious crush on, for all of your hard work . Stay healthy and safe.
I lived near that mission 2008 -2019. I just loved it so much seeing you seeing it and sharing. Thank you. One of by favorite things to do is visit the missions even though I’m not a catholic. Lol. One of my favorite mission is Carmel by the sea in Carmel Ca. It’s cool there and very beautiful. Another favorite is way out in Hunter Ligget military base called San Antonio. Missions are fun to see. The colors of that white against a blue sky, the brightness of the beautiful art works. Everything about it intrigues a person.
Seen both movies you spoke of and would never have known where it was filmed there. What a lovely place, glad it has stood through time Thankyou Jeff for sharing it
I would some day like to visit all the missions in CA. I've seen some in Texas and Arizona. I was one of the people that requested that you visit a mission. Thank you for fulfilling that request.
Very interesting, that's a nice cemetery. I've been to the mission in Sonoma a few times. Lots of history at that one, it's next to a historic hotel, and a church. Been to couple others as well. My kids never did the missions project but my nieces and nephews did. I think it was a public school assignment. My daughter went to a private school and I homeschooled my son this past year during third grade. Have a great week!
Always forget that the bells mark the routes of where El Camino Real and the missions. Interesting about the Mormon battalion. I remember doing a mission project and my daughters doing it also. Oldest pepper tree in California. Original gate is pretty cool. Interesting about episodes of Zorro were filmed. Thanks for showing cementary! Love to hear the history of this mission. Inside of mission church is beautiful! Love the artifacts of the mission that were preserved! Love all the bells! Enjoyed the video!!
Thank you for visiting this mission!! I frequently went here during 2013/14 when I lived nearby. Peaceful one visit, school busses the next. It was a beautiful Palm Sunday service that I remember as my favorite visit. There's a group of locals who attend mass regularly. I bought my first holy water from the gift shop. You got great shots of the pepper tree, the cemetery, I had never visited but loved seeing it. You did a great job, as per usual. I think I made a request...you see why now. 🙏🏻❤
Love the chimes! So interesting. I was absolutely mesmerized with this video. So much history and well-preserved artifacts. I want to plant a pepper tree! And, of course, I LOVE ZORRO! Never missed an episode......thank ya'll so much!
I have never been to California. I enjoyed this visit immensely. In particular I love how you put together your videos. This was SO well done! Thank you for taking to me to this place I migh5 never have seen otherwise.
I have lived in numerous states including CA. I love history, and I have been a subscriber for years. You have inspired my husband and I to make videos of our travels and share history of Kansas. I have learned so much history from you! Thank you for sharing your historical knowledge!
The Mission is in great shape. The old ruins were very impressive. And the pepper tree. From 1930 . San Luis del ray is very cool that Zoro was filmed there. Thank you Jeff. Great video 💯👍
Thank you Jeff for the 'tour'.My only connection with bells is that some of the older men in the church my family attended would draft me to ring the bells on Sunday.The bells that I worked on were larger and not as nice sounding, but as a 12 year old I got quite a work out!
Thanks Jeff and Sarah, I loved this visit. The missions are so beautiful, being born in So Cal we went to San Juan Capistrano when I was growing up several times to see the swallows. I really loved the museum, the Native baskets are gorgeous, also loved the kitchen setup. Glad you waited for it to open.
The mission I visited is the San Fernando mission during school field trips. Funny moving back east so maybe now instead of missions I will be seeing forts? Nice job Mr Benziggy
I did not get to visit that mission but I did visit the cemetery next to the mission. In fact, I did a video on that cemetery. Nice to hear from you again. Thank you so much.
I used to live just 3 minutes from this mission. Have spent many evenings walking the mission property. It is quite stunning at sunset, set to a backdrop of red and orange hue. Overall, Mission San Luis Rey is a beautifully restored example with a lot to see inside and out. I had no idea that the 1950s "Zorro" TV show was filmed there! Thank you for sharing!
Very cool, Erik! That is such a beautiful place in California! You are blessed for being able to live there!
