Tales from the Morgue

1969: Fountain torn down by plan

March 27, 1969

It was no accident that the $20,000 fountain constructed in 1961 as the focal point of reconstruction of San Jacinto Plaza, was demolished by contractors working on the new $105,000 Plaza remodeling, Parks Supt. Dale Tate said Wednesday.

Tate said the contract with John R. Lavis Construction Co. calls for removal of the fountain but eight years ago and replacing it with a new and smaller one of cast concrete finished in tile.

He said the bronze plaques depicting a conquistador, padre, Indian and pioneer were salvaged and will be placed on the new band stand to be erected near the central fountain.

He said the new fountain will be octagonal in shape with the base on a raised encircling sidewalk platform. The lower basin will be 13 feet in diameter and tree and a half feet high. The upper basin will be six feet across and two and a half feet above the bottom basin.

Water will overflow on each side of the octagonal upper basin into the lower basin, eliminating the water spray that was a feature of the old fountain, Tate said.

There are no plans for including historical tile mosaics in the surrounding sidewalk area as previously suggested, Tate said.

1916: President Wilson Orders Every Available Guardsman For Duty On Border

It was announced today that President Obama will send 1,200 National Guard Troops to the U.S.-Mexico border.

In 1916 Gen. John J. Pershing led American soldiers into Mexican territory in retaliation for a raid on Columbus, N.M., by Gen. Francisco "Pancho" Villa. Increasing clashes led to a very real threat of war between the United States and Mexico. On June 18, 1916, Wilson called out the National Guard to deal with the Mexican problem. As soldiers gathered on the Mexican border, President Carranza backed down, releasing a group of captured U.S. soldiers and sending a note of apology on July 4.

All State Militia Are Called Out

June 18, 1916

President Wilson this afternoon issued an order calling out the militia in every state in the Union, for service along the Mexican border. The reason assigned for the issuance of the order is that General Frederick Funston is in need of more men for patrol duty.

When the state militia of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas was called out on May 9, General Funston made a request for 150,000 men. The request was held in abeyance, awaiting developments.

Confidential advices were received at El Paso early in the afternoon that First Chief Carranza sent an ultimatum to President Wilson early this morning, advising him that if American troops were not removed from Mexico within seven days, a state of war would be considered as existing between United States and Mexico, and that the troops of the de facto government, at the end of seven days, would treat all armed Americans in Mexico as invaders.

I'm compiling a time-line of other president who have ordered troops to the border. Here is what I have so far:

1846
In the middle of the 1840s, the United States offered to buy California from Mexico. The government of Mexico declined to negotiate. U.S. President James Polk said use of force was the only way to make Mexico negotiate. So, in the spring of 1846, he ordered American soldiers to the Rio Grande River. The Rio Grande formed part of the border between the United States and Mexico.

1877
President Rutherford B. Hayes sent soldiers to patrol the nearly "lawless" Mexican border and cross it if necessary to pursue bandits. Mexican President Diaz protested and sent soldiers to the border as well. Ultimately, economic concerns motivated both sides toward diplomacy instead of military action.

1914
President Woodrow Wilson sent soldiers to Veracruz, Mexico, in an effort to depose Victoriano Huerta, who soon resigned.

1916
Gen. John J. Pershing led American soldiers into Mexican territory in retaliation for a raid on Columbus, N.M., by Gen. Francisco "Pancho" Villa. Increasing clashes led to a very real threat of war between the United States and Mexico. On June 18, 1916, Wilson called out the National Guard to deal with the Mexican problem. As soldiers gathered on the Mexican border, President Carranza backed down, releasing a group of captured U.S. soldiers and sending a note of apology on July 4.

2006
President Bush sent thousands of soldiers to the border to perform support duties that had taken up the times of immigration agents. This was supposed to give the agents more time to arrest illegal immigrants. The soldiers did not perform significant law-enforcement duties.

1978: Tony Campbell Now Fights Loneliness, Old Age

August 6, 1978

By RAMON VILLLALOBOS
Times staff writer

Tony Campbell, El Paso’s first nationally famous athlete, contended for the lightweight boxing championship of the world under the name Tony Herrera because his mom didn’t like boxing, and he didn’t want her to know he was a fighter.

