Happy 100th, New Mexico!

Today, New Mexicans celebrate 100 years of statehood–Jan. 6, 1912-Jan. 6, 2012.

If you’re in New Mexico today, check out the Centennial webpage for the schedule of events all around the state.  At 11:30 this morning, honk your horn wherever you are in New Mexico to signify New Mexico’s birthday!

All week, I have shared stories that make Northeast New Mexico unique. Here’s one more from the Morrow family archives.

John F. Morrow, referred to as Papa Morrow in the family, arrived in Folsom, New Mexico by train in 1888 as a school teacher.   He taught many children including the Dale children.

During the long, harsh winters, the Dale Family would move down to Folsom from Johnson Mesa so their daughters could attend school under John F. Morrow’s direction.

This is where the story gets good!   He would eventually marry Virginia Dale, who was actually one of his students.  Not quite so scandalous in those days, I guess!  They were married in the Dale’s home  on November 30, 1891.

John F. and Virginia Dale Morrow

John F. Morrow went on to become Raton’s Superintendent of Schools, a lawyer, a New Mexico Territorial Representative and a U.S. Congressman.

68th U.s. Congress Freshman Class, 1923. John F. Morrow is the first person in the second row from the left.

Since then, many Morrows have served the state as teachers, politicians, business owners and stewards of the Land of Enchantment.

Here’s to the next 100 years of statehood!

*The photo and story of John F. and Virginia Dale Morrow come from the American Journal biosketch blog by Jim Morrow, thanks Jim!

Centennial stories, day 4

This week, in honor of New Mexico’s centennial, I am sharing stories that put Northeast New Mexico on the map.

Northeast New Mexico is home to a rare specimen (no, I’m not talking about my husband, although he qualifies).  Capulin Volcano, considered the most perfect example of extinct volcanoes in North America, keeps a watchful eye over our part of the world.

Capulin Volcano from Morrow Ranch.

In 1891, twenty-one years before New Mexico would become a state, 1,900 acres were withdrawn from public entry to protect the integrity of this scientifically important volcano.

President Woodrow Wilson, in 1916, declared Capulin Volcano a National Monument;  in 1925, U.S. Congressman John F. Morrow is credited with securing funding to build the original road that took visitors to the top of the volcano.

Homer Farr in the first vehicle at the top of Capulin Volcano. Photo courtesy http://www.nps/gov/cavo

With the idea of promoting Capulin Mountain as a must see tourist attraction,  Homer Farr spent much of his life as Capulin Volcano’s custodian and the person who oversaw building the first road there.  On Dec. 25, 1925, the road was finished and Homer drove the first car to the top.

Five states are visible from the top of Capulin Volcano along with area ranches, wildlife including bear, mule deer, roosting ladybugs and 73 species of birds.  It’s also a great place for that windblown look as a breeze is ever present.

Next time you’re zooming across US 64/87 stop off at Capulin Volcano National Monument, while you’re at the top give a wave, a Morrow just might wave back.

Capulin Volcano is a popular photo subject. This is Tim Keller's winter shot. Photo courtesy: http://www.timkellerphotography.com/ImageView.html?id=L20

Learn more about Capulin Volcano National Monument on their website and Facebook fanpage.

Centennial stories, day 3

This week, in honor of New Mexico’s centennial, I am sharing stories that put Northeast New Mexico on the map (or in this case, nearly took it off!).

Folsom, NM was a bustling town with the largest stockyards north of Fort Worth, TX until a flood wiped out the town on Aug. 27, 1908.

Folsom central operator, Sally Rooke, is credited with saving many, many lives that day.  Even after several warnings to seek higher ground, Sally stayed at the telephone switchboard to warn others.

Ultimately, her body was found 12 miles down the Dry Cimarron River.  Some say she was still holding her headset in her hand.  Most of the buildings, livestock and 16 others were also washed down the river that day.

Folsom, as a town, never really recovered from the flood and is considered a ghost town. Today, a handful of families live there and many more receive their mail in the little town located just northeast of the Morrow Ranch.

Annually in September, the Folsom Museum hosts the Capulin Volcano Run, a fundraiser to support the historical preservation of the area.  (It’s a half-marathon beginning at 7000 feet with the highest point at the rim of the volcano–8100 feet, wow!)

Folsom Museum, formerly Doherty Mercantile. Photo courtesy http://www.claytonnewmexico.net

Centennial stories, day 2

This week, in honor of New Mexico’s centennial, I’m sharing a few of the stories that put Northeast New Mexico on the map.

“I’ll be in hell before you start breakfast, boys.”  Some of the famous last words of Black Jack Ketchum before he was hanged in Clayton, NM on April 26, 1901 for attempted train robbery.  He tried to rob the train at a point just east of the Morrow Ranch between Folsom and Des Moines.

Hanging Black Jack. photo courtesy http://www.claytonnewmexico.net

Ketchum was the only person ever hanged in Union County, NM.  Good thing because it was a messy scene–Ketchum was decapitated when he dropped through the trap door.  Read more about Black Jack Ketchum on the history page of www.claytonnewmexico.net.

New Mexico’s Centennial Week

This week New Mexico is celebrating 100 years of statehood.

Centennial Journeys is a radio series highlighting events that shaped the state’s history.

George McJunkin photo courtesy: http://www.folsomfallsranch.com

George McJunkin, a former slave turned cowboy, is a featured historical figure on the program.  He lived just down the road from the Morrow Ranch and his discovery became the most important archaeological find in North America.  Listen to his story here.

The New Mexico Centennial Foundation has organized a wealth of information, projects and activities to commemorate the occasion.

Here’s to you New Mexico.