Tales from the Morgue

1966: Report Urges Downtown 'Revitalization' Program

October 18, 1966

By MARSHALL HAIL

El Paso as a whole can expect a substantial increase in retail sales volume during the next 20 years, but downtown El Paso presorts a different picture.

Between now and 1970 the rate of growth in sales volume downtown will be "well below" the rate of increase for the entire city.

By 1985 downtown can expect a net loss in shoppers' goods volume of more than 10 per cent from the present—unless a "revitalization" program is undertaken in the immediate future.

THESE ARE AMONG conclusions reached by the Real Estate Research Corp. of Los

Angeles In its Community Economic Analysis prepared for the City.

If the economic vitality of a downtown is not maintained, the report warns, its deterioration will affect all portions of the community's economy. Although not offering a revitalization program as such, the report says concern ought to be given to the practical solution of such problems as:

1. Convenient access into downtown, which today is via an older street system of limited capacity which cannot be expected to handle adequately the increased traffic volumes forecast 10 and 20 years hence,

2. Improvement of the present pattern of circulation within the core of downtown, with respect to movement of both automobiles and pedestrians.

3. REDUCTION of the number of points within downtown where the automobile and the pedestrian are placed in direct competition with one another.

4. Major renovation or replacement of those physical improvements in downtown which are today deteriorating in quality and becoming functionally obsolescent,

5. Provision of adequate parking within downtown which is as convenient for the retail patron and client offered in new, modern shopping center developments in the suburbs,

6. Consideration of the creation of more open space within downtown to enhance the operational and aesthetic character of the central core, and thus make it distinctive as a place in which to work, shop, visit and spend leisure time.

REGARDING No. I, access to downtown, City Planning Department officials feel that the new freeway will not provide the access desired. They have been considering a proposed new route to encircle the central district.

No. 3 is an evident reference to El Paso's short downtown blocks and the large number of intersections, where people and cars tend to get in one another's way.

Unless there is a revitalization program, the report cautions the downtown retail core stands to lose $3 million annually in sales of shoppers goods alone by 1970, and at least $12.2 million annually by 1985.

DOWNTOWN retailers must adapt themselves to the city's shifting patterns, the report advises. Noting the growth of shopping centers, it says: "Downtown will have to cater more carefully to the specialized markets it can best serve within this newly emerging competitive pattern. In doing so it must upgrade both its physical appearance and its basic merchandising operation. Incidentally, such upgrading must be in response to the differing needs of both the El Paso and the Mexican market from across the border . . .

"The choice between a revitalization program and no revitalization action for downtown is a critical one for El Paso."

In all, Research Corp. devotes a 40-page chapter to analyzing many aspects of El Paso's retail economy. It finds that:

El Paso's trading area on the U.S. side contains 709,100 persons, and on both sides of the border, a total of 1,750,00. Patronage comes from distances up to 200 miles and farther.

TOTAL RETAIL sales in the city in 1965 were estimated at $374,435,000, compared with $353,445,000 in 1963, Downtown retail stiles were $110,591,000 in 1965, compared with $109,499,000 in 1963.

Excluded from these figures are retail sales of between $22,500.000 and $23,000,100 in military commissary aid exchange facilities.

Downtown El Paso is still in a strong competitive position, despite losses to outlying shopping centers, largely because it has attracted increased patronage from a growing population on the Mexican side.

In downtown, 63 per cent of shoppers' goods sales come from El Paso. Nearly 26 per cent come from Juarez residents while 4 per cent come from Mexico outside Juarez.

El Paso has an oversupply of food markets.

PER CAPITA retail sales in El Paso are lower than in other South western and Western cities. This reflects a lower family income in El Paso and Mexico.

El Paso's capture of the Juarez market will not automatically continue. Between 1970 and 1985 it is probable that competitive facilities developed on the Mexican side could reduce El Paso's share. The Chamizal settlement will give Mexico several hundred acres for development of such facilities.

Total retail sales in El Paso, which were $353,445,000 in 1965, should climb to $404,150.000 in 1970, and, assuming new competitive facilities located in Mexico. $561,600,000 in 1985.

Total retail space requirements will be somewhat less in 1970 than at present, due to the present oversupply of some retail stores that is expected to shrink. But by 1985 the total retail inventory can be increased by 1,765,000 square feet of space.

LITTLE if any net additions to the retailing inventory will be justified in downtown El Paso, the report predicts. "Downtown's new construction in retailing facilities between the present and 1985 will represent essentially a replacement market.

"It can be expected that significant, new shopping center developments will materialize in both Northwest El Paso and Southeast El Paso between now and 1985. Some additional growth can be anticipated in Northeast El Paso ... Other additions to the inventory can be anticipated at locations within Central El Paso which effectively can tap significant portions of the total metropolitan area."

