silver city life winter 2006

Winter ’06 Complimentary

Q U I T E S I M P L Y T H E B E S T !

15Share Their STORIES

HISTORIC

15LONGTIMERS

Share Their STORIESLa Capilla

A Dream Becomes Reality

SILVER CITY’S

HISTORICBUSINESSES

HOMESTYLERecipes

Ghost Stories

www.chavezconst.com

We are an established team of professionals whose success is built on quality service and customer satisfaction. Call us today and put Silver City’s oldest, largest

and most recommended real estate company to work for YOU!

[email protected] W. College • Silver City, NM 88061

505-538-5373 • 1-800-234-0307

Properties that are out of the ordinary-Not out of the question.

www.smithrealestate.com

Custom Santa Fe Styleon 7.7 acres. • $379,500

Mountain Chalet Near Lake Roberts

$179,500

Vintage Victorian In Historic DistrictIncludes antique furnishings•$430,000

St. Joseph’s SquareCampus - close Block of Historic

Apartments • $989,000

Quality PeopleQuality Servicefor over 40 Years

http://www.smithrealestate.com

mailto:[email protected]

Luis Terrazas of Terrazas Funeral Chapels in Santa Clara has been in the funeral business for the past 18 years with most of that time serving our community.

His goal is to provide excellence in service at an affordable price. Terrazas offers funeral and cremation services to meet everyone’s budget and needs.The staff is dedicated in lending support and comfort to your family.

They also have many years of experience that you can depend on, including 2 licensed funeral directors and a full time prearrangement counselor.Terrazas state of the art facility is equipped with 2 chapels.

The East chapel is the largest in this area, to accommodate larger families and the West chapel is for smaller gatherings with acomforting and quiet atmosphere. Each chapel is available to serve all faiths and we personalize the service and chapel for each and every family.

Terrazas Funeral Chapels also has the only on-site crematory in Grant County, which means your loved one will never have to leave our facility.No matter what service you choose, you will always have personalized, professional, hometown care from Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

“Trusted care for the ones you love”

100 Industrial • Park Santa Clara, NM 88026 • 505.537.0777Chapels are non-denominational, and can be used to serve all faiths.Chapels are non-denominational, and can be used to serve all faiths.

Voted “Best Transit of the Year” in New Mexico.

Daily Service (Monday - Friday)

Silver City - Arenas Valley - Santa Clara - BayardHurley - Cliff - Mimbres - Deming - Lordsburg

Tuesdays Cotton City - Animas - Rodeo

We can get you to Amtrak or Greyhound in Deming

and Lordsburg. Also the Grant County Airport.

Sponsors:All Glass MDGabriel RamosSilver Leaf FloralMillennium TherapyBryan Truck and AutoHidalgo Medical ServiceSouthwest Collision RepairGila Regional Medical CenterFamily Dental Practice - Palomas, Mex.

“Get on the Bus!”

Voted “Best Transit of the Year” in New Mexico.

Regular and Fixed Routes • On Demand Service

“Get on the Bus!”

524 Silver Heights Blvd. #1 • Silver City, NM505.388.3180 • 866.934.3866

correcaminostransit.com • [email protected]

524 Silver Heights Blvd. #1 • Silver City, NM505.388.3180 • 866.934.3866

correcaminostransit.com • [email protected]


6 – SILVER CITY LIFE

SILVER CITYLIFEWINTER 2006

f ea tu res11 Nine Historic Grant County Businesses. Our then-and-now

salute to hometown businesses that have withstood thetest of time and continue to offer personalized service.

20 La Capilla. The story of the “little chapel on the hill” withJoe & Senovia Ray and the other members of the “gang offive” who brought it to life.

24 Grant County’s Long Timers. We look back to a differentera in Grant County’s history through the eyes of 15 livingtreasures who helped make this a special place.

40 Historic Fort Bayard. Originally a military outpost, FortBayard has been an important health care facility for over100 years.

S1-S16 Silver City Source. Shops and Services, Galleriesand Attractions, Salons & Spas, Products, RestaurantMenus.

41 Homestyle Recipes. From entrees to desserts, thesereaders’ winter recipes delight the eye and soothe the soul.

46 Homestyle Cooking. A pictorial feature highlighting down-home dishes from Silver City dining establishments.

48 Silver City Treasures. A special tribute to six departedfriends who we hope will never be forgotten.

54 Grant County Ghost Stories. Five local legends as retoldby Cobre High School students from 1957 through 1962.

60 Charro Horses. A visit with Carlos Herrera, an amazingman who has trained some equally amazing animals.

66 Extravagant Makeover. The results are in, and they’reimpressive.

68 Medical. Gila Regional Medical Center has become one of only 25 hospitals in the country to offer “navigated”knee surgery.

79 The Lighted Christmas Parade. We trace the origins of adowntown holiday tradition.

depar tmen ts10 Editor’s Note. A few words from Managing

Editor Arlene Schadel.

52 Outdoors. Early pioneers of the Gila region.

58 New Faces in Business.

62 Pets. Recent adoptions, a new animal rights organization and a versatile pet-sitting service.

72 The Arts. Profiling Fred Barraza, a prolificmulti-media artist born and raised in Grant County.

75 Out & About. Snapshots of local events.

78 Openings, Performances and Special Events.

ON THE COVER:On a sunny day’s tripthrough time, Lanny andJill Olson roll past CityHall and its recentlyrefurbished antique clockin their beautifullyrestored 1931 ChevroletIndependence fire engine.

Open Weekends!

Main Office

Downtown Office

Rodeo Office

www.mimbresrealty.com

No One Knows The Country Like We Do!

We have 3 locations to serve you.

2 in Silver City.

1 in Rodeo.

Open Weekends!

Main OfficeOpen Mon.-Sat. 8:30 to 5:30

2700 A Hwy.180 EastSilver City, NM 88061

505.538.3789 • 800.827.9198

Downtown OfficeOpen Mon.-Sat. 9 to 5 & Sun. 10 to 2

414 North Bullard StreetDowntown, Silver City

505.534.4616 877.MIMBRES

Rodeo Office199 Hwy. 80 • Rode o ,NM 88056

505.557.1244

www.mimbresrealty.com

www.unitedcountry.com/silvercitynm

contents

http://www.mimbresrealty.com

http://www.unitedcountry.com/silvercitynm

1310 SILVER HEIGHTS BLVD. SILVER CIT Y, NM 88061

505-538-5328Monday-Saturday 9-6 • Sunday 12-5

Locally Owned and Operated.W W W. S E A R S D E A L E R S . C O M / 3329

http://www.searshometownstores.com/0003329.html


Terri MengesPresident &

Managing Director

Joseph BurgessVice President

Arlyn CooleyStaff Accountant

Arlene SchadelManaging Editor

Brett FerneauStaff Writer

Jean BenzineJoseph Burgess

Donna Clayton LawderM. H. “Dutch” Salmon

Pat YoungContributing Writers

Joseph BurgessPhotography except

where credited

Robin ArellanoJean Benzine

John ConnersJudy DouBrava

Brett FerneauBarbara Gorzycki

Donna Clayton LawderAlice F. Pauser

M. H. Dutch SalmonBill Warren

Contributing Photographers

Graham DoddDatabase Administrator

LeAnne KnudsenErin Schadel-Oldham

Project Coordinators

Debra LueraJennifer Rivera

Designers

Lynn JanesArlene Schadel

Advertising Sales

Graham DoddLeAnne Knudsen

Distribution

©Zia Publishing Corp., 2006.This issue of Silver City Life iscopyright under the laws of theUnited States of America. Allrights reserved. Reproductionin whole or part without per-mission of the publisher pro-hibited. For permission to useany portion of this publicationemail:[email protected] submissions of editorial orphotography are only acceptedwithout risk to the publisher forloss or damage. Every effortwas made to ensure accuracyin the information provided.The publisher assumes noresponsibility or liability forerrors, changes or omissions.

Special Thanks to: Della AcostaBen AltamiranoGabby ArmendarizFred BarrazaEugene BustillosAllison BatemanJean BenzineDorothy BlalockDuane BrockettBob BrockhausenCurtis BullingtonKaren CampbellNick ChintisPatrick ConlinArlyn CooleyMargaret CrumbleySharleen DaughertyRichard DeatonJudy DouBravaTommy FoyJuanita FranksRay GarciaConsuelo GonzalesBarbara GorzyckiGrant Co. Humane Soc.Mike HarrisCarlos HerreraHolley HudginsRosie HumblePaul HunterPedro IniguezChris & Bobby JacksonJane JansonNancy (Thompson) JohnsonScott KennedyMichelle KesslerDr. Shelby KingJames KoonsDonna Clayton LawderJimmy McCauleyDorothy McCraySunny McFarrenJudy & Vernon McOskerAlbert MadrigalMarla MeadChristy MillerBobbie NealJim and Debbie NennichHarold ObergErin Schadel-OldhamJoanne PerezWilliam PerezJoe & Sanovia RayBeverly RedwineSue & A.D. RichinsLinda RowseSudie Kennedy-RuhneMurray RyanArlene SchadelJim SchadelEsther ScherfDr. John ShermanJan ShermanWhitney ShoupJean SpearsBrittany TopmillerMikey TorrezNancy TrinkelCarrie WallinApril Weitlauf Cray WernerJohn WernerFrankie & Moose WhiteJan WhitfieldDr. John S. Wilson

Silver City Life is published bi-annually by Zia Publishing Corp. with offices at:611 N. Hudson StreetSilver City, NM 88061 Phone: 505-956-1560Fax: 505-956-1580e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ziapublishing.com

Subscriptions: $7.00. Add $2for subscriptions to Canadaor Mexico. $3 for othercountries. Back Issues $3.50.Subscription telephone: 505-956-1560

Two Convenient Locations: 1928 Hwy. 180 East and Wal-Mart.

FREE On-Line Banking • www.fnmbsc.com505.388.3121 or 1.888.388.3121

FREE On-Line Banking • www.fnmbsc.com505.388.3121 or 1.888.388.3121

Two Convenient Locations: 1928 Hwy. 180 East and Wal-Mart.Home Of: Copper Country Escrow • 505.388.0668Home Of: Copper Country Escrow • 505.388.0668

Friendly Hometown Service With All Your Banking Needs!Friendly Hometown Service With All Your Banking Needs!• Savings & Checking Accounts• Loans ( Installments, Auto, Commercial, Construction, etc.)• IRA’s & CD’s• Mortgages

Sav-On HOBBY

534-0560

Sav-On HOBBY

R.C. Cars, Trucks

and Airplanes

1306 N. Hudson

534-0560

Tues.-Fri.10am to 6pm

Sat. 10am to 2pm

SILVER CITYLIFE



http://www.ziapublishing.com

http://www.fnmbsc.com

308 N. Bullard • 505.388.5428


EDITOR’S NOTE AS WE WERE CLOSING THIS ISSUE, I KEPT THINKING,

“WHAT IN THE WORLD WILL WE FOCUS ON FOR THE

next issue that we didn’t already do in this issue?” I think they feel like

that after every issue. I can’t tell you how exciting it has been learning

about all these folks who have lived here all or most of their long lives!

These long timers know so much of the history of our area, I am just

sorry that we only had room for fifteen of them. We are planning to

continue our feature on at least one Silver City long timer in upcoming issues. It was really important

to me to do our tribute to our Silver City Treasures that have left us within the last year or so. Jo

Dunn, Coach Fox, Willie Gonzales, Walter Biebelle, Bill Acosta and of course Johnny Banks were

such special people and they have all touched my life as well as many others I’m sure.

Thank you to our old businesses that have served our community for so long! You are the main

stay of Grant County. You support our local clubs and organizations, our schools and have hung in

there through good times and bad.

The story on Senovia and Joe Ray and their passion for the La Capilla Project makes the whole

project that much more important. I can’ t tell you how much I’ve grown to love this couple, who

work so desperately on a daily basis to move this project closer to reality. And my friend Fred Barraza

has done so much for our community through his beautiful spirit as well as his art.

Duane Brockett, thank you so much for sharing your precious ghost stories with us. We know how

much they mean to you.

I was so glad to include Carlos Herrera, a truly magical man who is so humble and certainly

talented with his own secret language in working with his beautiful horses.

It has been such a pleasure working with the talented crew of designers and writers at Zia

Publishing. I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with all of you and especially Terri

Menges, who is a genius!

Thank you to all the advertisers, without you this book would not be possible! I truly hope that

the advertising in this book serves you well!

God Bless,

Arlene SchadelManaging Editor

above, left to right,top row: The Buckhorn Saloon,

circa 1985The Palace Hotel,

circa 1900 Blackwell’s Jewelers in 1958 Lusk Flower and Gift

Shop in 1986 Home Furniture in 1946bottom row: Sav-On Drug Store,

circa 1957Werner Tire Service in 1965The Drifter Motel in 1966Snappy Mart Stores in 1965

THE HISTORIC HERITAGE OF OUR AREA IS APPARENT NOT ONLY IN ITS PEOPLE, CULTUREAND BUILDINGS, BUT IN ITS DEDICATED AND DYNAMIC HOMETOWN BUSINESSES.

99Looking Back at

HISTORICGrant County

BUSINESSES

BY JEAN BENZINE, BRETT FERNEAU AND DONNA CLAYTON LAWDER

You won’t see much corporate fraud in Grant County. Stock swindles and hostile

takeovers are activities in which we don’t seem to engage. While cutthroat

competition, overseas outsourcing and slipshod service practices are

commonplace throughout the world, we have been blessed with an abundance of

local and family-owned businesses that have stood the test of time. Perhaps it isn’t

so remarkable that such enterprises still exist as it is that we have so many of

them. Join us on a stroll through a few of our historic hometown establishments,

where personalized, friendly service is still just part of “business as usual.”

www.ziapublishing.com – 11



top: Main Street in Pinos Altos. The Buckhorn is on the left. inset: Manager Karen Campbell.

VISITORS TO PINOS ALTOS SOMETIMEShesitate to enter the Buckhorn Saloon due to itstimeworn façade, but according to manager KarenCampbell, “When they come inside they areimpressed with its authenticity.” The old woodenbar was brought over the Black Range by horse-drawn wagons. The antique National cash register,paintings of dance hall girls brandishing guns andthe pot-bellied stove that has stood there since1867 all transport patrons back to the days of theOld West.

Then, there are the “residents” of the Buckhorn; “Indian Joe,” a sullen woodenfigure seated at the end of the bar, and “Debbie ‘DeCamp’ Moore,” a mannequinoutfitted like that notable lady of the night, welcoming visitors from her seat onthe balcony.

The Buckhorn has been a part of Pinos Altos for over a century. Karenexplains, “It’s one of the original bars, dating back to the silver/gold mining eraof the late 1800s.” In its heyday, P.A. boasted six or more saloons but the otherssuccumbed to fire.

Today’s Buckhorn offers a full bar and two different menus. The bar servescasual fare like Buckhorn Burgers and Blackened Chicken Salad, while the dining room has a first-class full menu including seafood, choice steaks andhomemade desserts.

“The dining room serves 120-150 people on an average weekend, not countingthe people who choose to have a burger in the bar,” Karen is pleased to report.

Karen also has a long history with the Buckhorn. She began as a bus girl in1967 and became manager in 1998. When asked about her long-term associationwith the Saloon and P.A., she states simply, “I never thought about leaving.”

THE

BUCKHORNSALOONBY JEAN BENZINE

H I S T O R I C A LSIGNIFICANCE,OLD-WORLDCHARM AND Agreat downtownlocation make thePalace Hotel afavorite lodgingchoice for visitors.It is the oldestsurviving hotel inSilver City,

housed in one of the oldest buildings in thehistoric district.

The building didn’t start out as a hotel,however. In 1882, Hartford Meredith andHenry Ailman purchased the property atthe corner of Broadway and Bullard tobuild a bank. The bank opened in thespring of 1882 and was in operation untilDecember of 1887. The building was thenpurchased and remodeled by Max Shutz. In1900 he converted the second floor into 40hotel rooms, the first floor into a lobby and

THE

PALACEHOTEL

BY JEAN BANZINE

BY DONNA CLAYTON LAWDER

IN THE EVOLUTION OF BLACKWELL’SJEWELERS, A SILVER CITY FAMILY BUSINESSthe name is the constant that lets current owner CurtisBullington trace the store’s roots. Across the glass cases,he spreads black and white photos, ancient postcards,bills of sale, and newspaper clippings — all lovinglypreserved. Records of old Blackwell’s piano andtypewriter rentals are written in fountain pen.

John and Mary Blackwell were the founders ofBlackwell’s Books, and the earliest evidence of themand their business is a sales slip dated July 23, 1924.

Watchmaker Earl Patton bought Blackwell’s Bookstore and turned it into a jewelrystore. He was a partner with William Droke, the man who took over the store,married Curtis Bullington’s mother and eventually brought her son into the business.

Curtis Bullington became a watchmaker-jeweler and developed that aspect of the business, buying Blackwell’s from his widowed mother. His son Keith, one of the company’s current three employees, is a Jewelers of America Certified SeniorBench Jeweler.

Blackwell’s has resided at 218 Bullard Street since the 1950s, just down the streetfrom its first location at 300 Bullard. Huff ’s Dress Shop and Lusk Flower and GiftShop (still a downtown Silver City business) were next door.

Curtis plans to rearrange the store to reflect the “old style jewelry store” layout, withcustomers shopping in an outer ring, between glass-topped counters and glass walldisplay cases. The staff will work from the center of the circle of cases.

In addition to quality goods, Blackwell’s has a reputation for fine jewelry repair.Underscoring his business philosophy, Curtis says, “You’ve got to give your customersgood treatment.”

top: In a 1958 photo, William Droke identifies recovered jewelry taken in a robbery. Left toright: Mr. Droke, Police Chief Stewart Pinkerton, Patrolman Danny Dunagan and AssistantDistrict Attorney Dave Serna. inset: Curtis Bullington at the jeweler’s bench.

BLACKWELL’SJEWELERS

dining room and opened the Palace Hotel.In 1928, the building, then known as theClark Hotel, once again underwent amajor exterior and interior renovation.

In 1988, on a trip through Silver City,Nancy and Cal Thompson saw the realestate listing and began discussingpurchasing the building. A year later, theyreturned to Silver City and saw thebuilding was still for sale, so theypurchased it to once again be used as ahotel. They rehabilitated it back to its1928 appearance and named it the PalaceHotel once more.

In addition to its location and charm,owner Nancy Thompson Johnson says sheand the long-time staff of the Palacebelieve that their success lies in providingthe personal touch. “This is truly a family-run business and we treat our guests likefamily. We have many repeat customersand a high occupancy rate, so that speaksfor itself.”

top: A large wood-burning stovestands at the foot of the staircase inthe lobby of the old Palace Hotel.inset: Owner Nancy Johnson.




top: the remodeled home originally belonging to Alvin N. andLouise White. inset: Owners Frankie and Moose White.

ESTABLISHED FOR 77 YEARS, LUSKFLOWER AND GIFT SHOP IS SILVERCity’s oldest continuously operatedbusiness. Frankie and Moose Whitepurchased the store in 1985 and moved itto the lovingly restored former home ofMoose’s grandparents, Alvin N. and LouiseWhite, where it has been located for thepast 20 years.

The shop has two employees andoccasional temporary help, “except for

holidays, when we might have up to 17,” Frankie laughs. She describes Valentine’sDay and Mother’s Day “rushes” when the long-time temporary staff joins in to fillthe orders. “It’s busy, and very satisfying,” she says. “People who buy flowers aremaking someone else happy, and it’s great to be a part of that.”

The shop is also a purveyor of fine gifts, and the exclusive Silver City outlet forDolona Roberts originals and serigraphs. Sweet teddy bears, baby gifts, fine works inNambé, crystal and porcelain provide the gift-giver a plethora of options.

Lusk Flower and Gift Shop celebrates Good Neighbor Day annually by givingaway over a thousand flowers in increments of one dozen. “Each person gets to keepone flower, and they must give away the other eleven,” Frankie explains. “I hear backfrom people things like ‘I gave my flowers to patients in the hospital’ or ‘I gave mineaway to total strangers and it made them smile.’ ”

“Customer service makes a difference,” Frankie declares. “We’ll deliver outside ournormal delivery area and beyond store hours if it pleases the customer. Excellentservice is our greatest asset. That’s how we’ve built our reputation.”

Moose adds that they try to apply the shop’s motto, “Simply the best… since 1928.”

LUSK FLOWER& GIFT SHOP

HOME FURNITURE

HOME FURNITUREHAS BEEN OWNEDAND OPERATED BYthe same family for 68years and counting. Itbegan in 1937 whenNelson Wygant ofSilver City and E.L.McCoy of Hanoveropened the HomeFurniture Co. at 202N. Bullard Street. As ayoung girl, Nelson’sdaughter Sudie WygantKennedy recalls travel-ing with her father on

furniture-buying trips. “The railroad depot was right next door,”

Sudie recalls. “Twice a year we’d just walkout the door, step aboard the train and gostraight to Chicago from Silver City.”

In 1941, Nelson bought out Mr. McCoyand thoroughly remodeled the store. In1948 he opened a second store, the Bargain


BY JEAN BENZINE


top: The home appliance department of abygone era. Inset above: Scott KennedyInset below: Sudie Kennedy

HOME FURNITUREAPPLIANCES & CARPETING

207 South Bullard Street • 538-3767 • 1-800-286-3767

Family owned and operated in historic downtown Silver City since 1937

Largest Showrooms in Southwestern New Mexico

ocated approximately 5 miles west of Silver City on Hwy. 180 W. borderingthe Gila National Forest, Wind Canyon Estates boasts breath-taking views,some as far away as Arizona. Enjoy the native vegetation of beautiful wildflowers, yucca, and stately piñon, juniper, cedar and oak. 10 acre parcelspriced from the low $80’s. Definitely a place to explore!

LLEnchantment Realty501 Silver Heights Blvd.Silver City, NM 88061

It’s why people move to Silver City!

www.silvercity-realestate.com1-800-456-3132 • 505-538-2931

Annex, featuring reconditioned usedfurniture and appliances.

In 1967, the Home Furniture Co. wassold to a Deming concern and closed.Nelson’s son Paul managed the BargainAnnex until he passed away in 1975,when Sudie and her husband RichardKennedy moved back from San Diego totake charge. Their son Scott joined thebusiness in 1986 and the Bargain Annexcelebrated its 50th anniversary a year later.Scott took over as manager after thepassing of his father in 1989. In 1990, thebusiness readopted the original nameHome Furniture and the building’s façadewas redone to a Main Street design.

These days Scott still manages the storeand his wife Denise is also very muchinvolved in the business. Sudie divides hertime between Silver City and Santa Cruz,CA and the Wygant/Kennedy familycontinues the downtown business legacyand tradition of community involvementat Home Furniture. With 26,000 squarefeet of showroom space, the store carries afull line of furniture, appliances, bedding,floor coverings and electronics.

