11/23/1952
By Cleofas Calleros
With the publication of Tom Lea’s second novel “The Wonderful Country,” I am reminded of another man who also recognized that this is indeed, a wonderful country. He was distinguished world traveler Richard J. Vincent, known prominent as Louis Morningstar.
“Louis Morningstar arrived in El Paso on March 20, 1896 to collect material for a book which he intended to write. Fifteen years old, he had seen all of the world, but it was this particular section which had caught his fancy. The people, the rugged, picturesque mountains and the Spanish culture here seemed to him “a remarkable blend.”
Whether he ever got around to writing the book, I do not know. But undoubtedly he enjoyed his stay here for those by no means were full days. Something consequential, or highly controversial, was always happening. Then as now, we were in a ceaseless uproar.
In fact, on the very day of Vincent’s arrival, the town was electrified by the capture of the desperadoes who had boldly robbed the W.T. Hixon Jewelry Co. in January. The news spread quickly these “bad hombres” had been taken to Mississippi and would be brought back here for trial.
Then on March 25, the Westinghouse Manufacturing Co. reopened the old International Smelter. It had been shut down two years before because of the widespread scarcity of metal ore. Now, It appeared, large scale industry was in store for El Paso and to that every one (or almost everyone) had a drink.
Sandstorms Arrived
About the time Vincent arrived so did the sandstorms. Juan S. Hart, El Paso noted Editor, observed in his column on March 28 that “the sand and the wind marked today as well as does the expression “Viernes de Dolores” – “Friday of Anguish”. He went on to comment in his entertaining style, that the disagreeable sandstorms did not put him in a bad humor, however, because it was his habit to think of tornadoes and hurricanes with every mouthful of sand. That is still good advice!
How Mr. Vincent and Don Juan Hart would have enjoyed Don Tomas chapter VII of his “Wonderful Country”. Have you ever read a more vivid description of our early life in El Paso?
On March 28 also, the partnership of Reckhart and Heckelman of the famous Custom Assay Firm was dissolved, but operation of the firm was continued by D.W. Reckhart.
Hotel Dieu was in line for a facial, although not as complete a one as it is undergoing now, during the last days of March. Remodeling and construction of a new wing for the hospital was being considered by the Sisters of Charity. The first Hotel Dieu was opened at 1015 E. Overland St; later it was moved to the old Dieter home at the intersection of Prospect and Upson Avenue.
Bids for the summer ice business were being received that spring of 1896. The El Paso Ice and Refrigerator Co. received the contract on its bid of 50 cents per 100 pounds. Consumer Ice Co. bid was 60 cents.
Burro Ride Party
To give spring a rousing welcome, the Young Men’s Club honored the Young Ladies’ Club with a Burro Ride Party. El Paso it seemed was becoming very sports minded with the organization of bicycle clubs, tennis clubs, and the reconstruction of magnificent indoors natatorium, 85 by 40 feet, at a cost of $3000.
Not least among the controversial issues was H.L. Newman’s recent action leasing the El Paso National Bank Building and its fixtures.
All during August the bank’s receiver, Bechman, had attempted in vain to obtain enough money to settle the institution’s accounts.
Then as now, the city’s leaders were deeply concerned over El Paso's water supply. Plans were being made for an extensive drilling program and $10,265.95 had already been spent for drilling an artesian well 700 feet. No water had yet appeared and Sylvester Watts, owner of Walls Water Workd, coolly observed, that he didn’t see "why they dig for water when I am furnishing the purist water in this section at such a nominal cost.”
No, surely Mr. Vincent was not bored during his stay in El Paso if he was at all aware of what was humming around him.
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