So did I in the 1980s when we were stationed at Camp Pendleton. I have been to one funeral there. Mission is very beautiful
Very interesting and beautiful. When I was a young kid I loved to watch Zorro, I thought Guy Williams was so handsome.
Me too! He was a heartthrob to this 2nd grader growing up in North Dakota!
I enjoyed this episode so much. My oldest brother was well known in grade school as an artist. His 4th grade teacher, who taught California history, paid him, when he was in 6th grade to draw several of the mussions to hang in her classroom. When he was in high school she contacted him again to sketch them once more as the originals were well worn.
As I remember. 4th grade was one of my favorite learning about the Missions and seeing my brother's artwork on the walls.
I hope this isn't the only Mission you feature.
The restoration and maintenance of that mission is impressive.
I live in Oceanside, and highly recommend the coffee shop.
When we moved to Oceanside, we toured this mission. You have inspired me to go back and spend more time appreciating this beautiful place.
Please do! I could have seen so much more!
My son moved to Bakersfield and lived there for a few years before moving back to Ohio. He met his now wife there. She was from Ventura and they were married at the mission there. I learned a lot about the missions from that experience. Thanks for the visit to this one.
Also, there is a very interesting TH-cam video of Jonathan Harris talking about Guy Williams and their working together on Lost in Space.
My 4th grade class in Camarillo,Ca.took a field trip to the San Buenaventura Mission(late 60's). Seems like only yesterday.
I grew up 3 miles west of this mission and never knew all that much about it. Thanks Jeff, for doing this episode.
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for letting us know!
Another great video Jeff, thank you so much. Loved you inserting Guy Williams as Zorro. Used to watch him in that and later in Lost in Space, as a kid.
Call me fuddy duddy. My wife and I have traveled to all the California missions except for 4. They make an interesting road trip. The history behind them is fantastic. Thank you for bringing us these videos. You guys are truly our scouts for interesting travel locations complete with the history behind them.
Thank you very much for the wonderful comments that you left behind. We are pleased to show you things that you may not be able to see on your own.
Agreed ! 👍🏻🇺🇲
Great 👍 mission...thanks Jeff and Sarah 😊
Beautiful. I enjoy my road trip every Sunday. Thanx Jeff and Sarah. 👋
Glad you enjoyed it, Red! Thanks!
I was baptized, had first holy communion and attended school at Mission San Gabriel in the 1960s. I love St. Junipero Serra, and he’s been canonized because he’s worked miracles (recent ones). Yes, he’s controversial now, but it’s hard to know what really happened. Pretty amazing accomplishment in any case. Thanks for the video Jeff.
Thank you for today's segment. What a lovely scenic backdrop it is.
Glad you enjoyed it!!!
I remember our 4th grade field trip to San Juan Batista in 1965 I was so impressed by it and have great memories of it. I’m glad to see that some of the Bells are still up the crazies back home in Santa Cruz are removing them supposedly they want to remove history it’s shameful. We learn from our history be it painful or good. Good work Jeff and Sara
I'm glad it was restored. Even though I don't agree with how they treated the Natives, the Missions are an important part of California history. I would like to see more of these. I live in Petaluma so I have seen the Sonoma Mission from the outside. My husband and I were going to check it out but he didn't feel well that day. Thank you. By the way, I loved Zorro. Sargeant Garcia was a hoot. ☮️💖🎶
Thank you, Marcey!
Jeff, thank you for the visit to the mission. I enjoyed this video a great deal. When I live in California, I took the opportunity to visit many of the missions in the southern part of the state, however, I did not get to this one. Seeing this mission was fun, since as a kid, Zorro was one of my favorite TV shows.
I remember going to this mission as a kid during the 90’s. My family’s road trips consisted of stops at missions so I have great memories of them.
Jeff would you fulfill my request by visiting the grave of John philip sousa please and you are a sweet special kind caring guy on youtube 🌴🌴
Hello Jeff, that's one beautiful church, that's so cool that Zorro was filmed there! The title caught my interest that I had to watch it right away. Also great interduction & ending timimg! 😃🔔
Ha ha ha! It was totally unplanned to hear those bells!