Wind Canyon EstatesWind Canyon Estates


http://www.silvercity-realestate.com


IN BUSINESS, THE SECRET TO SURVIVAL IN ACOMPETITIVE MARKET CAN SOMETIMES BE ASsimple as providing superior customer service and doingwhat you love. This formula seems to have worked well forpharmacist Rosie Humble and business manager RayGarcia, owners of the 55-year-old Sav-On Drug Store.

Over the last half-century, the proliferation of chain-storepharmacies has forced small independent drugstores toreinvent themselves. “In addition to stocking the typicalitems, we had to find a unique product niche. Adding thehobby line seemed the logical choice and it has worked wellfor us,” states Ray. A radio-controlled racing enthusiasthimself, his knowledge of the hobby field made the line a

perfect addition to the store.Sav-On Drug was established in 1950 at 1306 Bullard

Street. In 1965, pharmacist Dr. Whitney Shoup and his wifeLaVera purchased the business, moving the store to its present location at 316 N. Hudson in 1976. Rosie began working there in the early 80s and Whitneybecame her mentor. With his encouragement she became a pharmacist, and withRay’s help she carried on the Sav-On customer service legacy.

Rosie sustained injuries in a 2003 accident and in October, 2005 the pharmacyportion of Sav-On was sold to the Medicine Shoppe so that she could have time toheal. “We had to sell the pharmacy for health reasons” says Ray. “We just have toget Rosie better. Sav-On Hobby will still carry on the Sav-On name and goodcustomer service.” The store will offer a full line of radio control cars, trucks andairplanes along with other hobby items. It’s just one more step in the evolution of asmall-town business.

The Medicine Shoppe of Silver City, located at 1123 N. Pope Street, will gladly be servicing allSav-On Pharmacy customers.

BY JEAN BENZINE AND ARLENE SCHADELSAV-ON DRUG STORE

W H E NWERNER TIRES E R V I C Erelocated fromthe hub of thebusiness districton Bullard St. to

its present loca-tion on Highway180 East in

1962, some people questioned the wisdomof the move.

“People thought we were crazy, moving sofar out of town,” recalls Cray Werner, whoco-owns the business with his brother John.“City limits were at the bottom of the hill.There was almost nothing up here backthen. Now look at it!”

Silver City’s growth aside, the biggestchange in their tire business has been in theauto industry itself. “When dad started thebusiness, there were maybe seven differentsizes in a 16-inch tire,” Cray says as he scrollsthrough pages of tire models on the Internet.

WERNER TIRE SERVICE

top: Customers relax at the old drug store on Bullard Street.inset, top: Business manager Ray Garcia. inset, bottom: pharmacist Rosie Humble.



top: A representative from Goodyear™ presentsthe Werners an award on the business’s 25thanniversary in 1985. That’s Don “Pop” Wernerreceiving the plaque, Cray to the right of Pop,and John on the far right. inset: John and Crayin their showroom.

8412 Hwy. 180 W P. O. Box 408 Cliff, NM 88028

Dale Spurgeon, BrokerToll Free 1-888-874-9891

[email protected] • www.actionrealtynm.com

Doug Baird, Sales Associate505-533-6838

ActionREALTYA

Specializing in Gila/San Francisco River Valley and Secluded Rural Properties.

“There are more like a hundred today!”He notes that Werner Tire can get “prettymuch anything in the next day.”

Excluding engine work, the shop doeseverything mechanical for vehicles,including shocks, brakes, alignments,front-end work, mufflers and, of course,all brands of tires. The brothers pridethemselves on their capable, long-termstaff. “One of our front-end men workedfor us for 27 years,” Cray says.

Employees aren’t the only ones whoremain loyal. On a busy Thursdaymorning, the brothers greet customer aftercustomer by name. “I’ve been bringing mycars here for 20 years,” a senior gentlemanannounces proudly. “Wouldn’t go any-where else!”

The company services all kinds ofvehicles. “Our guy is going to Cliff rightnow to service a backhoe,” John says. “Wedo everything from a wheelbarrow on up.”

Both brothers enjoy doing business in Silver City, where the best things, theyagree, are “the mountains and the people!”

Silver City Offices 610 Silver Heights Blvd. • 1609 N. Swan Street • Silver City, NM 88061

505.534.0550Hurley Branch

512 Carrasco Ave.Hurley, NM 88043

505.537.2111

Bayard Branch102 Hurley Ave.

Bayard, NM 88023

505.537.2481

Hometown Community SpiritHometown Community Pride

EQUAL HOUSINGLENDER

and for those living further away...

1.800.440.8751



http://www.actionrealtynm.com


SNAPPY MART STORES, INC. BEGANIN 1965, WHEN OWNERS WESLEYand Della Mae Little opened their first storeon Market Street. Wesley, a butcher, ran themeat department and the store also offereddeli and grocery items. The couple soonopened Snappy #2 on 12th Street, whichlater moved across the street to where itstands today. Snappy #3 opened around in1966 in Bayard. In 1967, Wesley and DellaMae’s son Steve, Sr. became involved in thecompany, managing Snappy #4, whichstood where Geronimo’s Restaurant is now.It was later relocated to the corner ofHudson and Broadway.

The Snappy Mart chain added linksquickly. The first corporate office washoused in Snappy #5, where Laurent’s ShoeStore now operates. Snappy #6, also knownas the “Hilltop Snappy” is still at the samelocation on Hwy. 180 East. Snappy #7, onCollege Avenue where the Grinder Mill istoday once sold hamburgers called – whatelse? – “Snappy Burgers.” In all, Snappy

SNAPPYMARTSTORES

THE

DRIFTERMOTEL

BY JEAN BENZINE AND BRETT FERNEAU

A ROOM FOR A NIGHT OR A MONTH, A PLACE TOenjoy a cocktail and listen to live music, a heated pool forexercise, a game room and pool tables for entertainment,and a restaurant serving all three meals including breakfastanytime - all this available at The Drifter Motel. ManagerCarrie Wallin attributes these amenities, along with thepersonal service, to the business’s long-term success.

Kenneth and Gyland Wallin built the original structuresin 1962, adding a second wing in 1963. Carrie began

working at the motel in 1977 and has been there ever since. Hays B. and Patricia D.May, known to all as Mr. and Mrs. May, bought the establishment in 1978. Mr. Maypassed away on December 31, 2004 leaving the business to Mrs. May.

Last remodeled in 1988, the motel is again undergoing major changes. “We arereplacing all the furniture and bedding and buy locally whenever possible,” saysCarrie, adding that she only buys U.S.A. made towels and linens.

Carrie takes pride in the level of service the staff offers. “We like to give things apersonal touch. We help visitors plan their stays here, letting them know what there isto see and do. We also do a good job of remembering our repeat customers. A mantold me that it had been 10 years to the day since his last stay with us and that whenhe walked into the lobby, he was greeted with, ‘Welcome back, Leonard.’ We want thisto be a home away from home. We have a salesman who has been staying with us for35 years, so we must be doing something right!”

top: The Drifter in its early days. Note the wide-open spaces around it. inset: Manager Carrie Wallin.

BY JEAN BENZINE AND BRETT FERNEAU

top: One of nineteen Snappy Marts. Thosegas prices look pretty good. inset: Debbie andJim Nennich


See me for Car and Home Insurance and save.

Gabriel Ramos, Agent502 Silver Heights • Silver City, NM 88061Bus: [email protected]

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, STATE FARM IS THERE.Providing Insurance and Financial Services

State Farm • Home Offices: Bloomington, IL

Unfurnished Long Term and Fully Furnished Short Term Rentals.

Competitive rental rates for single family homes with 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a one car garage.

DishwasherGarbage Disposal

Clothes Washer & Dryer

– Refrigerator with Ice Maker– Gas Range & Self-Cleaning Oven– Landscape Maintenance Provided

Mart opened 19 stores throughoutsouthwest New Mexico.

Steve, Sr. took over the company in theearly 1980’s, moving the corporate offices toHwy. 180 in 1991. Current owners Jim andDebbie Nennich bought the company in1999 and formed W & N Enterprises, Inc.,

doing business as Snappy Mart Stores. W & N Enterprises acquired Bailey’s Food

Market in Bayard in 2000, and the SilverCity Furr’s Supermarket in 2001, renamingthem the Food Basket stores.

Jim and Debbie credit much of the successof this long-term business to its employees,saying, “We recognize that our greatest assetis our people.” The company offersinsurance and bonus/incentive plans to itsworkers, and currently employs 130 people.



www.pinonpark.com

THE HEART OF LA CAPILLA PARK IS “THE LITTLE CHAPEL ON THE HILL.” But at the inception of this Silver City park, the pulse of the project beat within Joe andSenovia Ray and three other people who became known as “the gang of five.” Most of themgrew up in the shadow of Chihuahua Hill, where the park is located.

Joe Ray, 77, has lived here since he was 6 months old. Senovia, 74, moved here in 1941.Standing next to the rebuilt chapel at the top of Chihuahua Hill, the Rays can literally pointto every home, including their current home for almost 40 years, where they grew up orraised four children. They can even see the downtown area, where Joe’s mom had arestaurant and Joe and Senovia ran a grocery store.

Willie Gonzales, a gang of five board member, also grew up in the historic Chihuahua Hillresidential area. According to Earl Montoya, another of the “gang,” Willie would findarrowheads and pottery shards when he roamed the hill as a child.

“So the hill must have been special to the Indians, too,” says Montoya, who moved toSilver City in 1943 and grew up near Chihuahua Hill.

The fifth member of the gang of five was John Luna, who grew up in nearby Kingston,


above, top: The “littlechapel on the hill.”above: A close-up ofLa Capilla’s inscribedplaque. opposite, top:Joe and Senovia Ray.opposite: A walkwayleading to the chapel.

LA CAPILLAJOE & SANOVIA RAY

LA CAPILLABY PAT YOUNGPHOTOGRAPHY BY JUDY WUTHRICH

but moved to Silver City as a young man.About five or six years ago, the town of Silver

City acquired approximately 23 acres of landthat included Chihuahua Hill for the Trails andOpen Spaces program. Part of this land hadpreviously been earmarked for a constructionyard. When the city solicited proposals for theland, the gang of five galvanized.

“The more I heard about it, the more I thoughtabout it,” says Senovia, a bundle of energy withbright bespectacled eyes, cell phone in onehand and walking cane in the other.

The five original board members for LaCapilla Park got together and came up with 16 elements, according to Montoya, who sayshe suffers from “OAI” (over active imagination).It was Montoya who suggested a park ratherthan just trails, and the Rays who suggested rebuilding the chapel.

The board wanted to get the city’s attention. Montoya says, “nothing would get theirattention like telling them a gang is coming to make a proposal.” The title stuck. They wentbefore the city, stunned them with their comprehensive plan, and La Capilla Park started onthe road to reality.

Before going to the state legislature to tackle monetary issues for the park, however, theboard metamorphosed into the La Capilla board of directors. Montoya grins and says that“board” appealed more than “gang” for that task.

The Rays, the only original members still on the board, remain sparkplugs for La CapillaPark. Senovia enthusiastically displays an artist’s rendering of the park illustrating all 16 proposed elements - the rebuilt chapel, trails, picnic areas, grottos, gardens, a uniqueretaining wall and more.

Main goals for the park include cultural, historical and educational aspects, as well as low-maintenance features and tourism. “We want something for everyone of all ages,” saysSenovia, who currently serves as board chairperson.

From the beginning, she wanted the chapel to be the heart of the project. She walked

YOUTHCONSERVATIONCORPSBY PAT YOUNG

When a “gang of five” arearesidents made a proposal to SilverCity fathers to develop 23 acres ofland into La Capilla Park, the ideamet with enthusiasm. The “gang”then went to Juvenile Probation tosee if they could help provide labor.

According to Gary Stailey, chiefjuvenile probation officer withJuvenile Justice Services, Youth andFamily Services, this turned out tobe a timely request. Concurrently, hesays, the Youth Conservation Corps(YCC) request for proposal came out.

“We saw that as an opportunity todovetail (the La Capilla project) withYCC, where kids could actual-ly getpaid for their work,” he says.

He explains that YCC partneredwith Cobre and Silver schooldistricts to reach youths who mightbe encouraged to apply. The city,Juvenile Probation and schooldistricts interview youths between16 and 25 years of age who haveeither dropped out of school, are atrisk, and are unemployed.

YCC has provided labor foreverything completed at La CapillaPark except the chapel, which wasconstructed by HolRay Construc-tion, with adobes provided by MuleCreek Adobe.

“By helping build (the park), itcreates a sense of ownership,”Stailey says. “They’re part of it andit’s part of them.”

Some of the YCC participantshave told Stailey that they lookforward to taking their own childrento the park someday.




this area with her children, and recalls seeing remnants of the original chapel foundation.Chihuahua Hills is special to those who have lived here so many years, both the Rays andMontoya say, as is the original chapel and the stories and legends that go with it.

Two sisters, Hipolita and Beatriz Manquero, journeyed here from Chihuahua City, Mexico inthe1800’s, and eventually commissioned the building of the original adobe chapel, dedicatedin 1885. Whether they were prostitutes, as some claim, or just single Mexican women whowere alone, as others say, and whether the chapel was built out of love, guilt, or to spare the

older sister who became ill, it became a beacon for Mexican-American residents livingin the Chihuahua Hill area of Silver City, according to Larry Godfrey, former LaCapilla board member. The chapel was dismantled in 1914, but never forgotten by residents.

La Capilla board members lobbied in Santa Fe for funding. Joseph Gendron,coordinator of Trails and Open Spaces, was able to get an EPA grant to help.

Other help came from the Youth Conservation Corps (see sidebar).The “little chapel on the hill” was dedicated in May 2004. Red brick

walkways lead to this adobe replica, situated next to scant remains of the historicoriginal chapel.

Metal artwork on the windows includes flowers and hummingbirds. Heavy woodendoors invite visitors into a simple chapel with polished wooden pews.

above: The chapel hasa panoramic view fromChihuahua Hill.


Patrick Conlin, Broker505-574-2201

[email protected]

Tracy Bauer, Agent505-534-7926

[email protected]

Carol Gardner, Agent505-590-6196

[email protected]

Lisa Parker, Agent505-313-4185

[email protected]

Karen Sheean, Agent505-590-2224

[email protected]

Top Agents,Top Service.

120 E. 11th StreetToll-free (866) 538-0404 • Office (505) 538-0404

www.prudentialsilvercity.com

New Phases Opening Soon!

Let us be your Realtor®!

Representing

Dos Griegos Subdivision

“The chapel connects us to the past,”Senovia says. “We all have connections tothe past. That’s why we’re here.”

She continues to envision new ideas forthe park, and hopes to see many of themcompleted “before God calls me.” ToSenovia, “nothing is impossible.”

La Capilla chapel keeps silent vigil overcontinuing work on the park. This year,walkways, pavilions and picnic areas near theadjacent Senior Citizens Center and El Refugio will give these facilities easyaccess to the park.

Many of the 16 elements for La CapillaPark are still hopes and dreams. But then,aren’t hopes and dreams what started thiswhole chain of events so long ago when twosisters arrived from Mexico?

2334 Ranch Club Road • Silver City, NM

505-388-4433 • 800-924-4437

YOUR PROPANE HEADQUARTERS • Propane • Gasoline • Diesel • OilResidential • Commercial • Repairs on all Propane Equipment • Tanks for Sale or LeaseCargo Containers for Sale or Lease • Self Storage Units • Roll-Off Containers & Service

http://www.prudentialsilvercity.com








above, left to right: Juanita Franks age 39Jim McCauley age 9Tommy Foy age 25Dorothy McCray age 19Nick Chintis age 24Paul Hunter age 22Dorothy Blalock age 23Murray Ryan age 23Jim Schadel age 58Gabby Armendariz age 36Ben Altamirano age 20Dr. John Wilson age 26Beverly Redwine age 16Bobbie Neal-Little age 41Harold Oberg age 33

WE LOOK BACK TO A DIFFERENT ERA IN GRANT COUNTY’S HISTORY THROUGHTHE EYES OF 15 LIVING TREASURES WHO HELPED MAKE THIS A SPECIAL PLACE.

They were artists, businesspeople, cattle drovers, doctors, miners, ranchers andteachers. Some speak of days when men paid for groceries with raw gold. Othersremember an era when horses were ridden often, but seldom for pleasure. Though suchtimes may seem worlds away, it all happened in Grant County within just one lifetime ofthe present day.

In a modern culture that seems to worship youthfulness, our community’s long-timeresidents deserve recognition as part of the foundation of our life here and now. Theyendured their share of poverty and hardships, and many displayed more than their share ofcourage. All of them were just ordinary people, dealing with events as they happened. Theirstories remind us that Silver City was once just two miles across in either direction, andnobody bothered to lock their doors. To cover paydays, mining company storekeepers –without armed guards – regularly made huge cash withdrawals at the bank in broaddaylight without incident. Children cheerfully worked at the jobs of grown men away at warand considered it simply as ‘doing their part.’ Through good times and bad, the people onthese pages have remained joyous about life and the place they chose to live.

At Zia Publishing, our staff compiled a list of questions we wanted to ask 15 of thesepeople, whose combined experience totals over 12 centuries. Some of those questionsand individual answers appear on the pages that follow. Together with the stories andphotos, they provide a glimpse into the lives of 15 Grant County long-timers who helpedmake this area what it is today “a wonderful place to grow up, live and raise children.”

BY BRETT FERNEAU AND JOE BURGESS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE BURGESS AND BILL WARREN

1515A tribute to

Grant County

LONG TIMERS

JUANITAFRANKSBY BRETT FERNEAU

Your age? 102.Where are you from originally, and howlong have you lived here? I was born inIvanhoe, NM. It was a mining townlocated between Hurley and SantaRita. It’s under one of the tailingsdumps now. I’ve lived in GrantCounty off and on my entire life.As a child, what was one of the thingsyou enjoyed most? We worked,because we lived on a ranch. Ranchpeople have to help each other. Wemade our own games. We tookcare of horses, cattle, pigs andchickens and had fun doing it.As a child, what was one of the thingsyou enjoyed least? I don’t rememberone. My mother was a wonderfulperson. She kept us busy with allsorts of chores, but none of themwas disturbing to us.What has been one of the biggestchanges in southwestern New Mexicoover the years, and how do you feelabout it? Population growth wouldbe the biggest thing.What is your favorite place to visit inSilver City? Diane’s Restaurant is awonderful place. I like to go there inthe mornings when Diane is there.She’s a great person. I also like theBuckhorn in Pinos Altos.Do you have a favorite actor or movie?No. I have a hard time with moviesthese days, and all the old moviestars have died off.If you had all the money in the world,what would you do with it? Travel,travel, travel. I’ve never taken a trip I didn’t enjoy.What event or occurrence do you feelhad a large impact on our area or onyou personally? The Hispanic popula-tion has increased tremendously,and I think that’s been for the good.They are interested in politics andcommunity affairs.Is there something in life you’d still liketo do? I can’t think of one. Right nowI’m interested in getting a plumberout here to fix the pipes and ingetting my dog well.What decade did you enjoy the most?Why? All of them. I enjoy life.What do think of current technology,like computers and cell phones?I bought a computer and tried tolearn to use it, but I saw I couldn’tdo it. It just didn’t click. I eventuallygave up and gave it away. My 12-year-old great-great niece is

a whiz with one. She’s a brightlittle girl; I think all the kids are

these days.Is there something helpful you

would like to say to youngpeople who are just startingout?Get a good education.

102-year-old Juanita Franks liveswith her loyal dogs Cocoa andButch on a ranch originally homesteaded by hergrandparents, Swiss immigrants Christian and AnnaFlury. Juanita’s parents, William C. and Maggie Franks,were ranchers near the Continental Divide, whereFranks family members still raise cattle today. Juanitaand her husband established the Rocky MountainSchool for Boys at the ranch in 1928. In 1932 Juanitachanged the school to a boarding house and restaurant,

which later became Bear Mountain Lodge.Juanita was a social worker and supervisor for the American Red Cross during

World War II. Stationed at a London hospital during D-Day, she remembers thehundreds of wounded soldiers who came through the ER afterward. With no timefor paperwork, nurses used their lipsticks to write the letter “P” on the foreheadsof their patients, indicating that the young men had been given the new wonderdrug penicillin.

After the war, she was a social worker at Fort Bayard and later served as thedirector of the Grant County Welfare Office for many years. Long before the civilrights movement gained acceptance, she was responsible for a policy reform thatwas instituted at government hospitals nationwide. Under the new policy, patientswere assigned to floors in the hospitals based on the nature of their ailments ratherthan their race.

Juanita is the oldest living graduate of WNMU, then New MexicoState Teachers College. A confirmed lifetime voter, she plans to vote

for a woman for president if a woman runs next time.“Women should be given a chance at everything,”

she says.




JIM McCauleyBY BRETT FERNEAU

Your age? 92 this November.Where are you from originally, and how long have youlived here? I was born here when there was nohospital. Except for four years in the army inWorld War II, I’ve always lived here.What sort of work did you do? I feel that I was luckyto be able to be a rancher.Were the “good old days” really all that good? In away. It had drawbacks too, but I liked theindependent life. I’ve never answered to awhistle. My dad was the only boss I ever had,and that was when I was a kid.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyedmost? Riding horses with my dad. I started whenI was six.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyedleast? Well, there’s building fence. I’ve dug a fewthousand postholes, that’s not fun. There are200 postholes to a mile of fence. Also, I neverliked going back into the hot kitchen with mysister after supper and washing dishes.Was life better/simpler then? Simpler, pretty much.We just worked all the time. We got two daysoff per year: Christmas and the Fourth of July.What has been one of the biggest changes in south-western New Mexico over the years, and how do youfeel about it? There are a lot more people. They’vecovered up a lot of good ranch land with housesand trailers.What is your favorite place to visit in Silver City? TheKountry Kitchen.Do you have a favorite actor or movie? I’d only seentwo picture shows before I went into the army.Will Rogers was a comical guy. In the army I sawJudy Garland, and I liked her. On the ranch, wecould listen to the radio back then, so that’smostly what we did.If you had all the money in the world, what would youdo with it? Give it away. Hell, I couldn’t spend it. A lot of people like to travel. I like to sit here andlook up the hill.What event or occurrence do you feel had a largeimpact on our area or on you personally? The war(WW II) changed everything. It had a tremendousimpact on Grant and Luna Counties. We lost ourfinest young men. What do think of current technology, like computersand cell phones? You can burn ’em up as far asI’m concerned. (Laughs.) There are too manydumb people entering stuff on computers andmessing up the computers. I did learn to useone of those hand adding machines. I used tolike TV shows like ‘Bonanza’ and ‘Green Acres’but TV hurts my eyes now and most of theshows are filthy.Is there something helpful you would like to say toyoung people who are just starting out? One thing:be honest. I don’t believe in being a liar or acheater. Learn how to do something and give anhonest day’s work for a day’s pay. When mygrandfather was ranching, there were a fewthieves among the homesteaders. My dad wascomplaining about it one day, and my granddadtold him, “Don’t worry about the thieves. Theywon’t be around long. You can’t make it aroundhere unless you’re honest.” I believe that. Andyou know what? That was in 1901, and thethieves weren’t around long. The honest familiesare still there today. Be fair with your fellow manand you’ll have no trouble in life.

