Two of La Purisima's original bells
hang in the belfry. The uppermost bell
is carved from wood. This was a mission
tradition practiced until a bronze bell
could be purchased.

Large chunks of beef fat were melted
and purified in these vats. This rendered
tallow was stored in cowhide bags to
be traded to Yankee ships or used at
the mission for cooking, making candles
or soap. A CCC reproduction vat is
located to the right.

A squad of five soldiers lived in
these quarters to help maintain order
and to protect mission residents from
outside threats. The soldiers were called
"Leather Jackets" (Soldados de Cuera)
because they wore short protective
coats made of layers of animal hide.
Their weapons included lances,
swords, and flintlock muskets,
and they carried shields of hide.

The Corporal of the Guard and
his family lived here. He was the highest
ranking soldier of the mission and was in
command of the military detachment.

The Mayordomo lived here with
his family. He was usually a retired
soldier or a local Indian of outstanding
ability and was responsible for the
mission's ranch operations.

Over 100 people worked in the
mission's weaving industry. During a
period of about forty years, some 40,000
blankets were produced. They were used
locally, shipped to the Santa Barbara
Presidio, or traded to passing ships.

Leather and rawhide or "cuero"
were vitally important. The leather
was made into boots, sandals, saddles,
and harnesses; the rawhide was used for
reatas (leather strings), bolas (pouches),
reins, and soldier's shields. Hinges and
other fastenings or bindings might
also be made of leather.

Each mission was administered by
two Padres. One was in charge of secular
concerns and the other was responsible
for spiritual matters. Their simple living
quarters reflected their practical
unfrivolous attitudes.

Here the various records were kept.
Even in that era paperwork was essential
in administering 300,000 acres of ranchland
and supervising some 1,000 people.