Tales from the Morgue

1931: July Fourth Brings 2000 El Paso Visitors

July 4, 1931

City Host to Persons Coming by Train, Auto, Plane

SOLDIERS PARADE

Athletic Events, Fireworks, Bathing Beauties on Park Program

El Paso was host, Saturday to more than 2000 out-of-town visitors who, came by plane, train and motor to join in Fourth of July celebrations, city officials estimated.

A complete Independence Day program, was started Saturday morning with an official salute of canons from Scenic Drive by the 82nd field artillery, followed by a long parade of soldiers through the business district.

While hundreds of El Pasoans took advantage of excursions and motor trips to Cloudcroft, Ruidoso and California, a larger number lined up to see the home celebrations off in good style.

Plan Fireworks

The El Paso celebration will be climaxed with a fireworks display Saturday night at Washington park.

With 40 bathing beauties entered for the parade, Washington park was the center of festivities. Day long events included band concerts, races, boating, swimming, dancing and the bathing revue.

Park Comm. Hugo Meyer assures plenty of parking space for Saturday night in the vicinity of Dudley Field. Police officers will guard against, automobile thievery and. Vandalism.

Sports at Park

Sports events at the park include: Greased pole contest, dashes, football throwing contest, women's nail driving contest, backward race and and others.

Cash prizes were offered for the events which began at 10 a.m.

Most El Paso business houses were closed for the day and county, federal and city officials had a holiday.

Banks and the postoffice were closed.

El Paso aviators began an air demonstration at the municipal airport at 10 a.m. lasting throughout the day. Special stunts, dead stick landings, and races were performed during the air carnival.

700 Come by Train

Railroads reported no special trains bringing visitors to El Paso for the Fourth, although special coaches to regular trains brought in approximately 700 visitors.

Between 250 and 300 El Pasoans took advantage of the special excursion train to Los Angles over the Fourth of July holidays, Southern Pacific officials said.

1981: El Pasoans became fanatics for first baseball team

04/02/1981

It’s trivia time baseball fans. What is the name of El Paso’s first baseball team?

a. El Paso Sun Kings.

b. El Paso Browns.

c. El Paso Diablos.

d. D. El Paso-Juarez Sol

Any old, old timer could answer this question. The Browns were the golden boys of yesteryear, swapping their shotguns in the storage shed for baseball bats and gloves. The baseballs weren’t exactly made of cowhide, but they worked in the pinch.

In the 1880s, El Paso was a first-class sporting town, especially when it came to baseball. The townspeople sometimes became fanatical when it came to sending nine men out of saloons and onto the diamond. Winning teams really brought out the great enthusiasm in El Pasoans, a tradition which has carried on throughout the years.

On May 16, 1884, an organization meeting was called to form a local baseball team. Apparently, the men drank more than they talked baseball in George speck’s saloon. The men went home with hangovers and interest seemed to wither somewhat.

Not until moths later in Mayor Joseph Magoffin’s office were two teams formed. The tow teams planned to play each other every Sunday afternoon and, if organizers arranged a contest with an out-of-town team, the two El Paso groups would combine into one.

After a couple of weeks of hard practice, El Paso met a team from Fort Bliss and escaped with an exciting 18-17 victory. From that moment on, the popularity of baseball increased.

The ballpark became a popular weekend retreat and, since it rested at the end of the San Antonio Street car line, transportation to and from the diamond was readily available. For two bits, a person got seating space in the grandstand.

The El Paso Browns, as they were called, whipped up on so many opponents that by the spring of 1885, they had a hard time finding anyone to play against hem. The Browns were not unbeatable – as they soon found out. In a three-game series with Albuquerque during the Fourth of July celebration, the Browns went winless.

Local baseball fans moaned for days about the loss.

The baseball fever rose to new heights in 1888. Every Sunday, hundreds of spectators lined the foul lines. Talk began of building a new ballpark.

L.B. Freudenthal announced a meeting to form a stock company capitalized by $25 shares. A committee decided to build a diamond at Kansas and Seventh. The ribbon on the new grounds was cut July 21, 1888.

El Paso played Las Vegas – considered a top team in the region and possibly the country – a team that had just shut out Albuquerque 4-0. The betting line was 3-to-1 on Las Vegas. Smart gamblers bet on El Paso as the Browns rolled lucky dice against Las Vegas 8-3.

Talk soon grew of organizing a baseball league. Interest kept up during the seasons from 1891-93 but interest began to decline late in the decade. The league idea never materialized.

By the turn of the century, baseball still flourished although it took a backseat to boxing, bullfighting and cockfighting.

1918: Police Are Instructed Relative to Duties on Drive on Bootleggers

04/15/1918

Entire Department Hears Addresses at Sunday Meeting in Corporation court Rooms; to Work Extra Hours Until After Saloons Close Tonight.

For the purpose of instructing members of the El Paso city police and detective departments as to their duties to enforcing the new prohibition law, which goes into effect tonight. C.E. Pollock, chief of police, called all of his men together in the corporation court room yesterday afternoon, where they heard a number of talks, and outlined plans for preventing bootlegging in this city.

The meeting convened at 9:30 o’clock and every member of the force was present.

Sheriff’s Office to Co-operate - Sheriff Seth B. Orndorff gave a talk in which he outlined the policy that will be pursued by his office in suppressing the illicit sale of liquor following the closing of the saloons.