Okay Now you're in my Neck of the Woods❤ can't wait to see this. I Homeschooled 5 kids for over 20 years. We did 13 of the 21 Missions. I am a Visual Learner. Love Hands on. We Followed the Oregon Trail, we Followed the Lewis & Clark During the Bicentennial. We went Back east & took 28 days & did Civil War. What a Blessing those Trips were for Our Family. My Kids Always Named Our Trips. The First One was the Cowboy & Indian Trip. Our Destination was going to be Mt. Rushmore , but extended it to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, cliff Dwelling Indiana, Cody Wyoming, Deadwood South Dakota, 4 Corners, The Trapper Jim Bridger in Utah, Copper Mine in Utah, so many Wonderful Places. During 4th grade History we Went to where the first Gold nugget was found State Park. The Mormon History there. Cemetery. We panned for Gold. Went to Sacramento Museum & saw Patty Reed's doll. The Reeds were part of the Donner Party. Went up the pass where that all happened. Ive only scratched the surface of some of our field trips. My kids are all grown & moved on. I live alone but telling these stories helpe to keep my History Alive. I don't know if you ever read them?? Maybe someone does??
Sigh. Thank-you so much. Having seen all the ruins in the Southwest, I hoped to tour all the missions after my divorce & return to California. I live adjacent to La Purisima, so I was already familiar with the 3 closest to me. But, I've not had as much success with my quest. I've only added Carmel, San Clemente, & San Diego to check off my list. Your stop today is likely the closest I'll come to San Luis Rey. ---Zorro was a heart throb to this 2nd grader. My first remembered joke of the day (I grew up in North Dakota where this made sense), was of a farmer who asked his son if he'd like to ride in to town with him to get supplies. Not often given that treat, he jumped at the chance. Once in town, he was allowed to wander while his Dad got the supplies. At one point, the lad spotted a nun at a street corner & he kindly offered to escort her across the street. She turned & thanked him, stating "there aren't many nice young men like you anymore" & he proudly declared "That's OK lady, any friend of Zorro's is a friend of mine."!
Growing up in upstate NY, we learned nothing about the history of the SW. I guess it wasn't Anglo-Saxon enough. Moving out west in 1975, l was amazed of the historical beauty of the missions in Ariz and Cali. I hope you do more in the future. Great job.
I've been to about 7 of the missions including this one. Didn't know about Zorro being filmed there. The furthest north I went to see a mission was at San Luis Obispo. I am a Catholic but agree that what the priests subjected the indignenous natives to for suposed conversation is a stain on the Cathlic Church. RIP to all the natives at all the missions buried wthout even a name. The missions are beautiful in themselves and should be appreciated.
I found out about the Zorro the second time I went there as an adult
Many natives died of small pox and other diseases brought over by the Spanish in a relatively short period of time. Their version of the bubonic plague...and many of those people were mass buried too without names.
thank you both for another fine history lesson about those that came before us. I to loved to watch Zorro. When Huell Howser passed on, we thought our history was gone, but you came along to save the stories of those Pioneers who made their mark in our history. By the way, you were in San Bernardino at the Pioneer cemetery where my birth mother is buried back in the Potters field area that is now walled off so that no one can see or get in to that area. There are native american Indians and other old graves that need to be identified in that area. This completes another pat of Jims' family history. Thanks so much for all you do Jim&Angie
That's a fascinating location, loaded with history. Thanks, Jeff for guiding us around, and filling in tidbits of info. I'm glad that it's still an active place, observing understandable precautions. great video ☀️👏💒
Went to mass at Mission San Luis Rey on several occasions. St. Mary's downtown was my church home. I do remember watching old Zorro reruns on the Disney channel back in the late 90s and was blown away when the mission showed up in a couple of episodes!
My mother was a fourth grade teacher in Stockton, so I have visited most of the California missions, but not this one. I love your series. . Thank you.
That is awesome! Thank you!
