Our Latest Quarterly History Event...... February 8th, 2020
Fleeing Tyranny: the History of Milan - and the Milan Family
* * An Oral History Program as Recorded by Paul Milan * *
The latest regional history program, The History of the Milan Family: Fleeing Tyranny, was presented by our CCHS Historian, Paul Milan. Due to health concerns, Mr. Milan was unable to appear in person. However, several recent oral history interviews had been filmed and were edited into an hour-long video presentation. Topics included Safety In Gallup, Hard Work, Murder, Grants-Milan, Carrots, Grants State Bank, and more.
Also on hand for the history session were a half-dozen Milan family members of varied ages, who enabled a post--screening question & answer session with the roughly 30 audience members on hand.
***NOTE - This pre-recorded interview will also be available to view at the Museum - when open.
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Also on hand for the history session were a half-dozen Milan family members of varied ages, who enabled a post--screening question & answer session with the roughly 30 audience members on hand.
***NOTE - This pre-recorded interview will also be available to view at the Museum - when open.
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October Program: REGIONAL MYSTERIES
with Noted Southwestern Mystery Author Steven Havill
* Former Grants High School Teacher
October 12, 2019
This history session was presented to a rapt audience of some 25 members and visitors to the museum. The author engaged the audience with a detailed look at what goes into writing history as fiction, especially the challenge of developing an unusual and intriguing mystery challenge. More than the crime(s), however, is the need for absolute arealism in the crime and the characters - and most of all, the absolute detailed setting in the remoted mountains and plains of New Mexico. Every fan is a critic as well, and may challenge the slightest details. Havill's fan base always comes back for more - over 24 mystery titles as of this point. *His history session and book signing proved that.
***NOTE - This Session was recorded, and will be available to view at the Museum when open
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with Noted Southwestern Mystery Author Steven Havill
* Former Grants High School Teacher
October 12, 2019
This history session was presented to a rapt audience of some 25 members and visitors to the museum. The author engaged the audience with a detailed look at what goes into writing history as fiction, especially the challenge of developing an unusual and intriguing mystery challenge. More than the crime(s), however, is the need for absolute arealism in the crime and the characters - and most of all, the absolute detailed setting in the remoted mountains and plains of New Mexico. Every fan is a critic as well, and may challenge the slightest details. Havill's fan base always comes back for more - over 24 mystery titles as of this point. *His history session and book signing proved that.
***NOTE - This Session was recorded, and will be available to view at the Museum when open
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*Milestone Event of the Year! - Saturday: August 10th
Annual Banquet and History Program
Speaker - Joe Diaz: History of the Charlie Diaz Radiator Shop
**Mr. Diaz had spoken several years earlier to CCHS members about efforts to preserve and honor the historic radiator shop and cafe on Route 66 in west Grants. For this event, he updated the audience on potential plans to better preserve the site and structures, and, on what (and who) made the business itself such a key landmark on Old Route 66 in Grants.
Mr. Diaz had a variety of anecdotes about the early days of Route 66 commerce, and pointing out many of the audience members (or their families) brought these historical notes to life. This CCHS annual banquet, silent auction, and history program was once again a real success, with some 75 members and visitors attending.
***NOTE - This Session was recorded, and will be available to view at the Museum when open
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Annual Banquet and History Program
Speaker - Joe Diaz: History of the Charlie Diaz Radiator Shop
**Mr. Diaz had spoken several years earlier to CCHS members about efforts to preserve and honor the historic radiator shop and cafe on Route 66 in west Grants. For this event, he updated the audience on potential plans to better preserve the site and structures, and, on what (and who) made the business itself such a key landmark on Old Route 66 in Grants.
Mr. Diaz had a variety of anecdotes about the early days of Route 66 commerce, and pointing out many of the audience members (or their families) brought these historical notes to life. This CCHS annual banquet, silent auction, and history program was once again a real success, with some 75 members and visitors attending.
***NOTE - This Session was recorded, and will be available to view at the Museum when open
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History - "The Orville Hawkinson & Jake and Birdye Abraham Family"
Saturday, July 6th at the CCHS New Museum Building
Presented by Birdye Abraham, with Randi Abraham & Terri Abraham
**NOTE - This Session was recorded, and will be available to view at the Museum, when open.
This history session was presented to a rapt audience of 20 - 25 members and visitors to the museum. It detailed the family history of pioneers Orville Hawkinson, Jake and Birdye Abraham. Ms Abraham herself carried the narrative forward, responding in detail to audience questions and comments. She was also supported by two of her nieces, Randi Abraham and Terri Abraham.
