THE NEW MEXICO
HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK©
Don Bullis, Editor
donbullis@msn.com
505-892-9177
MAY 2010 Volume iv, Issue ii
The purpose of The New Mexico Historical Notebook is to provide readers with the most up-to-date information possible regarding the activities of New Mexico’s many historians, historical societies, museums and other groups interested in the state’s colorful and complex past. The publication will provide calendars of events, essays and monographs, book reviews, bibliographies, and interviews. It is revised and issued during the first week of each month. Submissions and comments from readers are encouraged. If you would like to have your name removed from this e-mail list, simply contact me at and let me know. The New Mexico Historical Notebook is a service of the editor, the Historical Society of New Mexico and the Central New Mexico Corral of Westerners.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Thanks to all of you who were so enthusiastic about receiving the new Historical Notebook. We’ve received quite a few requests for additions to the mailing list, and I hope we have included them all. One problem is that several organizations sent along events for publication on these pages, but they arrived too late to be of use. Please take note: submissions must be received by the last day of the month preceding publication. As always, brief items of interest to our readers are welcome, as are comments and suggestions.
Don Bullis
THE HSNM PRESIDENT’S SPACE
The depth and diversity of New Mexico history never ceases to amaze me as I continue learning about it, and there will always be more to learn. The recent 2010 New Mexico History Conference in Hobbs is a case in point, as there were so many interesting and unique presentations. A true highlight of the Conference was the opening keynote address by John Miller Morris of the University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Morris used vintage "real photo postcard" images, from his own collection acquired over many years, to illustrate life on the plains of eastern New Mexico during the homesteader era of the late 1800s to early 1900s. The difficulties of establishing and sustaining family life under crushing weather and economic conditions became real through the postcard images. The flourishing, decline and disappearance of dozens of small market communities across the eastern counties of New Mexico, as fertile land in wet years turned to dust in dryer times, was dramatic. Part of our mission as a community of those interested in history must be to make sure the memories and stories of these almost forgotten hamlets are recovered and sustained.
Whether or not you were able to attend the Hobbs Conference, you should plan on attending the 2011 Conference to be held in Ruidoso (May 5 - 7), with side events at Fort Stanton and Lincoln. Conference sessions will be centered in the Ruidoso Convention Center. These Conferences offer a great opportunity to learn more about the richness of our history in New Mexico and the Southwest. And beyond that, they are a lot of fun.
Michael Stevenson, President
Historical Society of New Mexico
Books
JEWEL OF THE RAILROAD ERA: ALBUQUERQUE’S ALVARADO HOTEL, (Albuquerque Museum, 2009) by Deborah C. Slaney. Many folks recall the sad day in 1970 when the Alvarado Hotel had a fateful meeting with a wrecking ball. The hotel had been around since 1902 and had become a popular meeting place and landmark. Deb Slaney, a Historical Society of New Mexico board member, has done a remarkable job in producing a book that brings back a plethora of memories of the place, with dozens of photographs and insightful commentary. Highly recommended to those interested in a slice of New Mexico life for much of the 20th century.
LINCOLN LOOKS WEST: FROM THE MISSISSIPPI TO THE PACIFIC
($34.95), Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 2010, edited by Richard W. Etulain. This collection of nine essays (two newly written) also includes Etulain’s extensive introduction and his bibliographical essay commenting on previous research on Abraham Lincoln and the American West. This is the first book—of the more than 15,000 written about Lincoln—to deal with the full scope of Lincoln’s connections with the American West. One of the essays deals specifically with Lincoln’s patronage appointments in New Mexico, and several others also comment on that relationship. Readers will find a good deal of new information on Lincoln's links with the American West.
ROUTE 66 IN NEW MEXICO (Arcadia Publishing, 2010, $21.95), by Joe Sonderman. Joe Sonderman has collected hundreds of vintage images of Route 66 in New Mexico, including many never published before. The photos capture the filling Stations, motels, diners, ancient Native American pueblos, and good old-fashioned tourist traps that beckoned on “The Main Street of America” though New Mexico.
