 |
|
| In This Week's Issue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Search Southwest Senior |
|
| To Advertise |
|
| About Us |
|
| To Advertise |
|
| Read Our Publications |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Selected Article |
Pat Carafano
Correspondent
|  “We have such a rich heritage in El Paso,” says devoted volunteer Carolyn Breck. “The Historical Society is one of a few organizations that nurtures and explains our history.”
Breck has been a El Paso County Historical Society volunteer since the 1980s. She’s served a two-year term as president, having already caught the vision of preserving history while majoring in history at Texas Western (now UTEP).
“It’s very important to understand our history and where we’ve been, so we know where we’re going,” she said. “I find it fascinating to think about the way people lived years ago - what motivated them, what the world was like and what the major issues were.”
Patricia H. Worthington now volunteers in the office of Curator at The Jane Burges Perrenot Research Center, 603 W. Yandell, overlooking downtown El Paso. This stately white-columned home was named after the daughter of a prominent El Paso family who extensively collected El Paso and Texas history. The building is available for rental for special events, and the grounds have been the scene of numerous weddings.
Now Worthington supervises the vast collection of artifacts, keeping regular office hours three days a week, and maintaining a close working relationship with Claudia Rivers and her staff at UTEP’s C.L. Sonnichsen Special Collections Department in the UTEP Library. There’s lots to look at there, when you consider that it was 1581 when the first Europeans passed through the Pass of the North. Don Juan de Ońate founded El Paso del Rio del Norte 412 years ago, in 1598.
Photogenic findings
The historical collection at EPCHS is based on the Pioneer Association Collection, which dates back to the founding of the society in 1955. Archival collections include scrapbooks from families and organizations and El Paso Natural Gas Company publications. A vast array of more than 9,000 photographs depict the Mexican Revolution, historical maps, historical documents on El Paso water development and people of the area.
“There are many treasures in the collections, particularly photographs,” Worthington says, and encourages the public to visit the Burges home, in Sunset Heights.
Volunteers of all ages
EPCHS volunteers display a demography well beyond just El Pasoans with white hair and quiet reading interests.
Keith Erickson, volunteer director of the 2010 El Paso Appraisal Fair, is a vibrant young dad who speaks with a genuine passion about EPCHS and with great excitement for the support from board members and committee members for that special event.
“We want this to be an El Paso tradition!” he said of event.
Just missed it in February? “We do plan on doing this again later this year!” Erickson’s confidence and vision are encouraged by the great cooperation this year from nine professional appraisers, including Adair Margo and Susan Eisen - as well as strong volunteer assistance and public enthusiasm.
What unusual items have turned up at the Appraisal Fairs?
Post-Civil War jewelry, a painting by Tom Lea, a book written by Anson Mills and much many more rare finds. Erickson himself specializes in old firearms and mandolins.
This young family man is honored to have served as a member of the board of directors for two out of his four years of membership - and will continue with enthusiasm.
Historical contributions
Volunteers are the strength of so many organizations, and EPCHS is always seeking more volunteer participation. Worthington encourages those interested to be computer literate.
Even a historical society, while studying the past, must keep up with the future.
As their computers grow old, EPCHS is inviting the public to consider donating your old hardware when you upgrade your computer.
As a 501(c)(3) organization, EPCHS accepts not only funds as tax-deductible donations, but merchandise as well.
For more information on the EPCHS, call 533-3603 or visit the elpasohistory.com.
Comments or questions about this story? E-mail swsenior@elpasoinc.com
|
|
|
| return to front page
|
|
|
