Archive for the 'Mesilla Plaza' Category
Friday, April 25th, 2008
Mesilla Museum Display
The J. Paul Taylor Visitor Center opened this evening with a dedication ceremony featuring the Mayor of Mesilla and many Mesilla citizens. A welcome part of the opening ceremony was a display of some of the materials being collected for the Mesilla Museum, which will emphasize the history of Mesilla, including it’s role in the Billy the Kid saga.
Billy the Kid was tried in the courthouse on the Mesilla plaza in April, 1881 for two killings. He was acquitted of the killing of Andrew A. “Buckshot” Roberts, which occurred on April 4, 1878. He was convicted of the killing of Sheriff William Brady, which happened a few days before, on April 1, 1878.
The sentence for the killing of Sheriff Brady was death by hanging, to be carried out May 13, 1881. That didn’t happen, of course, because Billy the Kid escaped from the Lincoln jail 15 days before he was to be hung. The hanging was to be carried out in Lincoln because that’s where the killing of Sheriff Brady had occurred.
The most intriguing item on display this evening was the barber chair where Billy the Kid was given a haircut before his trial. The chair is privately owned and was being displayed only for the ceremony.
The chair was manufactured in the early 1870s. It was re-covered in the 1980s, before the current owner acquired it. The reupholstering covered up several bullet holes that were in the chair, of unknown origin.
The permanent display in the center includes numerous historical Mesilla photos.
Here’s a photo of the original San Albino church, which was torn down when the current church was constructed in 1908:
Here’s a photo of the consecration of the new San Albino church in 1908:
Here’s a picture of the Mesilla plaza in 1900. The first San Albino can be seen in the distance.
Here’s a picture of the Fountain Theatre taken about 1930:
Tags: Billy the Kid, History, Mesilla Plaza, Fountain Theatre, San Albino Church
Wednesday, June 6th, 2007
Mesilla Plaza – No Smoking
The Mesilla Plaza is a smoke free zone.
Tags: Mesilla, Mesilla Plaza, News
Sunday, December 31st, 2006
Mesilla Plaza – Christmas
Taken this evening on the Plaza, looking toward San Albino.
Tags: Mesilla Plaza, Christmas
Monday, October 16th, 2006
Cafe Don Felix
Chile rellenos any one?
Cafe Don Felix is located opposite the southwest corner of Mesilla plaza. Sit on the patio at night and enjoy our great fall weather and great food.
Tags: Cafe Don Felix
Saturday, September 9th, 2006
Thunderbird de la Mesilla
This is believed to be the oldest brick building in New Mexico. It sits at the southwest corner of Mesilla plaza. The sign on the front wall gives a quick history of the building.
“This is the oldest documented brick building in New Mexico.Augustin Maurin (of French descent) initiated construction in 1860 using burned brick from his own kiln. He was murdered by robbers in his adjoining apartment in 1866.
The heir, Cesar Maurin, came here from France to claim the property. He died of natural causes in 1868.
Frenchman Pedro Duhalde, a former Mesilla saloonkeeper, moved in and was himself murdered by robbers.
Now owned by Tiburcio Frietze, after having been used as a general store, residence, saloon and town hall, the building remains in good condition.
Original, hand-hewn vigas, supporting a low, irregular ceiling, join with the old brickwork in creating a fitting background for the gift items displayed.
The Dona Ana Historical Society finds this building worthy of preservation and commends Mr. Frietze for his part in its care.”
Tags: Thunderbird de la Mesilla Gift Shop
Monday, September 4th, 2006
Old Mesilla Courthouse
The Old Mesilla Courthouse is now a gift shop.
As indicated by the sign, the Courthouse dates from 1850.
Here’s a photo of the courthouse after it became the Elephant Butte Saloon, taken some time in the 1920s. The walls appear to be brick, but the bricks are painted, not real, except for the distinctive decorative brick along the roof, which you can see in both the old and the new photographs. Notice also that the corner of the building has been sliced off to make the current entrance.
Tags: Old Mesilla Courthouse