EVENTS
May 6-9 (Thursday thru Sunday)
Mescalero Apache Mescal Roast and Mountain Spirit Dance at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park in Carlsbad. Daytime events are free with park admission of $5.00. Other events are $15.00. 575-887-5516 or www.nmparks.com for further information.
May 9 (Sunday) 2:00 p.m.—3:30 p.m.
Coronado State Monument, presentation on the Santa Fe Northern Timber railroad, the White Pine Lumber Company and downtown Bernalillo. Call 505-867-5351 for further information.
May 13 (Thursday) 7:00 p.m.
Scholar and author Irene Blea will read from her recent novel, Suzanna, at the Santa Fe Public Library. The novel has to do with the trials and tribulations of a 12 year old girl married off to a 30-year-old man by her grandparents in 1920s northern New Mexico. Dr. Blea will be available to sign books following her talk.
May 19 (Wednesday) 10:00 a.m.
Police Memorial Day ceremonies at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Santa Fe (4491 Cerrillos Road). This program recognizes and honors the more than 180 men and women who have been killed while serving in New Mexico Law Enforcement since 1847. Honorees added to the memorial monument this year include the following:
Luis Abeyta, Isleta Pueblo, killed in 1921
James M. Chase, Torrance County Sheriff’s Department, killed in 1904
Charles Cunningham, Valencia County Sheriff’s Department, killed in 1930
Joseph A. Harris, Sandoval County Sheriff’s Department, killed in 2009
Warren Ruiz, Sierra County Sheriff’s Department, killed in 1942
Andrew Sanderson, Federal Narcotics Bureau, killed in 1944
Edward Seaman, Loma Parda Marshal, killed in 1872
Andrew F. Tingwall, New Mexico State Police, killed in 2009
Charles Walker, San Marcial Marshal, killed in 1881
May 19-22 (Wednesday to Saturday)
The 8th Annual National Latino Writers Conference, National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC), Albuquerque. Nationally prominent authors, agents, and editors will present workshops and panel discussions. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet agents, one-on-one. Winners of the NHCC literary prizes, Luis Alberto Urrea and Gloria Zamora, will attend and participate. $300 covers all workshops, interviews, conference activities refreshments and banquet. Call Katie Trujillo at 246-2261 for further information.
May 20, (Thursday) 3:00 p.m.
New Mexico State Historian Rick Hendricks, Ph.D., will deliver a lecture entitled “Cultures in Conflict: Mexican New Mexico v. the United States” at the New Mexico State Library in Santa Fe (1209 Camino Carlos Rey). Rick Hendricks was recently appointed State Historian and he is the former president of the Historical Society of New Mexico. His talk will address the myth of the bloodless conquest of New Mexico and the notion of a passive response to the United States’ invasion of New Mexico in August 1846. Hendricks will discuss the December Plot, rebellion in Taos and Mora, and guerilla warfare. For further information: Faith Yoman, Southwest Librarian, 505-467-9790. The event is free and open to the public.
May 20 (Thursday) 5:30 to 8:00)
The Central New Mexico Corral of Westerners will meet at the MGM Elegante Inn in Albuquerque (near the corner of Menual and University). This gathering will feature a presentation by Stephanie Kearny, who is the great-great-granddaughter of General Stephen Watts Kearny, who led the U. S. Army of the West into New Mexico in the summer of 1846. She is a graduate of Boston University and has served as a university professor. Over the years she has acquired an extensive collection of Kearny documents. This will be the final spring meeting of Westerners for 2010 since the group takes a hiatus in June, July and August. Programs will resume on September 16. Call Gloria Bullis at 505-892-9177 or go to donbullis@msn.com for further information.
May 29, (Saturday)
Chautauqua and Navajo Dancers at the Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner State Park. In the evening, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., join 25 trail riders who will set off on horseback the next morning on the Billy the Kid Trail Ride which follows the 150 mile route of Billy’s last ride. 505-550-9508 or www.billthekidtrailrides.com for further information.
