Candelaria, Dolores (Albuquerque, NM), part 1
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Document Type
Audio
Publication Date
6-5-1984
Recommended Citation
Atrisco Oral History Project (MSS 565), Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.
COinS
Comments
[born in 1918] Family genealogy; his grandparents on her mother's side were from Santa Fe and his grandparents on his father side were from Tomé and Las Vegas. They moved to Atrisco to work in las arboledas de la iglesia del 'Manzano' [Apple Orchard] that was started by Spaniards. Memories of his time working for the conservancy beach. He used to build terraces in the lands to prevent erosion and channeling the water to run through the arroyos. After that he enlisted in the Army. Memories of his time in the Calvalry and later his deployment to Africa, Sicily, and Normandy. He was stationed in Prage when WWII ended. He was in the tanks and remembers that he lost his hearing and eyesight temporarily in combat during the attack of the Germans in French territory. He remembers that Spanish language was not allowed in Fort Bliss while training for the military service as it was considered a foreign language. If caught speaking Spanish, he would be given extra duty. He was not fluent in English when he joined the Army, but he pushed himself to learn it fast. Memories of his life as a young man in El Manzano, the first motor vehicles in the mountain area. Most transportation was by cars pulled by horses, farming life and trading products with other ranchers or at the local stores to purchase other basic needs and clothing. Memories of the foods he grew up with: capones, carne enchilada. His mom used to make food and meat preserves [Canning or putting food in jars]: ella enfrascaba quelites, cabbage [souerkraut], chicken, carrots. He mentions that they never starved, the only limitations were not having money to buy clothes. His mother used to make shoes for him. Cuento de la Arañita. His grandmother used to tell him a lot of 'cuentos' [stories] but he doesn't remember any. He remembers an incident that happened in the area concerning two mexican guys who stole cattle and were hung in Estancia. Story about how the Americans took over land in El Llano [valley areas] while the Hispanic [Mexicanos] liked to stay in the sierras. He remembers that he and his friends used to make a bonfire or una lumbrita to listen to stories or steal apples. Los bailes and their ways to have fun. Memories of his accordion and how he learned to play it. He used to play the accordion in los casorios [wedding receptions]. He played the accordion with other musicians. His wife's family came from Sombrerete, Zacatecas escaping the revolution led by Pancho Villa. Plays music with the accordion. Wife's family history of migrating to El Paso Texas. More details on family genealogy, rancher's life in El Manzano, los juegos: El chueco [a ball game similar to hockey], the cowboys' outfits.