(Photo was taken New Year's Day 2002, hours after first, and
perhaps last, snow of the season.)
Jean Willis, Court Administrator of the Fifth Judicial District,
calls it the "Crown Jewel of Chaves County."
Whenever he speaks of it, Judge Chip Johnson shows his pride in
this beautiful historic building, with its magnificent green dome and rotunda.
His efforts to preserve it and keep it in use also reflect his affection for
it.
Architect Mary Ellen Brodrick of Design Collaborative Southwestern
Architects in Albuquerque says it is, without question, the finest courthouse
and the only one of its kind in the state of New Mexico.
Sharon Jackson, Chaves County's Loss Control Specialist, said the
building reflects the pride of its maintenance employees. Her job takes her to
all of the state's public buildings, she said. Although it is old, she found
that this courthouse is cleaner and better maintained than any other in the
state, a credit to its employees . The renovation, necessary for its
continued use, will also renew the community's pride, said Jackson. It will
cause businesses and residents to become more progressive, she added.
Virginia Gutierrez of the County Manager's office said tourists
passing by are intrigued when they see the beautiful courthouse and often stop
to come inside and look around. She said they are always impressed.
To preserve this historic Courthouse built in 1911, it is slated for
renovation and additions carefully following the same style as the original.
This is necessary to preserve the Chaves County Courthouse on Main Street in the
center of Roswell, and allow its continued use by future generations.
A subsequent article will describe in depth the building's existing
infrastructural problems, the plans to bring it to code, and the changes and
additions to be made that will enhance and increase the usage of this fine old
building.
Note that, after renovation and the addition, the view from Main
Street of the Chaves County Courthouse and its landmark green dome will be
preserved. The additions to the building will face Virginia Avenue and reflect
the same style, including another dome and rotunda, as the original portion of
the building that faces Main. Two magnificent facades will be even better than
one.
DEDICATION OF THE JOSEPH R. SKEEN BUILDING
The air was still under New Mexico's traditionally clear
turquoise-blue sky. Like the weather, the audience and speakers were warm
and friendly.
Preceding days had been overcast, cold and blustery but Friday
morning, February 22nd, speakers noted that all conditions were excellent on the
special day honoring longtime Congressman Joseph R Skeen.
It may have been an important occasion but there was no pomposity.
Throughout the festivities, there was much laughter and good-natured teasing,
including from the Congressman and his wife.
The occasion was the dedication and official opening of the Chaves
County Administrative Center -- named the Joseph R. Skeen Building -- at One St.
Mary's Place in Roswell. This beautiful new landmark building was built upon the
site of a beloved longtime landmark, the red-bricked St. Mary's Hospital, now
gone, that served generations of Roswell and Chaves County residents. The
hospital, opened in 1906, was begun by the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother.
Sister Roseann Koskie, representing that order, was one of many recognized that
day.
The morning began with bands from Roswell High School, Goddard
High School and New Mexico Military Institute playing patriotic music as the
crowd gathered. The ceremonies officially began with the posting of colors by
the NMMI Color Guard. The American flag they raised upon the tall staff in front
of the building had flown over the nation's capitol. As Sister Roseann read a
prayer, three Air National Guard F-16s from Kirtkland Air Force Base flew in
formation directly overhead.
Airplanes from Holloman Air Force Base also flew over during the
ceremony.
Some dignitaries present at the open-air ceremony to honor Skeen
and his wife, Mary, sat with them on the dais, but many more, from near and far,
were scattered throughout the large audience.
(Pictured above are: (from left) County Manager Hubert Quintana
(standing); Commissioner Jimmy Craig, Commissioner Harold Hobson; Commissioner
Eloy Ortega; Commissioner Alice Eppers; (not pictured is Commissioner Jerry
Wood); and Mayor Bill Owen.)