1944: El Paso Sergeant Kills Nazi, Swims River, Escapes

01/25/1944

HAL BOYLE
Associated Press Correspondent

ON THE 5TH ARMY FRONT IN ITALY, Jan. 23.—(Delayed)—A little El Paso sergeant who killed a German with his own machine-pistol, told today how he ran two and a half miles barefooted to safety after swimming the icy Rapido River when his unit was surrounded and cut off while trying to establish bridgehead.

He was one of four shivering survivors who said: "We would rather die than be captured by the Germans."

They plunged into the raging mountain torrent, risking death in ts waters, instead of German imprisonment.

Many similar bands have been forcing their way back across the Rapido after the sustained enemy attacks with mortars, artillery and machine-gun fire destroyed the American bridgehead in 24 hours of battle.

Casualties were heavy as the group tied up an entire German division—thus draining off forces which might otherwise have impeded 5th Army landings on the beaches south of Rome. As a result of the loss of the bridgehead, the Rapido has again become the boundary between American and German lines.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Dispatches today said the Americans had recrossed the Rapido River and reestablished their bridgehead.; "But we know we are still going across that river and the next time I am going to kill more than one German." said Sgt. Santiago Jaramilio, 2624 San Diego street, El Paso.

Jaramilio and three other soldiers— Sgt. Alex Carrillo of 1021 Olive street, El Paso; Pvt. Morris Crain of Barlow, Ky., and Pvt. Jack Moochnek, 19, of Brooklyn,—found refuge in the dispensary of an artillery battalion.

As they stretched full length on the straw-covered floor of the old Italian stone house which shook from artillery bombardment outside the windows, medics worked on their half frozen feet to restore circulation.

"These men walked two and a half miles on bare feet after getting across the river this morning," said Sgt. George C. Fox, a medic from Amarillo, Tex., pointing to Jaramillo, Carrillo and Crain.

"Like heck we walked—we ran two and a half miles,” said Jaramilio. "Those Germans were shooting at us with rifles all the way across that river."

Before dawn yesterday, his unit crossed a pontoon bridge thrown up during the night near San Angelo by Army engineers. They were pinned down after getting only a short way past the river banks.

After pounding them with a terrific mortar barrage, German infantry gradually closed in. Except for fog and timely American artillery fire laid down less than 200 yards in front of the slender bridgehead, all the Yanks might have been wiped out.

"We held out all day until we heard Germans around us begin calling, 'Give up, give up.'" Jaramillo related, "I raised up out of my foxhole and saw about seven or eight German soldiers scattered around in the fog taking hack some of our men, " 'Give up hell." I yelled and grabbed for my gun. There were Germans right by my side who had me covered. Suddenly I heard a shot. It apparently nicked a nearby German's shoulder because he dropped his machinepistol. I knew then that it was him or me.

"I lowered my hands and made a flying tackle for that pistol. He dived for it at the same time but I got it first. When I let go at him with a couple of bursts, he threw up his hands and cried: 'No. no, kamrad.' But he was too late. I already had six or eight bullets in him and they finished him off.

"I was afraid this firing might bring other Germans over but they were some distance away in the fog and seemed to have their hands full. They weren't anxious to come any closer. That fog saved a lot of our necks."

Jaramilio. Carrillo and Crain hid in a shell crater which the Nazis overlooked. Twice during the night, they tried to make their way across the river but German small-arms fire drove them back.

"This morning we knew we had to swim that river then or never get over it and we surely weren't going to spend the rest of the war in a German prison camp," said Jaramilio. "We took off our shoes and all our heavy clothing and slid into the river, we waded as far as we could and then swam as fast as we could when the German bullets began splashing around.

"That river is only 30 to 40 yards across, but they didn't name it Rapido for nothing. It was all we could do to keep from being swept away by that current. Some of the other boys who tried to get across during- the night didn't make it. When we got to the other side, we kept running until we were behind safe cover.

"I will surely be glad for a chance to get back at the Germans for making me run across those rocks barefooted."

Read more:

1944: Sergeant Who Fled Across River After Killing German Learned to Swim in E. P. Irrigation Canal

1944: Alex Carrillo Wants To Return Home to Marry Lucy

1966: Bedlam Reigns In El Paso

03/20/1966

By Jeff Berry

Up town, downtown, all around town, bedlam reigned as cheering Miner fans celebrated Saturday night’s victory over Kentucky.

Thousands cheered the victory in a frenzy matched only by VE and VJ days, 21 years ago.

From the time of the Miner cage victory, around 10:10 p.m. and continuing for hours, the entire downtown area and Texas Western College campus was in a hectic uproar. Thousands of hornblowing cars and exuberant fans swept through the San Jacinto Plaza area. People screamed “We’re number one!”

At the Plaza, the din of auto horns was so loud, it was impossible to talk. One pickup truck was seen driving around with three drummers in the back playing snare drums.

Tourist and people who had not been watching the game were startled at the celebrating and horn honking.

