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2004 TOUR OF HOMES
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EL PASO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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| 1. THE RENOVATED SOCORRO MISSION 328 S. Nevarez Rd. 
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The original Franciscan mission, Nuestra Señora de la Limpia Concepción del Socorro, was founded in 1682 in order to serve displaced American Indians from New Mexico who fled during the Pueblo Revolt. The present mission was constructed about 1840 to replace an earlier 18th-century mission destroyed in 1829 by flooding of the Rio Grande. The mission is constructed of adobe surfaced with stucco and is particularly notable for its interior. The finely painted and decorated beams, or vigas, are from the 18th-century mission and were reused when the present church was constructed. The massing, details and use of decorative elements of the Socorro Mission show strong relationships to the building traditions of 17th-century Spanish New Mexico. Jean Fulton, Project Director, will be on hand to explain the extensive renovation work done on the structure that brings back its original Spanish Colonial architecture. FOR THE CHILDREN: 2 jumping balloons out front |
| 2. THE BOOKERY 10167 Socorro Rd. 
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The Bookery is also known as Casa Ortiz. The building was constructed in the late 1700s by Father Ramón Ortiz. It is a fine example of New Spain’s frontier architecture. Thick adobe walls have original cottonwood and willow vigas. The Bookery features the Southwest’s largest and most extensive collection of children’s books and puppets. FOR THE CHILDREN: The largest selection of children’s books in the Southwest |
| 3. CASA APODACA 10180 Socorro Rd. 
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Casa Apodaca was built in 1900 and is today the home of Beverly and Buzz Easterling. It is a unique period home featuring antiques and art work along with the area’s first silent movie theater, built in 1902. Among its claim to fame is the world premier showing of the original Pancho Villa silent movies debuting in 1919. A feature film was recently made about these silent movies starring Antonio Banderas in “And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself.” Fred Morales will be on hand to discuss the Mexican Revolution and Pancho Villa. PLEASE NOTE: Parental supervision is required for children to enter. Please be careful in crossing Socorro Rd. because of heavy traffic. |
Interior view CASA APODACA
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Interior view CASA APODACA
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| 4. Sombras Del Pasado Restaurant 10205 Socorro Rd. 
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Known as the “Tienda Carbajal,” what is now the restaurant was built in 1852. It is an official Texas State Historic Site that features heavy, adobe-plastered walls and a festive environment in which to enjoy authentic Mexican food. Tour ticket holders can enjoy the “Mission Trail Plate” with 1 cup of Tortilla Soup, 1 chicken taco, 1 beef taco, rice, beans and a drink for $5.50 |
| SAN ELIZARIO is one of the oldest communities in El Paso County and has an illustrious history. This history and significant locations are outlined in A Walking Tour of Historic San Elizario published by the San Elizario Genealogy and Historical Society and Los Portales Museum & Information Center. The tour guide is available at Los Portales and at the Adobe Horseshoe Theater, home of the Genealogy and Historical Society. In addition to the regular settlers many western characters came through the town, such as Billy the Kid. One of the most significant events, however, was the Salt War of 1877-1878 at a time when San Elizario was the most important settlement west of Fort Stockton. Neither Ysleta nor El Paso had yet grown into significant communities. It was the El Paso County Seat, and Gregorio N. Garcia was the County Judge and Justice of the Peace. He is connected to two of the houses on today’s tour. The Salt War is still a controversial matter and is being studied. Los Portales has an outstanding exhibit regarding it. The following books and magazines can be consulted regarding the event: The El Paso Salt War of 1877 by C. L. Sonnichsen, Texas Western Press, 1961 and Voice of the Mexican Border, Jack Shipman, editor, Marfa Publishing Co., Dec. 1933 and Jan. 1934. The El Paso County Historical Society has a few accounts of it. Enjoy your tour through one of the most significant locations in El Paso County. | |
| 5. LICON DAIRY 11951 Glorieta Rd. 