This is one of most favorite Missions in California. Our family had many friends who lived near here and eventually, my parents retired in this area. I remember attending Mass with my family and friends and having picnics on the grounds.
Last time I visited this mission, there used to be a lot more trees and shrubs. Guess the drought affected them. North County of San Diego was a fun place to go to when I was growing up.
I also spent a lot of time around Santa Barbara Mission and especially Mission Santa Inez up near Solvang, CA.
I live around 1.5 miles from the Mission. Was raised most of my life in Oceanside. My Mother and Brother whom passed away in 2015 and 2016 are laid to rest in the cemetery. It’s a beautiful place.
Love the missions! I've visited a few, my mom lived 15 miles from one and I built a sugar cube mission in fourth grade. They're such peaceful places, but the history is troubling as far as the fate of the Native Americans. I live on the Great Plains now and I'm learning more about Native American history. There are large reservations here. Anyway, thank you for bringing this to everyone!
You can take the kid out of California but never the California outta the kid! Moved to Utah in '88 but Ill ALWAYS &FOREVER be FROM California! Lol! Orange County born 'n raised and yes, I remember the sugar cube missions of school in the '60's and all the California history no one else taught in other states, apparently. I remember Zorro too. Didn't know some of it was filmed there, but it makes sense. Wonder how the sound guy worked around that clock chime? Hmm...? Lol! "Our" mission was Capistrano. I guess what's interesting to me is how close to everyday modern life these historic places are. I know a few of the old missions are out in the country even now. But the humming and noise of cars isn't far off. I miss my old home, Jeff and after many years of trucking don't know if I can revisit such places. Thank you for your videos and the arm chair tours you give me & others of my home state (mostly). God bless & be safe!
I was baptized as a baby there and have pictures of the mission before the restoration. Thank you for this update.
Thank you for showing one of the MISSIONS
Living in Morgan Hill, Ca for several years, my young family remembers our weekend trip visiting several of the Missions as one of those memories that they still talk about today. I enjoyed this visit to this Mission because of those wonderful memories that we still have. Thanks for looking into this part of this history.
Another great video, I enjoyed it very much. Hopefully you will film more videos of the missions. I am looking forward to them. I have had the pleasure of visiting all 21 missions. For me, the most interesting is San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo in Carmel. This is where Father Junipero Serra is laid to rest. Also, his office and living quarters are preserved. Thank you for blessing my Sunday.
I used to watch Zorro movies when I was a child, around 1970's. Watching your video makes me go back in time as the movies, at home, were in B&W.
By the way, you can find many historical constructions and history in old Santa Fé, NM. I lived there in 2011 and I recommend you to visit the capital of NM. You won't regret. Jeff and Sarah you both know already how much I love your videos and stories. Keep on doing this wonderful work and thank you for it.
Huggs from Porto Alegre, Brazil 🇧🇷
Watching the TV series Zorro was a regular event for me as a young boy. It was quite a thrill seeing Guy Williams in full Zorro costume riding his horse in the Rose Parade in Pasadena. Thanks for another great video.
Thank you so much for the compliment!
Thanks Jeff for showing us this Mission, so much history there.
I haven't been able to finish the video at this point, so, I don't know if you did see what I'm about to mention. 😊
There is another large cemetery around back of the mission. I think there may be a door you can walk through to it but you can definitely drive around (if gates are open).
Also, as you're exiting the property, on the right hand side, is another even older cemetery. Maybe called a pioneer cemetery?(I could be confusing it with Julian).
It has an entry but no real great markings. Old fence. All dirt. It looks like nothing at first glance.
Thank you for your video! I love the missions, don't know which I haven't been to.
It's fourth grade that they used to study them. I don't know if they still do, my 4th grade grandson did not. 😢 😢😢😢
Hi Jeff, we used your video as assignment for our 9 year old grandson who will be entering 4th grade. You are correct, 4th graders learn about the 22 CA Missions. We have taken to 6 so far. Compliments to you and your wife for the excellent research on History Hunters wherever you go. We have donated and it’s worth the donation.
