Friday, February 21, 2025

Ghost Town Visit

We drove 1½ hours northwest of Las Cruces to Lake Valley Historical Site to view the remnants of a boom town which flourished in the early 1880's when a silver vein was discovered here by a prospector. Stories abounded from the caretaker couple who manned the site during operating hours. One of the stories was of a great grandfather working the mine who forgot his pick when leaving home but had his lunchbox. He was able to scoop the pure silver with his hands, store it in his lunchbox, and take it back home. It was that soft.

Two buildings were intact: the old schoolhouse and the church. The rest of the ghost town was just that—a ghost of a town. One adobe building which was off limits to visitors was the town's refuge during Geronimo's raids. Everyone ran for it because it was the only building with thick walls. When the townspeople saw the Indians coming, a message would be sent via a mirror on a hillock to the calvary, who once notified, would send a regiment that might get to the town's aid in about 2 hours or so.

Twelve of us reunited to make the visit. We saw the remnants of a railroad line in town in addition to the refurbished church and schoolhouse (which was used as a dance hall on weekends).

January 25, 2024

SEGUNDO BARRIO

Who is Cimi and what is Segundo Barrio. Cimi is a shop owner who paints building murals. Segundo Barrio is the neighborhood in which he grew up in El Paso.

Hosted by the Tom Lea Institute, a group of about 15 of us were treated to history of this “Second Ward” (Segundo Barrio) from the eyes of a man who lived it, growing up as an immigrant in this multi-ethnic neighborhood. The intent of the many mural painters (of which Cimi is one), is to depict the history of the neighborhood through pictures with paintings of real historical people who influenced the growth and nurturing of this community. Up front and personal were the efforts of Father Rahm whose parish, Sacred Heart, lay in the heart of Segundo Barrio. He brought the many gangs of youth into his fold.

The stories and pictorial interpretations of the message behind the murals are fascinating. For instance, the mural of the two girls with a braid intertwined (below), represent the two cities of El Paso and Juarez and their permanent connection. Each mural has a story. Some date back to the 1970's, and the newer ones (dependent on funding) are painted on a type of plasticized fabric which permanently adheres to the building. To be cost effective, others are still painted right on the building.

The murals throughout Segundo Barrio abounded over and beyond our tour.

Las Cruces Spring Highlights

• A visit from Bernie & Cindy

  • White Sands sledding

  • Slot Canyon hike with a visit to Hatch, the Chili Capital of the World

  • Hiking in the Desert Peaks Organ Mountains National Monument

  • A visit to Woodcarvers on David's birthdy

• An overnight trip to Silver City with hiking buddies

  • Petroglyphs on the Dragonfly Trail

  • The Million Bones' hike at Bear Mountain Lodge

• Pictures of Jeremy, Erika, and Jake's trip to Costa Rica

• “The Five Shades!” Moniker for the five guys who hiked a total of 6 miles going over Baylor Canyon Pass of the Organ Mountains. Champagne victory toast at the top packed in by Tom to celebrate at the crest of the pass.

• Amazing acrobots at the Market

• The desert in bloom