New Mexico Credits & Contributors

The creation of any comprehensive resource, particularly one dedicated to the rich history and captivating stories of a region like New Mexico, is a collaborative endeavor. This website, and any future publications stemming from it, owes its existence and success to the generous contributions of numerous individuals and sources. Their expertise, insights, and materials have been invaluable in shaping the narratives and providing a deeper understanding of the Land of Enchantment. This article serves to acknowledge and celebrate those who have played a vital role in bringing the stories of New Mexico to life.

Honoring the Contributors

This section is dedicated to the individuals who have generously shared their knowledge, experiences, and resources, enriching the content and ensuring its accuracy and authenticity.

• Jo Bynum: As editor at the Sangre de Cristo Chronicle in Angel Fire, New Mexico, Jo Bynum provided invaluable guidance in identifying relevant research articles and connecting with key individuals who possessed firsthand knowledge of the region’s history and lore. Her expertise and network proved crucial in navigating the vast landscape of New Mexico stories.

• T.C. and David Cattelino: These experienced writers and publishers, the driving force behind Roundabout Publications, offered step-by-step guidance throughout the writing, website development, and publication process. Their expertise in crafting engaging narratives and navigating the complexities of the publishing world was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Their company specializes in travel books aimed at RV travelers.

• Bert Clemmens: A longtime resident of Eagle Nest and the proprietor of the LaGuna Vista Lodge, Restaurant, and Saloon, Bert Clemmens shared a wealth of information about the history of Eagle Nest. He also provided a fascinating tour of the old brothel located upstairs in the lodge, offering a glimpse into the town’s colorful past. The Laguna Vista Lodge, renowned for its excellent cuisine and accommodations, has earned accolades from Frommer’s Travel Guide, which consistently rates it as the best restaurant and hotel in the valley.

• Reletta Leek Clumsky: A talented photographer and friend, Reletta Leek Clumsky contributed several stunning photographs that grace the website, visually enhancing the stories and capturing the beauty of New Mexico.

• Kristi Dukes: Sharing her personal experiences, Kristi Dukes recounted her ghostly encounters while working at the Laguna Vista Restaurant, adding a touch of the supernatural to the collection of New Mexico tales.

• Beni Jo Fulton: As the curator of the Elizabethtown Museum, Beni Jo Fulton provided essential information for the Elizabethtown article and granted access to the museum property. The Elizabethtown Museum, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and by appointment at other times, is a treasure trove of historical artifacts and information about this fascinating ghost town.

• Robert Garcia: A fellow enthusiast of ghost towns, Robert Garcia generously shared his knowledge and photographs of New Mexico and Arizona ghost towns. His contributions have enriched the ghost town articles, providing visual documentation and adding depth to the narratives. He also contributed night photos of Route 66 through Albuquerque. Robert and his wife, Therese, reside in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

• Dave Mutz: The owner of the Comanche Creek Ranch and a lifelong resident of the Moreno Valley, Dave Mutz graciously allowed access to his property, where many breathtaking photographs were taken. Dave also owns Comanche Creek Guides, which provides hunting adventures for deer and elk hunters.

• Pete Sanchez: Pete Sanchez contributed a valuable addition to the La Llorona ghost story, adding a personal touch to this enduring legend.

• Ann Tyer Walker: A dedicated reader, Ann Tyer Walker provided the historical context needed to solve the "Mystery of the Eagle Nest Lodge." Her husband, Doug Walker, digitized and shared numerous photographs, while her cousin, Shelton Tyer, Jr., an 86-year-old former employee of the lodge, contributed invaluable historical insights.

Acknowledging Written Materials

The research and writing process also relied heavily on a variety of published materials, providing historical context, factual information, and diverse perspectives. The following books, articles, and publications were instrumental in shaping the content:

• Bauer, Paul; The Big Ditch; Red River Gold Mines.
• Karpinski, Sharon; Las Vegas…New Mexico?; The Historic Traveler; Primedia Publications.
• Hinkley, Jim, Route 66 Encyclopedia, Voyageur Press, 2012.
• Hurst, James W.; José Chavez y Chavez; Desert USA; Digital West Media.
• Lambert, Florin; Ghost Town Treasures, 1965, Superior Publishing Company, Seattle, Washington.
• Looney, Ralph; Haunted Highways, The Ghost Towns of New Mexico, 1968; University of New Mexico Press; Albuquerque, New Mexico.
• McComb, Susie, Famous “Cool” Clines Corners worth stopping for!; Route 66 Association Newsletter, Summer, 1999.
• Moreno Valley Writers Guild; Lure, Lore and Legends of the Moreno Valley; 1997; Columbine Publishing Group, Angel Fire, New Mexico.
• Murray, Earl; Ghosts of the Old West, 1994; Tom Doherty Associates, Inc., New York, NY
• Myers, Roger; Clay Allison vs. Wyatt Earp; Wild West Magazine, December, 2000.
• New Mexico 2003 Vacation Guide; published for the New Mexico Department of Tourism by New Mexico Magazine, Santa Fe, NM.
• Nimen, Marti; Lake of Legends; New Mexico Wildlife; New Mexico Department of Game and Fish; Winter 2002-03; Vol. 47, No. 4.
• Peters, J.S.; Cimarron Shootist Clay Allison; Wild West Magazine, Primedia Special Interest Publications; October, 1998, Vol. 11, Issue 3.
• Reed, Ollie Jr., Albuquerque Tribune, Aug 24 2002.
• Serna, Louis F.; The Sernas of New Mexico Newsletter; May 1, 2002.
• Sherman, James E. and Barbara H.; Ghost Towns and Mining Camps of New Mexico; 1975; University of Oklahoma Press; Norman, Oklahoma.
• Stanley, F.; Clay Allison, 1956, World Press Inc.; Denver, Colorado.
• Varney, Phillip, New Mexico’s Best Ghost Towns; 1981; Northland Press, Flagstaff, Arizona.

In Conclusion

This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of preserving and sharing the stories of New Mexico. The contributions of the individuals and sources listed above have been instrumental in creating a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history, legends, and captivating tales of the Land of Enchantment. Their dedication and generosity are deeply appreciated. The heart of New Mexico lies in its stories, and these contributors have helped to keep those stories alive for generations to come.