The principal and most instructive talk was given by E.B. Elfers, assistant district attorney, who explained the operation of the new law in detail. He told the members of the police force that individuals may have liquor in their possession; in their home or upon their persons, within the 10-mile zone. He said however, that if a man had a bottle of whiskey when he left the zone he could not be prosecuted, but if he came back into the zone with the bottle of liquor that he would be guilty of breaking the law and subject to arrest. The technical offense would be that of bringing intoxicating liquor into the 10-mile zone.

A serious offense – Mr. Elfers dwelt particularly upon the seriousness of the crime of giving or selling liquor to a soldier of the United States. “It costs our government $1,500 to train every soldier that it sends to France, and all of this expenditure and the services of a soldier is placed in jeopardy whenever he is sold a bottle of whiskey – and particularly the brand of whisky that bootleggers in El Paso are in the habit of dispensing to them” he said.

The speaker told of instances in which soldiers have been rendered absolutely unfit for further service, owing to indiscretions while intoxicated on bad whiskey.

Will Be Busy Tomorrow – “You men of the police force know perhaps better than anyone else the evil’s which follow in the trail of “booze, women and more booze,” the attorney continued.

The members of the police force will work extra hours today coping with the troubles which may attend the closing of stations.

The men of the police and detective departments have agreed to work overtime during the next two weeks, or as long as will be necessary, breaking up the traffic in liquor that is expected to develop following the closing of saloons. Every man in attendance at yesterday’s conference, in response to Chief Pollock’s request, expressed his willingness to help make El Paso as free from bootlegging as possible.

1953: Villa's Widow in El Paso Says He'll Become Border Hero

01/06/1953

Gen. Francisco (Pancho) Villa had 20 children by six or seven "wives" and some of them have become prominent professional men, Mrs. Luz Corral vda. De Villa , the guerrilla chieftain's widow, said in El Paso.

Mrs. Villa, who lives in Chihuahua City, is visiting friends, Mr. and Mrs. Alfredo Venegas of 816 South El Paso street.

"I was the only legal wife Pancho had," Mrs. Villa said. "That was recognized by a Durango court, which named me the sole heir after he was killed from ambush.

Canutillo Ranch

"His Canutillo ranch in Durango was sold to pay his debts, which included 20,000 pesos plus a loan of 80,000 American dollars."

Mrs. Villa said she was acquainted with several of Pancho's other women and reared several of their children. '0ne of his sons is a lawyer, one a doctor, and another an educator in Guadalajara," she said. Her own daughter by Villa died.

Although a fierce warrior in the field, Villa in retirement was a family man, a good husband and a kind father, his widow said.

No Buried Treasure

"He got up at 5 a. m. and worked in the fields all day," Mrs. Villa said.

Buried treasure?

"Ha!" exclaimed Mrs. Villa. "People still look for it, with maps and everything. There's no such thing. If there had been 1 would have found it myself.

"Of course, when Pancho was a military commander he buried money and arms. But he dug them up to pay the troops and to fight with when needed. He never got rich—not like the politicians do now."

Raid on Columbus

Mrs. Villa said her husband's assassination in 1923, the work of six or eight men, was inspired by Generals Obregon and Calles. Villa was riddled with bullets as he drove near Parral in his 1919 Dodge touring car.

Mrs. Villa still has the Dodge, along with Pancho's guns and binoculars and other relics, in a little museum in Chihuahua City.

Asked whether Villa ever discussed the raid on Columbus, N.M., which led to the Pershing Punitive Expedition in I916, Mrs. Villa said he seldom talked about such matters.

"It was General Villa who ordered the raid on Columbus.'" She said. "He was mad at the United States because of some bad ammunition he had been sold. He said it caused him to lose the battle of Celaya. Also, he was mad because the U. S. favored General Carranza."

Mrs. Villa said she believes Pancho Villa will go down in history as a true Madero revolutionist, a Robin Hood type of hero.

"Mexico is just beginning to give him justice," she said.

1939: Flags Flutter in El Paso To Open Week of Patriotism

06/08/1939

Flags fluttered from building, and sidewalks today and flag-decorated-posters proclaimed the beginning of National Flag Week, a movement initiated to revive respect for the colors.

E. H. Will, general chairman of the Flag Week committee for El Paso, was making arrangements to have speakers at service clubs and other gatherings to speak on the "Stars and Stripes."

How it Started

A kindergarten school professor in New York City conceived the idea that there should be a celebration of the -anniversary of the adoption of the American flag, Baxter Polk, College of Mines Librarian, told members, of the 20-30 Club at their luncheon at Hotel Cortez.

"His school held a flag day celebration June 14, 1889," he said, "the anniversary of the day- the Continental Congress adapted a resolution fixing the flag of the 13 United States as 13 stars and 13 stripes.

Idea Spread

"From there it spread to other schools in New York City and to other parts of the nation."

Mr. Polk described America as it appears to the immigrant and the American traveler and the America of the Constitution.

"America and everything America does is a protest against the way of life in other parts of the world," he said. "Americans have faith in one ideal, the democratic point of view, and they do not wish that faith to be shaken."

Jackson Speaker

Roy Jackson told members of the Rotary Club that American citizens should show more appreciation of their heritage. He said parents leave to teachers the instilling of patriotism in children while it should be done in the home.

"It is regrettable," he said, "that so many of our citizens accept the good things of America without giving anything in return."

Mr. Will was planning sub-committees to handle Flag Week details.

The Chamber of Commerce News devoted its space to a discussion on "Where Is That Spirit of "76?"