That is awesome! Wow! Always appreciate the donation, too! We heard from a waitress at one of our favorite places that her junior college instructor used our video on Ellie Nessler in their criminal justice class! We were floored. We are happy to know you have used our video to help teach your grandson! Thank you, Stephen!
Thanks again
Thank you too!
Between 1987 and 1997 while on vacation from work I was able to get to visit all 21 missions, My favorites are San Diego, Capistrano and La Purisima. I appreciate the work you do in making your videos.
You have certainly visited more missions than I have! What an accomplishment! Thank you so much for the good words about our channel! We strive to keep things interesting!
Great video as always thank's Jeff.
Awesome ❤I visited that place with my family
Wow nice
Thanks again for a most informative and professionally done video. I appreciate the non-revisionist and objective historical views of your productions. My wife & I have our burial plot and headstone paid for and installed at San Luis Rey.
Much appreciated! Thanks, Michael!
Another great video. Right in our neck of the woods. Although I haven't been to the mission in ages, I attended a service there with a friend back in the 70's. I'm glad to see it looking so beautiful and cared for.
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Loved this episode, love the History of the Missions, please do more. I ❤️ Zorro.
I loved the bells at the beginning and end of the video! I love the missions. I helped my kids make their models when they were in school. Great memories!
That is awesome! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, I appreciate and enjoy all of your videos.
So nice of you! Thanks, Jim! What we are doing is fun!
Loved visiting the old missions. I remember helping the kids in fifth grade building missions for their school project and chaperoning field trips! Great memories!!! Thank you Jeff! Your biggest Tennessee (formerly California) fans!!!!! My brother-in-law used to live in Oceanside. He had a printing business. They live in Florida now.
Hi Jeff, I grew up in California, in Tustin. At Guin Foss Elementary school, Mrs. Payne's class, we studied California history, the missions, and took a field trip to San Juan Capistrano mission where I vowed to become a nun - lol never happened.
You’re probably having more fun as a result. Lol
So glad you you were able to come to California's Largest Mission in Oceanside! Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is an Oceanside gem with so much history to unpack! ☺
I just watched this again. Thank you for the beautiful segment on this particular mission. I would come here for mass and some days to just find solace when going through a difficult time. No matter, you gave great insight into the faux parts of it (they sold out for $ 😪) but still a part of the story.
What was very beautiful was the tower that had the shadow of the palm tree while you talked about the gate. Just magnificent.
The WOKE have challenged Christians and what I suggest is that everyone, Catholic or not, pray the rosary...it's the best weapon against the demonic realm. 🙏🏻❤
Good day Jeff that was a great learning experience I will never get to California but iam so lucky to be able to watch and learn about the history of California from your videos keep up the great work watching from Moosecreek Ontario Canada
Another awesome video, thank you☕️
Our pleasure! I appreciate the kind review!
I remember my mother and her Native Daughters of the Golden West parlor (chapter) fund raising to purchase and install those mission bell markers along a stretch of the El Camino Real.
I've always loved those Zorro location shoots! It's great to see the interior of the church in color finally. Gorgeous mission!
Much appreciated! Glad you like the Zorro link!
Loved it. One of your best! Thank you
Wow, thank you! Glad you liked it!!
Thank you for another history filled facts regarding the California missions. Sunday morning always gives me great coffee and a fact filled vlog. As I have told you before I follow the two of you .
I had this video archived for future viewing and I’m glad I did, Jeff, As always thank you for taking us there through this video and for matching the scenes with one of my favorite shows and characters of all time, Zorro. I even dressed up as Zorro one time for Halloween even though I was a girl. Guy Williams was also one of my first crushes as a little girl. I think they probably filmed near the old adobe bricks outside as well. I remember seeing the old pepper tree also in one of the episodes. The mission has been well taken care of as well as the clothing and artifacts in museum and mission grounds. Thanks for the memories. 🩷🙏⛪🌳🐿
Hi Jeff !
Our Grandfather, Captain Bill Rust, USMC. would take us here through the 60's and 70's as kids and San Juan Capistrano...the history is overwhelming.