U.S. Senator Pete Domenici was unable to be present. Through the
reading of his letter by Poe Corn, Domenici told the audience, "I ... convey my
most sincere congratulations to the residents of Chaves County, the Chaves
County Commissioners and to you, Hubert (Quintana, Chaves County Manager), for
the many, many hours of planning, preparing, coordinating, discussing and
staying on a course of action leading to the construction of this complex. It is
an accomplishment (of which) ... all present and future Chaves County residents
can be proud.
"I have known Joe Skeen long before either of us was elected to
the U.S. Congress. I know he has established a truly distinguished record of
service in New Mexico and in Washington D.C. He has served in the United States
Navy, and in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He served in the New Mexico
Legislature for 10 years, 6 of them as a minority leader, elected by his fellow
senators. He unsuccessfully ran for both the New Mexico Lieutenant Governor's
seat and later for the Governor's seat ... in 1980 he successfully ran as a
write-in candidate for New Mexico's Second Congressional seat and he has been
elected (to that) ... for 11 consecutive terms.
"Joe will complete over 50 years of public service to our state
and to our nation this coming December. The Joseph R. Skeen Building will serve
as a constant tribute to a public servant who dedicated so much of his life to
making Roswell and Chaves County a better place to live and work. Just as (he)
has represented good government for New Mexico, I believe his record of
achievement should serve as a reminder to those who work within this shiny new
building of the importance of their jobs serving the people of Chaves
County.
"Joe could not have had such a distinguished record of performance
and accomplishment without the support and companionship of his wife, Mary, who
has been with him every step of the way."
In Domenici's news release, he also stated: "The Skeen Building
will allow the existing downtown (Chaves County) courthouse, which is listed on
the national and state registers of historic places, to be more fully utilized
by the courts, District Attorney's office and related activities."
Many spoke in honor of Skeen and his wife. Those included New
Mexico's Lt. Gov. Walter Bradley, U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman and the county
commissioners. Commissioner Alice Eppers told of her longtime association and
friendship with Skeen, as a fellow rancher and as an employee in his Roswell
office. Commissioner Jerry Wood recognized former commissioners Rory McMinn and
Joe Adair for joining him in casting the three votes that created this center:
its construction, location and name.
Others were recognized by Quintana, including county employees and
the building supervisor who "made it happen." Representatives of the three
architectural and construction firms that designed and created the building were
recognized. Judge Chip Johnson, formerly a district judge in Roswell and now an
appointed federal judge in Albuquerque, was credited for his untiring efforts
towards the historic renovation and preservation of the Chaves County
Courthouse and, to alleviate crowding and allow for growth, the construction of
this new county administrative building.
County Manager Hubert Quintana said:
"Welcome to the grand opening of your new Chaves County
Administrative Center, the Joseph R. Skeen Building. This magnificent building,
which took a year in design and 16 months in construction, is intended as a
tribute to the people of Chaves County and our beloved Congressman Joseph R.
Skeen. Like Congressman Skeen, the building is warm and friendly, and intended
to provide easy access and service to everyone.
"Like the Congressman who has provided more than 50 years of
public service to our residents, we hope our new building will provide for the
people of Chaves County for generations to come.
"Congressman Skeen is a Roswell native, born and raised only a few
blocks north of here. Our building incorporates the trademarks of our community
long associated with county government and our beautiful courthouse. We have
brought with us a dome, pillars, brick construction, sycamore trees, a rotunda,
bluegrass-mix lawns -- when we get them planted -- and smiling faces.
"The Commission, like Joe Skeen, was insightful in deciding to
locate on this site. The land was the County's, and a new landmark was built to
replace an old landmark. The new building reaches out to the residents of Chaves
County, and embraces all residents as one family.
"The number three ... is important ... because three women were
principally responsible for its design and construction. Architect Mary Ellen
Broderick with Design Collaborative SouthWest Architects; Ellen Chamberlin,
President of Luther Construction; and Katie Byrd-Humphries, President of Quality
Control Engineering were essential to the project.
