Orange County Bell Brass Buy
If you are looking to purchase a church bell, victory bell, firehouse bell, bronze bell, iron bell, chapel bell, old historic bell, or any large bell, we are going to be able to help. That’s what we do is sell bells. We also sell bell parts. LowerBells, owned by Todd and Lisa Lower, is located near Knoxville, TN.
Originators of the 1906 El CaminoReal Mission Bell and other Custom Bells
Crafted in California By Californians since 1906
Wish to order or have a question? Call us at (408) 741-1549or click here to email us
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If you are located along the route for thattrip and can take delivery when we drive by, your shipping pre-order is free.
*Call for details and the coupon code ifordering free shipping on line.
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Video 'How We Make Bells' Video 'Bell Tones', the sounds of the bells.
On-LineOrdering Need A Big bell For your 'San Juan De Lorena 1762' 'San Juan De Lorena 1762' This incredible bell will be a beautiful additionto your mission style home in need of a bell for your belfry or niche.The bell is 20' in diameter, 2' larger than the classic El Camino RealBell. Clickhere for more information on our larger bells 'San Diego De Alcala 1769' 'Mission San Diego De Alcala1769' This beautiful bell will be perfect to fill yourniche at your mission style home. The bell is 15' in diameter, a bit smallerthan classic El Camino Real Bell. It is be available in patinabronze,and aluminum. ClickHere for Other Bells, Prices and Secure 'Jesus Maria Bell 1690' 'Jesus Maria 1690' Designed by Mrs. Forbes in the 1920's. 'El Camino Real Bell and bracket' Designed by Mrs. Forbes in the 1906. Text on front of bell is On the back is 'Copyright 1906 Forbes' Proudly handcrafted in California 'California Bell' 'California Bell' Proudly handcrafted in California 9' El Camino Real 9' El Camino Real Desk Bell We occasionally have these old vintage bells available as we find them in the old inventory. This bell is made of patinabronze $149.95 ClickHere for Other Bells, Prices and Secure Proudly handcrafted in Californiasince 1906! 'Mission San Fernando 1797' Designed by Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes Proudly handcrafted in California Clickhere to see our bells or to order! Max Kurillo, Huell Howser, andJohn Kolstad Max Kurillo (left), historian and author of Huell Howser (center) host of John Kolstad, (right) owner ofCaliforniaBell, OrderHuell's DVD $19.95, You Save $10
| Yes, we made them for Caltrans! Get your own original El CaminoReal Bell $1,795 Bell alone in cast iron. Finally after 100 years you can purchase ClickHere for Other Bells, Prices and Secure Looking For Bells from 1' to 13'? The El Camino Real and Its HistoricBells In 1769, The El Camino Real, or Kings Highway,was just a footpath begun by the Franciscans and led by Father JuniperoSerra who was a deciding influence in establishing the California Missionsnorth from San Diego to Sonoma. Each Mission was situated in areas wherelarge populations of indians lived and where the soil was fertile enoughto sustain a settlement. As time progressed and more missions were built,the footpath became a roadway wide enough to accommodate horses and wagons.It was not, however, until the last Mission in Sonoma was completed in1823, that this little pathway became a real route. El Camino Real is the Spanishname for the historic road that joined the twenty one Franciscan Missions,the Pueblos and Presidios in the early days of California. Many of theMissions have been restored and the Kings Highway now is a magnificentmodern road leading from San Diego, via Rose Canon, to Oceanside, theninland to Mission San Luis Rey and Pall from Oceanside to Mission San JuanCapistrano, Myford-Irving, Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim, Fullerton,LA Habra, Whittier, Mission San Gabriel to El Monte, Puente, Pomona, Claremont,San Bernardino, Redlands, Colton and Riverside. From Los Angeles El CaminoReal leads to Hollywood, through Cahuenga Pass to Sherman Way thence toMission San Fernando from Sherman Way to Calabasas, Camarillo, Ventura,Santa Barbara, Gaviota, Mission Santa Ines, Mission La Purisima, Los Olivos,Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, San Miguel, Jolon, Mission SanAntonio, Soledad, Salinas to Monterey and Mission Carmel, or from Salinasto Mission San Juan Bautista, San Jose, Mission San Jose, Hayward, SanLeandro, to Oakland from San Jose to Santa Clara, Palo Alto, Redwood City,San Mateo, Colombo, Ocean View, to Mission de los Dolores and San Francisco(Market and Third Streets). Across the bay, El Camino Real leads from SanRafael to Mission San Francisco Solano in Sonoma. The greater portion of El CaminoReal is Highway 101, a part of the splendid system of California highways,is a continuous road over seven hundred miles in length and is marked bythe unique and picturesque Mission Bell Guideposts which originally gavedistances between the principal towns and directions to the Missions. Thebells are placed along the road not merely as