The session opened with an effort to list and clarify the genealogy of the diverse families, and their early migrations to the United States and Canada, and settling eventually in New Mexico. The overview of early Grants-area history (1930's-40's) was fondly recalled by Birdye describing the many long-past businesses such as the Mother Whiteside Hotel, the Breecetown and also the Four Hills sawmills, the White Arrow Garage, Charlie's Radiator Shop and several restaurants. She confirmed that early-day Grants had a reputation as the longest, narrowest town on Route 66.
* Overall this was a fascinating history of key families involved in the growth of the Grants-Milan region.
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Saturday, July 6th at the CCHS New Museum Building
Presented by Birdye Abraham, with Randi Abraham & Terri Abraham
**NOTE - This Session was recorded, and will be available to view at the Museum, when open.
This history session was presented to a rapt audience of 20 - 25 members and visitors to the museum. It detailed the family history of pioneers Orville Hawkinson, Jake and Birdye Abraham. Ms Abraham herself carried the narrative forward, responding in detail to audience questions and comments. She was also supported by two of her nieces, Randi Abraham and Terri Abraham.
The session opened with an effort to list and clarify the genealogy of the diverse families, and their early migrations to the United States and Canada, and settling eventually in New Mexico. The overview of early Grants-area history (1930's-40's) was fondly recalled by Birdye describing the many long-past businesses such as the Mother Whiteside Hotel, the Breecetown and also the Four Hills sawmills, the White Arrow Garage, Charlie's Radiator Shop and several restaurants. She confirmed that early-day Grants had a reputation as the longest, narrowest town on Route 66.
* Overall this was a fascinating history of key families involved in the growth of the Grants-Milan region.
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* * * OUR SPRING HISTORY EVENT - May 11, 2019
Mark Arthur Elkins Family History
Presented by Ina Hoffman & Cousins
This program, for some 40 guests, reviewed a ranching family history written by Mark Elkins in 1971. It featured many early ranch and rodeo photos, with comments also by Larry Elkins, Sherry Elkins, and Sherwood and Thelma Jo Elkins.
In 1917, the Kin Elkins family, with three sons, Henry, Tom and Mark (age 15), moved from Snyder, Texas to New Mexico. Seeking better ranchlands, grass and water, and crowded by homesteaders, the family set out west with two loaded wagons and a Ford Model T. Herding their cattle and horses along, they followed the Pecos River to the Santa Fe railroad at Fort Sumner. From there they reached the Grants area by rail.
Public lands, Federal and State, could be homesteaded or leased, and there also was surplus railroad land for sale. The grasslands were mostly open range, unfenced, and cattle could roam freely. However, in 1918 there was a serious outbreak of scabies in herds across the open ranges of New Mexico, and cattle of both ranchers and Indians were quarantined. All had to be dipped to prevent further spreading, but, the market for those treated cows was very poor.
Also in 1918, a record winter killed stock all across the area. Range cattle would be trapped in rough country by the snowdrifts, with tragic losses for the Navajos and all the ranching families. It was especially hard on the Elkinses and other new settlers. The Elkins family had settled in the Phils Lake area, west of Bluewater near Prewitt. A well and a house came first; then, proving the homestead lands was a three-year process. Many small homesteaders failed to meet those terms, and sold out to neighbors, whose ranches grew over time in this way. The Elkins family slowly expanded their lands nearer to Mt.Taylor and to Milan and Grants.
Generations of Elkins have prospered over the years since 1917. They have been very involved in the Cibola area communities, serving in politics, education, and business. Mark, for example, worked with rancher Artie Bibo to establish the Kow-Ina Foundation, a museum south of Grants on land that was later acquired by Acoma Pueblo.
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* * * Were You There?? It was a CCHS Special Event:
Anne Hillerman Lecture & Book Signing
Saturday, March 9th at the Mother Whiteside Museum Building
With an audience of nearly 50 CCHS members and visitors on hand, best-selling Southwestern novelist Anne Hillerman discussed the evolution of her compelling fiction writing. She also signed copies of her "Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito" book series, including "Cave of Bones" set in the forbidding Malpais lava beds of Cibola County. She also offered a preview of "The Tale Teller," her newest title in the series - due out on April 9th.