Snap Out of It

"Come on—let's snap out of it," said the Chamber of Commerce article. "It looks like we need a re-birth of patriotism. Let's help engender a re-birth of our old spirit into America. We can make a start by entering into the spirit of Flag Week—June 8 to 14. America is doing her share toward preparedness today, due to conditions in Europe brought about by dictatorship and utter disregard for the rights of others. Let's each put our; foot down on those who seek to instill an influence of dissatisfaction into the American people, for only too true is the saying, 'Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.' "

1977: Orogrande—it can be drygulch or bonanza

07/09/1977

Orogrande, N.M., nestled short of the hills of the Jarilla Mountains along US-54 midway between El Paso and Alamogordo, cut its teeth on one of the biggest con games ever pulled off in the Southwest.

Known through its early history as Jarilla Junction it was turned into a hustler's delight when a nugget the size of a man's finger was found in the nearby mountains. Thus Jarilla Junction in 1905 was dubbed Oro Grande — "big gold."

Overnight, the sleepy railroad heading blossomed into 3,000-plus population community with Chicago suckers" herded daily through the nearby hills to "discover" planted gold.

Lots, according to one slick land salesman turned honest, were sold five and six times.

There was also a scheme to bring much-needed water to the town from the nearby Sacramento Mountains, but just when the project supposedly was about to be completed the promoters disappeared.

Perhaps the omen of things to come was established early in the history of the area by a hunchback, S. M. Perkins, who prospected the Jarillas in the 1870s.

He survived a threat from the Apaches after finding gold but for some unknown reason gave up his claim for two barrels of water.

The Southern Pacific rail line, which still runs east of the village, was originally constructed to meet the demands of the cattle barons of the Southwest. One of the most notable of the area was Oliver Lee, who was tried along with two others in 1898 for the murder of Col. A. J. Fountain and his 9-year-old son.

Lee's ranch once sprawled almost the entire basin.

When the mining operations were at their height, the now ghost town of Brice (4 miles east of Orogrande) was the major population center, not Oro Grande, and a railroad spur was constructed to haul the ores out.

Brice, in fact, had the first school in the area, and youngsters from Oro Grande (which has since been turned into one word) attended school there until the 1930s.

While gold captured the imagination of the prospectors, it was iron, turquoise and some silver which actually keep the towns alive.

There is proof a number of local residents lived out the depression; once all mining activity ceased, by panning the draws near the former gold-producing "Nannie Baird" and selling their meager findings to merchant Tom Bell.

Bill Ward, who operated an antique-rock shop, "Rocks and Relics' still has Bell's gold purchase-ledgers. They attest to the fact no big money was made. The largest purchase he recorded was $6.16 for 8 pwt (penny weight), 9 grams.

Ward knows the mountains and many mines of the area. He estimates at least 300 attempts to strike a glory hole dot the Jarillas. He was involved in the past decade's turquoise boom, working some of the Jarilla turquoise which comes in all shades of the spectrum and sold for $5 a pound.

“I got out of the turquoise business just in time." Ward relates. He still carries samples in the store and advertises "chalk" on a sign outside but blames the popularity of Kingman turquoise for the lack of interest in Jarilla.

Ward discounts the idea the Jarilla mining district can make a comeback. It remains rich in iron ore, such as the old diggings at the Iron King, Iron Queen and Iron Duke, but he speculates it would take a major development, such as the world's largest open pit iron mine near Duluth, Minn., "going dry," before the iron fields of Jarilla would be reopened.

Ward has found a measure of contentment in Orogrande and so has Mike Musgrove, owner of My Place. Musgrove came to Orogrande more than five years ago to "find some peace and quiet."

His restaurant in Alamogordo had become a rat race. "It was working my wife and I to death . . . and I'm at an awkward age, too old to work and too young to retire."

"Why Orogrande? "Oh, we looked at a lot of other places, guess because I learned to drink here was one of the reasons we settle here."

Musgrove and his crowd, "we were a bunch of knotheads," liked Juarez best, "You could get bombed there for 50 cents," but it took too long to get there.

The nearly-60-year-old War II veteran loves the folklore of the area and thinks it's a darn shame there's no oldtimers left to relate it.

"How do you get questions answered like where in the hell did they (3,000 residents) get their water? I've always wanted to know."

Musgrove's longing to learn more of the past comes honestly.

His best buddy in high school was Jack Lee, cattle baron Oliver Lee's son. "Mr. Lee didn't have much 'to say when I was around," Musgrove said, recalling about the only thing he heard uttered by the controversial figure was, "Good morning boys. Good afternoon boys. Good evening boys."

Lee, however, made a very favorable impression on Musgrove. "His life has never been written properly," he contends.

He likes to tell of Lee, slightly built, looking more like a college professor than what history has tried to turn him into.

"He was neat, well-groomed and could ride across the desert and still look immaculate."

Musgrove has his own idea on grocer Tom Bell. "You can pan around and find color (gold) — just enough to starve to death," he contends. He's sure Bell took pity on the gold panners of the 30s and gave them much more than they deserved for their gold. "He probably broke even, at best," Musgrove contends.

Besides Oliver Lee, Musgrove's connections with the past make for some interesting tales. As a lad, Musgrove used to sit in awe at the stories Uncle John Meadows of Tularosa used to tell.

Uncle John, who died in 1937, was married to Pete Maxwell's daughter, Mary (it was in Maxwell's bedroom Pat Garrett supposedly shot Billy the Kid).

Musgrove said Uncle John's wife was very vocal in her denial her sister had anything to do with Billy. "She was a beautiful woman and had her pick of men. My sister wouldn't have spit on his boots," Musgrove quotes Mary Maxwell Meadows.

