Print Edition 4-25-2013
Gila National Forest
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.
Color Season in the Gila
Shorter days, longer nights, crisp mornings, and cooler evenings mean one thing on the Gila National Forest – fall colors. The forest has breathtaking scenic views and areas with beautiful autumn colors.
Two Face Wallow Fire Charges
Two cousins are scheduled to make their initial appearance September 19 in federal court in Flagstaff to answer charges connected with the cause of the Wallow Fire.
Caleb Joshua Malboeuf, 26, of Benson, Ariz.; and David Wayne Malboeuf, 24, of Tucson, Ariz., were named in a criminal complaint as being responsible for the Wallow Fire, which started on May 29 in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
The fire burned more than 538,000 acres in Arizona and part of Western New Mexico before it was contained.
Fueled by dry and windy conditions, the fire destroyed 32 residential structures, four commercial structures and 36 outbuildings and cost over $79 million to fight.
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.
Hunters Encouraged To Make Safety A Priority
Successful hunting trips require a combination of skill, patience and most importantly, preparation. With hunting season upon us, the Gila National Forest is encouraging preparation first and reminding hunters to brush up on important hunting safety tips before hitting the woods.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