Considering how quickly Tony lost his fame and fortune, maybe mom was right.

Ex-U.S. Marine Gene Tunney, who became the heavyweight champion of the world and retired a millionaire after wisely investing his earnings, writes in his book, “A Man Must Fight,” that no man gives as much to his profession as the boxer. The profession has left many derelicts in its wake.

A sad example of the heavy toll the sport can take is close to home, reflected in Tony Campbell’s career.

In the early 1920s and through the late 1930s, sports writers across the country were heralding Anthony Campbell as the next lightweight champion of the world.

Once the toast of New York’s Madison Square Garden and its boxing fans, he was among the first sports figures to give El Paso national publicity, like that caused by Lee Trevino. Now he is a lonely and almost forgotten man whose mental capabilities and speech are in deterioration.

Tony, at 71, sits in his wheel chair at a local nursing home – a sad figure. He’s been at the home for almost a year.

Tony’s father, an American, was a horse and cattle buyer who spent most of his time traveling in Mexico.

Campbell’s brother Carlos (Spike) says Tony changed his surname to Herrera because he “didn’t want Mother to know he was boxing professionally.” Mrs. Loreto Campbell did not like boxing.

Spike, who also picked up the boxing trade for a while, served as sparring partner for several of Tony’s important fights. But he hung up his gloves when he received only $10 after fighting a 10-round main event.

“I figured I couldn’t make a living like that,” Spike says today.

Except for close members of his family, nobody ever visits Tony, nurse supervisor Jeannie Balderama says.

“He’s a loner and stays away from the other patients” she says. “He just sits and looks outside.”

Tony’s mental condition is attributed to the heavy blows he received in his more than 100 professional fights.

Tony never made the million dollars he once dreamed he would get to take care of his family as a prize fighter. But in his long and colorful career, he made plenty of money.

Where did the money go? Spike, now a retired Customs employee, says of his brother, “He just blew it away.”

Spike says Tony had a bad and expensive habit – picking up the tabs of his many friends and the “leeches” who surrounded him while he was in his prime.

Faded newspaper clippings in Tony’s scrapbook reveal he was 12 when he had his first ring fight. That was 1919. It was an Irish benefit boxing card. Tony volunteered when one of the fighters on the card failed to show up. He went on to win easily and was given $3 for his efforts.

Tony never was popular among this home-town fans because of his dancing and jabbing style of fighting.

Cesar C. Castillo, a retired Southern Union Gas Co. employee, and a personal friend, compared Tony’s style of boxing with Muhammad Ali’s.

There were many good fighters in El Paso during Tony’s time, but none made it to the “big time” like Tony. Among them were Pinqui Urquidi, Baby Gonzalez, Mike Vasquez (later a deputy sheriff), Kid Allen, Battling Chico, and Mike Payan (a newsroom copy boy). Tony beat them all.

Tony continued his ring career while attending El Paso High School. As a member of the school’s ROTC boxing team, Sgt. Tony Campbell won the Texas ROTC concampment boxing title.

After disposing of all the local talent in matches at the old armory on Dallas and Bassett streets, at Fort Bliss. Tony packed his gear and headed west in his search for fame and fortune.

Former Brig. Gen. S.L.A. (Slam) Marshall, who was the sports editor of the old El Paso Herald wrote that Tony had “the most poisonous left jab that has been developed in El Paso.”

After leaving El Paso, Tony became a ring sensation in Chicago, Minneapolis, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Clippings from newspapers always called him the Mexican terror from El Paso.

An undated clipping for the Pittsburgh Press said, “Tony came back to Pittsburgh last night and gave Joey Goodman of Cleveland a boxing lesson, making Joey look like a novice in their 10-round main event at the Motor Square Garden’s opening show of the indoor season.”

A 1928 clipping from the Cleveland Press had this to say, “As colorful as this bronze skin, Tony Herrera, 21-year-old Mexican from El Paso, is destined for the championship title just as sure as there is a revolution in Mexico.” Mexico at that time was engaged in the “Cristero” revolt.