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Anne Hillerman Lecture & Book Signing
Saturday, March 9th at the Mother Whiteside Museum Building
With an audience of nearly 50 CCHS members and visitors on hand, best-selling Southwestern novelist Anne Hillerman discussed the evolution of her compelling fiction writing. She also signed copies of her "Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito" book series, including "Cave of Bones" set in the forbidding Malpais lava beds of Cibola County. She also offered a preview of "The Tale Teller," her newest title in the series - due out on April 9th.
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Our WINTER Quarterly General Meeting & History Program *** Saturday, Feb 9, 2019
"Mysterious Explorer"
Presented by Historian & Author, Dr. Ronald Stewart, Ph.D.
On Saturday, February 9th, some 30 CCHS members and visitors were on hand for the Winter history lecture, an intriguing presentation by author Ronald Stewart on his recent book "Mysterious Explorer: Solving the Puzzle of an African Explorer in America 180 Years Before Columbus." His research would appear to have solved numerous archaeological and Spanish archival mysteries.
Stewart has built an extensive case for the theory that West African mariners from the coastal region of Mali applied their advanced seagoing culture to an attempt to circumnavigate the globe - circa 1312. The Emperor Abu Bakr II, ruler of Mali, is said in some records to have reached the Americas with an exploration fleet of some 2000 ships. The fleet carried trade goods - and African elephants and camels for exploration.
Validation of the Mali exploration theories in Stewart's book depends on interpretation of lithic records and artwork found in lands of Central and North America, where contact by Africans with the native cultures would have left records of such meetings. In the Southwest, widespread examples of rock art and oral histories may reveal exposure of regional native cultures to African explorers - and to their astonishing animals.
Stewart's talk was supported with a variety of indigenous artwork, figurines, photos and and stone and ceramic artifacts that could support the theory laid out in his book; he also discussed such relics with many audience members.
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Stewart has built an extensive case for the theory that West African mariners from the coastal region of Mali applied their advanced seagoing culture to an attempt to circumnavigate the globe - circa 1312. The Emperor Abu Bakr II, ruler of Mali, is said in some records to have reached the Americas with an exploration fleet of some 2000 ships. The fleet carried trade goods - and African elephants and camels for exploration.
Validation of the Mali exploration theories in Stewart's book depends on interpretation of lithic records and artwork found in lands of Central and North America, where contact by Africans with the native cultures would have left records of such meetings. In the Southwest, widespread examples of rock art and oral histories may reveal exposure of regional native cultures to African explorers - and to their astonishing animals.
Stewart's talk was supported with a variety of indigenous artwork, figurines, photos and and stone and ceramic artifacts that could support the theory laid out in his book; he also discussed such relics with many audience members.
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Our FALL Quarterly Meeting & History Program: Saturday, Nov 10, 2018
"REFLECTIONS: THE CARROT ECONOMY OF CIBOLA COUNTY"
Presented by CCHS Historian Paul Milan
Held at the CCHS New Museum Building, 515 West High Street (Ex-Library)
"REFLECTIONS: THE CARROT ECONOMY OF CIBOLA COUNTY"
Presented by CCHS Historian Paul Milan
Held at the CCHS New Museum Building, 515 West High Street (Ex-Library)
Paul Milan spoke to an audience of ~30 on a topic of strong interest both to long-time residents and to newcomers to Cibola. He began with a long look back to the 1880's, when the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad was building westward across the future Cibola County, and on beyond the Continental Divide. A railroad attorney, a Captain Reid, had a key role in developing the excess of public lands as granted for railroad construction.
The great advantage of this area of future Cibola County was its watershed, from the ridges and valleys of the Zuni Mountains - specifically, the area watered by Bluewater Creek. As excess railroad lands became available to settlers such as Mormon homesteaders in the early 1900's, an earthen irrigation dam was built. This dam was soon washed out, and $400,000 in bonds were issued to fund a stone & concrete dam to provide Bluewater Lake water to settlers for farming the open valleys. With good soil and water, a cash crop such as lettuce was preferred, but the market demand was more suited for carrots. The first season, 1939, saw 35 carloads shipped, and 95 in the next year.