One of the few life-long residents remaining in Orogrande is Isabell Rumsey, postmistress. She was born here. The job has been hers since 1960 and she is proudest of the fact that she straightened out seven-day mail service to El Paso which now takes two or three days at the most.

Her father, Harry Hamilton, and grandfather, W. A., worked on the railroad. Both had a hand in building and maintaining the spur which ran to Brice.

She bemoans the lack of interest in the old town. "All I do is come here, do my work, and go home," she laments.

"There's a community center meeting once every three months, but no one ever attends."

The Fourth of July was so dead here Musgrove closed his bar, rather than talk to himself, and took a two-day vacation.

1891: Plucky El Paso’s Grand International Reception To President Harrison

04/22/1891

A Magnificent Ovation Which Awakened the Eloquence of Harrison and Challenged The Admiration of all Visitors – What Was Done and Said.

__

Welcome; farewell!

El Paso gave both salutations yesterday, and right proudly did she carry herself in the ceremony, so proudly indeed that she captured the hearts and admiration of the entire presidential party.

Nature conspired to make the international reception tendered the president a brilliant success. The day dawned clear and beautiful and at an early hour the finishing touches were given the handsome decorations in which the entire city was clothed. As early as 7 o’clock the streets were thronged with people, many of whom were visitors who came in the evening, before, and all wore happy smiling faces in keeping with their surroundings. Before the departure of the 8:10 o’clock train Mayor Caples received a telegram announcing that it would be inconvenient to so arrange the schedule as to permit a delegation meeting the presidential party at Ysleta, and so the committee of escort did not go down the road.

Marshall of the Day Charles Davis and his aids were out early perfecting all arrangements and getting the prominent features of the procession into position. At 8:30 o’clock the military from Fort Bliss, headed by the Fort Bliss band and commanded by Colonel Osborne marched to the depot and formed in line at the western end of the depot shed. The Mexican band next made its appearance and was drawn up in line to the left of the Fort Bliss troops. A large crowd of people soon gathered at the depot to await.

THE PRESIDENT’S ARRIVAL

At 9 o’clock sharp the presidential train rolled into the depot, and, strange to remark, not a whistle or bell was heard to chime in on the promised whistling concert. But the Mexican band struck up the national air of Mexico which was changed to “Hail to the Chief,” when the cannon stationed at the depot thundered out in salute of the president. There was some little delay while the committee was being presented to the president and his party. At last President Harrison made his appearance and was greeted with tremendous applause, as he was escorted to his carriage by Marshall Davis and Aid F.P. Clark. In the mean time the Fort Bliss band struck up an inspiring air and the crowd went wild with enthusiasms. The fire department headed by President Julian and Chief Keifer had arrived and taken their position in the procession. They joined in selling the volume of noise and when an El Paso fire laddie yells, he yells all over. He goes at it as he does everything else – to excel. The other members of the presidential party and distinguished guests from Mexico and New Mexico were escorted to their respective carriages and the procession was formed as follows:

Grand Marshall and Staff, Mexican Band.

First carriage – President Harrison, Governor Carrillo, Gen. Range, Gen. McCook.

Fort Bliss Troops.

Second carriage – Mrs. Harrison and ladies.

Third carriage – Postmaster General Wannamaker, Col. Villanueva, Gen. Stanley, Judge Urrutia.

Forth carriage – Ladies of the party

Fifth Carriage – Secretary Rusk, Governor Prince, Col. Ahumada, Col. Monroy.

Sixth carriage – Russell Harrison, Alfonso Aspe, Judge Carlos Munoz, Colones Ross.

Seventh carriage – Mayor Caples, Judge Frias y Camacho, Marshall Ramsdell, E. Provencio.

Eighth carriage – Lt. Col. Rios, Lt. Col. Candano, W.B. Hills, Dr. L.G. Munoz.

Ninth carriage – Messrs. Ogario, Valenzuela, Creel, Judge Bustamente.

Tenth carriage – Press correspondents.

Fort Bliss band

Grand Army of the Republic

Fire department

Colored citizens

Citizens and visitors in carriages and on foot.

The Knights of Pythias in their handsome dress uniforms were drawn up on St. Louis street, opposite the Vendome, and saluted the president as he passed and then dropped into line just in front of the fire department. The march was down St. Louis to El Paso street, down El Paso to Overland street, thence up Overland to Oregon, up Oregon to San Antonio and out San Antonio street to the court house. The entire length of the line was fairly packed with people and every window and balcony was thronged with ladies who waived their handkerchiefs and clapped their hands; to all of which, as well as to the throat splitting cheers of the jostling crowd in the streets and on the sidewalks, the president acknowledged with bows and the lifting of his hat. Our distinguished Mexican visitors came in for a liberal share of the cheering.

Arriving at the court house which was covered with decorations, escorted up the walk to the platform, between two lines of school children dressed in white, and looking as fresh and pretty as young rosebuds on a May morning. The ladies of the party, instead of remaining at the court house, took advantage of the opportunity offered to visit Juarez.

The Mexican band was placed on the platform with the president, General Malloy, in behalf of the city, welcomed the president to El Paso in these words:

Mr. President – Sir Walter Scott says in his book entitled, “A Journey Through the Highlands,” that whenever a Scottish chief visits the home of one of his clansmen the entire household comes forth and greets him with a “Caed mille filtha,” This quotation, from a tongue that is older than the graycat pyramid, when translated into our own beautiful language reads “a hundred thousand welcomes.” Such, sir, is the greeting extended to you today irrespective of political affiliation, or of military service, performed on either side during our great domestic struggle.