"(Skeen's) deep sense of commitment is matched only by his deep
love for our state and its people.
"The Board of Commissioners and people of Chaves County are
honored to dedicate this building to Congressman Joseph R. Skeen, hero and role
model for each of us."
At the conclusion of the formal dedication, the Roswell Red Coats
officially cut the ribbon and unveiled the building's name, flanked by a
formation of Roswell's Youth ChalleNGe. (The capital NG in the name represents
the group's sponsor, New Mexico's Army National Guard.)
Following the ribbon-cutting, the public entered it, through its
expansive rotunda, to tour the Joseph R. Skeen Building for the first time, and
to enjoy refreshments.
(Pictured above are Lt. Gov. Walter Bradley, Congressman Joe
Skeen and Mary Skeen flanked by a crowd including Red Coats and Girl
Scouts.)
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DINNER AT THE WHITE
HOUSE
(This couple dined in splendor and, except
when illuminated by the flash of the paparazzi's camera, by romantic candlelight
.)
Roswell's Bernie and Kathi Link were served a
Turn-of-the-Century candlelit Valentine dinner the evening of February 12, 2002
at the White House. Not the one in Washington D.C. The one in Roswell.
They dined in the formal dining room of the J.P. White house. And no, the
turn-of-the-century ambience wasn't that of a couple years ago.
The Links were the winners of the raffle for the
Victorian-era Valentine Dinner hosted by the Historical Society for Southeast
New Mexico. The meal was specially prepared just for them by a professional chef
and served by a frocked butler and two appropriately attired maids who waited in
the kitchen to be summoned to their sides by the delicate tinkle of a bell.
Bill Brown was the chef; volunteer and board of
directors member Mary Ann Schrank, and member and volunteer Madonna Darland were
the maids-in-waiting. Butler was Roger Burnett, a Historical Society director.
Brown, when he is not volunteering his time and talents to the Historical
Society, is an independent chef available by appointment. He provided and
prepared the meal, a gift he has given for this same occasion for three
consecutive years. Schrank and Darland have also volunteered for the past three
years as maids for this Valentine Dinner.
(Butler Roger Burnett, maid Mary Ann Schrank,
chef Bill Brown and maid Madonna Darland wait in the kitchen for the tinkle of
the bell to summon them to service.)
The dinner was served in a splendid setting amid
fine antiques. The dining room was illuminated only by candlelight from
arrangements on the sideboards on either side of the room and on the dining
table. A red table runner and Battenburg lace placemats decorated the table. The
centerpiece was a three-tier brass candelabra holding flickering red tapers, its
base was adorned with a spray of greenery and pink and white roses. Matching
gold cherubs completed the romantic centerpiece. Brass water goblets, Warwick
china with a floral pattern trimmed in gold, and gold-toned tableware
complemented the table's ambience. White linen napkins were tucked into
gold-toned napkin rings and coffee was served from a fine sterling silver
service.
The centerpieces, table settings and linens were
either pieces acquired by donation to the museum or loans for this special
occasion from Historical Society members and Mary Lou Glass, a White
granddaughter.
Brown's menu was baked shrimp and Alaskan crab
appetizer, garden fresh salad, Cornish game hen, Scandinavian vegetables,
vegetable medley with mushrooms and roasted garlic, twice-stuffed baked potatoes
and cherries jubilee. The desert was served in antique cut-glass crystal
goblets.
Kathi Link was given two table favors, gifts from
the Historical Society made by Society member Madonna Darland. One was a small
black wrought-wire basket filled with a miniature bouquet of red and white roses
and adorned with a red cardinal perched upon the basket's handle. The other was
a small white heart-shaped cushion made from a piece of an old finely stitched
quilt.
This dinner is hosted by the Historical Society
annually and grows more in popularity each year.