landmarks and guides to travelersbut as testimonials to the work of the Franciscan padres who were the pioneersthat settled California beginning in 1769. The idea of placing a markeralong the highway and in front of each Mission did not come about untilAugust 15, 1906 when a cast iron 85 pound bell and piping designed by Mrs.A.S.C. Forbes was placed into the ground at the Iglesia de NuestraSenora Reina de Los Angeles, also know as the Plaza Church near Union Depotin Los Angeles. The bells were inscribed, 'ElCamino Real 1769-1906.' The dates reflect the founding of the first Missionin 1769 and the dedication of the first bell in Los Angeles on August 1906. The plan had been to placeone bell along each mile of the El Camino Real Highway, in front of eachMission, and also selected historical landmarks. By 1913, a goal of 450bells was reached. One bell was placed in front of each Mission and thebalances were placed along the El Camino Real Highway. Since then manybells were lost to road reconstruction and theft. After feeble attempts overthe past 50 years, John Kolstad, now owner of Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes' originalCalifornia Bell Company, and Keith Robinson, Principal Landscape Architectof Caltrans, have teamed together and installed 555 original El CaminoReal Bells along Highway 101. These bells have been installed onCaltrans property from Los Angeles to San Francisco. California Bellis now working with cities to reinstall the original bells in the remainingareas of the original route. From Sonoma to San Francisco, and LosAngeles to San Diego, new bells will be appearing along El Camino Real.Call your local City Manager for information on their installation progress.ClickHere For Great Historical Photos Contact us: Other Great Links: Huell Howser's Pod Cast Of the El Camino Real Bells (coming soon)
Los AngelesTimes 8-16-2006 Los Gatos EagleScout Installs Bell 8-25-06 'A Guide to the Historic Bells of Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes' ClickHere for Other Bells, Prices and Secure 'California's El Camino Real and It's Historic Bells' ClickHere for Other Bells, Prices and Secure Contact us: |
In Orange County California, Christmas doesn't look like one of those old-fashioned greeting cards. Yes, neighborhoods put out their holiday lights displays, but Santa is more likely to arrive on a surfboard than in a sleigh, and he'll be wearing board shorts, not velvet and fur.
Bell Brass Snare
The best decorations in town may be in a theme park. And that local Christmas parade? It's as likely to happen on water as it is on land. It all seems normal to Californians.
But listening to Christmas music while driving in an open-top convertible on palm-lined streets is a novelty if you live in a colder climate. Instead of feeling disoriented and confused by it all, go to see how Californians find unique ways to celebrate in Orange County. It turns out to be one of the best places in the state to do that.
This guide will take you through some of the unique Christmas traditions in Orange County, point you toward some over-the-top light displays, and send you to some fun events to enjoy.
Newport Beach Harbor Parade
Address
70 Newport Pier, Newport Beach, CA92663, USAPhone
+1 949-644-3309By far the most exciting holiday event in Orange County is the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Instead of motorized floats and marching bands, you'll see yachts, boats, and even tiny dinghies all glammed up in holiday lights, sailing past delighted onlookers.
Newport Beach's harbor parade is the largest in Southern California. More than 100 watercraft participate, each of them decked out in enough lights to almost turn night to day.
You can get all the details you need to attend and pick up some tips for your visit when you go to the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Guide.
Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights
Address
Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach, CA92648, USAIn Huntington Beach, the best holiday lights displays are on the multi-million-dollar homes set on artificial islands. The neighborhood goes all out, with decorations that range from simple white lights to extravagant spectacles created by professional lighting installers.
Orange County Bell Brass Buy Back
Here's the catch: Those displays face the water instead of the street. The effect is magical, with each home's sparkling lights doubled by its reflection in the water. The only way to get a good look is from a boat.
The annual Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights gives you a chance to do just that. You can find out more about it and pick up some first-hand tips in the Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights guide.
Surfing Santa Contest
Address
Salt Creek Beach, California92629, USAWeb
Visit websiteThis event happens in November, but it's Christmas all the way. Orange County surfers dress up like Santa Claus or other holiday-inspired characters to surf the waves at Salt Creek Beach near the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel.