One surprised tourist, who had just gotten off the bus said, “what’s going on?” This was the general question of other non-sports followers.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before, one amazed Ft. Bliss recruit said. “We never had anything like this happen back home in Rock Hill” (South Carolina)

Other comments tended to be more enthusiastic … “Bobby Joe Hill, Lattin and the team are better than Batman! They’re faster too … “They were great just tops!”

“They sure made fools out of Associated Press and last night’s refs.” … “Let’s give Coach Haskins and the team a real boost and meet them when they come in.”

One soldier said “that’s the best thing that has happened in Texas since I came here.” He is a basic training recruit at Ft. Bliss.

The whole downtown area was one of running people, packed paint smeared cars bearing the legend “TWC No.1!” and “Go Go Miners, We love you.”

Several people road atop their vehicles around the Plaza, blowing red plastic trumpets and cheering all the way.

Police made no effort to stop them. One officer explained “We’re letting them blow off steam. As long as they stay happy and don’t go to Excesses, we won’t interfere.”

Col. Frank F. Miter, TWC math instructor, drove by during the celebrating. “This sis the best thing that has ever happened to our school. I’m proud to be associated with TWC.” He said.

One jubilant celebrator Jerry Miller, was frustrated, however. His auto horn burned out. “I should have had it checked before this game,” He said.

1948: Ascarate Council Will Take Time To Organize City

01/16/1948

Ascarate is giving "mature" thought to organizing its city departments, but plans to take

its own time, Mayor Tracy said today. "We have been a city only two days," the mayor said,

"We have not had time to organize. Ascarate has spent a great deal fighting El Paso to become an independent city."

Ascarate's status as a township or a part of El Paso has been pending before courts for more than a year. It was finally settled this week when the State Supreme Court upheld its incorporation.

Must Accept Responsibilities

Both the El Paso City Council and the Commissioners' Court have served notice on the new town that it must accept certain responsibilities as an incorporated township.

The El Paso Council yesterday voted to inform the Ascarate officials that El Paso will withdraw

its fire protection if Ascarate can provide its own.

El Paso officials also requested Ascarate to adopt some type zoning laws and building restrictions to protect El Paso residential districts bordering on the new town.

Withdraw Road Maintenance

The commissioners, in a session yesterday, instructed County Attorney Guinn to inform Ascarate officials that the County will withdraw its Ascarate road maintenance.

Ascarate must now make plans to contribute to the City-County Hospital and Health Unit Ascarate Council members were invited to meet with the Commissioners Court in joint sessions with the El Paso Council.

The Ascarate Council plans no special sessions to discuss the organizing and financing of a police force, fire protection, street department, library and other municipal departments, Mayor Tracy said.

Zoning Is Planned

Such questions will be presented at the next regular meeting of the Ascarate Council Jan. 27 at the temporary city hall at Mayor Tracy's home, he said.

On the matter of adopting zoning laws, Mayor Tracy said: "We are glad for suggestions from the El Paso Council, but we beat them to the punch already; by giving mature thought to adopting ''building restrictions we think " are necessary for Ascarate."

An Ascarate fire department will be installed as soon as the necessary equipment is obtained, Mayor Tracy said.

He said he saw no reason why El Paso could not continue to provide the fire protection until Ascarate's department is functioning.

Will Depend on Sheriff

El Paso fights fire in Juarez, why not in Ascarate?" he asked.

Ascarate will depend on the Sheriff's' Department for policing until a force of its own is organized, the mayor said.

Garbage collection at Ascarate is now handled by an individual who will probably continue, Mayor Tracy said.

What will Ascarate do for a street department now that the County has withdrawn its maintenance of Ascarate streets?

Will Plan Buildings

"I haven't heard of the County no longer repairing roads in El Paso," Mayor Tracy said. "We will make plans for that as soon as we get to it.".

The Council will also discuss parks, a jail, library and a city hall at the next meeting. Meantime, Ascarate's attorney, Harold Long, is busy preparing ordinances.

Mayor Tracy expressed bitterness at El Paso's attempts to prevent the incorporation.

"We don't want to be isolated down here," he said. "We plan to be a friendly, co-operative community. We have no intentions of becoming a part of El Paso, ever."

Serve Without Pay

Members of the Ascarate Council, elected last year, are J. M. Weems, Arthur Horn, Ramon Mendoza, George Mail and William Adams. A C. Moore is tax assessor and collector.

Regular council meetings will be held at 9 a. m. the second and fourth Tuesday each month at the mayor's home at 234 South Glenwood drive.

Ascarate officials are now serving without pay. Collection of the tax rate of 25 cents on the $100 assessed valuation has not started.

The El Paso Fire Department has not fought Juarez fires since Juarez acquired a Fire Department several months ago. El Paso officials said the El Paso department answered

31 calls to Ascarate last year.