June 5 and 6, (Saturday & Sunday) 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Spring Festival and Children’s Fair” at Los Golondrinas.
Bring the family to learn about New Mexico’s history the fun way! Costumed villagers will bring this Spanish colonial ranch to life -- shearing sheep, blacksmithing, baking bread and much more. Lots of animals, games and hands-on activities for kids. Admission: Adults $8, Seniors and teens $5, Children 5-12 $3. www.golondrinas.org
June 19 and 20, (Saturday & Sunday) 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Dances with Wools! A Fiber Arts Weekend” at Los Golondrinas
From fuzzy sheep to fancy embroidered blankets, learn how textiles are made! Buy fiber arts, have your textiles evaluated, enjoy exhibits on weaving and learn about the whole process – from shearing sheep to doing colcha embroidery - from experts. Presented in cooperation with Toadlena Trading Post and Museum. Admission: Adults $6, Seniors and teens $4, Children 5-12 $2. www.golondrinas.org
July 3 and 4, (Saturday & Sunday) 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.
“Santa Fe Wine Festival” at Los Golondrinas. Discover the delicious blends of more than a dozen New Mexico vintners; taste all that you want, and then buy your favorites directly from the makers. All this in a festive atmosphere with live music, food and traditional agricultural products and handmade arts and crafts for sale. Museum exhibits will also be open. Adults 21+ $13 (includes festival wine glass), Youth 13-20 $5. www.santafewinefestival.com
July 17 and 18 (Saturday & Sunday), 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
“¡Viva México! Celebration”at Los Golondrinas. Enjoy música, arte y más at this celebration of the culture, cuisine and crafts of our colorful neighbor! Mariachi music, fashion shows, artisan demonstrations, tasty food and much more. Featuring the amazing Voladores (flying men) of Veracruz! Presented in partnership with the Mexican Consulate of Albuquerque and the Mexican Tourism Board. Admission: Adults $6, Seniors and teens $4, Children 5-12 $2. www.golondrinas.org
July 24 and 25 (Saturday & Sunday), 10:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.
“Herb and Lavender Fair”at Los Golondrinas. Take a tour of the museum’s herb gardens, make your own lavender “wand,” hear expert presentations on cultivating lavender, buy lavender/herb products, enjoy live music and sample foods made with lavender. Admission: Adults $6, Seniors and teens $4, Children 5-12 $2. www.golondrinas.org
August 7 and 8 (Saturday & Sunday), 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“Summer Festival, Frontier Days and Horses of the West” at Los Golondrinas. Meet the colorful characters who put the “wild” in “wild west!” Mountain men and women will spin tales of the past, sell unique wares and demonstrate their skills at encampments throughout the ranch. Flint knapping, panning for gold, hide tanning, bow making and more. Also enjoy Peruvian Paso Horse demonstrations both days. Adults $8, Seniors and teens $5, Children 5-12 $3. www.golondrinas.org
August 14 and 15 (Saturday & Sunday), 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“New Mexico Roundup: Heroes and Villains from the Past” at Los Golondrinas. Look into the face of history and meet our state’s most famous and infamous characters, like Kit Carson, Pat Garrett & Bill the Kid, Doña Tules, La Llorona and more. A weekend of first person interactions! Admission: Adults $6, Seniors and teens $4, Children 5-12 $2. www.golondrinas.org
September 4 and 5 (Saturday & Sunday), 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“Fiesta de los Niños: A Children’s Celebration” Ven a jugar con nosotros! at Los Golondrinas. Come out and play with us! Your children will have fun learning about history as they try on historic costumes of the Spanish settlers and build their very own miniature adobe house. Storytellers and costumed villagers – not to mention burros, goats and sheep - will bring this Spanish colonial ranch to life and inspire young minds; magicians and miniature horses will delight and entertain them. Admission: Adults $8, Seniors and teens $5, Children under 13 admitted free of charge. www.golondrinas.org