After he had compiled a string of 71 ring victories. Ring Magazine, the bible of boxing, used Tony’s picture on the cover. No. 1 contender for the title.

In 1934, Tony’s hope to win the title blew out the window when champion Barney Ross came up with an infected ear and canceled their title fight. Blind Dandy Dick Girffen had signed Ross to defend his title against Tony in Fort Worth.

Disillusioned, Tony made his way to the West Coast where his career began to sink after he suffered a severe beating at the hands of Peter Jackson, a young black boxer, in a vicious 10-round fight.

It was never confirmed, but Tony’s friends say Jackson suffered several broken ribs during the fight.

One of Tony’s last fights before his fame faded was in Liberty Hall, when he decisioned Sammy Mandell, then an aging former lightweight champion of the world.

Tony, a World War II Air Force veteran, retired to his hometown and began training young fighters for local bouts. He developed Mike Adame, Jesse Fonseca and former Biggs Field Air Force Sgt. Manny Ortega. The trio were headliners on the local scene for several years.

As boxing was beginning to die in El Paso, Tony got a job with the City Parks and Recreation department and was placed in charge of Chelmont Park.

Everyday, his lonely figure could be seen watering the corner park, his friends barely noticing him in his overall working trousers.

He quit the city job in 1970 when his health began to deteriorate, partly because of the punishment his body absorbed as a fighter.

His still loyal friend Castillo claims that if any El Paso sports figure deserves to be in the El Paso Hall of Fame, its Tony. Promoters of the local event have never considered Tony for the honor, Castillo says.

1945: Mines Frosh To Re-Whitewash Big 'M' On Mountain Saturday

October 30, 1945

College of Mines freshmen will learn how big the “M” on Mt. Franklin is when they re-whitewash it Saturday morning as part of the traditional “M” Day ceremonies celebration, which will last all day.

The actual dimensions are 160 feet in width and 150 feet in height. The legs of the “M” are 20 feet wide. Before ascending to the letter, which is one-half mile above Scenic Point, the frosh never will believe it is that large, Judson F. Williams, dean of student life said. But after they get through with the four-hour job they are convinced it is much bigger than that.

The freshmen must report at 8 o'clock, roll is taken, and  under the supervision of upperclassmen they go to work. A ton of lime and a truck-load of water are transported from Scenic Drive to the “M” by a bucket brigade, passing the buckets from man to man – or girl to girl, because freshman co-eds must work, too. The city provides a tank truck to bring the water to Scenic Point.

The student army which storms the mountain once every year is armed with brooms, because it is with brooms that the whitewash is applied.

The letter, formed of rocks, was placed on the side of the mountain 16 years ago. As the college grew in enrollment, a larger and larger “army” was available for the job each year. Now the painting can be done in half a day instead of a whole day, as formerly. But the tradition is just as precious to the Mines student of today as to the small group of engineering students, all men, who first instituted it.

At noon the student body will descend to the campus, where a picnic lunch, prepared by the Co-Ed Association, will be served on the tennis courts. The afternoon will be taken up with games and races.

1952: Bullfighting In Juarez Enjoyed Huge Popularity In Gay 90 Days

September 28, 1952

By CLEOFAS CALLEROS
(Editor’s Note: The sixth article of a series on early El Paso history by Cleofas Calleros, El Paso historian.)

Controversial bullfighting has been termed many things – sadistic, inhuman, spectacular, exciting, detestable. Some are thrilled by it, live for it and die for it. Others are revolted by its gory aspects. There are those who scoff that it is called a sport.

Whatever it is, bullfighting was in its heyday here on the border around the gay 90s and the good old days. It presented a new kind of entertainment for the people who had wandered in from the east and Midwest. On Sunday afternoons the El Pasoans flocked across the river, in even greater numbers than now.

The large frame Juarez bull ring is believed to have been built right about the middle of the 19th century or shortly after. The exact date of its construction is not known. In those days it trembled under the pressure of jammed bleachers. Often excitement ran so high, or tempers flared so violently if a fight did not meet expectations, that not only the bull, but the ring and impresario were left in a bad state! It was constantly under repair.