When 21-year-old JimMcCauley entered SilverCity’s first professional rodeo n 1934, he rodehis horse from White Signal just to reach therodeo grounds to compete.

His father was a cattle rancher, and Jimnever wanted to be anything else. At that timethere were no trucks to take the cattle tomarket. Cattle shipped by rail, and they had tobe herded to the railheads by drovers on

horseback. On Jim’s first cattle drive – to Whitewater at age nine – themen rounded up brush cattle along the way and made camp near thecorrals at Hogback. During the night the half-wild cattle spooked and torethe corrals down. After the stampede, cattle were scattered across a 15-mile radius around the camp.

Jim rode horseback to attend various county schools. He carried alunch, but preferred to visit the Diamond A Cattle Co. chuck wagon if itwas nearby. The cook, Sourdough Johnson, specialized in steaks withsourdough Dutch oven biscuits and gravy.

Attending high school in Silver City, Jim spent three hours daily ridingthe school “bus” – a pickup truck with metal side-panels, curtains andbenches mounted in the back. “You wouldn’t think we could get 35 kidsin the back of a half-ton Dodgepickup,” he said, “but we did.On warm days there’d be fivekids sitting on the tailgate.”

Ranching is a hardworkinglife, but Jim has few regrets.

“I feel sorry for kids todaywho don’t know what theywant to do in life. I was doing itby the time I was nine.”


Your age? 91 in October 2005.Where are you from originally, and how long haveyou lived here? I was born in Silver City andlived my entire life in the mining district.What sort of work did you do? I am a retired attor-ney. I am a retired chairman of the Board andone of the co-founders of the Grant CountyState Bank, which is now Bank Of America. Iserved 28 years as a state representative andtwo terms as district attorney. I served mycountry during World War II and am a survivorof the Bataan Death March.Were the “good old days” really all that good? I willanswer “no,” because during the depression,Dad had to work several jobs just to take careof the family.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyedmost? I loved to ride horses and enjoyed help-ing round up the cattle. I also loved baseballand served as mascot for the Ft. Bayard Vets.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyedleast? I was part of a cohesive family and hada car, so there was really nothing I didn’t enjoy.Is life better/easier now? Life is much better,now. My family helped educate me, my wifewas a great influence on my life and we raisedfive wonderful children.What has been one of the biggest changes insouthwestern New Mexico over the years? Therehas been a noticeable growth in the numberor organizations and individuals promoting thearea and it is making a difference.What is your favorite place to visit in Silver City?Joan and I enjoyed dining at the Country Cluband at El Paisano. Whenever I was working intown, I would eat at the Manhattan Café.Do you have a favorite actor or movie? JohnWayne, Gunsmoke, Matlock, Perry Mason…I have more time for television, now.If you had all the money in the world, what wouldyou do with it? I want to be comfortable and Iwant my children to be comfortable, beyondthat, I would simply do what I am doing now,give to my church, my school, veteransorganizations and help my war buddies.Is there something in life you’d still like to do? In abroad sense, I would like to see children haveequal opportunities for the best education andtraining to suit their abilities.What event or occurrence do you feel had a largeimpact on our area or on you personally? WorldWar II took a huge toll on New Mexico andGrant County by eliminating the cream of thecrop of a whole generation. Those of us whoreturned have contributed as much aspossible to the state.What decade did you enjoy the most? The periodthat included returning from the service alive,meeting Joan and raising a family.What do think of current technology? I haven’tlearned how to use that “whatever-it-is”(laughing and pointing at a laptop), but I canstill use a typewriter.Is there something helpful you would like to say toyoung people who are just starting out? Get agood education, work hard, have a good moralcompass to guide you, and serve your fellowman. Accept responsibility for the good thatyou do as well as the mistakes that you make.Enjoy life.

Many New Mexicans whosurvived the horrors of the Bataan Death March returned to fill leadership roles

in their state. Former attorney, bank co-founder,

district attorney and longtime state legislator

Tommy Foy is one such man.

Tommy grew up in a local ranching family. “I grew

up loving horses and jumped at every chance to

help my uncle whenever he was moving cattle,” he

says. He attended high school in Silver City and went on to Notre Dame,

where he worked at a variety of jobs to help with expenses.

After serving his country in World War II, Tommy returned to continue

his law practice and to court his future wife, Joan Carney. The couple was

married in 1948. “We raised five children and had a wonderful life,” he

adds, noting, “She was an amazing woman.”

In 1946, Tommy saw the need for a bank in the mining district, where he

has lived all his life. He drew up the papers establishing Grant County State

Bank, became one of its first officers, and served as Chairman of the Board

for 14 years. He also served two terms as Grant County District Attorney

and was a charter member of the Bayard Lions Club.

Tommy entered state politics in 1970, serving in the State House of

Representatives. There, he chaired the Judiciary Committee for 16 years,

and was appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on

Uniform State Laws in 1987. He retired from the legislature in 1998 but he

is still a member of the state bar and The National Conference of

Commissioners.

TOMMYFoyBY JOE BURGESS AND BRETT FERNEAU



DOROTHYMcCray BY BRETT FERNEAU

There was never any doubtthat Dorothy McCray was an artist. She began drawing and painting as

a young girl. Now 90, she continues to

pursue her passion and shows no signs of

being ready to quit.

Dorothy was hired as an art instructor at

New Mexico State Teachers College – now

WNMU – and moved here with her husband

in 1948. At that time, she says, the grocery stores were downtown,

there were prospector’s burros on the streets and some people still

carried guns on their hips. The Murray Hotel was the swankest place in

town and the Branding Iron Saloon was in its heyday. Laughing, she

adds, “I guess that makes it sound like a long time ago.”

Dorothy taught for 33 years and several of her students became well-

known artists. She enjoyed teaching, but viewed her retirement in 1981

as an opportunity to spend more time on her own artwork.

She calls herself an “action painter,” meaning that she doesn’t set out

with a precise plan in mind, but allows the painting to evolve as she

works. She is also an expert stone lithographer and has her own

etching press at her home studio. Her work sells well at her Atelier

Gallery on Broadway, but that’s not the only reason she displays it.

“People look at my larger pieces and say, ‘I love it, but I don’t have

space for it.’ I tell them ‘You don’t have to take music home to enjoy it;

you can just enjoy it where you are.’ It’s the same with the visual arts.”

Your age? I turned 90 in October.Where are you from originally, and how long haveyou lived here? I was born in South Dakota. Icame here from the University of Iowa toteach at Western New Mexico University. That was in 1948.What sort of work did you do? I’m an artist, ofcourse.Were the “good old days” really all that good? Ienjoyed them. They weren’t necessarily betterthan present times, but they were different.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyedmost? Painting, drawing, swimming andplaying tennis. Mostly painting and drawing.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyedleast? Math. I wasn’t good at it and panicked. Iavoided it all the way through school. I still do.Is life better/easier now? It’s never been hard,has it? It’s always been interesting, but thatdoesn’t mean it’s always been pleasant.Was life better/simpler then? For me it wascompletely different when I was teaching.Teaching is a very involved occupation, and Iwas doing my own artwork as well. It was avery busy time.What has been one of the biggest changes in south-western New Mexico over the years, and how doyou feel about it? The university campus andstudent body have grown considerably. There’sbeen a dramatic population growth around theoutskirts of town, and an extreme surge ofinterest in the arts in the last 15 years or so.What is your favorite place to visit in Silver City?Right here. (Indicates her gallery.)If you had all the money in the world, what wouldyou do with it? I’d probably put it into animalshelters and scholarships for art students.Possibly medical research, but that’s toodistant. It’s really not a practical question. I certainly wouldn’t buy anything. I’ve gotenough stuff.Is there something in life you’d still like to do? Ofcourse. All the paintings and prints I haven’tdone yet.What event or occurrence do you feel had a largeimpact on our area or on you personally? The minestrike in the 50s certainly had an impact onthe area, and the Big Ditch – I wasn’t herethen but that must’ve been something.What decade did you enjoy the most? Why? Well,the 50s was the most exciting time, becauseof the students at the university. A lot of themwere ex-GI’s. There was a spirit ofexperimentation and excitement among them.In the 60s there was more unrest. It was aninteresting and frustrating time. In the 70s Igot my own etching press and did a lot oftraveling in the summertime. I retired fromteaching in ’81.What do think of current technology? Oh, it’s notgoing to go away, is it? I have a digital camerathat I use to photograph my artwork andupload it to my website. It’s all quite amazing,but I could live very nicely without it.Is there something helpful you would like to say toyoung people who are just starting out? Becurious about things. Use your imagination.Whatever you wonder about, try it. It takes alot of courage, but it’s worth it.


NICKChintis BY BRETT FERNEAU

Your age? 88.Where are you from originally, and howlong have you lived here? I was born inChicago and came here from Indiana.I was recruited to play collegebasketball. I also played football.Except for the war, I’ve been heresince then.What sort of work did you do? I was ateacher and supervisor for GrantCounty Schools before I joined thestaff at Western New MexicoUniversity. At WNMU, I worked in everything from studentrecruitment to the Alumni Associ-ation. So I’ve had the chance toknow a lot of students throughouttheir entire careers.Were the “good old days” really all thatgood? In some respects they were,although that includes my years as a POW. It was a different atmos-phere then.If you had all the money in the world,what would you do with it? (Chuckles.)Exactly what I’ve been doing. Thefield of education is not known formaking money, but it’s gratifying. Ienjoyed the work.Is there something in life you’d still like todo? Not really. I think my work ineducation pretty much ran the gamutof things to do and accomplish. I feelgood about my history.What event or occurrence do you feelhad a large impact on our area or on youpersonally? For me personally, it wasbeing a prisoner of war. A bunch ofus from the university joined theNational Guard. The whole footballteam signed up together. We signedup for one year. There are only fouror five of us left now. We were themost decorated regiment in WorldWar II. We received the Bronze Star,the Purple Heart, and threepresidential citations. When I wasworking at the shipyard in Yokohama,we witnessed the air raids onYokohama and Tokyo. Theyincinerated Yokohama.What do think of current technology, likecomputers and cell phones? I don’t usethem.Is there something helpful you would liketo say to young people who are juststarting out? Get an education. You’vegotta have it. It’s a necessity – notjust from the standpoint ofknowledge, but of social integration,of fitting into a way of life. I wasalways student-oriented. I’d try tosee the student’s side of acontroversy, and give him or her thebenefit of the doubt. Some peoplearen’t student oriented; they’d ratherkick them out than keep them in. I’drather keep them in.

Like several of his teammates,Chicago-born Nicholas Chintiscame here from Indiana in 1938 on a basketball

scholarship to New Mexico State Teachers

College, now WNMU. The 1939 team beat UCLA,

won the Rose Bowl invitational and was ranked

10th in the nation.

Nick recalls his first trip to Silver City: “Indiana

is pretty green, and the farther west we got the

more desolate-looking the landscape became. We were having serious

misgivings until we pulled into the T&H drive-in restaurant at the edge of town,

where Miko’s Tacos is today. The carhops were girls in white Stetsons™ and

white cowboy boots. They were the prettiest things we’d ever seen. We

decided then and there that this was the place for us.”

In 1941 Nick joined the New Mexico National Guard, becoming part of a

chapter in history that is too often forgotten. Captured by Japanese forces in

the Phillipine Islands, he survived the infamous Bataan Death March and spent

the remainder of World War II laboring in a shipyard as a prisoner of war.

Returning in 1945, Nick resumed his studies at New Mexico State Teachers

College, graduating in 1948. He taught at the county school in Bayard, and

then served as Grant County School Supervisor from 1951-53. A 20-year

career in the administration department at WNMU followed. Nick earned M.S.

degrees in both Administration and Counseling, which eventually led to the

position of Director of Admission – Placement and Field Services. He retired

in 1973.

Nick’s 1939 basketball team, the best in the

school’s history, was inducted into the WNMU

Hall of Fame in 1993.



PAULHunterBY BRETT FERNEAU

Your age? 85.Where are you from originally, and how long have you livedhere? I was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. My fatherwas a World War I veteran with tuberculosis. In thosedays there was nothing to do for TB but move to adry climate. We came here when I was a young boy.I’ve lived here off and on ever since.Were the “good old days” really all that good? Yes. Peoplehelped each other. Our doctor made house calls. Itwas the attitude of the people that made the westsuch a good place to be.As a child, what did you enjoyed most? Sports.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyed least?One of my jobs was to carry the woodstove ashesout. I hated it because that fine dust would get inmy eyes and nose and everywhere, and then I had toclean that up too.Is life better/easier now? It’s better in a lot of ways.There have been a lot of technical advances. Thereare no ashes to carry out. But I think the values ofpeople have slipped a lot.Was life better/simpler then? It was certainly simpler.What has been one of the biggest changes in southwesternNew Mexico over the years, and how do you feel about it?People are not interested in politics like they were inthe early days. We had better, more effective peoplein state and municipal jobs, even though many of theearly jobs had no pay. So many things were donewith a handshake then. The big ranches traded backand forth, and nothing was ever written down. I’mnot saying there weren’t some big court actions, butthe general atmosphere was one of mutual trust.What is your favorite place to visit in Silver City? TheKountry Kitchen for coffee and food.Do you have a favorite actor or movie? I always likedJohn Wayne. Jane Russell went to UCLA at the sametime I did. She didn’t make many movies but Ithought she was great.If you had all the money in the world, what would you dowith it? I’d try to spend it wisely and do good thingspolitically. I’d certainly donate to the Salvation Army,and I’d be very active – I’d spend all it took – forresearch to find a medical cure for alcoholism. It hasruined so many good people who just couldn’t stop.Is there something in life you’d still like to do? I’d like tohave a big thoroughbred horse that would run in theKentucky Derby and win. (Chuckles.) That goes alongwith having all the money in the world.What event or occurrence do you feel had a large impacton our area or on you personally? For me personally, itwas when Kennecott selected me to go to theUniversity of Pittsburgh to get a master’s degree. Itwas a special program for large company executives.I was away from my family for three or four monthsat a time. The course was taught by experts in avariety of fields from finance to law. It taught me tothink differently about what motivates people.What do think of current technology? It haunts me thattelecommunications have changed to the pointwhere it actually discourages communication. Withlarge companies, you can go weeks without gettingin touch with the person you’re trying to reach.Is there something helpful you would like to say to youngpeople who are just starting out? I think today’s youngpeople should be provided with a more realisticeducation in business. To get ahead, you have torealize how to get ahead. That’s done by satisfyingdemand. For example, the work you do in school isdone to create a demand for your employment lateron. Never overlook the importance of demand.

If Paul Hunter owned adifferent hat for every occupation he’s had, he’d need a bigger houseto hold his collection. He’s been a professionalfootball player, a new car dealer, a miner, anexecutive, a public servant, a broadcastingentrepreneur and an author. He estimates thathe and his wife Gene – short for Imogene –have moved 25 times, but they alwaysreturned to Silver City. “It was a great place to

grow up,” he recalled. Young Paul Hunter made his mark here as the first freshman ever to

earn letters in three sports during his first year at New Mexico StateTeachers College, now WNMU. Following navy service during WorldWar II he played pro football for the Washington Redskins, who paidhim a whopping $50 signing bonus. Returning home, he founded asuccessful Nash automobile dealership here before going on to acareer in various aspects of the mining industry. He served as a citycouncilor, on the WNMU Board of Regents and was appointed to theU.S Labor Department Advisory Board.

Paul is probably best remembered locally as the past owner anddriving force behind radio station KNFT-AM and FM. He told us hewasn’t looking to get into the broadcasting business, but just looking toget some breakfast at the Kountry Kitchen when he learned that thestation was for sale.

“I’d been a part-time disc jockey at KSIL in college,” he said, “Theprice was right, so I said, ‘I think I’llbuy it.’ I bought it over breakfast.It was a lot of fun.”


DOROTHY

BlalockBY BRETT FERNEAU

Your age? Closer to 90 than to 80.Were the “good old days” really all thatgood? Every age is a good age. Youjust have to accept change.As a child, what was one of the things youenjoyed most? I enjoyed learning, goingto school and reading. There are manylakes around Duluth. We could goswimming in the summer and ice-skating in the winter.Is life better/easier now? Look at all the paved streets, and all theadditions. The boundaries of the oldhistoric district were only a mile ineach direction from the intersection of Broadway and Bullard. The townhad no sewer system east of Hudson Street.Was life better/simpler then? Simpler,maybe. There were no washers, driersor dishwashing machines. Those solar-powered clothes driers weremore work.What has been one of the biggest changesin southwestern New Mexico over theyears? An increased tendency towardacceptance of all peoples.What is your favorite place to visit inSilver City? I think Shevek & Mi hasmarvelous food.Is there something in life you’d still like to do? Well, I haven’t taken the trainfrom Toronto to Vancouver yet. Ihaven’t been to Japan or India. I’d like to spend a week on a dude ranchin Colorado.What event or occurrence do you feel hada large impact on our area or on youpersonally? I think one such event waswhen the railroad stopped passengerservice to Silver City. The train neverhad real passenger cars, but therewere seats in the caboose where youcould ride. Since Silver City was at theend of the line, the train alwaysbacked into the station here.What decade did you enjoy the most?Why? I enjoyed all of them. One shoulddo that as you go along in life. Youdon’t say, “I wish I were again.”What do think of current technology, likecomputers and cell phones? They arenecessities today. I do not have a cellphone yet, but I was one of the firstprofessors at the university to have acomputer in my office.What do you know about people and lifetoday that you wish you had known whenyou were younger? I always kept upwith my generations. You have tochange with change, but don’t let goof what was good in the past.Is there something helpful you would liketo say to young people who are juststarting out? It’s important to obtain aneducation. It’s also important to havea faith for guidance.

When economist DorothyBlalock came to New MexicoWestern College, now WNMU – to teach in 1950,the student body totaled 270, about one-twelfth itsnumber today. She taught there for over 42 years,and says that one of the greatest rewards of aneducational career is hearing someone say, “I’musing what you taught me.”

Dorothy was recently honored at a receptionhosted by Dr. John Counts, President of the

University, and his wife Barbara. Professor Blalock received the “LifetimeAchievement Award” issued by the WNMU Alumni Association and theWNMU Foundation for her many contributions to the school and community.She also received a commemorative plaque to be displayed on WNMU’s newlyestablished Wall of Honor.

“It’s very humbling,” says this great-great grandmother. “There have been somany good teachers at WNMU.”

As a student, Dorothy interrupted her education to join the U.S. Navy in1942. Since she’d already completed secretarial school and knew shorthand,she expected to be assigned as a yeoman or a storekeeper. Instead, testsshowed she had an aptitude as a mechanic. She served as an aviationmachinist’s mate until 1945.

Returning to school after the war, she graduated from the University ofMinnesota during an era when many still considered economics to be

exclusively a man’s field. “People thought I should beat home, cooking,” she says with a laugh. “I wascooking at home. I happen to be a good cook!”Why did she choose economics?“We live it every day. It’s changing every day. It’sthe essence of what happens, the center of thesocial sciences.”



Your age? I turned 83 in July.Where are you from originally, and howlong have you lived here? I was born inCentral. The town is called Santa Claranow. I’ve always lived in this area,except for my years in the military.Were the “good old days” really all thatgood? Yes. There was more collegiality.There was more mutual support andrespect in the community. I thinkthere was also more effectivecommunity leadership.As a child, what was one of the things youenjoyed most? Weekend picnics withDutch oven biscuits.As a child, what was one of the things youenjoyed least? I can’t think of anything. Ireally had a marvelous childhood. Ourentertainment was all self-designed:marbles, kites and rubber gun battles.Is life better/easier now? It was easierthen, less strife and stress.What has been one of the biggest changesin southwestern New Mexico over theyears, and how do you feel about it? Wehave a changing population, and amarked difference in cultural diversity.What is your favorite place to visit inSilver City? We’re fortunate to haveseveral excellent restaurants. There isalso a variety of art and culturalpossibilities sponsored by both theMimbres Region Arts Council andWestern New Mexico University.Do you have a favorite actor or movie? I’dsay my favorite movie was “Shane.”My favorite actor would probably beJimmy Stewart.If you had all the money in the world,what would you do with it? First I’dprovide a secure financial future formy four children. Then I’d supportsome very important charities, suchas cancer research.Is there something in life you’d still like todo? Not specifically. I wish I had moretime to travel.What decade did you enjoy the most?Why? The 40s. After West Point, I waspart of the occupation forces inEurope. My wife and I did quite a bitof traveling.What do think of current technology, likecomputers and cell phones? To myembarrassment, they’ve all passedme by.What do you know about people and lifetoday that you wish you had known whenyou were younger? Most individualstend to take a very short view ofthings instead of looking ahead intothe future.Is there something helpful you would liketo say to young people who are juststarting out? Never give up your confi-dence and optimistic view of the future.

One of Murray Ryan’s child-hood memories of Silver Citywas watching the circus train unload at the depot

in the late 1920s. The handlers unloaded the

elephants and used them to push the wagons up

the hill.

Murray’s maternal great grandfather, Timothy

Murray, was a civil war veteran who brought his

family to Fort Bayard in the 1880s. His son, W.D.

Murray, started a general merchandise business in Central (now Santa Clara)

where Murray Ryan was born. Murray’s parents named him for his mother’s

family surname. He was educated at West Point, graduating in 1945.

The family had built the Murray Hotel in 1938, and in 1960 the hotel

assumed sponsorship of a little league baseball team.

“Having a restaurant, they felt they were in a good position to supply the

team with hamburgers, fries and sodas,” says Murray with a smile. He and

lifelong friend Jack Hill coached the team and are well remembered by

former players.

Murray is a director at 1st New Mexico Bank and had a 20-year career with

Kennecott Copper Corp., but he’s probably best known for his other career:

30 years as our state representative, beginning in

1969. He notes that he usually made the treks to

Santa Fe accompanied by his family and dog,

Snoopy. Murray also served as State Chairman of

the Republican Party in 1973, which led to

personal meetings with the president, vice

president and two future presidents.

These days, Murray volunteers at the Chamber of

Commerce and the Visitors Center that bears

his name. You’ll find him there every

Thursday. Drop by and say hello!

