L
ouis C. Tiffany, John F.
Kennedy, Bette Davis and
a collection of 800 bronze
bells played a significant part in
the history of the Mission Inn.
The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa
is a fabled resort and California’s
booming orange crops had much
to do with bringing the people and
bells to this location. I had heard
about The Mission Inn and all its
grandeur, but to really understand
it, a look to the past is imperative.
Growing up in Southern California, I was surprised it was not
part of the Junipero Serra Spanish
missions located throughout California. Then again, Navel oranges,
I know well.
In the later part of the 1800’s, a
group of people started their own
colony in Riverside and found
The Nanjing Bell
success growing Brazilian Navel
orange trees from two grafts provided by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The
area grew like gangbusters because of the
style. Mr. Miller had keen marketing skills
blooming citrus industry and welcomand influential friends, which he used to
ing climate. Tourists from the east coast
build up the property. He acquired art and
and Europe found sunshine and orange
numerous keepsakes from Europe and Asia
blossom aroma a reason to visit Riverside
that are as profound to the property as the
which sits in a basin 60 miles east of Los
Angeles. An adobe boarding house named unusual buildings. His wife Isabella loved
bells and in the front of the property is a
the Glenwood Inn was owned by Chris3500-pound bell named the Nanjing Bell.
topher Columbus Miller and the small
building was located on a piece of property Eight hundred bells are in the collection
and displayed at various locations, which is
the size of a city block.
fun for adults and kids to discover.
Mr. Miller’s son, Frank, bought the
Guests enter through an arched abode
property from his dad in 1880. Frank,
entrance with hanging bells in the tall wall
at age 22, with his impending marriage,
known as a campanario or bell wall, resemdevised a plan to capitalize on Southern
California’s booming times. Glenwood Inn bling a mission. Beyond that, the Inn takes
was changed to The Mission Inn to take ad- twists and turns in an eclectic manner with
vantage of people’s interest in missions and buildings and wings added one at a time
and not in a flowing way.
the growing mission revival architectural
Among the many add-ons is
the International Rotunda Wing
completed in 1931. This multi-level storied spiral staircase is impressive with wrought iron hand
rails and insets of other country’s
insignias. Truly intriguing is how
the rotunda brings nationalities
together step by step. Booker T.
Washington was invited to visit
and dine with Mr. Miller during
his social reform speeches and
President John F. Kennedy attended the Institute of world affairs
conference before his presidency.
One level leads to the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel and another
level into the Courtyard of the
Orient. The St. Francis Chapel is
inviting with Tiffany stained glass
windows, Belgian wooden benches, a massive gold-leafed altar and
near the prayer candles a menorah. Many old time movie stars
have been married in the chapel,
including Bette Davis, and over
300 weddings are held each year.
I noticed a woman behind me
continued to glance to the back
of the chapel while most were in
awe of the forward altar. Quietly,
she asked the docent leader if she
could play the pipe organ because
she was a professional organist
and it would be such a thrill. Politely she
was told no.
Wings to the hotel were added including a Cloister wing with catacombs,
Spanish wing with outdoor courtyard and
Author’s Row. Each level has ornate accommodations for overnight guests. I was trying to take it all in, Moorish style roof on
one wing, turrets, gargoyles and a glockenspiel. When the glockenspiel or clock tower
chimes, rotating full size figurines appear
every 15 minutes.
Walking on a docent’s tour is the best
way to view the property and volunteers
in the museum arrange the tours. The museum and store are staffed by very knowledgeable people who love the Mission Inn
and are able to answer questions. Trust me,
after a tour, there will be many questions.
Then it will be time to relax in the
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