Tracing the history of bullfighting, one finds that since the 15th century the Spanish and Poles have held and glorified it as the most valiant of all sports. Men were happy to die, as they are still, for fame in the ring. Only the most physically fit, the most agile survived. Bullfighting is courage combined with manliness. At lest, such is so until women chose to participate also.

NEW GAME

The middle of the 17th century marked the appearance of a new sport – actually a game – designed to replace bullfighting for the “not so brave.” This was “El Juego de las Canas,” in which a horseman with a lance attempted to place the lance through a ring while spurring his horse at full speed. His sole objective was to win the favor of the queen of the game. “La Canas.”

The game never caught hold. It lacked the thrills, the excitement, the daring that bullfighting offered. Consequently, when the Spaniard conquered the New World, he brought his bulls, his picadors, banderilleros, matadors and torros with him. Since everyone, the Spaniards and the conquered Indians alike, were interested in watching, they soon built magnificent rings throughout Mexico.

These first rings were crudely built. Their construction showed little imagination. However, later they were well built by skilled labor and with good materials. Some of the oldest, largest such rings are tourist attractions in Mexico today.

In our days, our Tom Lea, painter and writer, has given us a world best sell – The Brave Bulls. This interesting book has been translated into more than eight languages.

LIBRARY ON BULLS

Just last week, we were privileged to see the most complete library concerning bulls and bullfighting. Angel Alcazar de Velasco y Velasco, an authority on the subject, ha a 3000-volume collection on bulls; he also has several hundred painting and original etchings. His collection covers everything that has been written about bulls since the 16th century to modern times.

The bullfighting season is determined by the weather. In Juarez, with its warm climate, it is always “Toro de la Temporada.” There can be bullfights most anytime. Since such is true, it is amazing to note the staggering number of persons, who have lived here for ears, but who have never witnessed a bullfight. They should go. Probably they will neither like or enjoy it. But they should go – just once.

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Texas was to celebrate its Semi-Centennial in 1896. The governor issued an appeal calling on all local authorities to contribute to the event. Among the most enthusiastic were our townspeople – making elaborate plans for a local celebration as well as serving on state planning committees. Of course, the heart of Texas was farther away then. If you consider transportation difficulties, but that was of little importance to the hardy pioneers who were interested only in seeing that “this thing is done up right.”

The city and county appointed a committee of prominent businessmen to go to Dallas during the latter part of February. These assisted with state preparations. According to individual reports after their return, they attended colorful, interesting sessions at which scores of typically wealthy ranchers offered awesome sums to aid the celebration.

The county appointed the following committee members: Hon. Robert F. Campbell, Judge Peyton F. Edwards, Judge Albert M. Loomis, and Adolf Solomon.

The city named the following members on the committee; Frank E. Hunter, William Yandell, Juan H. Hart, J.F. Beall, J.C. Pierce, A.G. Molloy, J.M. Hawkins, C.R. Morehead and Charles Davis.

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On the subject of the lack of response given various projects by this city, perhaps the most pungent example is our failure to boost America’s “Good Neighbor Policy.” Advantageously located as we are, and coming into business and social contact each day with our Latin-American neighbors, it would seem that the people of the city would do more to further good international feeling. The Pan-American Roundtable, and other such organizations do wonderful, commendable work toward cementing a permanently secured relationship, but the scope of their work is, quite understandably, too limited.

On Jan. 15, 1896, Sacred Heart School gave the first public entertainment in famous old Chopin Music Hall. The children who participated in the program, a musical literary rendition, were all of Mexican descent. El Pasoans thoroughly enjoyed the glimpse of a different kind of culture which existed “right next door.”

Since that time, though, further attempts toward group activities among the rank and file of the two cities have lessened. We are not real neighbors, striving for unity of thought and purpose.

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TIMES NEWS ITEMS:

Jan. 10, 1896 – The Consumers Ice and Coal Storage Co. began construction of its new plans. Richard Caples, manager, supervised the project.