MURRAYRyan BY BRETT FERNEAU


The closing of Schadel’s Bakeryin the early 90s was the end ofan era in Silver City’s lifestyle. For 87 years, the

family-owned bakery provided the area with

countless fresh donuts, rolls and loaves of bread.

Jim Schadel’s uncle bought the business in1906.

His father took over when his uncle died and ran

the business for another 35 years. Jim grew up in

it, wrapping and delivering bread before and after

school. He estimates that he personally made 4,000 wedding cakes during

his own tenure as owner.

As a kid working in the bakery, I knew two things for certain,” he says.

“When I grew up, I never wanted to live in Silver City and I never wanted to

be a baker. It only took me seven years to realize my mistake.”

He moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma as a young man in order to be near his

future wife, Carolyn. They were married in 1949 and Jim worked as a delivery

driver for WonderBread™. In 1955 the couple came back to Silver City to stay.

Jim went back to work at the bakery, starting his workdays at 2 a.m.

Jim took over the operation in 1965. His sons Steve and Jeff worked at the

bakery growing up, and Jeff later returned to work there for another 10 years.

Jim retired in 1993.

Jim and Carolyn have been

married for 56 years. They were co-

founders and charter members of

the Silver City Country Club,

where they enjoyed many

a round of golf together.

These days they enjoy

fishing and RVing.

JIMSchadelBY BRETT FERNEAU

Your age? 77.Were the “good old days” really all that good?Not necessarily. I enjoy retirement. When Iwas working, though, I’d work from 2 amto 12 or 12:30 pm. My wife and I wouldgo play nine holes of golf, and then I’dsleep for two or three hours. We’d have anormal evening, and I’d go to bed aboutnine. I did that for 20 or 30 years.As a child, what was one of the things youenjoyed most? Going to the picture shows.As a child, what was one of the things youenjoyed least? I never enjoyed school. If I hadn’t had some lenient teachers I’dprobably still be in high school.Was life better/simpler then? Yes, simpler.There have always been wars and threatsof wars, but it seems like the world is inworse shape now than it’s been in a longtime. Or maybe it’s just that I have moretime to think about it.What has been one of the biggest changes insouthwestern New Mexico over the years,and how do you feel about it? The weather.When we moved back here in ’55 therewas no air conditioning and we didn’tneed any. We always wore sweatersoutside at night. We didn’t even buy aswamp cooler until we put the additionon the house about 30 years ago. Whenpeople talk about global warming, Ibelieve them.If you had all the money in the world, whatwould you do with it? (Chuckles.) Probablysit right here. It’s a nice home, and it’sstill a nice neighborhood.What decade did you enjoy the most? Why? Ithink we enjoyed the time we were age40 to 60 the most. We were very socialthen. Along with about 20 other couples,we helped start and open the country clubhere. We played golf and went to thedances there. We’re charter members.What do think of current technology, likecomputers and cell phones? It’s great. Ishould mention that we have a computerthat does nothing but play solitaire, andwe have a cell phone that we don’tunderstand, but we carry it with us whenwe travel because we know how to dial911. But it’s fantastic what they can donow. When we used to listen to the radio,you’d tune in your favorite program andthen sit and stare at the knobs. Nowthere’s television.Is there something helpful you would like tosay to young people who are just starting out?Yes. If you’re going to succeed you’regoing to have to work, and if the job re-quires going in at 2 a.m. then that’s whenyou go in. No matter what job you have,you’re still going to have to work at it.


Your age? 76 on October 5, 2005Where are you from originally, and how long haveyou lived here? I was born in Hurley and spentmost of my life in the Mining District.What sort of work did you do? I managedBailey’s Market and later, along with sonSteve, owned both the market and BayardShopping Center.Were the “good old days” really all that good? Weenjoyed life and each other more than thenewer generations.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyedmost? Baseball…we would walk to Hurley,Central and Santa Rita to watch weekendbaseball games. I have since attended twoWorld Series games.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyedleast? Chopping wood in winter. It was one ofthe few things my parents had to keep afterus to do.Is life better/easier now? Modern conveniencesmake life simpler today but, of course,younger generations don’t realize where wehave come from.What has been one of the biggest changes insouthwestern New Mexico over the years, andhow do you feel about it? There have not beentoo many changes. We appreciate thepeacefulness of the area, but we suffer fromlack of jobs to hold the children here.What is your favorite place to visit in Silver City?Rosenda and I used to go regularly to Mi Casita for Mexican food.Do you have a favorite actor or movie? Since you are allowing me to include baseball…the old Brooklyn Dodgers and now theDiamondbacks, Don Drysdale, Luis Gonzalesand Mike Garcia.If you had all the money in the world, what wouldyou do with it? I would give to charitableorganizations that help people in need,especially victims of hunger. We help as wecan through our church and support anorphanage in Chihuahua.Is there something in life you’d still like to do? I would like to have obtained a collegedegree. We encourage the grandchildren tofinish college.What event or occurrence do you feel had a largeimpact on our area or on you personally? WorldWar II impacted our business because thenation needed lead, zinc and copper. A lot ofpeople from northern New Mexico came hereto work in the mines.What decade did you enjoy the most? Why? Ienjoyed the early 50’s when Rosenda and Iwere starting our lives and our families weremaking the adobes for our house.What do think of current technology, like computersand cell phones? It is all very good, and veryfrustrating. I don’t understand how so manycell phone conversations take place at onetime without getting all jumbled up.Is there something helpful you would like to say toyoung people who are just starting out? Behonest, apply yourself to whatever you do andcomplete your education.

“I was only eight when Ibegan selling home-made bread, tortillas and piñon door to door to

help the family,” says Gabby (Gavino)

Armendariz. “When I was a sophomore at

Hurley High School in 1946, Vivian Wright

told me she needed help at Bailey’s Food

Market. She hired me as a carryout and I’ve

been in the grocery business ever since.”

Gabby was eventually made partner in the business with the owners,

Mr. Roy Bailey and his daughter, Mildred. Years later, Gabby with his son

Steve formed a corporation that would own the Food Market as well as

the entire Bayard Shopping Center.

The store was known to carry what the mining district people liked,

including the best in red chili and “Mexican type baked goods and

breads”. They always carried credit business, which eased the pain of

the strikes for many mining families. Gabby says, “good credit is

better that cash… you see, good credit lasts when cash runs out.” He

says it worked well for his store, as most of his customers were good

honest people.

Customers were like family as they patronized the store for

generations, as were some of the long time employees that worked

there for decades. Gabby retired officially in 1998 but could still be

spotted at the store working from time to time

until 2000, after which the store was sold to

Jim and Debbie Nennich.

“Taking care of people’s needs was the

key to our success in the grocery

business,” Gabby continues. “We served

two and three generations of people in

the mining district. Conversely, God took

care of us and we never had to leave

the area.”


GAVINO (GABBY) Armendariz BY JOE BURGESS AND ARLENE SCHADEL


State Senate President ProTempore Ben Altamirano’s first job – hauling water after school – paid

five cents a day. “A nickel isn’t much,” he

chuckles, “but in those days it kept me in

Taffy Giraffes.”

At seven, Ben began working at W. A.

Watson General Mercantile near his home in

Pinos Altos. Along with cash, the store

accepted raw gold brought in by miners.

In the early 60s Ben opened his own grocery store and meat market,

Benny’s Market in Silver City. He borrowed money on his 1949 Dodge

truck in order to stock the cash register with change. Like many other

businesses, Benny’s offered store credit accounts, and not long

afterwards a mine strike began that lasted eleven months. For the

duration of the strike the store had no cash flow, but Ben carried his

customers’ accounts and kept them supplied with fresh meat and

vegetables until the strike ended and they were able to catch up.

His public service career began about that same time, when he was

appointed to the city council. Re-elected, he served on the council for

ten years and then served two terms as a county commissioner. Elected

to the state senate in 1970, he has been there ever since. He is the

subject of a CD produced by El Centro de la Raza at

UNM and has even had a song written about

him.Ben’s wife Nina was a successful business-

woman in her own right. For many years she

owned Nina’s Guys and Gals, a

downtown clothing

store. The couple

retired from the

clothing business

in 1997.

BEN

AltamiranoBY BRETT FERNEAU

Your age? 75.Where are you from originally, and how long have youlived here? I was born in Silver City and grew up inPinos Altos. I’ve lived in Grant County except forfour years in the Army. I joined when I was 16.What sort of work did you do? I’ve worked in retailgrocery, retail clothing, insurance, timbering,cattle roundups and I was a firefighter for theForest Service.Were the “good old days” really all that good? Youknow, those days were kind of a hardship time. Myfamily was very poor. But I can’t remember anunpleasant day as a child, so they must have beenthe “good old days.” Everyone was friendly then.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyedmost? Just growing up in Pinos Altos. Rabbithunting, trading comic books, ordinary things.We’d walk over to a swimming hole on CherryCreek about four miles away and get so tiredswimming that it was hard to walk back.What has been one of the biggest changes insouthwestern New Mexico over the years, and how doyou feel about it? The industrial phenomenon. NewMexico’s economy used to be based strictly onranching, mining and farming. With modernizationhas come a change in people’s lifestyles.Do you have a favorite actor or movie? The moviewould be “Air Force.” I like Sean Connery as anactor. I liked the old comedians a lot too.If you had all the money in the world, what would youdo with it? I’d build a compound full of nicehouses where we and all our kids and grandkidscould be together. The rest would go to a numberof charitable causes.Is there something in life you’d still like to do? I alwaysdreamed of being a coast-to-coast semi truckdriver. I also wanted to attend law school andbecome a pro bono lawyer. If I had the educationand could afford it, I’d have a free law office andjust help people.What event or occurrence do you feel had a largeimpact on our area or on you personally? When theydetonated the A-bomb at White Sands in the 40s,we felt the tremor in Pinos Altos. I think that waswhen I realized that while planning is necessary,you’ve got to go one day at a time and not takethings for granted.What decade did you enjoy the most? Why? I enjoyedthe years I was in business, when my kids weregrowing up. My wife and I were able to worktogether. Those were busy times. Besides thecity council, I worked with LULAC and was on thehospital board.What do think of current technology? I can’t operate acomputer yet. I like to type a letter on a type-writer, then sign it and mail it. I think you lose thepersonal touch doing everything by Email. WhenNina and I travel, we listen to a lot of audiobooks. We enjoy those very much. One thing iscertain: technology is here to stay, and keepingcurrent with information technology is a big issuein state government.Is there something helpful you would like to say toyoung people who are just starting out? Just a basicthing: Get educated. Go to school. Technology ishere and it’s become a way of life. Nina and I gotmarried young in 1949. I did some college workin night school, but never got a degree. I thinkthe more educated kids get, the sooner we’ll getrid of the gangs and drugs.



Dr. John Wilson always knewhe would become a man ofmedicine, as his father and grandfather haddone. He started ‘making the rounds’ with hisfather as a boy. At 14, he began volunteering atHartford Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut, hishometown. Accepted at several universities, hetrained at the Columbia School of Medicine andperformed his internship at Bellevue Hospital inNew York and Hartford Hospital.

Dr. Wilson came to Silver City in 1963 after serving in the U.S. ArmyBurn Unit at Fort Sam Houston. At that time there were virtually nomedical specialists in the area, and he saw an unfilled need for a surgeon.

“I came here to work hard,” he told us, and that’s exactly what he did.He attended to his own practice during regular hours and worked in thehospital ER at night. Despite the long hours, he grew to appreciate SilverCity and never left.

Dr. Wilson assures us that old age is not for sissies, but don’t take thiswiry 74-year-old lightly; he’s in better physicalshape than many people half his age. Thisswimmer, runner, weight lifter and bicyclisthas competed in 25 marathons and can stillrun a seven-minute mile. He has climbed thehigher peaks in the U.S. and Europe and oncebicycled from San Diego to New York City in51 days.

“On that trip,” he said, “I learnedwhat a good place Silver City is. I planto stay here. It’s a great place to live,and the people make it so.”

DR. JOHN S.WilsonBY BRETT FERNEAU Your age? 74.Where are you from originally, and how long haveyou lived here? I grew up in Hartford,Connecticut. I’ve been here for 42 years.Were the “good old days” really all that good? I thinkit’s a matter of selective memory. As you growolder you forget the trials of a younger age, andremember good health. There’s probably nosuch thing as the “good old days.”As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyedmost? My father was a doctor, and he madehouse calls. I started going along with him as achild. When I was little I had to wait in the car,but when I got older he let me carry his bag.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyedleast? Delivering newspapers in Cedar Rapids,Iowa in the wintertime. We went there to staywith my grandmother while my father served inthe navy during the war. I had a paper route.My fingers were always frozen.Is life better/easier now? There are more oppor-tunities for young people, more scholarshipsand support. When I was an intern I made $25a month and sold blood to get by. On the otherhand, there are more and greater hazards now.Substance abuse is more apparent.Was life better/simpler then? When I had mypractice, life was more regimented. There wasmore of a routine. I was married for 47 years,and my wife took care of a lot of things.What has been one of the biggest changes in south-western New Mexico over the years? The climate.There’s less snow now. We have a moreaffluent community. It’s easier to get water. Thepeople are not all that different than they were.What is your favorite place to visit in Silver City?The Little Walnut picnic ground. It’s quiet andthere are lots of bluebirds there. I’m a birder,too. I have 475 on my list.Do you have a favorite actor or movie? Gary Cooperin “High Noon.” John Wayne. Linda Darnell.Most movies now are made for kids 14 andunder. There are very few movies made foradults, and I’m not talking about pornography.Is there something in life you’d still like to do? I wasinjured recently and postponed a trip to theLake District in northern Italy. I’ll go next year.What event or occurrence do you feel had a largeimpact on our area or on you personally? There wasa steelworker’s strike at the mines in ’68 or ’69.Times were hard. The opening of the TyroneMine was a shot in the arm, and retirement andtourism have brought revenue to the area. TheChamber of Commerce has successfullymarketed Silver City as a good place to come to.What do think of current technology? We’recontinually confronted with a tremendousamount of knowledge, and it’s hard toconcentrate on what’s important. I think in tenyears all phones will be cellular and thelandlines will be gone. I hate to see peopledriving and talking on cell phones, though.Is there something helpful you would like to say toyoung people who are just starting out? Beoptimistic about life. Try to see the bright sideof things. Psychologists call it “learnedoptimism.” Survive your difficulties. Things willwork themselves out if you keep on plugging.Friends are important. Personal relationshipsare important.


Your age? 72.Where are you from originally, and howlong have you lived here? I was born inFt. Worth, Texas. We moved here in1941 so that my father could receivemedical treatment.Were the “good old days” really all that good? They were wonderful.Silver City was a fun place duringthose times.As a child, what was one of the thingsyou enjoyed most? Living downtown in the back of the Model Shop.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyed least? I can’t think of anything I didn’t like, growing up here.Is life better/easier now? I don’t knowif it’s better. Being retired is easier.Was life better/simpler then? Life was really good then, even thoughthings were tough. The towns-people were united. It was awonderful relationship.What has been one of the biggestchanges in southwestern New Mexicoover the years, and how do you feelabout it? One big change has beenthe reduction in mining and the influxof retirees to the area. Because ofthat, new people are coming in withnew ideas. I feel that they’re verysupportive of the community andcontribute a lot to it.What is your favorite place to visit inSilver City? I like to go to the Mimbresjust to get out and see the country.Do you have a favorite actor or movie?“An Affair to Remember” withDeborah Kerr and Cary Grant.If you had all the money in the world,what would you do with it? I’d give a lot to charity and see that my great grandchildren had a really good education. I’d still live righthere in Silver City.Is there something in life you’d still like to do? As far as accomplish-ments, my goal is to be a fineporcelain artist.What decade did you enjoy the most?Why? The 40s and 50s. There was alot going on here. People were moretolerant of each other. Everyoneworked together. It may have beenan effect of the war.What do think of current technology, likecomputers and cell phones? I kind oflike them. They’re both necessary. I really like cell phones.Is there something helpful you would liketo say to young people who are juststarting out? Just be kind and tolerantto your fellow man. Set your goaland try to achieve it.

BEVERLYRedwineBY BRETT FERNEAU

In the years following World WarII, downtown Silver City was abusy and exciting place. With three theaters, threedrugstores and a multitude of restaurants andbusinesses, it was a shopping and supply hub for all ofthe area’s ranchers and miners.

Beverly Redwine’s mother, O’Bera Click, bought theModel Shop in 1946. The women’s clothing storewould become a downtown Silver City tradition for thenext 55 years. Located on Bullard Street, it had an

apartment at the rear of the building where the two women lived while Beverly wasgrowing up.

O’Bera became the first female member of the Chamber of Commerce Board ofDirectors. As her business grew, she bought the Circus Shop, a children’s clothingstore across the street. The two stores were later combined under one roof.

Young Beverly worked in her mother’s store, eventually assuming ownership in1981 while O’Bera remained active in the business until age 87. “She enjoyed everysingle day at the Model Shop,” says Beverly.

Beverly was active in the Main Street Project and on the Street Light Committee.She helped to organize Silver City’s firstLighted Christmas Parade and stillchairs the Parade Committee 15years later. She, like her mother, is aprolific, accomplished artist; herhome is filled with her own exquisiteporcelain art objects and an array ofO’Bera’s paintings.

Beverly remembers life in the 40sand 50s well, but her fondness of thearea isn’t confined to memories. “SilverCity was a wonderful place to growup, live and raise children,” shesays. “I think it still is.”



Your age? I turned 70 on Flag Day, June 14.Where are you from originally, and how long haveyou lived here? I was born here. We lived brieflyin Deming and Shreveport, Louisiana. Otherthan that I’ve always lived here.What sort of work did you do? Real estate. I gotmy license in 1968.Were the “good old days” really all that good? Ithought they were. There wasn’t as much fear.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyedmost? We had animals, and we got to be in the4th of July parades. We raised the flag everymorning at the fire station. My father blew thenoon fire whistle so people knew when it wastime to eat lunch, and I occasionally got toring the evening curfew bell.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyedleast? Taking out the garbage was a fearfuladventure. We had to get from the back doorto the back of the property, and we had amean rooster that would flog you. You had tokeep the garbage can between you and therooster at all times.What has been one of the biggest changes insouthwestern New Mexico over the years, and howdo you feel about it? I’d have to say the rapidpopulation growth in just the last six years.What is your favorite place to visit in Silver City?The museum. I volunteer there part time.Do you have a favorite actor or movie? Thesedays, not really. I’m kind of disgusted with thewhole thing. When I was a girl, the mayorowned the movie theater and we were downthere every Saturday. My favorite actors wereJohn Wayne and Roy Rogers. I didn’t like DaleEvans because she married Roy.If you had all the money in the world, what wouldyou do with it? I’ve thought about that. I’dpolice the Big Ditch and redesign the wholelength of it to make a river walk.Is there something in life you’d still like to do? I’veseen most of the United States, but not all ofit. I’d like to do that.What event or occurrence do you feel had a largeimpact on our area or on you personally? I was amember of the Grant County Sheriff’s Possefor years, and Southwest Horseman’s Assn.when they got pro rodeo started here. I alsofeel the Main Street Project is very important.What do think of current technology, like computersand cell phones? Sometimes it stinks. It’swonderful in one sense, because I can talk tomy grandchildren instantly on my computer orcell phone. There’s way too much informationcoming in, though. I don’t like to watch war asit happens. There’s a lot of stuff I don’t needto know, because I can’t do anything about it.What do you know about people and life today thatyou wish you had known when you were younger?I think it would be to try to focus more onmyself and what I’m doing wrong than onother people and what they’re doing wrong.Looking for someone else to blame is not agood idea. Just deal with what’s happening.Is there something helpful you would like to say toyoung people who are just starting out? I teachjunior high and high school Sunday school,and young people today seem to want proofof everything. I would urge respect, courtesyand less emphasis on material things.

Bobbie Neal-Little was bornin what is now the gift shopin the Silver City Museum building. At thattime it was the Silver City Fire Station and theresidence of her parents, Fire Chief RowlandBall and Bessie Violet Ball. Volunteerfirefighters lived upstairs. In the back yard,which ran to Yankie St., the family kepthorses, chickens, rabbits and an occasionalcow or pig.

Bobbie remembers young men stopping in to say goodbye beforeleaving to fight in World War II. A Saturday movie matinee cost 25 centsthen, including popcorn and a cola. Residents didn’t lock their doors.Youngsters were off the streets by 9 p.m. when Rowland rang the firestation’s curfew bell.

Bobbie married Meredith Neal in 1956. After careers spent working forothers, the couple opened their own business, Neal Real Estate, in 1980.“I’ve sold most of the buildings downtown at least once,” jokes Bobbie.

Meredith passed away in 1994. Bobbie later married Dr. Howard Little,a Silver City native. These days she volunteers at the Chamber ofCommerce and the Silver City Museum, and was instrumental in raisingmoney to build a permanent memorial to well-known local residentJohnny Banks.

Bobbie and other Silver City longtimers arealso trying to locate a set of wooden posts

and panels that were erected at the firestation during World War II. The panelswere inscribed with names of localsoldiers, and Rowland added gold stars tothe names of those killed in action. Themarkers are still believed to exist, buttheir location is unknown.

BOBBIE NealBY BRETT FERNEAU


HAROLDObergBY BRETT FERNEAU

Your age? 66.Where are you from originally, and how long haveyou lived here? I was born in Pierson, Iowa. Imoved here with my parents when I was five.Were the “good old days” really all that good? Ithink we just lived the best we could on themoney we could make at the time. That wasall anybody could do.As a child, what was one of the things you enjoyedmost? We always went to Cherry Creek aboveP.A. for picnics. We’d look for Indian artifacts.There were no laws about that then. We’d beout all day Sunday, even in the coldestmonths. If you were cold you could alwaysfind a low arroyo and build a fire.What has been one of the biggest changes insouthwestern New Mexico over the years, andhow do you feel about it? The amount ofpeople, traffic and stop signs. Also, WesternHigh School used to be run by WesternUniversity. I remember when it changed overto Silver High. That was a significant change.What is your favorite place to visit in Silver City?Mi Casita for dinner on Friday nights. It’s afamily tradition. Greta taught school for 33years, and she didn’t need to be cooking bythe end of the week, so I’d take her to dinner.We also go to the Grinder Mill for coffee.Do you have a favorite actor or movie? JohnWayne was the one we all went to see. Idon’t think they can replace him.If you had all the money in the world, what wouldyou do with it? Live off the interest.Is there something in life you’d still like to do?Drive downtown. (Laughs.) My activities havebeen curtailed by blindness, but I think I didall that stuff already.What event or occurrence do you feel had a largeimpact on our area or on you personally? Whenmy father was in the hospital at Ft. Bayard,we’d go to see him but they wouldn’t let kidsin. So my mother would go see my father andI’d go outside and talk to the caretakers orthe fireman. They were all German prisonersof war. That experience gave me a muchbigger view of the world.What decade did you enjoy the most? Why? The60s. I was woodworking then. I made a lot ofthe furniture in this house.What do think of current technology, likecomputers and cell phones? I guess it’s all fun,but I don’t want any part of cell phones.Is there something helpful you would like to say to young people who are just starting out?I’d politely suggest that everyone turn offtheir TV sets and get involved in theircommunities.Is there something helpful you would like to say to someone who has just found out that they havediabetes? Fight it. Keep your blood sugarunder control. It seems like the days you trythe hardest are the days you can’t do it. Whatworks today might not work tomorrow. It’s aconstant battle, but it’s something you mustdo. I’ve had 14 eye surgeries, but if doctorshad known what they know today when Istarted having eye problems, I’d probably stillbe able to see.

