Growing up on a farm outside of Las Cruces, I have to admit that I yearned to leave the first chance I could. Having spent years in various parts of the United States, many touched a nerve but none captured my soul like the Desert Southwest. Tucson is my home now and I love "The Old Pueblo" however my soul remains in The Mesilla Valley. Appreciating Las Cruces and its people for what it was, is and can be, is very satisfying.
My family has owned this farm north of Fairacres since 1932. Bordered on the east by the Rio Grande River, the western side is bounded by mesa and BLM land.
Last September our family threw a 75th Anniversary Party for Simpson Farm. The idea was to pay homage to the farming heritage of Las Cruces in addition to that of our ancestors. The payoff was to feel good about it & having a great time, seeing old friends, touching base with family and stirring the desire to someday come back to live where my roots are. As August speeds by, the memories of last year's celebration are still vivid.
My father announced his retirement from farming at the celebration...with the support of my mother.
A constant factor in farming, as in most of life is change. From horse-drawn plows to steel wheeled tractors and the wonders of laser-leveling and drip irrigation. Dad's retirement was another change: his father and grandfather farmed until the day they died - he is still young enough to enjoy what retirement brings and experience new adventures!
Despite his retirement, the heritage of farming remains as another farmer has leased the land...he used to work for Simpson Farm when he was in college. My father is still fulfilling his role as steward of the land his forefathers nurtured.
I hope you enjoyed these few pictures, perhaps they will awaken feelings of your own heritage. Though Las Cruces is ever-growing and evolving, it retains the sense of community and special character that touch new residents and visitors alike. Perhaps it has something to do with the best enchiladas the world has to offer! Tom Wolfe...you were wrong, sir: you CAN go home again.
Kent Simpson
Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.
"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"
I don't even recognize Las Cruces anymore. Alamagordo for that matter either.
Still love visiting the old shoppes in Old Mesilla though. Where Billy the Kid broke out of jail. And we never miss Double Eagle when we get there...great place to eat! :)
Thanks for commenting, Ron - we'll have to meet up next time you're in 'Cruces. I'll take you on an "Enchilada Tour" of the Mesilla Valley...Spanish Kitchen, Chilito's, Roberto's, El Comedor, Andele...man, I'm getting hungry!
Wow what a heritage and a legacy......stuff books and movies are made of...
Liz - you must watch a lot of "C" movies and read some pretty obscure books! LOL Thanks for the kind words.