Thank you and Sarah for the time and effort you put into making these productions.
P.S....
We are the family, with the daughter resting near Karen Black at Eternal Hills.
We appreciate all you do...so much.
Happy Sunday.
May, God Bless.
Cheers from NORTH of Detroit 🇺🇲
Such a beautiful Mission ! Thanks for another great history lesson !!
Glad you enjoyed it!!!
Awesome happy Sunday Jeff and Sarah hope your both well
Thanks so much! Doing well!
@@jbenziggy welcome and cool
What a beautiful mission !! I loved the bells.
Hi Sarah and Jeff I really did enjoy this visit wow that's a beautiful beautiful place very quiet and Serene there I noticed I remember Guy Williams I don't remember Zorro because I was born in 1957 and it was out when I was born but I seen reruns of him in that show he also was in the show Lost in space he was pretty good actor for Zoro the inside of the mission of the black-and-white and the ones that you just took to let us see it looks about the same as it did 66 years ago and beyond those old artifacts are very interesting to see that they're still keeping them I enjoyed this visit very much so interesting to see very cool thank you so much. Thank you for doing all the black and white scenes of Zorro and the color version now it was done very well thank you for all the hard work. ❤️💯👍🙋
Hi Regina, I, too, was too young for Zorro. I was more into Batman and Robin and Lost in Space! LOL. Thanks for the very nice comments, as always! Hope you're not burning up in the Midwest. I just returned from Kansas City which is giving a lot of videos in the coming weeks! Jeff
What a beautiful place. Thank you for the tour! Always enjoy watching your videos
So nice of you! Thank you!!!
Thank you for your journey through history here in California and beyond
Our pleasure! We will have some new videos shot out of California very soon!
This was extraordinarily interesting, Jeff. I've been all around there, but never actually visited that site...thanks for doing this episode.
... As others mentioned, it was "kismet" that the bells tolled your opening...and closing. Perfect timing.
Enjoyed again, Jeff, Sarah, history gone by
Thankyou for this video. I live in British Columbia and have been to most of the California missions. Michaels used to sell kits for the California students to build their mission models. Nancy
Another interesting episode. I've always wanted to take a trip visiting each of the missions. Good bad or indifferent they are part of California history.
Fantastic episode Jeff. I'll be heading down to Oceanside Camp Pendleton and San Diego next week. This will be one of the places I visit while there. It's amazing how much we don't know about places we've been. Thank You very much!
My high school career was spent in southern California and I graduated from Apple Valley Senior High in '75, but didn't have to do a report on California missions. My other high school was in Vista. Ninth Grade was in San Diego.
Jeff , once again the homework you have done is outstanding . Thank you to yourself and your lady friend , who I have a serious crush on, for all of your hard work . Stay healthy and safe.
Love the Court yard , peaceful and quiet thanks for sharing
It sure is!
I lived near that mission 2008 -2019. I just loved it so much seeing you seeing it and sharing. Thank you. One of by favorite things to do is visit the missions even though I’m not a catholic. Lol. One of my favorite mission is Carmel by the sea in Carmel Ca. It’s cool there and very beautiful. Another favorite is way out in Hunter Ligget military base called San Antonio. Missions are fun to see. The colors of that white against a blue sky, the brightness of the beautiful art works. Everything about it intrigues a person.
Wonderful video
Thanks for the visit
Seen both movies you spoke of and would never have known where it was filmed there. What a lovely place, glad it has stood through time Thankyou Jeff for sharing it
Thanks! I appreciate the feedback!
Zorro stories just take you to some very fascinating times in human history he is simply the 🐐 of folklore
I would some day like to visit all the missions in CA. I've seen some in Texas and Arizona. I was one of the people that requested that you visit a mission. Thank you for fulfilling that request.
Thanks for the idea, Sharon! We appreciate you being a steady viewer!
We really enjoyed this. Gorgeous place. Thank you! ~Adam and Mary in a 250 yr. old house in NH
Awesome! Thank you! You sure do live in the oldest home I have heard of in TH-cam audience!
