Archive for September, 2006
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
Friday, September 8th, 2006
San Albino Skyward
Another view of San Albino.
Thursday, September 7th, 2006
The Skilled Irrigator
Irrigation existed before civilization. Irrigation was one of the fathers (or mothers, if you prefer) of civilization.
The Skilled Irrigator was already a model of righteousness at the beginning of Sumerian civilization, around 8000 BC. The highest god in many early agricultural cultures was praised as “irrigator of all things.”
The root of irrigation means “to lead water to, to refresh.”
Unless you are in agriculture, you probably ignore irrigation, or maybe think about it only as a “consumer of water.”
But you are dependent upon irrigation for what you eat, and for much of what you wear.
Irrigation is close in Mesilla, which still has its partnership with the land. Many houses have 15 to 30 pecan trees and irrigation rights from the Rio Grande.
Irrigation canals thread the Village. Here’s some of what you can see if you look.
Cement canals prevent water loss into the ground, one of the goals of a Skilled Irrigator.
A control gate.
Canal and gate.
Gate control.
Tags: The Skilled Irrigator
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.
See also:
Billy the Kid’s Grave
Did Billy the Kid Stay at La Posta in Mesilla?
Mesilla Museum Display
Billy the Kid Display – Mesilla
Saving the Pat Garrett Marker
Billy’s DNA
Billy the Kid
Saturday, September 2nd, 2006
Mesilla Plaza — Satellite View
Here’s a satellite shot of the Mesilla plaza.
You can see clearly the octagonal bandstand located in the center of the plaza. San Ablino is located north of the plaza, just above the three rows of parking cars.
Mesilla bandstand.
Tags: Mesilla Satellite Image
Friday, September 1st, 2006
Hatch Chile Festival
In spite of the rain and flooding, the 2006 Hatch Valley Chile Festival will open as planned. The cost of the Festival is $5. One dollar of the fee goes to a non-profit fund for the victims of the recent flooding in Hatch.
Here’s the Saturday schedule:
Saturday — September 2
10 am — Parade Downtown Hatch
12 noon — 2006 Queen Coronation
1-3 pm — Music by Ginny Mac
All Afternoon Various Chile Contests, Booths, Food
4-7 pm — Music and Dance to “The Silver Bullet Band”
Here’s the Sunday schedule:
Sunday — September 3
12 pm — Cobre Folklorio Dancers
All Afternoon Various Chile Contests, Booths, Food
1-2 pm — Music by Scotty Fitch
2 pm — Queen’s Auction
3-5 pm — Music & Dance by Cameron the DJ
This is the 35th annual festival.
Tags: Hatch Chile Festival