Harold Oberg’s parents,Ernest and Almeda S. Oberg,brought him here at age five. Ernest, a veteran,was treated for tuberculosis at Fort BayardVeteran’s Hospital. As a young man, Haroldrecalls square dancing with his future wife Gretaand a group of others around the flagpole infront of the Silver City firehouse. He and Gretawere married in 1959.

Harold worked for the weekly Silver CityEnterprize as a printer before beginning a 20-year career at the Silver CityDaily Press in paper makeup, as a linotype setter, in circulation and otherfunctions. For several years during that time he was also the projectionistat the Silco and Gila Theaters, and later became a partner in the SouthwestOffset print shop.

Greta, a career schoolteacher, says of Harold’s years as a projectionist:“Harold is a good man. He took a second job so I could be home while ourtwo sons were growing up.”

Harold has battled diabetes since childhood, finally losing his eyesight tothe disease in the early 1980s. Despite health problems, he has spent hislife backing up his belief in community service with personal action.Formerly active with the Cowboy Poets Jamboree, he is a lifetime memberof the Silver City Optimist Club and the Western New Mexico UniversityClub, where he was the number one ticket salesman for the annual CarParty until just two years ago.

“When we moved here in 1944, my motherthought we were coming to the end of theworld,” he says. “Today I wouldn’t liveanywhere else.”

Daily

Pres

s pho

to by

Jack

Walz



HistoricFORTBAYARDBY BRETT FERNEAU

Located 8 miles from Silver City, Fort

Bayard is not only an important part of our

area’s history, but an important part of area

health care as well. It began as an

encampment during the Apache wars in 1866

and was part of a line of posts across southern

New Mexico. After the surrender of

Geronimo and his people twenty years later, it

was no longer need as a military post, and

was eventually abandoned in 1899.

That same year, Surgeon General George

M. Sternberg proposed that Fort Bayard be

transferred to the U.S. Army medical services,

due to the healing properties attributed to

high altitude and a dry climate. It became the

first sanatorium dedicated to treating Army

personnel suffering from pulmonary

tuberculosis and hosted a number of

important research discoveries.

Under the Veteran’s Administration in

1922, the sanatorium became a central

veterans’ hospital. German prisoners of war

housed there during World War II helped

maintain the grounds and buildings. The

State of New Mexico assumed control of Fort

Bayard in 1965, and the present day long-

term health care facility employs about 400

people. The adjoining military cemetery

became a National Cemetery in 1976. Fort

Bayard was named a National Historic

Landmark in 2004.

Chuck Johnson, Agent#1 Ranch Club RoadSilver City, NM 88061Bus: [email protected]

®

™

™

statefarm.comState Farm Fire and Casualty Company • Home Office … Bloomington, IllinoisP02819 04/02

When it comes to your homeowners insurance, no one understands your needs like aState Farm agent. That’s why State Farm insures more homes than anyone else.

You can enjoy the perfect home knowing it’s insured with State Farm.Call me for details.

NOT JUST ANY HOME WILL DO...

SAME GOES FOR INSURANCE.

WE LIVE WHERE YOU LIVE.

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR STATE FARM IS THERE.


www.statefarm.com

www.casitasdegila.com


BY DONNA CLAYTON LAWDER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE BURGESS AND DONNA CLAYTON LAWDER

A delicious recipe is made all the moreprecious and enjoyable when it is a familyrecipe handed down with love and tradition.Here, Christy Miller offers two specialrecipes that were handed down to her fromher mother, Minnie Triviz Horcasitas, andher grandmother, Guadalupe Cuaron Triviz.Make something traditional this season!You’ll be glad you did!

Grandma Horcasitas’ BiscochitosChristy Miller1 lb. lard4 cups flour1 jigger wine1 tsp. anise flavor or anise balls3⁄4 cup sugar2 eggs1⁄2 tsp baking powder1⁄4 tsp. saltCinnamon sugar mixture to roll cookies in

Cream lard. Add sugar, cream again.Add eggs, wine and anise. Mix.In a separate bowl, mix together theflour, baking powder and salt. Graduallyadd the combined dry ingredients.Knead. If dough is too sticky to form intolittle balls, add more flour with a littlebaking powder.

Minnie’s Flour Tortillas4 cups flour2 tsp. baking powder11⁄2 tsp. salt11⁄2 cups warm water3 Tbsp shortening

Sift all dry ingredientstogether. Add water andshortening. Kneaddough untilthoroughly mixed.Form into balls. (Size of ballswill be determined by how big a tortillayou wish.)Roll out into round, flat cakes and cookon griddle, first one side and then theother, until both sides are spottedmedium brown. Makes about 12 or 13 tortillas,depending on size.


This rich cold weather vegetable casserole is actually lowin fat! Delightful to the eye, it makes a wonderful impressionat the holiday table and is wonderfully easy to serve--fourvegetables and a creamy sauce, all from one dish!

“This is a family favorite that has been handed down atleast four generations,” said Donna Clayton Lawder. “MyGreat-grandma Clayton had written it down, thankgoodness!, but with less than specific details, like ‘put inenough potatoes to feed your family.’ “

“My family farmed, and we grew and stored all our ownvegetables, including mountains of potatoes which westored in the root cellar. I remember going down there witha colander and bringing up as many potatoes, parsnips,carrots and beets as we needed for that evening’s meal.”

Though Donna’s Great-grandmother served this dish forholidays or company “because it was ‘special’,” Donnalikes to serve it “as soon as the temperature drops,because it warms the house as it cooks, and it’s just sosatisfying!”

Donna worked as a cook at Green Pastures Estate, aretreat and conference center in chilly New Hampshire,where this hearty dish was always welcomed on thebuffet table!

For many families, the holiday feast is not complete without a perfectly cookedroast. Crisp dark brown on the outside and juicy on the inside, the secret toperfection is in two things: temperature and timing.

Putting the prepared meat into a very hot oven for the first 20 minutes is key tosearing in those precious juices and ensuring a satisfying crisp exterior. Then thecook must lower the oven temperature and simply keep an eye on the clock andmeat thermometer.

Rob Connoley, co-owner of the Curious Kumquat with his partner Tyler, shared his“secret family recipe” for holiday roast with a simple dry rub, which adds delicioussweetness and spice to the roast’s crusty outer layer.

Rob said he sometimes likes to add a twist to the holiday tradition by substitutingbuffalo tenderloin for the beef.

“Buffalo is one of the best meats around - lean in fat, heavy on flavor,” Rob said.“Tenderloins are a great introduction to buffalo as long as you remember to go ‘lowand slow’ by not overcooking. With so little fat, it’s easy for the meat to dry out.”

Cooks who want a short-cut can substitute a purchased dry rub mixture for thespice recipe below. Rob favors a sweet and spicy blend called “Mama Africa” byCape Herb Company. Enjoy this holiday favorite!

Spice Mixture:1⁄2 Tbsp salt1 Tbsp sugar1⁄2 Tbsp ground cumin1⁄2 Tbsp freshly ground black pepper1⁄2 Tbsp chili powder1 Tbsp paprika(or if you prefer buy a spice mix such as the Cape Herb Co. rubs)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.If using buffalo, thaw tenderloin completely.

Mix the spices in a bowl. Press spices into meat by rubbing all over firmly.Roast at 450 degrees for 20 minutes, then lower to 325 degrees. Roast untilinternal temperature is 120-130 degrees (about an hour and a half). Let stand10 minutes and serve with roasted root vegetables (carrots, onions, parsnips,new potatoes).

Rubbed Holiday RoastRob Connoley

Scalloped Winter VegetablesDonna Clayton Lawder

1 medium onion, peeled,top and bottom removed1 bay leaf2 cloves (whole)1 Tbsp Butter

1 Tbsp olive oil, plusextra for oiling bakingdish11⁄2 Tbsp unbleachedwhite flour



Affix the bay leaf to the whole onion by stabbing it with the 2 cloves. Set aside.

Make a simple roux, as follows: In a small, heavy-bottomed pot melt thebutter over a medium heat. Add the tablespoon of olive oil. When the butterstarts to bubble, stir in the flour to completely combine, keeping on the heatand stirring for two minutes, being careful not to scorch. Whisk in the milk,thyme, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Lower heat. Drop in the prepared onion,cover pot and simmer mixture on very low for 20 minutes, stirringoccasionally to prevent sticking. By now the mixture will be quite thick.Remove the onion, whisk in the water, cover the pot and set the mixtureaside, off heat.

Combine the bread crumbs, onion powder and herb mix in a small bowl. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lightly oil a 11⁄2-2 quart baking dish. Layer thesliced vegetables into the dish. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top.Cover tightly with foil or a tight fitting lid and bake for 40 minutes. Lowerheat to 350 degrees, uncover, and sprinkle bread crumb mixture on top. Bakefor about 30 minutes more, until vegetables are tender and top is golden.


Great-Grandma’s Favorite Cranberry SauceDonna Clayton Lawder

Donna Clayton Lawder grew up near New Jersey’s southern shore,land of the Pine Barrens and cranberry bogs. “There were still plenty ofbogs when I was a child, and every year I went cranberry bogging withmy Dad and grandmom, scooping our own berries for the Thanksgivingtable,” she says. “We made my great grandmother’s recipe, scrawledon a yellowing piece of paper. Great-granny liked her sauce smooth,and put the berries through one of those big metal sieves. But I likewhole berry sauce with the skins and all, so I don’t strain mine.”

“Great-granny’s recipe was not too specific. Well, none of herrecipes was,” Donna laughed. “She’d written things down like ‘put inenough sugar so it thinkens up right’ or ‘cook it just long enough.’ Theonly way I can reproduce these heirloom dishes is by adding mymemories to the written recipes. How lucky I was to grow up cookingat her elbow and seeing what she’d done!”

An old-fashioned traditional cranberry sauce, this dish fills the housewith wonderful holiday smells as it cooks. Donna said her family’sholiday table wouldn’t be complete without several bowls of cranberrysauce to satisfy everyone’s craving for their favorite style, chunkywhole-berry or smooth

11⁄2 cups apple cider (fresh, if available)11⁄4 cup sugar2 cinnamon sticks5 whole cloves16 oz. fresh cranberries1⁄2 cup finely chopped fresh orange peel

In a medium heavy bottomed pot, combine all ingredients exceptthe cranberries and orange peel. Bring to a boil over medium heat,stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat so the sauce isjust simmering, and let simmer for at least 20 minutes. With alarge slotted spoon, remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves.

Add the cranberries and chopped orange peel, and cook overmedium heat till the berries burst. Transfer the sauce to a bowl,cover and refrigerate until cold. Serve well chilled! It’s nice toscoop the sauce out in large dollops into a serving bowl.

Updated Cranberry sauce:What’s old is new again!

This traditional holiday side dishgets a spicy update in this treatmentfrom Brad Diemer, a chef at thefamous Biga on the Banks, amongother eateries along the historic RiverWalk. He recently moved to SilverCity from San Antonio, Texas.

Brad’s recipe capitalizes on thecranberry’s tartness, adding zing withRed Zinfandel wine and spicing thingsup with whole black peppercorns.

Brad’s Spicy ZinfandelCranberry SauceBrad Diemer

13⁄4 cups red Zinfandel1 cup brown sugar3 whole black pepper corns5 whole cloves5 whole allspice2 cinnamon sticks12-16 oz fresh cranberries3-4 inch strip of orange peel

In a medium saucepan combine allingredients except the cranberries. Bring to a boil over medium heat,stirring until the sugar dissolves.Reduce the heat so the sauce is justsimmering. Reduce the sauce toabout 13⁄4 cups. Strain the sauce intoa large saucepan.

Add the cranberries and cook overmedium heat, till the berries burst.Transfer the sauce to a bowl, coverand refrigerate until cold. Serve well chilled.

11⁄2 cup evaporated skim or fat-freemilk (unsweetened)1⁄2 cup water1⁄4 tsp dried thyme1⁄8 tsp nutmeg3⁄4 tsp salt1⁄4 tsp ground black pepper21⁄2 cups thinly sliced potatoes, about3 potatoes (peeling optional. I like tomix yellow, white and red potatoes!)

1 cup peeled and thinly slicedparsnips1 medium sweet white onion, peeledand thinly sliced, top to bottom3⁄4 cup thinly sliced carrots (1-2 carrots, peeling optional)1⁄2 cup unflavored bread crumbs1 tsp onion powder1 Tbsp Fines Herb Mix


44 – SILVER CITY LIFE44 – SILVER CITY LIFE

4 game hens, rinsed and giblets removed, pat dry4 cups prepared wild rice1 cup dried cranberries1⁄2 cup minced shallots1 Tbsp fresh minced rosemary1⁄2 cup butter or margarine

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Melt butter and rosemary together, rub hens withbutter. In a bowl blend together rice, cranberries, shallots and remainder ofbutter. Stuff cavities of hens with mixture. Cover ends of drumsticks with foil.Place hens on rack or broiler pan so juices go into drip pan. Bake at 375degrees for 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes. Check drumstick area to makesure juices are clear. If not, bake an additional 15-20 minutes. Serve whole on aplate with rosemary garnish.

Mammaw’s Rum PieArlene Schadel

Crust:12 double graham crackers4 eggs, separated1⁄3 cup of melted butter/margarine1 envelope of Knox Gelatin

Filling:4 eggs, separated1 envelope of Knox Gelatin1⁄2 cup of undiluted canned milk1 cup of sugar4 Tbsp of rum

Topping;Whipped creamGrated semi-sweet chocolate

Roll double graham cracker untilfine crumbs; mix with meltedbutter or marg. Press mixture toline bottom of square baking dish.Bake in 375 degree oven for 10 minutes. Stir egg yolks, thenadd 1 envelope of Knox Gelatin and

1⁄2 cup of sugar. Last, add 1⁄2 cup ofundiluted canned milk, then place over boiling water andbeat for 6 minutes. Cool!Beat egg whites and 1⁄2 cup ofsugar until stiff. Add cooledcustard & rum. Pour over grahamcracker crust. Set in icebox threehours before serving.

Serve with whipped cream andsprinkle with grated chocolate.

Until now, this favorite dessert that has been afavorite of the Schadel family for generations hasremained a family secret. When Ella Schadel wrotedown the recipe she purposely left out animportant part that would ensure the successof the dish. Within the last couple ofyears, Ella’s aging daughter-in-lawsat her own granddaughter downto pass on this family secret.

Cornish Game Hens with Cranberry Wild Rice Stuffing Alice Pauser

Not needing to serve Scrooge’s huge holiday goose, Alice Pauser took an old familyrecipe for cornish hens, and stuffed them with an old fashioned wild rice stuffing.

“Cornish hens are great little birds,” Alice said. “People don’t often think of them,but they’re tender and succulent, truly worthy of the holiday table. And they makesuch a presentation on the plate, each person getting his or her own perfect little bird!I got this recipe from my father’s mother. She’s the one who taught me how to cookcornish hens, and a lot of other wonderful things!”

An award-winning culinary professional, Alice learned her love of the kitchen fromcooking with her grandmother. This special holiday recipe incorporates Alice’strademark fresh herbs. The wild rice stuffing is an exciting alternative to cubed bread,and the seasonal cranberries add a sweet-tart surprise!


• The Oldest Financial Institution in Grant County

• Best Loan Rates

• Best Certificate Rates

• Best Member Service in Two Counties

MAIN OFFICE

2290 Superior StreetSilver City, NM 88061(505) 388-2511FAX - 388-3564

BRANCH OFFICE

607 WinifredBayard, NM 88023

(505) 537-3363FAX - 537-6136

BRANCH OFFICE

801 E. CedarDeming, NM 88031

(505) 546-0459

Ken Walters - CHIEF EXECUTIVE [email protected]

In Business Since 1954.

“Looking Forward - Reaching Higher”™

WWW.CHINOFEDERALCRED ITUNION.COM

Bear Mountain Spice CookiesEsther Scherf

As many cooks do, Esther Scherf broughtrecipes from home to work, including one forspice cookies that her family has longenjoyed, especially at holiday time.

“The cookies are a real hit with theguests,” said Maura Gonsior, manager ofBear Mountain Lodge where Esther cooks.With inviting chunks of fruit and nuts, thecookies “just draw people to them,” she said.

A nice compliment to any holiday feast,Esther’s Holiday Spice Cookies would bemost welcome to a holiday cookie exchangeor given as a present in a cheerful tin!

1⁄2 cup unsalted butter4 Tb molasses1 cup sugar1 egg1 tsp vanilla1 tsp cinnamon1⁄2 tsp ground cloves11⁄2 tsp ground ginger1⁄2 tsp salt13⁄4 cups flour1 Tbsp baking soda1 cup medium chopped walnuts orpecans1⁄2 cup dried tart cherries or cranberriesextra sugar for rolling and a small bowlof cool water

Cream together the butter, molasses andsugar. Add the egg, vanilla, spices andsalt. Mix well. Add flour and soda, thennuts and dried fruit.

Freeze for half and hour or chill severalhours in the refrigerator. Roll into small 1-inch balls. Dip tops of dough balls inwater, then sugar. Place on cookie sheetlined with parchment paper (or spraysheet with vegetable coating).

Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

NOTE: For altitudes over 5,000 feet, add3 extra tablespoons of flour.



www.chinofederalcreditunion.com


SIDE SALADA bed of spring greens and fresh

vegetables served with your choice ofexotic dressing.ORCHID CAFÉ

AT CIENEGA SPA & SALON101 N. COOPER STREET • 534-1600

RED CHILI CHEESE ENCHILADASCheese enchiladas smothered in red chileserved with rice, beans, salad and tortilla

LA COCINA210 W. COLLEGE AVE. • 388-8687

BestHOME STYLECooking

Presented by Silver City dining establishments

If you can’t standth

PORK TENDERLOINTortilla encrusted pork tenderloin topped with

peach jalapeno sauce served on a bed of ricewith fresh vegetables

COPPER CREST COUNTRY CLUB720 FAIRWAY DRIVE • 538-2712


Homestyle cravin’? Silver City’s yourhaven.

the heat, go out to eat.



These “Treasures” are truly remarkable people

whose legacy has, and we hope will, continue to

inspire generations to believe in themselves,

their heritage and their community.

WRITTEN BY JEAN BENZINE AND ARLENE SCHADELPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FAMILIES


Many people have made Silver City and

Grant County what it is today. This group

represents a cross section of individuals, each

of whom has left their indelible mark and

unique contribution to the community.

Many will recognize these names as people

who were either experts in their fields,

champions for the “common man,” strong

community supporters, or simply friends to

all of humans (and animals) with whom they

came in contact.

While individually different, a

commonality in all, was a strong support

network of giving family and friends. The

contributions made would not have been

possible without the love and support of

wives, husbands, daughters, sons, friends

and a caring community.

Many thanks to all those who opened

their hearts, homes and offered assistance in

gathering information for these pieces

especially Bobbie Neal Little, Bobby and

Chris Jackson, Marla Sue Mead, Consuelo

Gonzales, Della and Billy Acosta.

• Power Lift Recliners

• Orthopedic Supports

• Bathroom Safety Aids

• Motorized 3 Wheelers

• Diabetic Care Supplies

• Hospital Mattresses & Beds

• Oxygen & Respiratory Equipment

• Personal Healthcare Disposables

Medicare/Medicaid Certified

Private Insurance Accepted

FREE DELIVERY • 24 Hour Emergency Service

505.534.4013866.534.4013

910 E. 32nd St. • Silver City, NM

• Power Lift Recliners

• Orthopedic Supports

• Bathroom Safety Aids

• Motorized 3 Wheelers

• Diabetic Care Supplies

• Hospital Mattresses & Beds

• Oxygen & Respiratory Equipment

• Personal Healthcare Disposables

Medicare/Medicaid Certified

Private Insurance Accepted

FREE DELIVERY • 24 Hour Emergency Service

505.534.4013866.534.4013

910 E. 32nd St. • Silver City, NM



BILLACOSTA1941-2005BY BRETT FERNEAU

FOR 36 YEARS, RADIO PERSON-ALITY BILL “THE LEGEND” Acosta’s cheerful voice was a familiarsound in Silver City’s homes, businessesand autos. Listeners who were feeling sadcould always count on Bill’s ready witand love of life. During his long career hehosted three different evening shows,including “Serenata Mexicana,” afterputting in a full day’s work at Texas-NewMexico Power Company.

Bill was also an active and enthusiasticpromoter of live music, responsible forbringing many top Tejano, Mexican, andCountry Western artists to the area. Hebelieved in preserving local culture andencouraging the exchange of ideas, andalways had something good to say topeople. A dialysis patient himself, Billwas also instrumental in raising publicawareness of the need for a dialysis centerin Grant County.

A mayoral proclamation declared Sep-tember 8, 2005 as “Bill Acosta Day,”citing “his selfless dedication to hisfamily, friends and community.” Inspeaking of Bill’s legacy of laughter, funand music, State Representative DianneHamilton said, “He was so loved becausehe loved so.”

JAMES“COACH” BAIRD FOX1912-2005BY JEAN BENZINE AND ARLENE SCHADEL

JIM FOX TAUGHT MATH ATWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL ANDNew Mexico Western College (nowWestern New Mexico University) and for ayear at Silver High School. But it wascoaching, which he did in some way, shapeor form from age 19 to 92 which earnedhim the title of simply “Coach”. Hecoached football and track at NMWC andWNMU and also formed the VotressRunning Team. Under his leadership andguidance, many area youth competed atstate, regional and national USA track andfield competitions. He inspired andcoached a local man, George Young, whocompeted in the Mexico City Olympics.

““Coach” was an excellent coach ofcourse,” states Nancy Trinkel who assistedhim for the last ten years while herdaughter ran with Votress. “But the mainthing that he taught the kids was the valueof being a good person. He gave them afocus whether they had talent or not. Hemade them feel good about who theywere.”

Coach always said, “I try to alwaysremember that I do not coach events thatI COACH KIDS.”