September 18 &19 (Saturday & Sunday), 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
“Santa Fe Renaissance Fair” at Los Golondrinas, Held in partnership with Open Hands of Santa Fe. Revel in the amazing antics of Santa Fe’s own Clan Tynker! Cheer on the brave pursuits of jousting, sword fighting and Celtic games! Kids! Defend the Spanish Galleon from marauding pirates! Win treasure playing Catapulting Frogs, Jacob’s Ladder and other games of knightly skill! Indulge in belly dancing and other live entertainment on 3 stages! Dress in your most elegant finery and compete for prizes in the costume contest! Spend your hard-earned gold with vendors selling shields, blades, cloaks, turkey legs, jewels and other goods! Bow at the feet of their Majesties Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand! ...and MUCH MORE!. Adults $8, Seniors and teens $5, Children 5-12 $3. www.sfrenfair.org
October 2 & 3 (Saturday & Sunday), 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“Harvest Festival” at Los Golondrinas. Bring in the harvest with the villagers of El Rancho de las Golondrinas, crushing grapes for wine by foot; grinding sorghum with burros, stringing colorful chile ristras, and much, much more. Enjoy bizcochitos fresh from the horno and tortillas hot off the comal. You may also participate in an outdoor Mass and procession for San Isidro, led by the Archbishop of Santa Fe, enjoy music and dancing on our entertainment platform and buy arts and crafts directly from the artisans. You will never look at history the same way again! Adults $8, Seniors and teens $5, Children 5-12 $3. www.golondrinas.org
Did You Know???
xe "Hastiin Dagha \"Barboncito\""xe "Barboncito (see also Hastiin Dagha)" \t "See Hastiin Dagha "Barboncito""xe "Hastiin Dagha \"Barboncito\""xe "Barboncito (see also Hastiin Dagha)" \t "See Hastiin Dagha "Barboncito""Hastiin Dagha, also sometimes spelled “Hastin Daagii,” was better known as “xe "Barboncito (see also Hastiin Dagha)"Barboncito.” He was born into the Ma’iideegiizhina (Coyote Pass) Clan at Canyon de Chelly. Hastiin Dagha means “man with a mustache.” Barboncito means “little beard.” Early in his life, he was a warrior who was involved in engagements against Mexicans and Utes. He later earned recognition as a medicine man. This was the period late in New Mexico’s era of Mexican Rule, and early in the American Occupation, that is, from the mid 1840s to the mid 1860s. The Navajos had raided Spanish, then Mexican, and finally American settlements for generations, and all three groups had retaliated in a seemingly endless cycle of violence. Barboncito believed that peace was the better way, and he strongly advocated for it. After a particularly active period of raids and retaliation, however, Barboncito joined with famed Navajo chief Manuelito in leading an attack against Fort Defiance in April 1860 (which turned out to be a skirmish in which one U. S. soldier was killed, along with six Navajo warriors). Barboncito was a signatory to a treaty with the U. S. government the following year, but raiding continued on both sides. After Colonel xe "Carson, Christopher Houston “Kit”"Kit Carson invaded the Navajo homeland and successfully defeated the Diné, Barboncito and his band were removed to Bosque Redondo in 1866. In April 1867 he was a member of a delegation that traveled to Washington, D. C., and called upon President Andrew Johnson to discuss the future of the Navajo people. It was not until the following year (June 1, 1868) that General William Tecumseh Sherman and Peace Commissioner xe "Tappan, Samuel Forster"Sam Tappan, at the direction of President Johnson, signed a treaty negotiated by Barboncito, which allowed the Navajo people to return to their traditional homeland in western New Mexico and eastern Arizona. In the course of the negotiations, Barboncito said, “I hope to God you will not ask me to go to any other country except my own.” He died at Canyon de Chelly of pneumonia in 1871, as one source reported, “…respected by Indians and whites alike.”