The cash crop of fresh carrots from the Bluewater, Milan and Grants area was in high demand, packed in bunches with the green tops left on. Shipping to market required labor and other local resources immediately - a box factory, packing sheds, trucking, and an ice plant. But the carrot crop was hindered by periodic droughts. The discovery of underground water led to 20 wells pumping, as well as using water from the lake. The Bluewater Irrigation District sold 30 feet of water rights to the state, for creation of a recreational lake; the funds were used to pay off the bonds. Carrots were raised in the area until the late 1950's, with the last shipment in 1961. As uranium mining developed in the Bluewater region, those water rights had three times the value of farm land. Water for mineral processing eclipsed farm use - and the new uranium economy paid far better wages, as well.
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The great advantage of this area of future Cibola County was its watershed, from the ridges and valleys of the Zuni Mountains - specifically, the area watered by Bluewater Creek. As excess railroad lands became available to settlers such as Mormon homesteaders in the early 1900's, an earthen irrigation dam was built. This dam was soon washed out, and $400,000 in bonds were issued to fund a stone & concrete dam to provide Bluewater Lake water to settlers for farming the open valleys. With good soil and water, a cash crop such as lettuce was preferred, but the market demand was more suited for carrots. The first season, 1939, saw 35 carloads shipped, and 95 in the next year.
The cash crop of fresh carrots from the Bluewater, Milan and Grants area was in high demand, packed in bunches with the green tops left on. Shipping to market required labor and other local resources immediately - a box factory, packing sheds, trucking, and an ice plant. But the carrot crop was hindered by periodic droughts. The discovery of underground water led to 20 wells pumping, as well as using water from the lake. The Bluewater Irrigation District sold 30 feet of water rights to the state, for creation of a recreational lake; the funds were used to pay off the bonds. Carrots were raised in the area until the late 1950's, with the last shipment in 1961. As uranium mining developed in the Bluewater region, those water rights had three times the value of farm land. Water for mineral processing eclipsed farm use - and the new uranium economy paid far better wages, as well.
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Our SUMMER Quarterly Public Meeting was on Saturday, August 11th, 2018
'Bloodville' - Historic Events on Route 66
Presented by Don Bullis;
*Sponsored by the Historical Society of NM
'Bloodville' - Historic Events on Route 66
Presented by Don Bullis;
*Sponsored by the Historical Society of NM
On August 11th, noted regional author Don Bullis presented the facts and theories on one of the most notorious crimes in the Cibola County area, a robbery and double murder that occurred at Budville, on old Route 66. Bullis has a diverse background in history, journalism and law enforcement. Retiring in 2002, he researched and wrote the novel Bloodville, on the unsolved 1957 murders of trading post / gas station operator Bud Rice and employee Blanche Brown. The station still stands, abandoned, in the little Route 66 village of Budville, NM.
In addition to overcharging travelers in trouble, Bud Rice was also a Justice of the Peace, well-known for enabling many 'speed-trap' arrests, with 100 percent convictions and fines. He was popular with many in the area, but was equally despised by many who lost out in every dealing with Rice. And so, when Rice and Brown were cruelly murdered, many were not surprised. Some locals even drank toasts to his end.
This high-profile case aroused law enforcement across the region, but forensic science - and cooperation - was unknown in those days. Evidence was lost or discarded, and Mr. Bullis told a fascinating tale of varied suspects, arrests, and court cases over some 10 years. He displayed one key piece of evidence - a pistol recovered from a streambed on a tip.Still, no evidence trail was ever strong enough to link any of the numerous possible killers to the facts and evidence of the case.
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Our SPRING Quarterly Public Program was Saturday, May 12, 2018
The Michael Family History in Cibola County
presented by Beverly Michael
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On May 12, 2018, Cibola County Historical Society held its first public history program in the new Cibola County Museum, at the former Grants city library. Some thirty people attended the program "The Michael Family in Cibola County - 1909 to Present," by Beverly Michael, with memories reinforced by her cousin, Howard Michael.
Members of the New Mexico Michaels first came to the United States in 1909 from Beiruit, Lebanon. Lebanese or Syrian families had come as immigrants through Ellis Island, as early as the late 1800's. Many came west and over time settled in New Mexico. They easily assimilated into the Spanish-Catholic culture of the region in villages such as Cebolleta, San Mateo, and Bibo. Their hard work in ranching, farming and mercantile trades offered success. Many were Maronite Christians; their Spanish-speaking neighbors referred to them as "Los Arabes."