WALTER BIEBELLE1922-2005BY ARLENE SCHADEL

AFTER WALTER BIEBELLE’SMOTHER GAVE BIRTH TO HIMat Mimbres Hot Springs in 1922, sheplaced him in a shoebox and returnedwith him by horseback to the familyranch in Gallina Canyon. It was asingular beginning for a man wellloved for his sense of humor andcommunity involvement.

Walter was a World War II Veteranserving in Army Intelligence with theNavajo Code Talkers. He was held as aprisoner of war while in the Philipinesand later served on the War Crimestrails at the conclusion of the war.

Mr. Biebelle claimed to have beenchased from California to the waters of Florida but he couldn’t swim and that’s how Frances his wife of 60years caught him. They left Floridain 1947 to return to the GallinaCanyon Ranch.

He was a rancher and a farmer andspent the rest of his life promotingboth occupations through teachingand the numerous clubs andorganizations he served. Those whoknew Walter will always rememberhim by “NO BAD WORDS” and “YA MERRO”.


JOHNNY BANKS1925-2001BY JEAN BENZINE

IT TAKES A SPECIAL KIND OFPERSON TO ATTAIN THE TITLE of“Silver City’s Ambassador of Goodwilland Hospitality” and that’s who JohnnyBanks was.

“Johnny Banks (was) a character in townfor decades, the man with the jaunty step,a hundred hats, an uptown wardrobe, anda smile and a greeting for anyone…” statedStephen Siegfried, in an article for theSilver City Daily Press. Siegfriedsuccessfully nominated Johnny for Citizenof the Year, saying, “Banks did more topromote Silver City and good will in this

community than anyone else.”Johnny took in and fed numerous stray

cats and dogs, and was a source ofencouragement to three generations oflocal children. He attended most athleticevents in the community to cheer for theteams and was named president of theunofficial “Western New Mexico FanClub.” The student government presentedhim with a WNMU class ring, makingJohnny an honorary student and permaentmember of the campus community.

“Everybody looked after him. He was afixture in town and everybody’s friend,”according to long-time friend BobbieNeal-Little.

WILLIEGONZALES1925-2004BY JEAN BENZINE

“HE WAS ALWAYS VIGILANT INHIS SUPPORT OF ANYONE - ORANY cause - he saw to be the underdog,the under-represented, or simply theaverage citizen, the common man. Hewas a hard worker, devoted familyperson, proud of his heritage, his familyand his home.” According to Consuelo,his wife of 58 years, that quote fromfriend Carol Beth Elliot sums up the lifeof Willie Gonzales. “He was short manwho would never back down to thetallest man if he believed in the cause.He spoke his mind and his truth,”Consuelo says.

Willie valued education, and to instillthat value in his children he attendedWNMU, graduating at the age of 46while continuing to work two jobs. Hewas one of the original “gang of five”behind the La Capilla project (see page20.) Willie also enjoyed working withhis hands and used his mastery ofmasonry, woodworking, carpentry tobuild the family home, a home full ofwonderful memories for his wifeConsuelo. “He loved working on thishouse, being with his children andgrandchildren,” she says. “I feel hispresence here.”

JO DUNN1915-2004BY ARLENE SCHADEL

MARTHA JOSEPHINE MILLS(JO JACKSON DUNN) LIVED ALIFE full of love and laughter. Shemet the love of her life, BobbyJackson of Silver City, at WhittierCollege in California. She moved toSilver City to marry Bobby whenher life changed drastically as Bobbywent to fight for his country inWWII. He was captured by theJapanese and held prisoner while Jowaited for him to return for five verylong years before they were finallyreunited and married.

Jo was widowed in 1969. Shesoon returned to WNMU andreceived her Bachelor’s degree andmoved to San Miguel de Allende,Mexico where she received aMaster’s in Art. She was an artist inpainting with oils, chalk, and pencilas well as an avid weaver andwelding sculptor.

She loved playing tennis, golf andmost of all, dancing. Jo travelednear and far but always lovedcoming home to Silver City. Whileat home her community time wasspent energetically. Jo lived by thesaying “Thy Will Be Done”.



VARIOUS REGIONS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS HAVE THEIR OWN HISTORIES AND TALES OFTHE MOUNTAIN MEN, MUCH OF THE INFORMATION PASSED DOWN AND RECORDED AS ORALhistory and campfire tales. Southwest New Mexico is unusual in that so much of our mountain man history and lorehas been put into print. These were some of the most interesting, inscrutable, and controversial characters in WesternHistory and we can read all about them.

James Ohio Pattie, 1804 -- ? was the first of the anglo mountain men to explore the Gila forest. A failedbeaver trapper, and nebulous Indian fighter, he nonetheless ranks high in mountain man history for leaving adocument, The Personal Narrative of James Ohio Pattie, that gives vivid images of the Gila Wilderness beforeEuropean settlement.

James Kirker, 1793-1853 was quite successful as a beaver trapper and later infamous as a scalp hunter. Hisdescendents still live in southwest New Mexico and carry the Kirker name. His biography was ably told by WilliamMcGaw in the book Savage Scene, an old West tale that might seem unbelievable if it were so well documented.

Montague Stevens, 1859-1953 was the most literate of the Gila mountain men and was of CatronCounty. A one-armed British adventurer and graduate of Cambridge University, Stevens ranched, fought the Apache,and hunted grizzly bears with hounds. His memoir, Meet Mr. Grizzly, is a master work of frontier life.

MOUNTAIN MENand other Pioneers of the Gila

Outdoors

BY M.H. Salmon

Mountain men in camp. Left to right, Jack Thompson, Ben Lilly (with beard), Walter Hotchkiss, Stokely Ligon.

Pho

to f

rom

M.H

. Sal

mon

col

lect

ion.

James “Bear” Moore, 1850-1924 came by his nickname honestly.After wounding a grizzly bear cub in theSan Mateo Mountains, he was attacked bythe mother bear. He killed the bear with aknife but was left mutilated and disfiguredin speech and face. Shamed, and turning abit mean and very reclusive, he lived outhis time as a hunter and survivalist in thewilder reaches of the Gila Wilderness.Recollections of those who knew him canbe found in Wilderness of the Gila byElizabeth McFarland.

Ben Lilly, 1856-1936 was the mostwell known character of the GilaMountains. Another hound-man, andhunter of bear and lion, Lilly followed thepack on foot, wouldn’t hunt on Sunday,and took on peculiarities that endearedhim to contemporaries and historiansalike. His hunting diaries and letters arepreserved in Ben Lilly’s Tales and hisbiography was finely done by J. FrankDobie in the Ben Lilly Legend.

Nat Straw, 1857-1941 was thecongenial mountain man. Virtually all hiscontemporaries liked his company, hisstory-telling ability, and admired hisfacility in living in the mountains ashunter, trapper, and prospector. CarolynO’Bagy Davis has collected his life inMogollon Mountain Man. Nat’s tall taleswill make you laugh but his real life was aseries of remarkable adventures.

G.W. Dub Evans provides a transitionto a more modern era. He ranched in theBeaverhead area into the 1950s and left astrong memoir of his hunts for grizzly,black bear and lion in the book SlashRanch Hounds. He writes of a time whenranching was king, lions and bears werevarmints, and the few remaining wolveswere the scourge of the western range. Notall modern readers will align with his pointof view but anyone can appreciate hisnarrative skills in describing a wildernessthat is still with us today.

Our mountain men and othercharacters are not lost to time but live onin valuable books available today inbookstores new and used.


Patricia [email protected] 505.538.1460

Marylin [email protected] 505.313.3580

Karen [email protected] 505.534.7883

Debbie [email protected]

Cell 505.538.1829

Beverly [email protected]

Cell 505.590.7574

Liz [email protected] 505.313.3574

314 E. 14th Street, P.O. Box 1477Silver City, NM 88062

505.538.3847800.716.3847

www.remaxsilveradvantage.com

Billy [email protected]

Cell 505.574.2603

Linda [email protected]

Cell 505.538.1623

Outstanding Agents, Outstanding ResultsOutstanding Agents, Outstanding Results

Photo Courtsey Bob Pellum

Let us help you find

YOUR place in Silver City!

Let us help you find

YOUR place in Silver City!

IntroducingJames Edd Hughs

One of the few professionalsstill making house calls.

James Edd Hughs is one of 8,700 Edward Jones investmentrepresentatives serving individual investors in 50 states.Today, we have more branch offices than any other

brokerage firm in the country, and we servemore than 6 million individual investorsnationwide. James Edd is anxious to put hisexpertise and the extensive resources ofEdward Jones to work for you. He’ll meetwith you at home or at any other convenientlocation that suits your needs.

Call James Edd Hughs today.(505) 534-1221www.edwardjones.comMember SIPC

EdwardJones®

Serving Individual Investors Since1871








http://www.remaxsilveradvantage.com



http://www.edwardjones.com


Duane Brockett’s Aunt Rebeccacame to Silver City in 1934. Aftergraduating from New Mexico State Teachers College –

today’s WNMU – in 1939, she taught English at Cobre High

School. Each year, one of the assignments she gave her

students was to write their own short version of a local

ghost story.

When she retired in 1973, Rebecca Mahala Curty Gamblin

had accumulated 576 pages of ghost stories, painstakingly

retyped by Millie Clark at WNMU. Duane, a master

mechanic, moved here in 1976 and eventually became the owner of the only surviving copy

of the book. Rebecca’s sister-in-law, Helen Curty of Phoenix, painted illustrations for some

of the stories, including “La Llorona” shown here.

Edited for space and content, here are a few local stories according to Cobre High School

students from 1957 to 1962. Some, like La Llorona “the weeping woman,” are told with local

variants in many locales in New Mexico, while others such as the famous “chicken woman”

of the Beehive Bar seem to be pure Grant County. Several claim to be true, and to have

happened to friends or relatives of the storyteller. Others are retold or handed down

ancestrally. In others the names have been changed to protect the innocent and guilty alike.

Meanwhile, though, the fire has died down. The moon has gone behind a cloud, and

there’s a soft moaning in the trees. ¿Quien sabe? Who’s to say what’s real and what’s not?

Settle back, relax, and enjoy a few Grant County ghost stories.


Several different people have told methis same story. The incidents happeneda few years ago during a Saturday nightdance at the Beehive Bar.

The dance had started around nineo’clock and everything was goingalong fine. All the men that werepresent had been drinking for quitesome time and by now were drunk or“feeling good” as one would say.

At about midnight a beautifulwoman appeared in the middle of thefloor. Her complexion was very delicateand her face had an irresistiblyhaunting quality. She wore an alluringred dress which was embroideredaround the skirt with black satin. Herhair was a light brown color and longenough to reach down to her waist. Herfigure was almost “perfect” as termedby the men that were present at the

dance. Everybody stared at her, butnobody had seen her enter througheither door. All the men wondered whoshe was and from where she came.Anyway, they all wanted to dance withher but were afraid to “break the ice.”

Finally a drunk, who was falling allover the place, invited her to dance.While dancing, the man happened toglance down and saw that the woman’sfeet appeared like those of a rooster.They were very scaly and dry and gavehim a shivering feeling when he lookedat them. When he saw this, he got soscared that he sobered up and leftimmediately for home. He was afraid totalk about it, and besides he thought itprobably was because of his drinkingtoo much.

Later on another drunk invited thewoman to dance and after they finished

dancing he invited her out to his car.Suddenly everybody inside heardcrying and yelling coming from the car.When they all went out to investigate,they saw a big ball of fire inside of thecar. They were about to extinguish thefire when it suddenly went out by itself.

They found that the woman was nolonger there and that the man’s face wasall scratched up. He told them that whilethey were alone the woman had turnedinto the devil and scratched up his face.The people that heard this sobered upand decided to leave for home after theyhad doctored up the man’s face.

To this day nobody knows whether it was the devil or not, but the peoplethat were present say it was the devilhimself.

— Maybe it was only an illusion.¿Quien sabe?

AT THE

DEVILbee hiveDEVILbee hiveBy Horacio GaraciaEnglish IIMay 2, 1957

La Llorna by Helen Curty



Rosa Maria

This story was told to me by mother, and for theconvenience of telling it I have named thecharacters in my story.

Alberto and Juan had just come home from thearmy about a week before. It was Saturday nightand there was a dance at the local dance hall. Theydecided to go, for it had been a long time since theyhad attended a dance in their hometown.

On their way to the dance as they were drivingalong a deserted road towards town, they saw a girlgoing the same direction. They felt sorry for her andgave her a ride. After they had been driving for awhile in silence, Alberto who had like the girl rightaway, asked her name and why she was walking totown all by herself on a deserted road.

She told him that her name was Rosa Maria andthat she was walking to town because her parentswouldn’t take her to the dance.

When they got there, the dance had alreadystarted. By this time Alberto was in love with RosaMaria and made sure that Juan didn’t get a chanceto dance with her. They danced all night until theearly dawn.

After the dance was through, Alberto asked RosaMaria if he could take her home if she didn’t have a ride. Rosa Maria accepted since she didn’t have a way.

On their way to Rosa Maria’s house, she said shewas cold and Alberto lent her his jacket. When theygot to Rosa Maria’s house, Alberto walked her tothe door. There he declared his love for her andfound out that she loved him too. Before he left, hetenderly kissed her goodnight. He left his jacketthere as an excuse to come again the next day.

Alberto was very happy, for he had found abeautiful girl who loved him the way he loved her.He had met her but a few hours before, but he knewshe was the one for him.

The next day before he went to see Rosa Maria,he decided to ask her parents for Rosa Maria’s handin marriage. When he arrived, he intended to knockon the door but didn’t because he saw an elderlywoman sitting on the porch sewing. He asked her ifRosa Maria was home and if he could speak to her.After a moment’s hesitation, she told him that RosaMaria was dead and had been dead for five years.Alberto told her that it was impossible because hehad danced with Rosa Maria the night before andhad lent her his jacket when he had brought herhome because she was cold.

The woman asked him in and showed him a

My paternal grandmother told this story to my mother, who in turnhas related it to me.

In Casas Grandes, Mexico around the year 1910, there lived a certainDoña Carlota. She was the beautiful and loving wife of Don Martín andthe devoted mother of three young boys.

Juan was a dashing gentleman from Mexico City. Several yearsbefore, he had visited Casas Grandes and had fallen in love with DoñaCarlota. She had spurned him, however, so he had returned to his homein dejection.

Now in the summer of 1910, he came once again, hoping that hecould return to Mexico City with Doña Carlota. He hoped in vain, forCarlota would never leave her loved ones. Juan swore that she wouldpay dearly for rejecting him.

Soon Doña Carlota began to have very severe headaches, especiallyduring the night. Many doctors were consulted but none of them couldfind even a clue to what ailed her.

One of her friends was said to be a sorceress, so Doña Carlota’srelatives asked this woman to help the sick lady.

But the sorceress said, “He who has our friend in his power is farsuperior to me. There is no remedy for her.”

Then one evening the people of Casas Grandes saw a huge burningsphere suddenly alight on top of Doña Carlota’s house. Soon the entiretown was there to put out the fire. But the flames did not abate whenwater was thrown upon them, yet they did not spread.

Around midnight, when all but a few had gone, the woman caring forDoña Carlota stepped into the kitchen intending to get some coffee. Butjust as she entered the kitchen door, she heard a terrorizing screamcoming from Doña Carlota’s room. She hastened to see what was thematter. She found Doña Carlota dead, and turning toward the door thatled to the garden, she saw a snake crawling away. On Carlota’s armwere the fang marks of the snake.

Rosa MariaThe Snake

I heard this legend from one of my friends on a night when we boysgathered to tell stories to each other.

Many years ago, during a long period of famine, many families wereliving in despair. It is only logical that people driven by hungersometimes act insanely.

It was during this time that a mother of two children couldn’t findenough food to keep herself and her children from starving to death.One day, maddened by hunger, without consciousness of what she wasdoing, she drowned them by dropping them into a well, so that shemight be rid of the thought that they would die of hunger. After this, shethought she would also die, but somehow she lived.

As time went on she had almost forgotten the hunger she hadsuffered in her past years, but she never forgot the children and shebegan to repent having drowned them. So for the rest of her life shelived with the thought of the mortal sin she had committed.

When she died her soul was not admitted into the Dominion ofHeaven nor was her sin pardoned. The only way she could ever go toheaven would be by finding her two children.

So on all rainy nights or wherever water can be found, she has lookedfor them. Many people claim to have heard her shrill cry and hermournful wail. Perhaps you too have heard her while she was searchingfor her children and you have thought it was just the shrieking wind.

LA LLORONALA LlORONA

By Frank Contererasmarch 9, 1960

By Cecila LuceroMarch 5, 1959

By Albert LopezEnglish IIOctober 9, 1958

The Snake

busy shoeing a horse and he said to theDevil’s helper, “If you will take thishammer and help me we can leavesooner.” The Devil’s helper took thehammer and it started hammering. Aftertwo hours, the helper begged Dan to lethim go back. So Dan let him go backafter he had promised not to bother Danagain.

The helper got back home and toldthe Devil what had happened. The devilthen sent another one of his helpers toget Dan. When the second helper got tothe earth, Dan was again using thehammer. When Dan asked him to help,the second helper said to Dan, “You arenot going to fool me that way so I willjust sit down over here in this rockingchair and wait.” He soon found that hetoo was tricked and after one night hebegan begging Dan to let him go. Dan,thinking that he had already outwittedthe Devil, let him go.

When the second helper gothome, he reported to the Devil on hisfailure. The Devil, being verydissatisfied, decided to go himself.When he arrived Dan was againworking. After trying to pull the sametwo tricks on the Devil unsuccessfully,Dan thought he had seen his last day onearth. But the Devil, getting veryimpatient, told Dan to hurry up or hewas going to cut himself a switch fromthe tree outside and switch Dan all theway to hell. The Devil cut off a branchfrom the little willow tree and it startedswitching the Devil. After a little while,the Devil also begged Dan to let him goand promised he would never botherhim again.

Dan lived happily the rest of his life.When he died, he tried to get intoheaven but was refused. When heknocked on the door of hell, the firsthelper answered the door, looked atDan, and fainted. The second helpercame to see what was causing the draftand when he saw Dan, he ran to theother end of hell. Finally the Devilhimself answered the door. Seeing Dan,the Devil said to him, “You are too meanto come in here so you must go findyour own place to spend eternity.” Withthat he shut the door and that was thelast that was known of poor Dan.


The BlacksmithThe following legend was told to me by

one of my friends, who heard it from hisgrandfather. The grandfather, being verymean, claimed he heard the story fromold “Scratch” himself.

The incidents of this story took place ina small village in Northern New Mexico inthe late 1840’s when the gold rush wasoccurring and much blacksmith work wasrequired to keep the wagons rolling.

The village blacksmith, Dan, had asmall but booming business in andaround the community. He was known forhis honest and hard work. Any time of theday a person could go by Dan’s shop andsee him toiling very diligently. But itseemed as though he was never happy.

Every evening after he went home hiswife was always nagging and griping athim. She griped and complained untilDan, driven into a maddened rage,choked her to death. No one ever saw hiswife very much so her disappearance washardly noticed.

As he went to work the next morning,he was thinking how he could enjoy hiswork and not have to worry about anagging wife after a hard day; however,

he became very irritated when herealized that he could not sit in his oldrocking chair when a break came in hiswork. It seemed as though hisblacksmith shop had become agathering place for all the men whoweren’t busy at the time. It was a placewhere everyone that wasn’t busywould come and discuss anything thatcame to their minds. Nevertheless, Danignored them and started back to work.But as he started, he could not find hishammer. He went outside and found itlying beside a pile of rock where somechild had left it.

That afternoon when a man wastaking his horse from the shop he cutoff a branch from a little willow tree thatgrew out front. This also angered Danvery much because he watered the tree every morning and had grown tolove it.

As he was about to lock up at theend of a very trying day, a strangercame to the door and asked if Dancould put him up for the night. Danconsented and told him he would bringhim some supper in a little while. Theman turned out to be Saint Peter, whosaid to Dan, “Because of your kindnessI will grant you three wishes.”

Dan thought for a minute and said, “Iwish when anyone grabbed myhammer that it would start hammeringand the person holding it couldn’t let gountil I gave him permission. Also, whenanyone sits in my rocking chair that itwould rock until I told it to stop.”

Saint Peter said, “Okay, and what isyour last wish?” Dan thought a minuteand said, “If anyone cuts anotherbranch from my willow tree that thebranch will whip the person who cut ituntil I have given the branchpermission to stop.” Saint Petergranted the three wishes.

Now Dan was very happy and hestarted enjoying life. He would laughheartily at anyone who got caught inhis traps. People left him alone afterthe first few got their punishment forangering Dan.

One day down in hell the Devil toldone of his helpers to go get Dan. He leftand came to earth, found Dan and toldhim he had come for him. Dan was

The Blacksmith

ROSA MARIA continuedpicture of a girl. She asked him if that wasthe girl he sought. Alberto said that it wasRosa Maria, and that she was just tryingto keep him from his beloved. He told thelady that it was no use because he wouldfind another way to see Rosa Maria.

The lady saw that it was useless toargue with Alberto and told him that shewould take him to Rosa Maria. They got inAlberto’s car and she told him to follow acertain road. They were passing acemetery and the lady told him to stop.There in the cemetery she showed him toa grave. On top of the gravestone, therewas Alberto’s jacket and the words on thegravestone read: “Rosa Maria, born 1928,died 1945.” Alberto just stood there, toostunned to say anything

After the trip to the cemetery, Albertoseemed to be in a state of shock. Soonafter that, he died. It was believed that hedied because he went out of his mindfrom thinking that he had danced with,kissed, and fallen in love with a spirit.

By Larry HatlerEnglish IIIApril 17, 1962



James KoonsAllGlass MD1775 Hwy. 180 East

Five years ago,Detective SergeantJames Koons took ayear’s leave of absence

from the Silver City Police Department totry his hand at auto glass repair. With acustomer-oriented service philosophy,AllGlass MD grew into the largest fullservice glass shop in southwest New Mexico.

“We go out of our way to help ourcustomers,” he says. Meanwhile, James haskept informed on law enforcementprinciples and techniques. He plans to runfor Grant County Sheriff in 2006.

Albert Madrigal &William PerezSatellite Solutions & Cellular1780 Hwy. 180 E., Suite AAlbert and PamelaMadrigal’s career in

satellite television sales began with twosatellite dishes. “I sold them both in anhour,” Albert recalls, “so I got five more.”

Their store, Satellite Solutions & Cellular,soon became the #1 Pegasus TV dealer in thestate, ranked third in 2700 nationwide.

Pursuant to other business interests, theMadrigals have recently made longtimeemployee Will Perez a partner in theirsatellite division, while Jerry Gonzales headsup cellular phone sales.

APRIL WEITLAUFExecutive DirectorSilver City Grant CountyChamber of Commerce“I’m happy to be backin New Mexico,” saysApril Weitlauf. The

native Oregonian brings 18 years ofhospitality, tourism and business experiencefrom around the country to her position asExecutive Director of the Silver City GrantCounty Chamber of Commerce.