Mr. President, I have the honor to again greet you on behalf of the good people of El Paso, and extend to you from their heart of hearts, a hundred thousand welcomes. (applause)

MEXICO’S GREETINGS

At the conclusion of General Malloy’s remarks Governor Carrillo stepped forward and greeted the president in these works, as interpreted by Solomon O Schulz:

Mr. President: In the name of the state of Chihuahua and the city of Juarez I have the honor of welcoming you to our border. I salute you Mr. President and through you I salute the American people and have the pleasure of wishing you and your country every prosperity.

General Rangel, commander of the second military zone of Mexico said: Highly respected sir: “It is my honor to meet and greet you as the representative of the Mexican army. I greet you as the standard bearer of a great and prosperous nation.”

General Villanueva, representing president Diaz sad: “Mr. President, in the name of the Government of Mexico and its chief executive I salute you. In the name of Mexico’s secretary of war I have the honor of extending you a cordial greeting. I congratulate you and wish with all sincerity prosperity for yourself and the nation you represent and in doing so I further congratulate you on this particular occasion as being the first president of the United States to visit the border.”

PRESIDENT HARRISON RESPONDS

At the conclusion of these short and pleasing greetings President Harrison stepped well to the front and spoke as follows:

My Fellow Citizens: We have been journeying for several days through the great state of Texas. We are now about to leave her territory and receive from you this parting salute. Our entrance into the state was met with every demonstration of respect and enthusiasm. This is a fitting close to the expression which the people of the state have given to us. I am glad to stand at this gate of trade with the great republic of Mexico. (cries of hear and cheers) I am glad to know that it is not only a gateway of commerce, but a gateway of friendship (cries of hear, hear and cheers), that not only do those hurrying vehicles of commerce bear the product of the fields and mines in mutual exchange but that they have facilitated those personal relations that have promoted and must ever promote the friendliness of two independent liberty loving people (cheers). I receive with great satisfaction these tributes which have been brought to me by the governor of Chihuahua and the representative of the army of Mexico (cheers), I declare to return to them, and through them to the people of Mexico and to that illustrious and progressive statesman who presides over her destinies (cheers), not only my sincere personal regard, but an assurance of the friendliness and respect of the American government and the American people (cheers). I look forward with interest to a larger development of our trade; to the opening of new lines of commerce and new avenues of friendship. We have passed that reign, I hope, when we were an aggressive and unpleasant neighbor. We do not covet the territory of any other people, but we do covet their friendship, and those trade exchanges that are mutually profitable, (cheers, and cries of “viva,” “viva”) And now to you my fellow citizens I bring congratulations for the rapid development which you are making here and extend the most cordial good wishes for the realization of every hope, you have for El Paso and its neighborhood (cheers). All republics are builded on the respect and confidence of the people. They are enduring and stable as their institution and their rulers continue to preserve that respect (cheers) I rejoice that those influences that tend to soften the aspirations of human life, the home, the school and the church have kept pace with the enterprises of commerce and are established here among you. All commerce and trade rest upon the foundation of social order. You cannot attract foreign capital, you cannot attract and increased citizenship except as you give to the world a reputation for social order, (cries of good, good and cheers) in which crime is suppressed, in which the rights of the humble are respected (cheers) and where the courts stand as the safe bulwark of the personal and public rights of every citizen (cheers), I trust that as your city grows, you will see that these foundations are carefully and broadly laid and then you may hope that a superstructure, magnificent in the dimensions, perfect in its security and grace shall rise in your midst (cheers). I am glad to greet my comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic (cheers); the survivors of the grand struggle for the union which was one of the few wars in history that brought universal blessing to the victors and the vanquished alike; that was followed by no proscription, no block, no execution, but by the receiving again of those who had striven for the destruction of the country into friendly citizenship, laying upon them no yolks that was not borne by these veterans, that of obedience to the law and a due respect for the rights of other men. (cheers) Again, sirs, (to the Mexican representatives) thanking you for the friendly greeting you have brought from across the narrow river that separates us, and to you, my fellow countrymen, I extend my thanks and bid you good bye. (prolonged cheering)

The president’s voice was clear and robust and his enunciation so perfect as to make his remarks heard by all.

SHAKING HANDS

At the conclusion of Mr. Harrison’s address himself and party held a reception on the platform and for fully 20 minutes the president was kept busy shaking hands. Many little children crowded to the front to greet the president who had a smile and kind word for each. Among the other little ones, was petite Carrie Fewel the bright little six year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Fewel. She walked up to the president with a smile and extended a beautiful bouquet saying that it was “a offering of a little Texas democratic girl.” The president accepted the flowers, smiling his acknowledgement and patted the child affectionately on the head.

In returning to the presidential train the order of the procession was reversed. The Fort Bliss band marching in front of the president’s carriage. The presidential party appeared to greatly admire the handsome decorations, and Mr. Harrison smiled significantly whenever his eyes rested upon a streamer bearing the inscription: “Reciprocity with Mexico.” It evidently reminded him of how he headed off Senor Blaine, on the Canadian conference. At his train Mr. Harrison held a reception for the representatives from Mexico, Champagne corks popped and the president, proposed a toast to President Diaz. Governor Carrillo responded by toasting President Harrison. He also extended Mr. Harrison a cordial invitation to the state of Chihuahua, promising him a royal welcome should he at any time decided to accept the invitation.

