S7 Otono

Benigno (Benny) Barreras, ECRIHC Foundation Board member, was born and raised in Bosque Bonito, a small village on the Rio Grandedue east of the Center. Bosque Bonito, and several other villages along the Camino Real, were claimed by the waters of Elephant Butte Reservoir in the 1920s. These villages, though now all gone, are a part of the trail's history. Mr. Barreras told some eye-witness stories of life along this section of the trail that is now sadly gone.

Archaeologist Michael Marshall focused on the famous Jornada del Muerto section of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. Using handouts, Mr. Marshall explored the historic documents and archeological records of the Jornada del Muerto. Maps showed the various paraje camps and place names along the trail. A slide show followed with photographs of many of the Jornada del Muerto landmarks and of cultural and archaeological sites along this section of the trail.

A Journey of the Heart: A Southern Belle in the Old West

Presentation by VanAnn Moore, courtesy of New Mexico Humanities Council

Actress and storyteller VanAnn Moore thrilled the audience with her portrayal of Mary (Mamie) Bier Bernard Aguirre, the Southern Belle.

Mamie Aguirre grew up during the Civil War. Marrying a Mexican freighter, they made their home in Old Mesilla. Mamie would often travel with her young husband as he freighted his goods up and down El Camino Real until he was killed by Apaches in 1870.

Left a widow, the Southern Belle struggled to provide for her three children, eventually becoming the first woman professor at the University of Arizona. Her life of extraordinary courage and talent will thrill audiences of all ages.

Tom Harper, ECRIHC Foundation Board member, gave an interesting talk on photographing and discovering new segments of El Camino Real using model airplanes. Mr. Harper, and friend Carl Moore, have built several remote controlled airplanes with a camera platform for photographing the trail from elevations of a few hundred to 1000 feet. This technique has proven to be a significant amateur contribution to the knowledge of the trail.

One of several dances (and costumes) of the Alamogordo Dancers. These photos show a traditional Mexican step-dance, having the precision and appearance of an Irish River Dance, enthralled the audience.