“I’m excited about collaborating withGrant County’s businesses and organizationsto forge a stronger, sustained community,”she continues. April’s priorities includeincreasing membership benefits andpromoting visitor activities such as eco-tourism and motor coach tours.

FACES IN BUSINESSWRITTEN BY BRETT FERNEAUPHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL WARREN AND JOE BURGESS

SERVING SILVER CITY, GRANT COUNTY & SURROUNDING AREASSERVING SILVER CITY, GRANT COUNTY & SURROUNDING AREAS

1775 Highway 180 East1775 Highway 180 East


Judy & VernonMcOskerCurves2045 Memory LaneExperienced Curves™franchisees Judy andVernon McOsker

visited Silver City for three hours anddecided to live here. “It was partly theclimate,” Judy says, “but mostly thepeople.”Curves™ features a 30-minuteworkout combining sustained cardiovas-cular activity with strength training throughsafe hydraulic resistance. With benefits thatinclude weight loss, increased energy andimproved quality of life, Curves™ supportswomen in achieving their goals. TheMcOskers recently moved their Silver Cityfacility to a larger location on Memory Lane.

Patrick Conlin,CRSPrudential Silver CityProperties120 E. 11th St.“We’re a new real estatebusiness, but we’re not

new to real estate,” says broker/owner PatrickConlin of Prudential Silver City Properties.Patrick notes that his staff is comprisedentirely of seasoned real estate professionalsspecializing in residential and commercialproperty and land sales.

Located in a crisply remodeled historicadobe house, the pleasant office is aninteresting mix of local artwork and hightechnology.

“The technology frees us to concentrateon what we do best,” he explains.

Richard DeatonGila House Gallery & Hotel400 N. Arizona St.The recently openedGila House Hotel andGallery 400 offers athree-room bed and

breakfast and spacious gallery.“Located in the heart of downtown

Silver City, The Gila House Hotel is anexcellent choice for those desiring to bewalking distance from galleries, restau-rants, and nightlife,” says Richard Deaton,proprietor. This renovated historicterritorial adobe is fast becoming is apopular gathering place. Guests shouldexpect a buzz of activity and may have theopportunity to meet local artists.

Our expanded inventory now includes framed prints, rugs, fountains, aswell as kitchen and bar accessories in addition to all types of lights.Design Consultation by Julie Maben. – Ask about our Bridal Registry.

10AM-6PM • MON. - FRI. – 10AM-2 PM • SATURDAY

388.12261304 N. HUDSON



&SAJAMALI THE ARABIAN STALLION

ENTERS THE ARENA WITH THE

attitude of royalty. He prances, rears, whirls and

dances sideways, but never bucks. With the reins

held in the teeth of his rider by a handkerchief,

he walks backwards in a straight line for 200 feet

without hesitation. On a cue he bursts into a

forward gallop that ends in a 29-foot long

sliding stop. After a series of these maneuvers, he

politely sits down on his hindquarters, front legs

stiff and head erect, and allows his master to

dismount easily. The man moves alongside the

horse’s shoulder with arms outstretched, and the

crowd cheers.

The ornately dressed charro with the silver

mustache standing beside the silver-gray stallion

is Carlos Herrera of Charros de North Hurley.

He began training Sajamali in the proud

traditional style of Mexican horsemanship when

the horse was just a colt.

He explains that while the stallion was yet

unborn, he agreed to purchase the foal based on

the appearance of its mother. After the foal was

born Carlos went to Wilcox, Arizona to pick him

up. Carlos was in for a surprise. The colt was

dark brown, not gray, and didn’t resemble his

mother at all.

left: Carlos Herrera of Charros de North Hurley takes abow beside Jit Ku. Carlos still trains and performs withthe horse, now owned by Gilbert Mora. opposite:Carlos spins a lariat while standing atop Sajamali. Laterin the performance he will crawl underneath the horseand around the feet while Sajamali stands perfectlystill. “I trust the horse,” he says.

Carlos Herrera his

CHARRO HORSES

WRITTEN BY BRETT FERNEAU AND LEANNE KNUDSENPHOTOGRAPHY BY JUDY DOUBRAVA

&


“He was so ugly. Skinny body and a big head. But we had already made the deal, so

I took him.”

Carlos took the ugly little horse home and patiently began the training process.

Sajamali gave his first performance at a family gathering at age 21⁄2. By that time, his coat

had turned gray and he had grown into the conformation of a classic Arabian stallion.

Carlos has been working with horses all of his life. He shod horses and broke

riding horses to saddle for other people before deciding to train his own performing

horses some thirty years ago. He has trained five so far. Quiet and soft-spoken, he

moves with an easy, unhurried manner around his animals. His training methods are

his own and he does not discuss them. Though he is a humble man, his pride in his

horses is obvious.

He starts the training when the horse is still a colt, explaining that it is much easier

for the animal to learn to sit and lay down before it gets to be too heavy. He does much

of his training in the open, without benefit of a corral to confine the animal. Sandy

arroyos are excellent training areas, and riding the unshod young horses in the

mountains develops the leg strength that they will need as performers. The horses and

their trainer are in demand for performances and parades around the region and have

performed by invitation in El Paso.

At age 73, Carlos is looking to start and train another colt. “My friends say ‘Carlos,

you’re old for this,’” he says, “But it’s what I do.”

Cards • Gifts • HobbiesCrafts • Souvenirs

Office SuppliesFurniture • Machines

703 N. BullardSilver City, NM 88061

538-5324

CORNER OF 90 SOUTH & TRUCK BY-PASS

534•9200

• Horse Feed and Tack

• Fence Panels• Electric Fence

Supplies

• FREE coffee

• Horse Feed and Tack

• Fence Panels• Electric Fence

Supplies

• FREE coffee

FULL LINE OF PET FOOD:NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE

DOG & CAT FOOD

PRO PAC DOG & CAT FOOD

WILD BIRD SEEDS

FEEDS FOR SMALL ANIMALS & PETS

FULL LINE OF PET FOOD:NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE

DOG & CAT FOOD

PRO PAC DOG & CAT FOOD

WILD BIRD SEEDS

FEEDS FOR SMALL ANIMALS & PETS



Augustus, Catron, UlyssesJane Janson

Jane Janson’s cats have risen fromhumble beginnings to royalty, in nameand with the royal treatment at home!

Living in San Francisco in 1998, Janeadopted an older cat, Ulysses, and a kittenshe named Ike, at one shelter visit.

Living in Silver City and walking dogswith a friend, Jane heard a cry from undera bush, reached in and pulled out abedraggled kitten, now Augustus Caesar.

Catron the Great, a Siamese, wasabandoned at a campground. Catron’shealthy coat today shows no sign of herimpoverished beginnings.

MoJean Spears

Jean Spears began walking dogs at theGrant County Animal Shelter a few years ago.

What started as a kindly volunteer gesturefor Jean ended in a happy adoption for Mo,a husky mix.

Asked how she picked Mo, Jean laughed,“I didn’t! He picked ME!”

“I just walked Mo a few times,” she said.But after those few walks, Jean said shehappily lost her heart to Mo and opened herhome, where he was easily accepted by herthree adult cats. Mo now delights seniorsand hospital patients as well, as a visitingtherapy dog.

Silver City Life thanks the peopleon these pages for the chance to hearand feature their stories, and to meetthe wonderful animal companionsthey have taken into their homes. Allare tales that remind us of the criticalneeds of the animals in our AnimalShelter -- dogs and cats, puppies andyoung kittens, all looking for homesand a second chance at Life.

It is a pleasure to share theseHappy Endings, and to remind petlovers in our community thatrescuing an abandoned animal andadopting it into a warm and lovinghome enriches our own lives.

HappyEndings

BanditMargaret Crumbley

A self-proclaimed “cat person,” MargaretCrumbley saw Bandit’s picture in the newspaper,called the shelter to see if he was still available foradoption, and told them not to let him go.

“My daughter-in-law and I hurried down andgot him,” she said.

Rehabbing a broken hip, Margaret didn’t needa kitten underfoot. Thirteen-year-old Bandit, aBirman cross with “beautiful blue eyes” hasturned out to be “a total lap cat” and the perfectcompanion.

Bandit is an indoor cat who enjoys the viewfrom Margaret’s enclosed patio, where he sitswith her for coffee every morning.

GusRob & Michelle Kessler

Michelle Kessler went to the Grant CountyAnimal Shelter looking for a dog to keep hermother company. Instead she found Gus, an 8-week-old mostly Chocolate Lab for herself andhusband Rob.

“They said he’s a Lab mix, but he seems all Labto me,” Michelle laughed, noting Gus’ energylevel and playfulness. “He has these beautifulblue eyes, and he ran right to me that day.”

Michelle said the household’s two adult cats“might like him better when he gets older andsettles down!”

Rob and Michelle are looking forward tospending lots of time outdoors with Gus.

Written and photographed by Donna Clayton Lawder

(505) 388-1911Fax: (505) 388-1600

[email protected] W. College Avenue

P.O. Box 1258Silver City, N.M. 88062

Harry and Linda Bright

18 Ethel LaneSilver City, NM 88061

[email protected]




CodahBrittany Topmiller

Codah, a Blue Heeler mix, didn’t realizehe was auditioning when Brittany Topmillercame to check out dogs at the animal shelter.

“Our house was broken into, so I wanteda dog who barked a lot for security,” saidBrittany. “He barked a lot, so I picked him!”

Named after a character in the BrotherBear movie, Codah was shy around thefamily’s horses at first, but has gotten usedto them.

“The entire family has fallen in love withhim. He keeps us entertained,” Brittany saidof the energetic pup. “He really makes mybrother laugh.”

GusJean Benzine

Two paws on her shoulders and a lick onthe face were all it took for Jean Benzine todecide she’d found a new animal companionin Gus, an Australian Shepherd-BorderCollie mix.

“I was living alone in Wind Canyon andwanted a watchdog,” Jean said. “He’s agood barker, if a little overprotective.”

Jean said she’s sure Gus had been a familydog who was lost or abandoned, as healready knew how to sit and shake hands.

Thanks to Gus’ genes, he sometimes triesto herd Jean’s two cats, with whom he getsalong well.

Digby & BlazeBob Brockhausen

Since opening the Silver City BrewingCompany just over a year ago, BobBrockhausen decided Blaze, the rat terrierwho moved with him from Seattle, neededcompany. “I work a lot,” he explained.

Digby, a wire haired Jack Russell terrierabout a year old, seemed a good match.

“There were only a couple of small dogsat the shelter that day,” Bob said, “and heseemed the most excited.”

A bit of an escape artist at first, Digby’srecent tangle with a skunk “seems to haveencouraged him to stick closer to home,”Bob said.

LeRoi, Princess Grace Betty Grimaldi Jane Janson

When her adoption of a pure breed terrier fellthrough, due to the tragic death of the litter, JaneJanson said the puppy came to her in a dream.

“He said, ‘What are you doing, adopting somepure breed? Go to the shelter!’ “

At Grant County Animal Shelter, Jane foundLeRoi, a Rottweiler-Chihuahua cross.

LeRoi has appeared in the $1.98 Follies andSilver City Pet Parade, and is “the happiest dog inthe world,” Jane said.

LeRoi loves romping with his royal “sister,”Princess Grace Betty Grimaldi. Both “toleratewell” Jane’s four cats!


www.haciendarealtysc.com



Grant County animal aficionados

have a new venue for helping man’s

best friend. Silver City Dogs Deserve

Better is part of the national non-profit

DDB organization, which seeks to

improve public understanding of the

perils – to both dogs and humans – of

chaining or penning dogs for life.

The group explains that a dog’s

mind instinctively equates ostracism

with death. This results in a variety of

abnormal or obsessive behaviors,

including aggressiveness. Chained

dogs are 21⁄2 times more likely to bite.

DogsDeserveBETTERBY BRETT FERNEAU

Corner of 12th & Pope • Silver City, NM

505-538-5302

w w w . w e l l s f a r g o . c o m

Your local community bank!

WERNERTIRE SERVICE, INC.

• Almost all brands of tires• Emergency Road Service• Batteries• Complete Exhaust Service• Complete Front End

Repair and Service

1155 Hwy. 180 EastSilver City, NM 88061

505-538-3807Stop by and

check our prices!

• Turquoise &SouthwestJewelry

• Gifts for EveryOccasion

• Fine MineralSpecimens

• RockhoundingSupplies &Books

Open: M-Sat.Phone & Fax:

(505) 538-9001

RoyalScepter Gems & Minerals

RoyalScepter Gems & Minerals

1805 Little Walnut RoadSilver City, NM 88061Toll Free: 877-538-9001Web: www.royalscepter.com

FREEMineral

Museum

http://www.royalscepter.com

www.wellsfargo.com


“Had I known this was so much fun I’dhave started doing it sooner!” BarbaraGorzycki is speaking of Frumpy Fox PetSitting LLC, the company she started lastApril. She named the business afterFrumpy, the female fox who visitsoccasionally from the national forest thatadjoins the Gorzycki’s property.

Barbara and her husband Tom firstbought land in Wind Canyon in 1986,knowing that they would want to retirehere one day. Over a period of two yearsthey built their own house here, finishingit in 2003.

“It took a lot longer to do it that way,”she says, “but we’re proud of it.”

With the house finished, Barbara foundshe had time on her hands. Wanting apart-time business, she started FrumpyFox Pet Sitting, which quickly grew into afulltime occupation. The service is anoutgrowth of Barbara’s enjoyment of herown dogs, cats, donkeys and chickens.

“Yes, we do chicken-sitting too,” shesays with a smile. Her brochure alsomentions fish, gerbils, goats, horses,llamas – you get the idea. Besidesoffering in-home care for a wide varietyof animals, Barbara waters plants, picksup mail and newspapers, andmanipulates lighting and sound sourcesto give absent owners’ homes an“active” appearance. Pet owners areupdated daily by e-mail or phonemessaging. The corporation is bonded,insured and a member of the Silver CityGrant County Chamber of Commerce. Ithas also been accepted for membershipin Pet Sitters International, an educationaland trade association comprised of over6,600 professional pet sitting servicesaround the world. Initial consultation isfree, references are gladly provided andrates are available on request.

above: Pet-sitter Barbara Gorzycki isshown caring for a variety of critters.From top: donkeys Ely and Cisco,formerly owned by the LeBlond family;Magic, a BLM mustang owned byCassie Carver; Smokey, a Boxerbelonging to Kate Watson and TimGarner; an assortment of Karen Carr’sgoats – note the one eating Barbara’sshirt! – and Desmond the Pug, whobelongs to Amelia R. Barbara.

From October 2003 through the

present, 51 children in the U.S. have

been killed or seriously injured by

chained dogs. Besides being inhumane,

forcing a dog to live outside alone for life

is downright dangerous.

Dogs Deserve Better does more than

talk about the problem. Wherever

possible, it provides materials and

volunteer labor to help owners build

fences and housetrain their dogs, or it

will foster and return or relocate the

dogs. Silver City DDB representative

Judy DouBrava emphasizes that the

group seeks to augment the efforts of

other humane organizations, not to

compete with them.

Participation on all levels is

welcomed. You can meet other local

members on the Internet at

groups.msn.com/silvercitydogsdeserve-

better, or view the national website at

www.dogsdeservebetter.com.

FRUMPY

FOXFRUMPY

FOXWRITTEN BY BRETT FERNEAU PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BARBARA GORZYCKI


http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com


REMEMBER JOANNE PEREZ FROM THE LAST ISSUE OF SILVER CITY LIFE? SHE WAS

the young woman who refused to smile for her own wedding photos because of her crooked teeth. Or

Allison Bateman, with low energy levels and sore feet? Those women don’t exist any more. The new

Allison and Joanne transformed themselves into the women they are today with the help of the Silver

City Extravagant Makeover team.

The Extravagant Makeover project grew out of the inspiration and passion of its organizer, local

cosmetic dentist Dr. John Sherman. Courtesy of several local businesses, the two-year-old program

selects deserving area residents and treats them to the works. This year’s head-to-toe makeovers included

physical training, nutritional counseling, cosmetic dentistry, a new hairstyle, makeup advice and color

matching, laser hair removal, safe tanning and new clothes with accessories.

Joanne’s dentistry was a labor-intensive project for Dr. Sherman. Basic repair, including reshaping her

gums, had to be done before her teeth could be straightened to prepare them for the application of

top left: AllisonBateman (top) andJoanne Perez show oftheir new figures andoutfits. top right: asmiling Allison (left) andJoann with makeoverorganizer Dr. JohnSherman. above: hardat work in the gym withtrainer Pedro Iniguez.

Silver City’sExtravagant MakeoverWRITTEN BY BRETT FERNEAU PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SILVER IMAGING

Look who’s smiling now!


ZOOM™ tooth whitening and Gold Dust™ porcelain veneers. Dr. Sherman found a

cooperative patient in Joanne.

“Adherence to doctor’s instructions is the key to great results,” he says. “Joanne’s results speak

for themselves.”

Allison also received a new smile, and lost an impressive total of 28 pounds during the

program. She likes both the people and the equipment at Iniguez Physical Therapy and Fitness

Center, which provided the physical training and nutritional counseling for the makeover.

“Allison is focused, responsible and committed,” says owner Pedro Iniguez. “Since the

makeover she’s joined the fitness center on her own, and continues to work toward her long-term

goal of losing another 20 pounds.”

“I’d have never done it on my own if not for the makeover,” Allison affirms. “I’ll keep going to

the gym.”

With thousands of dollars in goods and services involved, the Extravagant Makeover team

places a high priority on selecting candidates with the desire and commitment to see the program

through. The makeover isn’t a lark. It requires time, temporary discomfort and plain hard work

from the recipients. The results, however, are dramatic and long lasting. Many of the health

benefits are permanent.

Besides Pedro Iniguez and his staff, Allison, Joanne and Dr. Sherman would also like to thank

á la mode fine fashions etc., Broadway Boutique, Shear Reflections and Sparks Laser Hair

Removal Center for their help with this year’s Extravagant Makeover.

above: Dr. John Sherman has beentrained in the latest techniques andtechnology available in cosmeticdentistry today including theHornbrook Group. He is a memberof many aesthetic societies includ-ing the American Academy ofCosmetic Dentistry, AmericanOrthodontic Society, SouthwestAesthetic and Restorative DentalSociety, American Dental Associa-tion, New Mexico Dental Association,Academy of General Dentistry,Southwest District Dental Societyand the Silver City Dental Society.

Cosmetic andAesthetic Dentistry

John B. Sherman, DDS3115 North Leslie Road, Silver City 505.388.2515

Laser Bleaching • Smile Makeover • Orthodontics • White Fillings • Porcelain Veneers and Crowns American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry • Academy of General Dentistry



above: Dr. Brian Robinson and a surgical team prepare to perform navigated knee surgery at Gila Regional Medical Center.

MEDICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IS CONSTANTLY IMPROVING,

and Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City continues to help point the way toward

the future. This past year it became the first hospital in the state of New Mexico to host a

“navigated” knee surgery.

Dr. Brian Robinson of the Southwest Bone and Joint Institute was the first and is still

the only surgeon in the state to perform the operation. To date he has done 27 of the

computer-assisted surgeries, which eliminate the need for jigs to hold the patient’s leg in

position during knee-joint replacements.

Gila Regional Medical Center

Leading the Way:

NavigatedKnee Surgery

BY BRETT FERNEAU PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK ERICKSON


In this procedure, two electronic sensors

are attached to the leg, one to the femur –

the thighbone – and one to tibia, or shin

bone. Infrared light beams capture images

that are transmitted to a computer, which

helps create a precise reference point for the

placement of the prosthesis and provides a

simulation of the resulting range of motion.

The difference in results using surgical

navigation is not immediately apparent, but

becomes more so with the passage of time.

An artificial knee is subject to stress and

friction just like any other moving part, and

a difference of just two or three degrees of

rotation in the placement of the prosthetic

will affect how long it will last before it

wears out. While orthopedic surgeons are

extremely skilled at aligning the bones and

joints, the virtually perfect alignment that

results from the navigated procedure means

that a replacement knee can last up to 50

per cent longer than before. Since the

longevity of the population is greater than

ever and increasing, this benefit will only

become more important as time goes on.

The technique is a new application in

joint replacement surgery, but Dr.

Robinson is no stranger to surgical

navigation. A board certified orthopedic

surgeon, he was educated at the University

of New Mexico School of Medicine and

also completed his internship and residency

in orthopedics there. It was at UNM that

Dr. Robinson first used surgical navigation

to repair pelvic fractures.

“This new technique is an amazing

complement to knee surgery,” he says. “It

helps us determine the best prosthetic fit for

each individual patient and is particularly

helpful with patients who have abnormal

bone structure or mal-alignment

problems.”

Gila Regional Medical Center is one of

only about 25 hospitals in the entire

country using the new technique.

SILVER CITY OB/GYNFellow American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

DONALD H. MONTOYA, M.D.Board Certified

PROFFESIONAL • CONFIDENTIAL • CARING

SILVER CITY OB/GYN

1290 East 32nd Street • Silver City, NM 88061-7229505-388-3200

• Infertility• Gynecologic Laparoscopy• Obstetrics• Uro-Gynecologic Surgery• Incontinence• Normal and High-Risk

Obstetrics with 3-DimensionalUltrasound

• General Gynecologic CareIncluding Menopause and PAPSmears

• Hablamos Español• We Welcome New Patients• Pacientes Nuevos Bienvenidos• Most Insurance Plans Accepted


www.grantcountyortho.com


214 WESTBROADWAY

P.O. BOX 2307SILVER CITY,NM

“BRINGING CARE HOME”

• Skilled Nursing Care• Physical Therapy• Infusion Therapy• Certified Home Health Aides• Medical Social Services• Speech Therapy• Occupational TherapyCovered by Medicare, Medicaid and Private InsurancesServing the Grant County area since 1996.

505.538.0912 Toll Free:1.888.538.0912DR. SHELBY KING ESTABLISHEDHIS GENERAL PRACTICE HERE IN1967. THE TYRONE MINE HAD just reopened and Silver City was aboomtown.

Dr. King is one of the physicians locallyremembered for making house calls, andoften recognizes area adults that he sawprofessionally when they were children.Among the thousands of visits in hiscareer, he recalls making two night housecalls to Millie’s. The nighttime madamhad acute asthma episodes but was unableto leave the establishment because Milliedidn’t trust the girls. Dr. King treated hersymptoms and waited there until she feltbetter. If anyone in the community sawhis car parked outside, no one evermentioned it.

Silver City eventually became “toocrowded,” so Dr. King moved hispractice to the Mimbres Valley in 1981and “semi-retired” there in 1985. Thesedays he fills in at the Mimbres Clinic,and still makes an occasional local house call.