Natasha Kaye Johnson, “Barboncito, Navajo orator, mediator was prince of peace,” New Mexico Magazine, August 2007
“The Navajo Treaty—1868,” a pamphlet published by K. C. Publications in cooperation with the Navajo Tribe, 1968.
Frank D. Reeve, “Federal Indian Policy in New Mexico, 1858-1880, New Mexico Historical Review, January 1938
Hampton Sides, Blood and Thunder
Dan Tharpp, Encyclopedia of Frontier Biography
(From New Mexico: A Biographical Dictionary, Centennial Edition, by Don Bullis, scheduled for publication in 2011)
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF NEW MEXICO ELECTS NEW BOARD OF DIRCTORS MEMBERS
The Historical Society of New Mexico held its annual membership meeting in conjunction with the annual New Mexico History Conference, which convened this year at Hobbs in late April and early May. Elections to the Board of Directors are held annually. Several board members completed their respective terms or elected not to seek re-election: Enrique Lamadrid of Albuquerque, Laurence Campbell of Los Alamos, Andy Hernandez of Deming, and Abe Peña of Grants. President Michael Stevenson and the entire HSNM membership thanked them for the time and effort they generously shared with the Society. The following people were elected and welcomed to the board.
Deborah C. Slaney of Albuquerque holds a B.A. in Anthropology with a specialty in Southwestern Archaeology from the University of Arizona, and a Master of Liberal Arts with Museum Emphasis/Anthropology from the University of Oklahoma. With over 30 years’ experience in the museum profession, Deb has served as Curator of History for The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History since 2001. She also oversees the Museum Photoarchives and serves as site manager for Casa San Ysidro: The Gutiérrez/Minge House in Corrales. Before moving to Albuquerque, Ms. Slaney worked at the Western Archaeological and Conservation Center in Tucson and the Heard Museum in Phoenix.
Charles M. Carrillo holds a PhD from the University of New Mexico in Historic Archaeology, with attention to Colonial New Mexico Hispanic ceramic traditions. He has been involved in several historical projects in northern New Mexico. Some of his work at Abiquiú led to an interest in local culture and the Penitente Brotherhood. He also began creating Santos and first participated in Santa Fe’s Spanish Market in 1980. Since then he has become well known and well regarded as a Santero.
Stephen Zimmer of Miami, Colfax County, New Mexico, is the former director of Museums at Philmont Scout Ranch in northeastern New Mexico, and the author of numerous works of Western history and fiction. He holds a Master of Arts degree in history from the University of New Mexico and has taught New Mexico History for the Clovis Community College and Luna Community College.
Martha B. Liebert of Bernalillo, Sandoval County, holds a B. S. degree in education from the University of North Dakota and an M. A. in Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico. She served as librarian for the Town of Bernalillo from 1965 to 1989 (the library is now named for her). She served as president of the Sandoval County Historical Society from 1980 to 1985, and has been the society’s archivist since 1993. She also served as Sheriff (President) of the Albuquerque Corral of Westerners (now the Central New Mexico Corral) in 2001 and 2002. Much of the success of the Sandoval County Historical Society in recent years is attributable to her efforts.
Bruce Gjeltema grew up in Gallup, McKinley County, where he is an Associate Professor of History at the branch of the University of New Mexico. He teaches American history and Native American history courses, and is working on a biography of Navajo Leader Jacob Morgan who served the tribe in the 1920s and the 1930s. He holds a master’s degree from Northern Arizona University, and a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF NEW MEXICO
Officers:
Michael Stevenson, Santa Fe, President
David L. Caffey, Clovis, 1st Vice President
Don Bullis, Rio Rancho, 2nd Vice President
John B. Ramsay, Los Alamos, Treasurer
Hentietta M. Christmas, Corrales, Secretary
CENTRAL NEW MEXICO CORRAL, WESTERNERS
Officers:
Don Bullis, Sheriff (President)
Don Alberts, Deputy Sheriff
Tom Walker, Treasurer
Gloria Bullis, Secretary