Memories from my childhood April 25

Decided to make the 30 mile drive to Artesia this morning by way of Dexter and Hagerman taking the old highway #2.

We located Lake Van in Dexter, a city park populated by mostly grackles, starlings, Eurasian Collared and White-winged Dove.

Originally called Horseshoe Lake when Dexter was founded in 1903 soon became a recreation center for local residents. 

Greenfield wasn't much on the 1950's, but it's even less now. 

My grandpa ran this gin and their house was across the street. We spent many a summer day here. 

Between Dexter and Hagerman is Rio Felix (Fe-LEES) bridge

Completed in 1926 

Constructed at a 45 degree angle to the river to provide strength against the too frequent flash floods. 

Now listed in the National Historic Places. 

Continuing south to Artesia we took time to explore Artesia Main Street, a collection of sculpture depicting the history of the city and area. 

First the Cattle Drive, consisting of The Rustler, El Vaquero, and The Trail Boss laid out in a triangle spread over 4 blocks. 

The minute detail in each bronze casting is amazing. I kept finding more things to see in each one. 

El Vaquero 

fired a shot into the air after spotting the Rustler changing the brand on one of the herd alerting 

More amazing detail, every thing from cattle hooves 

cactus thorns and fringe on chaps. 

Farther west on Main Street is the "First Lady of Artesia" Sally Chisholm, niece of John Chisholm, the cattle king of New Mexico. 

She was post mistress, school teacher, and 

acquaintance of Billy the Kid

meticulous hair 

Look at those beaming faces

posies for the favorite teacher

Slingshot tucked away in a back pocket

The Derrick Floor is a complete history lesson of the early oil industry. 

The wildcatter's wife selected the drilling locations based on her intuition. 

the Partnership depicts how those early deals were made

leaning on the hood of a Ford truck

Immaculate details

quill boots

tooled leather belt

shirt buttons and suspenders

I was tempted to pull off my shoes and cool my toes. 

Personal history

both my dad and my grandpa worked for Artesia Alfalfa Growers Association in the 50's as cotton ginners. 

I spent every Saturday afternoon here

Cartoon, serial, movies, soda, popcorn, and candy for 25 cents.

Roselawn Elementary School

I attended second grade through fifth grade here. Hadn't changed all that much, but maybe it looked a little smaller than I remembered.