It's a charity event to support Surfers Healing, a group that hosts free surf camps to introduce children with autism and their families to the therapeutic benefits of surfing.
The Surfing Santa Competition is held every year the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Christmas at Disneyland
Address
1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA92802, USAPhone
+1 714-781-4565Disneyland starts celebrating Christmas as soon as Halloween is over, with holiday decorations, seasonal food treats, and a holiday parade.
The Haunted Mansion takes on a 'Nightmare Before Christmas' theme, and it's a small world also gets the holiday treatment. In fact, the Christmas season is the only time of year when you can enjoy the ride without getting that song stuck in your head.
You can get a lot more information — and insider tips on how to enjoy the holiday season — when you check out the guide to Disneyland at Christmas.
Holiday Lights and Drive Through Nativity Scenes
If you're looking for some festive holiday lighted homes in Orange County, these are your best bets:
Balboa Island Ring of Lights
Don't miss the bayfront Ring of Lights on Balboa Island in Newport Beach, where extravagant homes surrounding the harbor are lit from lawn to roof. To get there, start on Balboa Island, park your vehicle and take a walk around the waterfront on South and North Bayfront streets. The walk around the entire island is about a mile.
You can also drive out on the Balboa Peninsula to the Balboa Fun Zone, where you can see the lights from across the water.
Eagle Hills Neighborhood Lights Display
In the town of Brea, you can see more than a hundred homes with lighted displays in the Eagle Hills neighborhood around East Lambert Road and Sunflower Street. Set your GPS to 3010 Stearns Street to get close to that intersection. From there, you can quickly figure out where to go next.
Reviewers online love the Eagle Hills lights, saying 'so many lights it doesn't stop' and 'year after year this neighborhood never fails to impress.' You can read more of their reviews and check out some helpful tips on Yelp.
Drive Through Nativity Scenes
You can also enjoy several drive-through nativity scenes in Orange County, with live actors and animals. Some also have a walk-through experience. You can find a list of them at So Cal Field Trips.
Winter Fest OC
They say it's SoCal's 'ultimate' winter festival and they might be right. At this exuberant festival, they definitely bring winter to the OC Fairgrounds.
Forget about the warm weather outside. At this event, you can go ice skating, scoot down an ice slide, play in fresh snow blown in daily, or get lost in a snow maze. And that's only for starters. Don't miss the carnival rides, the world's largest walkthrough ornament or the largest rocking horse.
Of course, you can also visit Santa Claus and watch shows starring Thomas the Tank Engine, tribute bands, and Nick Jr's Paw Patrol. Check the schedule on their website.
Admission is charged. Parking is extra, and you will have to buy separate tickets for the carnival rides. You can buy tickets online and getting them ahead of time will save you money.
Knotts Merry Farm
The rest of the year it's Knotts Berry Farm, but around the holidays they change the name to 'Merry.' The lovable kid characters from the Peanuts comic strip put on a Christmas pageant, and Snoopy has an ice show. You can visit with Santa Claus or shop in the Christmas Crafts Village. It even snows in Ghost Town.
All the details for this year's fun are at the Knotts Merry Farm website.
Holiday Tea in Orange County
Afternoon tea is a fun way to celebrate the holidays, and Orange County has a couple of fun places to enjoy it.
The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel celebrates the season with a Holiday Tea in their Raya restaurant in November and December. You can get details on their website.
The Disneyland Hotel also serves a holiday afternoon tea in Steakhouse 55. You can enjoy a pot of hot tea while you munch on scones, tea sandwiches, and petite sweets. Reservations are recommended, and you'll find all the details are on their website.
Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy
Address
107 S Coast HwyPhone
+1 949-497-3311The popular summer Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach makes an encore every holiday season. On weekends in November and December, the Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy showcases more than 100 artists who create, display and sell their original creations.
There's also live holiday entertainment, outdoor cafes, art classes, a petting zoo, and— of course — a chance to visit Santa Claus.
Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train
Address
1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA92869, USAPhone
+1 714-997-3968At the Irvine Park Railroad, you can take a train straight to the North Pole. Once you get there, you can visit Santa Claus and then go back to the station to see Christmas lights and decorations and a magical “Tunnel of Lights.”
You'll find all the details, dates and prices at the Irvine Park Railroad website.