Jan. 12, 1896 – The county commissioners passed a resolution forbidding dances in the courthouse, on the grounds that there were sufficient dance halls in the city. Further, recommendation was made that citizens hold their social affairs in hotel lobbies or in Chopin Music Hall. The resolution met with stormy protest. The resolution was withdrawn, and a $20.00 rental fee approved for the use of the courthouse ballroom.

1894: Democracy Disgraced In Some Of The Wards Of El Paso

October 12, 1894

The First Ward Upholds the Gamblers With a Paid Mexican Vote – Caples and Simmons Said to be Safe – The Clerk Race Very Close

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“GEM” WARD

The primary in the “Gem” ward, sometimes known as the first ward, was the usual Democratic outrage perpetrated by the gambling fraternity under the leadership of George Look. It was purely a Pitman fight against Thomas, and Look stands ready for a “trade.” He will deliver anything for a Park Pitman vote because such votes are scarce and worth big odds. Look stands as usual ready to betray any friend or break any promise to secure for Pitman a vote.

The primary was called to order by Chairman Brock at 8 p.m. and before he sat down Look was on his feet and moved to make Mr. Brock permanent chairman of the meeting and without resigning the floor or even a pause of one second he put his motion and declared it carried. Here Mr. Hart entered a protest at such a gag rule and Mr. Look was on his knees asking pardon and wanting to withdraw his motion and action for refusing others a voice in the proceedings. But Park Pitman said “No, No, No” and the gamblers joined the chorus of “No” and “No” went.

The next move was a motion by the same and only treacherous Look, who moved that ten delegates be balloted for and those receiving the highest number of votes be declared elected, and that they be instructed for Pitman.

This compound motion was objected to, Hart demanding that the motion be divided as it was out of order as one motion, but the presiding tool of Look knew betters, so Hart explained the thing and then Parky, “the minority withdrawal gymnast,” supplicated that they leave the “Pitman part” of the motion out. Then Look wanted a division too, not of the motion but of the house, but no division was given him and a chorus of “no” disconcerted the gambling alderman and without further motion Brock ordered that voting begin at once and named Look and Sweeney, two of the same side, to receive ballots. Here another protest from Hart secured Mr. Dwyer instead of Mr. Sweeney with a hat. Everybody was allowed to vote, no matter who or what he was. Republicans or residents of other wards. There were 253 votes polled, 175 for the Look ticket and 78 anti-gambling tickets. The delegates are: Joseph Sweeney, J.A. Brock, Philip Hague, G.T. Noble, Abe Gold, George Look, T.O. Powell, R. Tobin, E.S. Hemstead, Ed. O’Hara.

SECOND WARD

In this ward, after Chairman Stanton opened the primary, Captain T.J. Beall was elected to preside over the meeting. The delegates elected are:

Charles Fassett, A.J. Taylor, Tim Lyons, John Kelly, Judge Magoffin, William Fox, Captain T.J. Beall, Frank Del Buono, W.J. Fewell, Geo. Cole, J.D. Ponder.

Captain T.J. Beall was elected chairman of the ward for the next term.

THIRD WARD

The third ward primary was called to order at 8 o’clock by Chairman Freudenthal. H.R. Wood was elected chairman after much excitement and E.V. Berrien and E.S. Newman were elected secretaries and H.M. Patterson and S.J. Freudenthal judges. Two hundred and twenty ballots were cast which resulted in the election of the following delegates, who go to the convention uninstructed and with a half vote each:

J. Scott, H.M. Patterson, W.H. Shelton, Horace Broaddus, W.B. Hall, A. Hampton, A.K. Albers, Jim Welch. Harry wood, Phil Martin, Percy Ennis, W. Kemp, L. Papin, H. Fiato. One-third vote each – J.L. Whitmore, Floyd Payne, Geo. King.

FOURTH WARD

In this ward Chairman Solomon stayed in the chair and Mr. Catlin was secretary. The following delegates were elected:

J.F. Crosby, P.E. Kern, Leigh Clark, J.J. Watts, A.B. McKie and S.F. Turner.