FAREWELL

At exactly 11:10 local time, the presidential train pulled out of the depot amid loud huzzas from thousands of throats and the clash of brass bands, and was well away on its journey to the Pacific Coast, and our people turned from the train to congratulate each other, on the magnificent success they had achieved. Every man was proud of El Paso and proud of his neighbor. El Paso had given President Harrison a grand and brilliant international reception. The whole affair had moved off and finished up like clock work, without a single bobble or break. Marshall Davis and his excellent staff of aides handled everything admirably, and our entire people joined hands and pulled together to make the affair a success. Even the individual to be found in all cities, who invariably selects such occasions to purchase a disreputable jag and make himself generally obnoxious, was conspicuous for his absence, or else, realizing the importance of the occasion, he braced up and did himself proud for El Paso’s sake. It was a notable fact that not a single person the least intoxicated was to be seen in the city during the president’s stay. Everything was order itself.

THE BALL

The ball given last night at the court house in honor of Governor Carrillo, staff and other visitors to the city was a fitting final to the festivities of the day. The committee on decorations consisting of Messrs. Berla and Rechart, ably assisted by E. Moya and J.W. Edwards, done wonders in the short time which had been given them. In the front yard three large electric lights had been erected which transformed night into day. On the north side of the hall a large stand had been decorated which was occupied by invited guests who did no wish to participated in the dancing. This stand was artistically ornamented with American and Mexican flags, while above all was a circle of red, white and blue gas globes, the word “welcome” being painted on the white globes. Fancy colored garlands extended from the large chandelier in the center to the sides and corners of the hall. The gallery over the main entrance was decorated with American flags. The orchestra, consisting of the 11th Regiment band from Chihuahua, which had been placed at the disposal of the committee by Colonel Ross, was stationed on the west balcony. The elite of El Paso and Juarez attended, and a fairer picture has never been presented to the eyes than was displayed on the ballroom floor last night.

At 12 o’clock the signal for supper was given, and all repaired to the hall on the first floor, where an elegant repast had been spread by Mr. Dunning, manager of the Vendome hotel. The arrangements were perfect in every particular, and last night’s ball will always be remembered by all participants as the most elegant affair of the kind ever gotten up in El Paso.

NOTES

Henry Bigelow, a special correspondent for the San Francisco Examiner, arrived in the city yesterday to report in full President Harrison’s reception at this point. He intended to accompany the presidential train through California but was not allowed to do so as arrangements had been made for only three correspondents to accompany the party.

A number of the presidential party stated yesterday that El Paso’s reception was far ahead of anything they had experienced in Texas. The Galveston and Houston receptions particularly were no where as compared with the courtesies extended in this city. That’s right, El Paso always leads.

J.P. Hyland, editor of the Kingston Shaft, arrived in the city, accompanied by his daughter, to take part in the reception. They remained over for the ball.

Wm. Burns, the speaker of the last general assembly of New Mexico, arrived in the city to shake hands with President Harrison.

F.H. Siebold, cashier of the First National Bank of Deming, New Mexico, took part in yesterday’s proceedings and highly praised El Paso’s hospitality.

M.H. Twomey, A.E. Wolcott and Robert Black, represented a part of the Silver City contingent that came down to be present at the presidential reception.

When President Harrison’s special passed the headquarters of the McGinty club on San Francisco street he was greeted by a volley of shots fired from winchesters and revolvers. The President acknowledged the compliment by stepping on the rear platform of the lead car and waving his hat.

Among the Las Cruces visitors in the city yesterday we noticed Jacinto Armijo, Pinito Pino, Col J.D. Barncastle, Col. J.F. Bennett, W.G. and Henry Rynerson, Ramon Baca, Judge S.B. Newcomb and wife, Col. Fountalo, J.K. Livingston and P.S. Fruendental.

Salvador F. Maillefert, Mexican consul at Deming, New Mexico, arrived in the city yesterday to represent Colonel Escobar, the local consul, who is still confined to his house by sickness. Mr. Malliefert stated that the reception given President Harrison yesterday by El Paso was far beyond his expectations.

A large number of business houses and residences in Juarez were decorated in honor of President Harrison. During the day Senor Provencio ordered all the houses illuminated at night, and soon after dark Juarez was resplendent in the reflection of thousands of lights.

E.F. Tibbott, executive secretary to President Harrison was taken care of by the press boys.

Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. McKee and the other ladies of the presidential party visited Juarez during the exercises at the court house. Mrs. Harrison purchased a hat on the side, which she says Uncle Jerry Rusk must wear.

The members of the Harrison party embrace the president and his wife, Secretary of Agriculture Rusk, Mrs. McKee, Mrs. Dimmick, Russell B. Harrison and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Boyd, Marshall Ransdell, Mr. and Mrs. Tibbott stenographers, Alfred J. Clark of the Associated Press, Richard V. Oulshan of the United Press, and Oscar P. Austin of the Press News association.

Messrs. Deiter and Sauer treated the press representatives handsomely.

The decorations were all superb, and the TIMES representative being unable to decide which was the handsomest, appointed Professor Carrera of Las Cruces to pass upon the matter. After inspecting all the decorations in the city the professor awarded the palm to Fenchler Bros., who are in titled to the write-up promised by the TIMES.

The representatives of the press with the presidential party are: A.J. Clark, of the Associated Press; R.V. Oulshand, of the United Press; O.P. Austin, of the Press News association. They were handsomely entertained by the local press committee.