The origin of the Society goes back many years to
1907 when a meeting was held to organize the Old Settlers' Society of Chaves
County. That group's main activity was the Old Settlers' Day that became known
as Old Timers' Day. Later, the group evolved into the Chaves County
Archaeological and Historical Society. Accrued artifacts began to be exhibited
in one case in the public library building. Since the community's pioneers were
the ones most interested in the group and its collection, pioneers were the
focus for the exhibits. In 1930, the Society became an auxiliary of the state
museum and the display cases in the library multiplied.
Through the years, the Society had many changes in
location, membership and active interest. Eventually "Archeological" was dropped
from its name.
When the White heirs donated their family home in
1976, the Historical Society of Southeast New Mexico finally had a home for its
acquired historical collection, including documents, and the White family had a
lasting memorial to the memory of their parents, James Phelps White and Lou
Tomlinson White.
The house, located at the corner of North Lea
Avenue and West Second Street in Roswell, is listed in the National Register of
Historical Places.
James -- now known as the first J.P. White -- was
born in Gonzales, Texas in 1856 and began cattle ranching in the Texas Panhandle
with his uncle, Major George Washington Littlefield. J.P., along with his
brother Tom and his uncle George, moved his ranching operations to Chaves County
in 1881. Here he became involved with agricultural, industrial and civic
activities. J.P. died in 1934 at age 76.
Lou was born in 1879 at Taylor, Texas. She and her
family, with parents Mr. and Mrs. David Young Tomlinson, moved to Roswell in
1898. Her father was a contract builder and locally built many homes, schools
and businesses. Lou married J.P. in 1903 and they had four children. Lou was
involved with the area's church, social and civic activities. She lived in this
house until her death at the age of 92 in 1972.
The four children of J.P. and Lou -- J.P. Jr.,
born in 1904, Zoa Elizabeth, born in 1906, and twins Tom and George, born in
1908 -- grew up in this house. The sons continued in the ranching and farming
business and, except for George, all of their children raised their families in
Roswell. Four grandchildren of J.P. and Lou continue to live in and near
Roswell.
The father of Lou White was the contractor for the
construction of this home and he did much of the work himself. Construction
began in 1910 and was completed in 1912, the year of New Mexico's statehood. The
architecture or style of the home is called "Prairie" or "Schooner," a design
developed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 1900s. That style reflected in this
house includes gentle sloping and overhanging roofs, various roof levels and
large porches. The roof, originally pressed tin, was changed to red tiles in the
early 1920s. The exterior walls are yellow brick brought from Fort Worth,
Texas.
Several rooms, the portecochere and driveway north
of the house were added in 1916. The third floor that has the archive collection
and the basement were added in 1920.
The house has 14 rooms, plus three baths, the
attic and basement. Ceilings are 10 1/2 feet high, all woodwork is oak, and the
floors are hardwood. The house was steam-heated from a boiler in the basement
and also had four wood-burning fireplaces.
During the era the house was built, it was
standard for funeral services to be held in families' homes. This house has a
four-foot wide casket entry door. It has beveled glass windows set in leaded
framework and stained glass windows. Many of the light fixtures were designed
for use either by gas or electricity. Many of the house's furnishings and
embellishments had belonged to the J.P. White family. Additional donations to
the viewing public of southeastern New Mexico now reside in the house.
The carriage house had a small apartment on the
second floor for servants, and a hayloft. In the carriage house was kept the
Whites' automobile and horses and a milk cow. The cistern, the round tank east
of the carriage house, collected water in case the town's water supply
failed.
This house, now a museum and home to the
Historical Society of Southeast New Mexico, has additional uses. Besides
offering glimpses of a gracious lifestyle from many decades gone by, it has
archives and archivists available to scholars of local history on Friday
afternoons. This antique-filled home is also available for special events --
such as Victorian-era Valentine Dinners.
(Information about the Historical Society and
the J.P. White house was provided by the Historical Center for Southeast New
Mexico.)
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