CONCORDIA

The delegates for this precinct are: J.H. Comstock, H. Noland and W.E. Rhotan.

VAN HORN

The delegates for Van Horn precinct are: Frank Evans, O.S. Phinney, J. D. Ball, R.P. Bean, J.H. Beach and W.A. King.

SAN ELIZARIO

The delegates from San Elizario are: Gaspar Giron, Sabas Grijalva, R.L. Mayer, G.N. Garcia Jr, and Jose Alarcan.

YSELTA

The Ysleta delegation which is the second largest in the county is as follows:

Robinson, Reed, Liebman, Lowenstein, Alderete, Cooper, Benavides, Carabajal, Perea and Cordova.

SIERRA BLANCA

The delegates of this precinct are:

H.H. McWilliams, Jacob Hand, Jno Routh, J.M. Gilcrease.

1952: City Became Metropolis In 1896 As Era Of Wild Saloon Days Ended

August 24, 1952

By CLEOFAS CALLEROS
(Editor’s Note: The first of a series on early El Paso history by Cleofas Calleros, El Paso historian.)

Response to my articles relating to historical topics which for the past eight months have appeared in The Sunday El Paso Times has been heartwarming. If requests by many to know even more about their own home town may be construed to mean that some degree of interest has been aroused in the colorful and exciting history that is El Paso’s, then plan for the next few weeks are justified.

A new series is starting, the subject of which will be “The City of El Paso – Then and Now.” After years of digging around, collecting, and filling old pictures that either had been discarded or forgotten, I feel that there is at my disposal sufficient material to interestingly illustrate El Paso of the gay ‘90s.

The years 1896-1897 have been selected as the period of time from which to begin the investigation. They were important years, right before the turn of the century. They marked the beginning of a new era of expansion, nationally and locally. El Paso by then was no wide spot in the road, no hick town, but a city, with its air of sophistication.

Men were addressed as gentlemen. Accordingly, women were held aloft and respected as ladies, which they were. The tough “guys” and the saloon “gals” had been replaced by a more genteel, more discreet, more purposeful gentry.

PAVED WITH CALICHE

They rode thought the well “paved” (with claiche) and sprinkled streets in their fine buggies and hacks. They enjoyed first-class telephone service. The water, gas, electric light, and sewerage systems here were a credit to the State of Texas. Then, as now, one international street railway connected the sister city of Juarez. But only then id citizens of both cities pass freely from one country to another, untroubled by some burdensome system of inspections, passports, visas and permits.

The El Paso Times, a morning publication, and three evening newspapers were circulated here. The evening dailies, the El Paso Tribune, the Evening Telegram, and the El Paso Herald found a wide reading audience. El Monitor, a Spanish weekly, served the Spanish-speaking public. The visitor, a religious weekly, was sponsored by some to the churches.

Sixteen churches opened their doors to worshippers of eight denominations. Five public schools and three private institutions provided for he city’s educational needs. An elegant opera house and a music hall were the cultural center of El Paso.

The most imposing structure was the County Courthouse, which drew attention from all over the state. The City hall, in the process of being remodeled, was at the corner of West Overland and Santa Fe Streets. The City Council met there every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Robert F. Campbell presided.

El Paso in 1896 was divided into four wards: First Ward was all that portion of the city west of El Paso and south of San Francisco streets; Second Ward covered the east side of El Paso and all of that area south of Magoffin; Third Ward constituents lived north of San Antonio Street to the intersection at Magoffin Avenue or east of Mesa Avenue; Fourth ward was all that portion north of St. Louis Street, and all of the west of Mesa Avenue.

The aldermen representing these wards in 1896 were James Clifford and John O’Keefe, First Ward; George W. Davis and F. Frederick Kachler, Second ward; J.L. Whitmore and John J. Stewart, Third Ward, and Edwin C. Roberts and A.S. Schutz, Fourth Ward.

Other city officials were James E. Townsend, city attorney; Charles W. Fassett, treasurer; Leigh Clark, recorder; James H. Smith, assessor and collector, and George C. Wimberly, city engineer. Dr. A White was the city physician and James T. Nesom was the scavenger and pound keeper. The city pound, incidentally, was at the corner of Chihuahua and Second Streets.