“You don’t want to completely retire,”he told us. “You lose your purpose in life.That’s when you start to get old.”

Dr. Shelby

KINGBY BRETT FERNEAU


GREGOR Y KOURY , M. D .

F A M I L Y P H Y S I C I A N

A D U L T • P E D I A T R I C • P R E G N A N C Y C A R E

O B U L T R A S O U N D • M I N O R S U R G E R Y • V A S E C T O M Y

A C T I V E L Y I N V O L V E D I N Y O U R F A M I L Y ’ S P R I M A R Y H E A L T H C A R E .

5 0 5 . 3 8 8 . 9 1 4 11 0 0 0 N . HUDSON STRE ET • S ILV ER CITY , NM 8 8 0 6 1

“LAVERA AND I ORIGINALLYPLANNED TO STAY IN SILVER CITY for two years,” says well-known areapharmacist Dr. Whitney Shoup. Hechuckles and adds, “That was 41 years ago.”

Whitney and LaVera Shoup purchasedthe Sav-On drugstore on Bullard St. fromBobby Jackson, Sr. in 1964. They built thecurrent store on Hudson St. in 1976 andwere there for another 20 years before sellingthe business to their longtime employee,pharmacist Rosie Humble, and her businessmanager Ray Garcia. The Shoups are semi-retired now, but seem as busy as ever.Whitney returned to the University ofArkansas, earning his Doctor of Pharmacydegree in 1998. He is a consultantpharmacist for several communityorganizations and also a volunteerastronomy teacher in the public schools.Both he and LaVera are past presidents ofthe Community Concert Association andare active in community affairs.

Before they both became semi-retired,Whitney and Dr. Shelby King (see oppositepage) shared numerous adventures togetherpiloting a light airplane back and forth from Silver City to care for patients at thePlayas Clinic.

Dr. Whitney

SHOUPBY BRETT FERNEAU

Suzanne Thomas • BS, BA, MPT310 W. 11th • Silver City

505.534.1187

“Ask your doctor to send you toMILLENNIUM”

Suzanne Thomas • BS, BA, MPT310 W. 11th • Silver City

505.534.1187

AUTO ACCIDENTS • WORKERS COMP • SPORTS INJURIESAUTO ACCIDENTS • WORKERS COMP • SPORTS INJURIES

Headaches & TMJ • Neck & Back Pain • Hip & Leg Pain • Shoulder & Arm Pain Disk, Muscle & Joint Pain • Sciatica & Chronic Arthritis • Post Surgical RehabMEDICARE & MOST MAJOR INSURANCES ACCEPTED

“Ask your doctor to send you toMILLENNIUM”M-F 8AM-6PM • TIMELY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE • CALL TODAY

˜



BOOKS LINE THE WALLS AND COLORFUL ARTWORK

brightens the office of Fred Barraza, manager of Rural Bookmobile

Southwest and a multi-media artist born and raised in Grant County.

Landscapes and clouds, even bookmobile patrons, forever frozen in

time by Barraza’s skilled paintbrush, are testimonials to a love of art he

has pursued since grade school.

The books, on the other hand, illustrate his love for a job that just fit after he graduated

from Western New Mexico University with a Bachelor of Academic Studies with an

emphasis on art. He has been with the bookmobile for over 20 years.

Barraza, 50, was born in Silver City and raised in Santa Clara (formerly Central). He

above: Artist FredBarraza stands in front ofhis oil painting entitled“Lower Mimbres.” left:Fred’s alabaster sculpturecalled “Encontar.”opposite, top: opposite,top: Fred enjoys workingwith bronze, which is hiscurrent focus. opposite,bottom: A woodsculpture named “TheSong of Meloncholia” isevidence of Fred’sversatility. far right:From Fred Barraza’sBookmobile Series, a penand ink rendition of “JackVreeland and Friend.”

fredBARRAZA

BY PAT YOUNG


His pictures tell the RuralBookmobile Southwest story. FredBarraza, bookmobile manager and awell-known local artist, does theartwork for all of their schedules andinformation. Actual bookmobilepatrons provide the inspiration:grandfather and grandson, mothersand children, a wheelchair-boundwoman, elderly folks and younghome-schooled students, all ruralpatrons of a welcome service thatbrings the world on wheels practicallyto their door.

The Rural Bookmobile program,part of the New Mexico State Library,is divided into four areas, southwest,west, east and northeast, servingover 132 communities around the

state. The program has about22,400 registered users who checkout well over a million items a year.

Barraza says the Rural BookmobileSouthwest logs about 20,000 miles ayear, serving six counties, Catron,Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Otero andSierra. He and two other staffmembers take turns driving.

Unwelcome snowstorms and“breakdowns in the middle ofnowhere” happen occasionally, butthis personable bookmobile managersays the patrons provide greatexperiences. “You get to know them

by name. They are almost like family.”More information on the

bookmobile program can be obtainedby calling 534-4617 in Silver City, orby email at [email protected].

HAVE BOOKSwilltravelBY PAT YOUNG

lived part of his childhood at Fort Bayard where his mother, Susie Yniguez, served as

personnel director. Except for a four-year stint with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1973-77,

he has lived nowhere else.

“Grant County has been my home,” he says.

Barraza, whose art has been displayed in a number of area

galleries, paints in a variety of mediums (oil, acrylic and

watercolor). He also does linocut prints and sculpture.

“I think with every medium I do a little different style,“ he says.

“But I do love sculpture more than anything. There’s just not

enough time to devote to it.”

At the Arenas Valley home he shares with his wife, Jennifer, and

two sons, Scott, 18, and Luis, 16, he has an art studio, an etching

press for print making, and a foundry for casting bronze.

In addition to cast bronze, he does welded metal, stone and

wood sculpture.

His office is filled with posters and art he has created for

Tour of the Gila, the U.S. Forest Service, Fort Bayard,

El Refugio, N.M. State Library and Rural Bookmobile

Southwest, to name a few. He has illustrated thirteen

southwest books and one children’s book. He was also the lead artist on

the Salt of the Earth mural recently created on the union hall in Bayard. (See sidebar.) He

even used his art to create posters for the Marines when he was in the service, with military




vehicles instead of southwest scenery as

the focus.

While attending WNMU, Barraza

says artists/instructors Cecil Howard,

Dorothy McCray, Ruben Gonzalez and

Claude Smith were his inspirations and

pushed him to do his best. Still with ties

to the university, he has served on the

WNMU Foundation since 1995 and as

president in 2002-04. He also served for five years as part of a

group working with New Mexico Arts in Santa Fe, reviewing

applications for funding from art organizations around the state.

Barraza says inspiration for his art frequently comes from

scenery and skies he observes while driving the bookmobile, or

from hiking southwest New Mexico all of his life. He has fond

memories of going out to Big Tree, Twin Sisters and the

petroglyphs while living at Fort Bayard, or backpacking along

Sapillo Creek.

When he does retire, he says he is thinking of writing and

illustrating a children’s book, mirroring his own childhood

adventures roaming area canyons and creeks. The title, he says,

with an easy smile, might even be “Further Up the Creek.”

Fr

Just off Highway 180 in Bayard, a moment from history isvisible, painted across the side of the Bayard Union Hall.

From old photographs recording a miners’ strike against theEmpire Zinc Mine in 1950, local artist Fred Barraza sketched themural on butcher paper. His sketches were scanned andprojected onto the side of the building. This is where teens in theYouth Mural Arts Project brought the artwork to life. Barraza andDiana Ingalls Leyba, another local artist, provided mentoring andfinishing touches.

The Youth Mural program began several years ago,spearheaded by Ingalls Leyba. It is sponsored by MimbresRegion Arts council and Grant County DWI. It involves youth ina positive community activity, and perhaps enlightens them onarea history and culture as well.

The 15-month-long miners’ strike was made famous by thefilm “Salt of the Earth” in 1954. While going through the oldphotographs, Barraza even found his own grandfather in thepicket line. If anyone recognizes someone pictured in the mural,please contact Ingalls Leyba at 388-5725. She would like to putnames with this piece of history.

UNION HALL

HISTORYBY PAT YOUNG

top: The historic mural along US 180 in Bayard was created by Fredand applied by participants in the Youth Mural Program of Grant County.right: Fred Barraza provided the artwork for the linocut print entitled“Filman Blues Technique,” created for the Silver City Blues Festival.

X

out& about

Bruce Helmig, Mari King and Lynette Hanson

Jennifer and John Mahl

Chris & Sally Rafael

Gabe & Utta Ortiz and Larry & Joan Debickish

Faye McCalmont with twin sister Raye

Sudie & Carl Ruhne

Christine Rickman and Michael Metcaf

Lisa & David FryxellSuzi Calhoun, David Mulvenna and Jane Jansen

Bobby & Theresa Carillo

Frank & Betty Quarrell and Brett & Greta Kasten

Out and About is about the people,people who support community functions.We managed to catch a few of those folksout enjoying Silver City events.

The Mimbres Region Arts Council

Weekend at the Galleries Wine Gala heldthis year at the Ikosaeder Gallery was ahuge success. We caught Frank and Betty

Quarrell visiting with Brett and Greta

Kasten , Christine and Michael Metcaf,

Bruce Helmig with the Elemental Spa galsMari King and Lynette Hanson. You cantell that everyone was having a great timewith the smiles on Jennifer and John

Mahl’s faces, as well as the faces of Chris

and Sally Rafael, Gabe and Utta Ortiz

with Larry and Joan Debickish, Faye

McCalmont with her twin sister Raye, andSudie Kennedy and husband Carl Ruhne.

Also enjoying the gala were Bobby and

Theresa Carillo, Suzi Calhoun with David

Mulvenna and Jane Jansen, and Desert

Exposure’s Lisa and David Fryxell.

Out and about the galleries duringWeekend at the Galleries were Henry and

Miriam Cwieka, with Frank Milan and Jay

Hemphill, Debbie Harrington and friend,Sue Ann visiting from Texas. Don and

Karen Hamlin were checking out some ofthe extraordinary art and artists Lois Duffy

and Michael Metcaf pose with fellowartisan Robert Winston. Also posing forour camera was Marsha Smith withfeatured artists and John Gary Brown and

Turid Peterson and Marsha’s husbandDavid Fiernas.

Winners of the Kurious Cumquat CookOff Contest during Taste of Downtown

were Babara Striepeke, Lisa Burgess, and

Joan Debickish.

Proud as he can be is Mike Casaus

showing off his car at the Run for Copper

Country Car Show.

Shelly Crook and Richard Deaton threwa great bash at the opening of their new B & B and Gallery, Gallery 400 and The

Gila House.

During our cover shot we also caught apose from Mike Gutierrez and his car.

Spectators line the streets early one

X

Christy Miller and Laurie Romero-Jones April Weitlauf, Leon Brown and Richard Deaton Eloy & Ida Pena

Byrl Wilson and Judy DouBrava

Karen & Don Hamlin

Robert Winston, Lois Duffy and Michael Metcaf

Tour of HopeRed Hat Ladies

Shelly Crook andRichard Deaton

Barbara Striepeke, Lisa Burgessand Joan Debickish

Henry & Miriam Cwieka, Frank Milan and Jay Hemphill

Marsha Smith, John Gary Brown, Turid Pedersen and David Fiernas

Mike Casaus Mike Gutierrez

Mike Elgin, Rita Piedras,John Rinker and Pattie Reed

Debbie Harrington and friend Sue Ann from Texas

morning hoping to get a glance at LanceArmstrong as the riders came throughtown on their Tour of Hope.

We’ve got quite a few groups of Red

Hat Ladies in our area and they alwaysseem to be having a good time.

Speaking of a good time, that’s what ishappening with Mike Elgin, Rita Piedras,

John Brinker and Pattie Reed at theDouBrava wedding. We caught Byrl

Wilson being served wedding cake bybride Judy DouBrava and then we seeDiane Hamilton posing with the happycouple, Judy and Jesse.

Getting ready to perform for the Alumniin the WNMU Homecoming Talent Show

we caught Christy Miller and Laurie

Romero Jones.

April Weitlauf and Leon Brown

were on hand with Richard Deaton

for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for

Gallery 400.

Enjoying a nice sunny day at theFarmers Market are Eloy and Ida Perea

and Ruben and Dolores Castillo.

All dressed for the occasion we capturedLisa Fryxell, Barbara Gorqychi and Arlyn

Cooley at the Fort Bayard Tea during

Fort Bayard Days.

Out and about the Pinos Altos Festival

we found Jack Galbrath from the CopperThistle Bag Pipe Band, Brandon Perrault

entertaining the crowds and our gunfighters Dana Smolens, Jim Jones, Frank

Ferrara and Skip Thacker.

Those Red Hat girls sure like to have agood time. Jan Sherman and her friendsare taking a Corre Caminos bus trip to havea Victorian lunch at the Customs House inDeming. Then we found Jan Whitfield andher Red Hat Friends with her Red Hat Car.

The WNMU Coaches Party brought outa lot of people in support of our universitysports, including girls softball coach Freddy

Flores, Dr. Farren and Belinda Mills.

Also on the scene were men’s basketballcoach Mark Coleman with his wife, Jenny

and supporters Dena Flores and Jenny

Montoya. Dr. John Counts wouldn’t missthis party nor would Valerie Yniguez,

Jackie Cullen, Jessica Johnson or Jan

Cullen. Football coaches Chanelle Jones

and Lonnie Phillips were also on hand, aswere Linda Bright and Maryjo Calendar.

Diane Hamilton and Judy & Jessie DouBrava

LaVera & Whitney Shoup, Karl & Barbara Giese

Jan Sherman & Red Hat Ladies

Jenny & Mark Coleman, Dena Flores, Jenny Montoya

Dana Smolens, Jim Jones, Frank Ferrara, Skip Thacker

Freddy Flores, Dr. Farren and Belinda Mills

Dale Lane, Jan Sherman, Neysa Pritikan, Murray Ryan and Laure Pankey

Tom & Christine Stewart, Quinn & Gwen Martin and Ward Rudick

Jan Whitfield & Red Hat Ladies

Brandon Perault

Patrick Conlin and crew at Prudential OpeningRuben & Dolores Castillo

Jack Galbrath Bob Mallins

Chanelle Jones and Lonnie Phillips

Judy Ward, Christine Stailey, Richard Deaton and Mary Tarazoff

Janey Katz, Suzi Calhoun, John Rohovec & Jane Jansen

Lisa Fryxell, Barbara Gorqycki and Arlyn Cooley

LaVera and Whitney Shoup and

Karl and Barbara Giese were at theChamber of Commerce to welcomeApril Weitlauf as the new chamberdirector. That’s where we found thiscrazy quartet of Janey Katz, Suzi

Calhoun, John Rohovec and Jane

Jansen as well as Judy Ward,

Christine Stailey, Richard Deaton

and Mary Tarazoff.

Cameras were flashing at the Open

House at Elemental Day Spa withDale Lane, Jan Sherman, Neysa

Pritikan, Murray Ryan and Laure

Pankey. We also photographed Tom

and Christine Stewart, Quinn and

Gwen Martin and Ward Rudick.

Last but not least a big congratula-tions ribbon cutting photo of Patrick

Conlin with staff Tracy Bauer,

Jennifer Fleming, Karen Sheean,

Lisa Parker and Carol Gardner of

Prudential Silver City Properties.

Dr. John Counts Valerie Yniguez, Jackie Cullen, Jessica Johnson and Jan Cullen

Linda Bright and Maryjo Calendar


S I L V E R C I T Y A R E APERFORMANCES & SPECIAL EVENTSNOVEMBERNov 1-2. Dia de los Muertos. In Historic Downtown Silver City. 534-8671.Nov 4. 7:30pm. Ollabelle. At WNMU Fine Arts Center. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289.Nov 6. Open House at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. 536-9461.Nov 12. 9:30am. Tour of Historic Ft. Bayard. 388-4477.Nov 15. 7:30pm. Quatrocelli Ensemble, Community Concert.At WNMU Fine Arts Center Theater. 538-0203.Nov 18. 7:30pm. Gretchen Peters. At Pinos Altos OperaHouse. 538-2502 or 1-888-758-7289.Nov 26. 7:00pm. Main Street 15th Annual Lighted ChristmasParade. In Historic Downtown Silver City. 534-1700.Nov 28. 7:30pm. Babes in Toyland. At WNMU Fine ArtsCenter Theater. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289.Nov 30. 7:00pm. WNMU Orchestra and Band Concert. AtWNMU Fine Arts Center Theater. 538-6612.

DECEMBERDec 2. 7:00pm. The Western New Mexico Thundering Herdin Concert. At WNMU Fine Arts Center. 538-6617.Dec 5-10. Festival of Trees. 534-0261.Dec 15. 5-9:00pm. 21st Annual Victorian Christmas Evening.At the Silver City Museum. 538-5921.Dec 9. 5-6:30pm. MRAC Gallery Exhibit reception for Seth Goodkind. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289.

JANUARYJan 7-8. 9:00am. 3rd Annual Red Paint Powwow. At WNMUIntramural Gym. 534-1379.Jan 13-14. 7:30pm. Greg Brown. At Pinos Altos Opera House.538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289.Jan 16. 7:30pm. St. Petersburg Classical Ballet, CommunityConcert. At WNMU Fine Arts Center Theater. 538-0203.Jan 27. Membership Drive Dinner with Commander Dr.Bushnell by Dr. John Bell. At Fort Bayard.Jan 28. 7:30pm. Circus Luminous. At WNMU Fine Arts CenterTheater. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289.

FEBRUARYFeb 4. Friends of the Library Book Sale. 534-4210.Feb 9. 7:30pm. Franc D’Ambrosio’s “Broadway”, Community Concert. 538-0203.Feb 10. 5-6:30pm.MRAC Gallery Exhibit reception for JanGunlock and Audubon Show. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289.Feb 11. Chocolate Fantasia. In Historic Downtown Silver City. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289.Feb 17. 7:30pm. Christine Kane. At Pinos Altos Opera House.538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289.Feb 19. Instrumental Recital. At the Episcopal Church of theGood Shepherd. 538-9532.

MARCHJuMar 3. 7:30pm. The Coats: A Capella Vocals, Community

Concert. At WNMU Fine Arts Center Theater. 538-0203.JuMar 4. Victorian Tea. At Fort Bayard.

Mar 9. 7:30pm. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. At WNMU FineArts Center Theater. 538-2505.Mar TBA. 6-10pm.Silver City Main Street Dinner Dance. In Historic Downtown Silver City. 534-1700.

APRILApr 2. Medieval-Renaissance Recital. At the EpiscopalChurch of the Good Shepherd. 388-4764.Apr 7. 7:30pm. Tracy Grammer. At Pinos Altos Opera House.538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289.Apr 14. 5-6:30pm. MRAC Gallery Exhibit reception for AliciaEdwards. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289.Apr 20. Earth Day at Penny Park. 534-0261.Apr 22. 7:30pm. Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble. At WNMUFine Arts Center Theater. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289.Apr 26. 7:00pm. WNMU Orchestra and Band Concert. AtWNMU Fine Arts Center Theater. 538-6612.Apr 28. 7:00pm. The Western New Mexico UniversityThundering Herd in Concert. At WNMU Fine Arts Center Theater. 538-6617.

MAY‘May TBA. 8:30am. 9th Annual Celebration of Spring Festival. In Historic Downtown Silver City and Big Ditch Park. 534-1700.May 6. Friends of the Library Book Sale. 534-4210.May 6. Premier Yard Sale to support spaying/neutering inGrant County. At the Animal Shelter. 538-9261.May 26-28. Annual Blues Festival. 538-2505 or 1-888-758-7289.

Chris ArzateBus: 505.388.4675

Free EstimatesCell: 505.313.6941

303.618.4968

New Construction •

Additions •

Remodeling •

Restoration •

• Concrete

• Masonry

• Landscaping

• Demolition

Quality Work by Professionals

• Electrical • Hydraulic • Final Drives • Foreign & Domestic • Computer Diagnostic • Tractor Trailer Brakes

• Transmission Overhauls • Extensive/Engine Overhauls

8:30AM - 6PM • MON. - SAT. 24-Hour Emergency Road Service • 505.313.56753010 Pinos Altos Road • Silver City, NM

Danny Graziano, Owner

505.388.2533Fax: 505.388.2533

A &E Diesel & Gas RepairA &E Diesel & Gas Repair


ON THANKSGIVING WEEKENDS IN the early 1990s a horse-drawn trolleyran downtown from north Bullard Streetto Home Furniture and back again.Tickets cost $1.00. On one suchweekend, three schoolchildren cameinto the Model Shop asking ownerBeverly Redwine how they could ridethe trolley. In the Christmas spiritBeverly gave them three tickets she had.They returned afterwards to thank her.

“Their faces were flushed and theireyes were sparkling,” she recalls.

Beverly wanted to see that excitedlook on the faces of all the area’syoungsters. Her inspiration was thebeginning of what would become SilverCity’s largest annual event: the LightedChristmas Parade. In conjunction withthe Main Street Program PromotionCommittee, she helped organize theparade and has been its chairpersonever since.

“We have a wonderful committee,”Beverly says. “The people arecooperative and involved. It has been areal joy to do it.”

It’s also a joy to watch. GrantCounty’s Christmas season would beincomplete without the nighttime event,which features about 40 floats anddraws some 10,000 spectators yearly.

SILVER CITY’S LIGHTED

CHRISTMASPARADEA Downtown TraditionBY BRETT FERNEAU

above: A horse-drawn carriage is the theme ofthe 1st New Mexico Bank float at the annualLighted Christmas Parade.


1310 SILVER HEIGHTS BLVD. • SILVER CITY, NM 88061

505-538-5328Monday-Saturday 9-6 • Sunday 12-5

Locally Owned and Operated.

W W W. S E A R S D E A L E R S . C O M / 3329

http://www.searshometownstores.com/0003329.html

505-313-5140 • 8 88-217-79 62 WWW.TI M B E R LAN DCON STR UCTION.COM

We are proud to be listed by the Small Business School as a respected and reputable business in our community and industry.

Member of:

National Home Builders’ Association

New Mexico Home Builders’ Association

Las Cruces Home Builders’ Association

Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce

Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce

Three Valley Business Assocation

505-313-5140 • 8 88-217-79 62 WWW.TI M B E R LAN DCON STR UCTION.COM

www.timberlandconstruction.com

At CENTURY 21 Thompson Realty, find experienced CENTURY 21 professionals who arededicated to making the process of buying or selling your home as easy and as

successful as possible. Log onto www.silver-nm.com today to find out more.

1-800-358-0021607 N. Hudson Street

Silver City, NM 505-538-0021

www.silver-nm.com www.century21.com www.dosgriegos.com

Thompson Realty

The Gold Standard in Silver City

http://www.silver-nm.com

http://www.silver-nm.com

http://www.century21.com

http://www.dosgriegos.com

silver city life winter 2006

Documents