The music of the Mexican military band delighted the ladies of the presidential party.

The McGinty club assembled on the roof of the public sampling works and greeted the president with a farewell salute as his train passed. The president doffed his beaver to the McGintys.

The local press tendered a banquet last night to Editor Conder, of La Chihuahuenas and other visiting editors at the Vendome hotel. Mr. Dunning, who is a special friend of the press, furnished an excellent spread, with plenty of wine, and the banquet proved a most delightful social event.

General Stanley is a great favorite with the people of El Paso, and they were highly gratified to have him stop over for the ball last night.

Every member of the presidential party acknowledged that El Paso’s reception was the prettiest and most brilliant the president had received on his entire trip.

To the Times: By a unanimous vote of the committee appointed to receive the representatives of the press traveling with the president, I am instructed to return the sincere thanks of the committee to Messrs Dieter and Sauer for the very handsome manner in which they assisted in entertaining our guest. Respectfully,

W.M. Yandell,

Chairman of Committee

1968: Firecreek Premiere Stars Arrive In EP

01/24/1968 

Barbara Funkhouser
El Paso Times -

 

January 24, 1968 - STARS ARRIVE -- The world premiere of Warner Brothers-Seven Arts new western, "Firecreek," scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Plaza Theatre, began Tuesday night with the arrival of the stars. Shown at International Airport with James Stewart, right, who portrays the sheriff, are Ed Begley, whose role is that of a fire and brimstone precher, and the petitie Miss Barbara Luna, cast in the film as the Indian girl.

 

Stewart led a contingent of movie stars into El Paso Tuesday night for the premiere at 8 p.m., Wednesday at the Plaza Theater of “Firecreek” a western which has, according to director Vincent McEveety, “something to say.”

Arriving at International Airport were Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, Miss Barbara Luna, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Begley, McEveety and Calvin Clements, screen writer.

They were met by executives of Warner Brothers-Seven Arts and Interstate Theatres along with three representatives of the University of Texas at El Paso Golddiggers who presented the women with bouquets of red roses.

There is a magic always for those caught up in these events for it is exciting to see and talk with persons who are very much a legend in their time, these being especially Stewart and Begley.

Part of this intangible legend is that they are the same in person as they are on the screen. For example, Stewart is soft spoken, unassuming, waiting for the question before giving the answer which he then does with an interesting mixture of confidence and friendliness.

It is also fun to talk with younger members of these troupes; Miss Luna, for example. This is her second premiere, her first being in connection with her role in “The Ship of Fools.” She has appeared in many television productions.

Looking very much straight from 5th Avenue in New York, which is her home, she was asked in this exclusive interview with The El Paso Times whether she rides a horse in the new film in which she portrays a half-breed maiden.

She turned very serious, thought for a moment, and replied, “No, I don’t think so – but I get raped!”

Stewart said he has been in El Paso many times and has been looking forward to a return visit for the premiere.

“Over the years I have been at premieres of pictures all over the country. I like this part of the business. It is the right way to start a film moving,” he said.

“Firecreek” will open its regular run in movie theaters throughout the Southwest on Thursday, according to W.E. Mitchell, head of Interstate Theatres from Dallas.

Stewart said that “Firecreek” is a different kind of Western, that it is serious with some sadness but definitely is not grim.

McEveety elaborated somewhat on the intention of the film.

“We think it is something distinctive but will, of course, wait for the opinion of the critics. I think we said something. We intended to say something, not so much about the guy but about you and me. We hope its different,” the director said.

Clements, the screen writer, said he hopes that the term. “Firecreek,” will become something significant to people because it could represent any town which is threatened with violence.

In the plot, the town of Firecreek is invaded by five tough adventurers, Henry Fonda, Gary Lockwood, James Best, Jack Elam and Morgan Woodward.

Their first encounter is with a flirtatious farm girl and then, upon arriving in the town, two of them get into a brawl over Miss Luna who is an unmarried Indian girl with a fair-haired child.

This violence is stopped by Stewart, a farmer who is inadvertently identified as a part-time sheriff, and here begins his attempt to restore law and order into which is woven various romantic interests. Begley plays the traveling fire and brimstone preacher.

The stars will meet with more than 50 press, television and radio representatives from throughout the United States and Canada Wednesday morning; attend a Mexican rodeo in the charro ring in Juarez at noon and then prepare for personal appearances at 8 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre. Headquarters for all visitors is the Camino Real in Juarez.

Festivities planned for the arrival of the stars at the Plaza include music by the University of Texas at El Paso band and the Golddiggers and dancing by Tigua and Matachin Indians.

The stars will then appear on the Plaza stage where they will be made honorary citizens by Mayor Judson Williams and honorary deputies by Sheriff Mike Sullivan prior to the first showing of “Firecreek.”

1962: El Paso City Council Okays Integration

On June 7, 1962 City Council passed  an ordinance prohibiting segregation in hotels, motels, restaurants and theaters. Mayor Seitsinger  vetoed the ordinance and City Council overrode his veto.

06/07/1962

The City Council today passed on first reading an ordinance which would prohibit racial or religious segregation in El Paso hotels, motels, restaurants, and theaters. The ordinance would punish such segregation as a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $200 fine.

The ordinance was proposed by Alderman Bert Williams and seconded by Alderman Ted Bender.

"I agree in principle with the ordinance," Mayor Seitsinger said, "but I believe that integration should be on a voluntary basis

The proposed ordinance has been in the planning stages for more than a month. It was prepared at the insistence of civic leaders of El Paso.

