Print Edition 4-25-2013
Reserve
Oral History: H.B. Birmingham’s life as rancher and sheep man in Catron County
2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the Homestead Act of 1862, and the Socorro Bureau of Land Management’s Cultural Resource Program is increasing emphasis on oral history collection, particularly as it relates to homesteading.
Over the last two years, the Mountain Mail has printed oral history interviews with Dave Farr and Evelyn Fite.
H. B. Birmingham was interviewed by BLM archaeologist Brenda Wilkinson in Reserve on March 17, 2010, at the home of his friend and neighbor, Judy Griffin. At 96 years old, he has witnessed much of the history of Catron County since his birth in 1915 in Reserve.
Birmingham raised both sheep and cattle, used the Magdalena Trail (Stock Driveway) and has extensive knowledge of his family history and the history of Reserve. H. B. is a stickler for accuracy, so these excerpts from the interview are in his own words.
Brenda Wilkinson’s questions are italicized.
We were very saddened to hear of his wife, Peggy, passing in November, 2011. Peggy and H.B. were married for 61 years.
No contest in Socorro; Magdalena candidates file for March election
The March 6 municipal elections will see no change in the Socorro City Council, as the only candidates filing on Jan. 10 were the four incumbent councilors: Mary Ann Chavez-Lopez, Toby Jaramillo, Michael Olguin Jr. and Peter Romero. There were no write-in candidates, so the four will run unopposed.
Socorro writer recounts being a “newcomer” in Reserve
Socorro author Audrie Clifford will be holding a book signing of her just published book about living in Reserve, Another Damned Newcomer, Controversial Politics, Environmental Issues and Fun in Rural New Mexico.
The Mountain Mail Is Free At Area Stores And Restaurants
The Mountain Mail print edition is available in the blue newsstand boxes at Smiths, John Brooks, the Water and Ice Store in Socorro – also Trails End, Family Dollar and the Mountain Mail office in Magdalena.
Southwest New Mexico Fishing Report
This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish and thefishphone.com, has been generated from the best information available from area officers, anglers, guides and local businesses. Conditions may vary as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.
Magdalena And Socorro Schools Fail To Meet Standards
The New Mexico Public Education Department released the Adequate Yearly Progress rankings for 831 public schools on Friday. The AYP rankings reveal that nearly 87 percent of New Mexico’s schools are not making adequate progress under the federal No Child left Behind Act. When it comes to student proficiency, only 42 percent of New Mexico students perform at grade level in Math and Science and only 50 percent are proficient in Reading.
Reserve High Gets Football Kudos in New Book
By Ben Moffett
Reserve, Quemado, Magdalena and Socorro all get a mention in a new self-published book on New Mexico football by Dan Ford, a 1966 graduate of Aztec High who was born in Roswell.
$2 Million In Federal Water Projects Slated For Catron County
USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner travels to Catron County this week to participate in two events to celebrate the successful applications by the communities of Quemado and Reserve to upgrade their water systems.
Wallow Fire – Day 28
Operational focus of the east zone continues to be the southern area of the fire in the Blue River drainage. Crews are building fireline in an effort to keep the fire to the north and east of the 191 road.
Wallow Fire – Day 26
The Wallow fire had some growth yesterday and last night with the majority of this growth along the south flank and in the drainages west of the Blue River. Acreage now stands at 532,086.