DIRECTORY PRINTED

By 1896, according to that year’s city directory, 15,468 souls led their lives within the confines of El Paso. The directory was thorough and adequate, having been compiled and published by the reputable firm of Evans and Worley of Dallas, Texas. Frank J. McDevitt also compiled a city directory late in 1895 which was printed by the El Paso Steam Printing Co. and released in January, 1896.

Had Walter Winchell or some such figure been covering El Paso “after dark,” he would have had difficulty finding much of excitement to report. For the city was a quiet, orderly, respectable place in which to live. So peaceful was it; that a police force of only seven patrolmen and one mounted law officer was deemed necessary. Edwin M. Fink was the chief of police; captain of police was Frank Carr; the seven policemen were James B. Chipman, James M Kinne, John N. Selman, Joseph S. Fernandez, John Denniston, John R. Tyra and Samuel V. Fuller. T.D. Featherly was the jailer.

The police department was quartered in the court rooms of the City hall. This was considered a logical place since its activities closely coincided with the daily sessions of court held at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

FROM 300 TO 15,000

Such is the first brief sketch of El Paso of 1896. It was a far different type of place from which the movies would have you imagine. It had, since 1880, grown and prospered, with an increase in population from less than 300 to more than 15,000. Thanks to the railroads.

In 1827, Jose Maria Ponce de Leon wandered across the Rio Bravo from Paso del Norte and decided that he would live over here. He built his house on the exact location of the present White House Department store, and established himself as the first permanent resident in downtown El Paso. The Rio Grande flowed past his front yard.

It wasn’t long before he had neighbors. And by 1850, the Rev. Ramon Ortiz, pastor of Mision de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe in Paso del Norte had decided that the people across the river should have a church. So he found Iglesia de San Jose de Concordia el Alto, the first church in El Paso, at Concordia.

In 1888 “El Fuerte Azul,” which is more familiarly know today as Fort Bliss, was moved to Concordia where it remained until 1876. The old fort and the church were visited by the Rev. Mother Mary Praxedes, superior of the Sisters of Loretto in Las Cruces, N.M., when she traveled through here in 1880 to visit St. Joseph’s Academy in san Elizario.

RAILROADS BROUGHT LIFE

Thanks go tot he railroads because when they came in 1881 they brought life to El Paso. Before then our home town was a single settlement in the present Brentwood Heights area and a few house around Ponce de Leon’s homestead, with a population of less than 300.By 1884, there were 3000 and by 1894 the population had mounted to the astounding figure of nearly 10,000.

The railroads made El Paso what it was – and is. January of 1896 saw two rail projects under way. These were the White Oaks Railroad and the Corralito Line. The white Oaks was originally the El Paso and Northeaster, later to become the El Paso and Southwestern that was eventually absorbed by the Southern Pacific Co.

The Corralitos, line, originally Pacific, later as the Rio Grande, Sierra Madre y Pacificio. Eventually was named Noroeste de Mexico. When construction of the line reached Chihuahua from Ciudad Juarez, immediate steps were taken to bring it to El Paso. To comply with Interstate Commerce Commission regulations at that time, the lien between Juarez and El Paso was named The El Paso Southern Railway. Today it is the shortest railway in the United States with only four-tenths of a mile of main line, extending from the international boundary line to the terminus at Mesa Avenue and Sixth Street, in the center o the disputed Chamizal Zone.

1915: General Pershing Suggests Business Men's Military Camp

September 18, 1915

OFFERS TO SUGGEST TO WASHINGTON THAT BUSINESS MEN’S MILITARY CAMP HERE BE ESTABLISHED

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General John J. Pershing, commander of the Eight Infantry Brigade, expressed himself yesterday as willing to suggest to Washington that a military training camp be established at Fort Bliss for El Paso business men who wish to take up military training in the proposed increase in American military strength. He is desirous that the proposition secure the support of a large number of the men of the city.