The new ordinance is titled: "An ordinance forbidding discrimination in certain public places because of race, color, or religion, and making violation a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200."

Text of the ordinance, in part reads: "Section I — It shall be unlawful for any owner, operator, or manager of any hotel, motel, restaurant or theater in the City of El Paso or for any agent or employe of such owner to refuse withhold from, or deny from any person for any reason directly or indirectly relating to race, color, or religion of such person any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or 'other such services . . ."

Section II of the new ordinance defines the terms "hotel and motel" "theaters." The ordinance excludes private clubs, and such hotels and motels that have a majority of permanent guests.

Mayor Hints Veto of Ordinance

Mayor Seitsinger Wants Voluntary Integration

Here's What Mayor Seitsinger Said

Integration Okayed Over Mayor's Veto

1973: Sisters of Daughters of Charity Buy Apartment

06/07/1973

Buying a house is a normal transaction — unless the buyers happen to be the 16 Sisters of the Daughters of Charity.

For the most part, the Sisters of Hotel Dieu have always lived in an institutional atmosphere, since they left their own homes to enter the religious community. Domestic work was of no concern in an institutional set-up, such as their quarters in the Hotel Dieu School of Nursing.

WHEN THE SCHOOL was sold to the University of Texas System Nursing Department, the search for a permanent home began for the 16 Sisters, according to Sister Isabel, Superior of the Community.

The Daughters of Charity were confronted with a variety of choices. To begin with, they studied the possibility of building their own home. Hotel Dieu owned some land adjacent to the School which would be a perfect site. The price, however, was beyond their limited financial situation.

The Sisters, then, looked into the feasibility of leasing an old hotel near the hospital. Again, the stumbling block was the owner's high price, coupled with the fact that the cost of remodeling and repairing the place was high.

MAY, 1973 — the deadline for the complete take-over of the Austin System — was approaching rapidly. The Sisters had to find a new home at a cost sufficiently reasonable to be accepted by the Council of the Daughters of Charity in St. Louis.

"A reasonably priced apartment house on Arizona and Campbell was purchased. A kitchen had to be equipped and individual sleeping quarters provided. By adding four bedrooms and two baths, the L-shaped building became a square, with a patio in the center," said Sister Isabel.

The final complex consists of 16 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, a living-dining room area and kitchen, together with two small rooms for laundry and sewing. A little reception area, separated from the rest of the house, closes the square.

A NEW HOME means a new style of living for the Sisters, some of whom had not lived in a real home for 50 years. Their house is adequate and functional, but the Sisters must do a lot of their own cooking and cleaning as well as their usual outside jobs. Some have never learned to cook, some have forgotten this art and others feel consoled by the fact that they "know how to read the recipe, anyway!"

Before moving in, many of the Sisters had reservations about this new kind of "homeliving" prominent among them was the fact of limited space and security. In an institutional living situation, not many persons are going to break into a room on the seventh floor. Extra precautions have been taken to alleviate this fear.

SMALL JOKES also began to circulate, partly as a tension reliever. One was the idea of the Sisters building a swimming pool in their small patio and using the roof as a diving platform.

Of course, the Sisters had to make the usual decisions concerning the features of the house, as would any family. Fortunately, the Daughters of Charity are very flexible people: how else could 16 women agree on the same things?

When their home was completed, His Excellency Bishop Metzger blessed it and the Sisters gathered their belongings for the final move. Each Sister has added individual touches to her room. One Sister bought material for a bedspread and curtains. Since she could not find enough of any one color; she chose three different patterns, much to the chagrin of the lady who had volunteered to sew them. "You are just going to have to go back and find, at least, the same color," the seamstress protested.

ONCE SITUATED, the Sisters decided on the household job they wished to undertake. They hired a cook to make lunch and dinner during the busy weekdays, but on weekends and for breakfast, they are on their own.

"At first, breakfast was difficult! Have you ever tried to fit 15 people into a 7'x7' kitchen, at one time? Needless to say, we had to arrange a schedule, yielding the place to the Sisters who had to be at work early. Once, Sister Louise, the hospital administrator, got up at 4:45 a.m. to fix pancakes and had breakfast ready for us by the time we awoke," said Sister Marie Therese, occupational therapist.

"THANK HEAVEN for Sister Helen Marie from England and her delicious spaghetti, because it makes up for the 'almost' baked potatoes we got," she continued.

The Sisters even take care of their own lawn, with Sister Louise as head gardener: "We've tried many things with our garden and lawn just like in the kitchen. Some have been near disasters, but things are beginning to sprout now," exclaimed one Sister.

The Daughters of Charity came to El Paso in 1892 to establish a hospital for tuberculosis victims, who had swarmed to the area for the climate. Before the Sisters established Hotel Dieu, these people lived in a "tent town" on the side of Mt. Franklin.

SISTER ISABEL remarked, "We have been part of this community for almost a century, but until we moved into our 'home', we were more apart from it. While we are working in the yard the neighbors talk to us, children visit and the mystery of the 'convent' is gone."

The neighbors are so enthusiastic about the Sisters moving next door that they gave them a party to welcome them to the "neighborhood;" a neighborhood they had really been part of since before there was one.

THE DAUGHTERS of Charity have 60 Provinces around the world. As with most orders currently, they are reviewing and revising their Constitutions, together with much of their life style. When this each is done, each order will be able to adapt to the life of their country.

This is being done "in the spirit of Christ, instead of the spirit of the law," as Sister Isabel phrases it.