Very interesting, that's a nice cemetery.
I've been to the mission in Sonoma a few times. Lots of history at that one, it's next to a historic hotel, and a church.
Been to couple others as well.
My kids never did the missions project but my nieces and nephews did. I think it was a public school assignment. My daughter went to a private school and I homeschooled my son this past year during third grade.
Have a great week!
Thank you for the nice comments, Jenny! Happy to know you liked this mission visit!
Always forget that the bells mark the routes of where El Camino Real and the missions. Interesting about the Mormon battalion. I remember doing a mission project and my daughters doing it also. Oldest pepper tree in California. Original gate is pretty cool. Interesting about episodes of Zorro were filmed. Thanks for showing cementary! Love to hear the history of this mission. Inside of mission church is beautiful! Love the artifacts of the mission that were preserved! Love all the bells! Enjoyed the video!!
Zorro(Guy Williams) was one of my favorite t.v. shows way back when.
I visited this mission in 2016, thank you for a very informative video.
I love your videos and the music you put into them!
Thank you for visiting this mission!! I frequently went here during 2013/14 when I lived nearby. Peaceful one visit, school busses the next. It was a beautiful Palm Sunday service that I remember as my favorite visit. There's a group of locals who attend mass regularly. I bought my first holy water from the gift shop.
You got great shots of the pepper tree, the cemetery, I had never visited but loved seeing it. You did a great job, as per usual.
I think I made a request...you see why now. 🙏🏻❤
Love the chimes! So interesting. I was absolutely mesmerized with this video. So much history and well-preserved artifacts. I want to plant a pepper tree! And, of course, I LOVE ZORRO! Never missed an episode......thank ya'll so much!
Missions! Very cool! Looking forward to many more (if possible).
I have never been to California. I enjoyed this visit immensely. In particular I love how you put together your videos. This was SO well done! Thank you for taking to me to this place I migh5 never have seen otherwise.
Thank you so much, Janice!
Mission is beautiful. Great scenery
I have lived in numerous states including CA. I love history, and I have been a subscriber for years. You have inspired my husband and I to make videos of our travels and share history of Kansas. I have learned so much history from you! Thank you for sharing your historical knowledge!
Wow, thanks for that compliment! So interesting that we inspired you to do your own videos! I will have to see what you have produced.
@@jbenziggy please, do! I am learning a lot as I am creating them. Right now, we are enjoy sharing what we see.
The Mission is in great shape. The old ruins were very impressive. And the pepper tree. From 1930 . San Luis del ray is very cool that Zoro was filmed there. Thank you Jeff. Great video
💯👍
Thank you Jeff for the 'tour'.My only connection with bells is that some of the older men in the church my family attended would draft me to ring the bells on Sunday.The bells that I worked on were larger and not as nice sounding, but as a 12 year old I got quite a work out!
Wonderful history video report on the Oceanside Mission. Thank you very much, Jeff. I really enjoyed it.
Many thanks!
The movie Zorro with Errol Flynn is my favorite version. I actually went ahead and bought it a couple of weeks ago. The mission is lovely.
Thanks Jeff and Sarah, I loved this visit. The missions are so beautiful, being born in So Cal we went to San Juan Capistrano when I was growing up several times to see the swallows. I really loved the museum, the Native baskets are gorgeous, also loved the kitchen setup. Glad you waited for it to open.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much, Lorna!
Another interesting Sunday History Hunters lesson, thanks for all your research and the tour Jeff & Sarah!
Our pleasure! Thanks, Jerry!
Thank you Jeff, this was wonderful, so glad you did a Mission Video!
My pleasure! Thanks, Darin!
Great video. Someday, Lord willing, I would like to visit all the missions.
The mission I visited is the San Fernando mission during school field trips.
Funny moving back east so maybe now instead of missions I will be seeing forts?
Nice job Mr Benziggy
I did not get to visit that mission but I did visit the cemetery next to the mission. In fact, I did a video on that cemetery. Nice to hear from you again. Thank you so much.