General Pershing was high in his praise of the business men who have instituted the movement for the establishment of a business men’s military training camp at El Paso similar to that which has been organized at Plattsburg, N.Y., and other places.

“If a sufficient number of El Paso’s business men will go into the work of establishing a military training camp here. I will suggest to Washington that the government assist them in establishing it,” said General John J. Pershing, commander of the Eight Infantry Brigade. “I will also suggest that it be established at Fort Bliss and be placed under my charge. I am willing to do all in my power to make the training camp a success.

“I am heartily in sympathy with the movement which El Paso business men have begun to organize a military training camp for themselves here. It is a splendid thing that American men will take up such a proposition. It shows that in case of necessity they are willing to be of great service to their government. I admire the patriotic spirit of El Paso business men. The training in military matters which they would receive from such a camp would be of great aid to the government in case of war.”

1968: Seminarians Sing and Play

August 27, 1968

SINGING SEMINARIANS FLY - A group of singing Seminarians of St. Anthony Seminary, El Paso, enjoy a bit of relaxation at the Bassett Center Super Slide. They are singing at the Center in the Mall.

The singing Seminarians of St. Anthony Seminary, play various instruments while performing primarily string instruments. They have appeared on the Cerebral Palsy telethon program and are scheduled to appear again next year.

They are in the process of cutting a record album because of the numerous demands made by the listening audience of the Telethon,. The record will go on sale in the near future. These young musicians are all self taught and use their limited free time at the Seminary to relax while playing.

During the summer months of each year, they travel to the interior of Mexico and help educate various peoples including the Tarahumara Indians. They are able to more readily approach and reach the backwards people in those areas. They are scheduled to appear at Bassett Center Saturday Aug. 31 at 2 and 4 p.m.

They will also be performing during the annual St. Anthony Bazaar on Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and Sept. 2 on the Seminary grounds, Hastings and Crescent avenues.

1979: Ted Kennedy asked to enter Chagra murder investigation

March 13, 1979

Complaints from the family of slain El Paso attorney Lee Chagra concerning the investigation into the shooting death of Chagra last December and the ensuing federal grand jury investigations into alleged racketeering and other crimes have reached the office of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy in Washington.

Tom Southwick, the senator’s press secretary, said Monday the senator’s office had received a telephone call from former pro football player Roosevelt Grier last week asking for help. Kennedy is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

However, Southwick said no decision has been made on whether to enter the case.

“Last Thursday we received a call from Rosie Grier suggesting that we ought to look into the case,” Southwick said. “We suggested that the family contact us with whatever problem they may have and what it is they want done. As of yet we have not herd from the family. If we do hear from them, then we will take a look at the matter and do whatever is appropriate.”

Southwick said the senator does not know about what the problem may be and staff members don’t know much about it beyond what Grier related to them on the telephone.

“He (Grier) was a little unclear as to what we should do about it and what the facts were,” Southwick said. “We are not sure what they want us to do.”

Joe Chagra, an attorney and younger brother of Lee, said the family sought Kennedy’s aid through Grier.

“Yeah, I think Joanne’s (widow of Lee) the one that got it started,” Joe Chagra said. “Rosie was a good friend of Lee. Lee used to handle cases for him – poor black kids in California. Lee would represent these kids for free. I think he met Lee in Las Vegas.

“I think that what happened is that she asked him (Grier) a long time ago, and he just now got around to it,” he said. Grier is a friend of the Kennedy family and was particularly close to the late Robert Kennedy.

Authorities have arrested three men in connection with Chagra’s slaying, but Joe Chagra said the family still believes there might be other people involved who haven’t come up yet. “There’s no proof or evidence – just a gut feeling.”

Joanne Chagra said Grier was contacted because he was a friend of Chagra.

“We are just infuriated by the invading of my husband’s private files and by the whole judicial system abuse,” Mrs. Chagra said. “We feel we can get something done only by appealing to the higher ups. They can come down here and review some of the things that are going on – such as the grand jury acting as a prosecutor.”

Both Mrs. Chagra and her brother, Sib Abraham, would not reveal any details of their allegations.