One Michael family patriarch, who traveled home to Lebanon to marry, returned with his bride to the San Mateo area. The family prospered in both business trades and ranching. Over time, the family staked claims to grazing lands that grew to some 8,000 acres, north of San Mateo - land with good wells that also produced crops of alfalfa. From San Mateo to Grants, the Michaels branched into businesses such as a shoe store in 1955 and later clothing, trade goods and real estate. Ranching remains today as a core family business, to be passed on to the younger generation. The program ended with assorted Lebanese food specialties that Beverly had prepared.
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Members of the New Mexico Michaels first came to the United States in 1909 from Beiruit, Lebanon. Lebanese or Syrian families had come as immigrants through Ellis Island, as early as the late 1800's. Many came west and over time settled in New Mexico. They easily assimilated into the Spanish-Catholic culture of the region in villages such as Cebolleta, San Mateo, and Bibo. Their hard work in ranching, farming and mercantile trades offered success. Many were Maronite Christians; their Spanish-speaking neighbors referred to them as "Los Arabes."
One Michael family patriarch, who traveled home to Lebanon to marry, returned with his bride to the San Mateo area. The family prospered in both business trades and ranching. Over time, the family staked claims to grazing lands that grew to some 8,000 acres, north of San Mateo - land with good wells that also produced crops of alfalfa. From San Mateo to Grants, the Michaels branched into businesses such as a shoe store in 1955 and later clothing, trade goods and real estate. Ranching remains today as a core family business, to be passed on to the younger generation. The program ended with assorted Lebanese food specialties that Beverly had prepared.
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*** Our First 2018 Event was the WINTER Quarterly Public Session
Saturday, February 10, 2018:
The Corley Family History in Cibola County
as presented by Mr. Eddie Corley, Sr.
The Winter public history session featured Mr. Eddie B. Corley Sr., who described how he grew up in a Texas farming background. As a young man, Corley came west to New Mexico from a farm that has been held by his family ever since 1886 - and where he was baptized in a creek there. He had attended Prairie View College, and hoped to play football as a walk-on there. However, his aim shifted to New Mexico, where UNM offered more options for game play and for scholarships. He bought his first car in 1955 and soon moved west. However, rather than a scholarship, he found a job at the parts counter of Galles Chevrolet. Then, in 1956, he decided to try his luck in the Grants-Milan area.
Early on, in Grants, he was hired as a gas station attendant by Ralph McQueary, in the days of full-service gas pumps and window washing. A short course in gas service and credit cards ended with "Can you handle it?" He recalls being treated well, and given the opportunity to learn and grow. From there, Corley settled into the area, building first one and then another home in Milan for his young family. He credits luck and faith, family and friends for the long-term success of his family's several auto dealerships.
Ed Corley emphasizes the role of faith in the face of setbacks, and being an example and a guide to one's family. Despite life's problems, "we always worked it out."
*After having four daughters, the Corleys finally had a son, Eddie Jr. (the couple now have 19 grandchildren).
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Saturday, February 10, 2018:
The Corley Family History in Cibola County
as presented by Mr. Eddie Corley, Sr.
The Winter public history session featured Mr. Eddie B. Corley Sr., who described how he grew up in a Texas farming background. As a young man, Corley came west to New Mexico from a farm that has been held by his family ever since 1886 - and where he was baptized in a creek there. He had attended Prairie View College, and hoped to play football as a walk-on there. However, his aim shifted to New Mexico, where UNM offered more options for game play and for scholarships. He bought his first car in 1955 and soon moved west. However, rather than a scholarship, he found a job at the parts counter of Galles Chevrolet. Then, in 1956, he decided to try his luck in the Grants-Milan area.
Early on, in Grants, he was hired as a gas station attendant by Ralph McQueary, in the days of full-service gas pumps and window washing. A short course in gas service and credit cards ended with "Can you handle it?" He recalls being treated well, and given the opportunity to learn and grow. From there, Corley settled into the area, building first one and then another home in Milan for his young family. He credits luck and faith, family and friends for the long-term success of his family's several auto dealerships.
Ed Corley emphasizes the role of faith in the face of setbacks, and being an example and a guide to one's family. Despite life's problems, "we always worked it out."
*After having four daughters, the Corleys finally had a son, Eddie Jr. (the couple now have 19 grandchildren).
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