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| The Licon Dairy is famous for its handmade Asadero cheese. Since the 1950s it has been providing this delicacy to the people of El Paso. In addition to the dairy there is an outstanding collection of animals on the premises for all to enjoy. Zebras, camels, buffalo, llama, alpaca, Big Horn sheep, longhorns, deer, red stag, and goats live on the dairy grounds. There is also a large catfish pond. Visitors will be able to sample the cheese and view the animals. Children should especially enjoy the latter. FOR THE CHILDREN: Exotic animals from around the world and a petting zoo |
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| 6. BILLY THE KID JAIL HOUSE 1461 Main Street 
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The newly restored Old County Jail was built in 1850 and was El Paso County’s first jailhouse. The pre-fabricated wrought iron cage cells were originally manufactured in Chicago and survive to this day. The building’s rear wall may have once formed part of the original defensive wall of the presidio. It is famously known for being the only place Billy the Kid broke into. In the fall of 1876 Billy the Kid heard that his friend had been jailed here. He set out for San Elizario, arriving at 3:00 a.m. Billy knocked on the door; the guard peered out and found himself face-to-face with Billy’s revolver. He relieved the other guard of his gun, found the key to the cell, released his friend, locked the two jailers in the cell and threw away the keys. The two then crossed the Rio Grande into Mexico. FOR THE CHILDREN: Meet Billy the Kid and break out of jail. Your parents are welcome to join you. Featured are re-enactments from the “Desperados De San Elizario.” |
| 7. Gaspar Enriquez Gallery 1456 Main Street 
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The Gaspar Enriquez Gallery is a newly remodeled structure that is thought to descend from the original Presidio Barracks. It is now a gallery for local artists. Artists from the El Paso Art Association will be on hand to display their works. FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES: The El Paso Railroad Museum will have exhibits; Harvey Girls will be present; Harvey dishes will be displayed; photos of the Ysleta Station can be viewed; CHILDREN WILL RECEIVE A CHILD’S TRAIN WHISTLE. |
| 8. SAN ELIZARIO CHURCH 1556 San Elizario Rd. 
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In 1789 Spain sought to protect its interests in the growing Paso Del Norte region and to do that established a presidio at the existing hacienda and called it San Elceara. The community that grew around the presidio became San Elizario. It was second only to El Paso del Norte (Ciudad Juárez) in importance. It and its neighboring communities changed locations several times because of flooding of the Rio Grande, especially in 1830 when they wound up on “La Isla” (The Island) between the old and new river channels. After the Mexican War (1846-1848), the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo established “the deepest channel” of the Rio Grande as the boundary between Texas and Mexico. Thus, San Elizario became part of Texas. A lovely plaza is in front of the church where one can relax . FOR THE CHILDREN: Jumping balloons and adobe brick-making lessons. Teach your children how to make their own adobe brick to help aid in the preservation of the surrounding area’s buildings. |
| 9. LOS PORTALES MUSEUM 1751 Church St. 
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Gregorio N. Garcia constructed “Los Portales” in the 1850s for use as his residence. Garcia was a prominent resident who served as a Captain of the Texas Rangers in 1870 and El Paso County Judge in 1877. His son became a Justice of the Peace. The structure has an adobe brick foundation and walls. The flat roof is supported by cottonwood rafters (vigas), saplings and thatch. Its principal elevation is marked by a distinctive inset gallery (portal), hence the name Los Portales. Pedimented lintels on the window and door frames, along with milled wood supports, display the best example of Territorial Style on the tour. The San Elizario Historical Society now has its exhibits in Los Portales. These exhibits include the only Salt War display in the county and a room of tribute to all the men and women of the area who served in the military. There is also a gift shop. |
| FOR THE CHILDREN: Hot dogs and refreshments. Also “At the Clayground”will conduct tile painting. Your child can paint a tile, bowl or plate featuring his/her hand print. They will be glazed, and the finished item can be picked up at At The Clayground. This is a great Christmas idea. |
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10. 1500 PASEO DEL CONVENTO
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This unique home was constructed in the 1840s and was once thought to be a stop for the Butterfield Overland Stage. Originally, there were two buildings with a coach passageway between. High adobe walls that had no windows surrounded the building, and there were only two gates – one for entry and one to the corral. It was a fortress at a time Indian attacks were common. The home was restored in 1969. Today the passageway is a kitchen that is decorated with stained glass windows. The original vigas and ceiling remain. The windows, however, are from the old Amador Hotel in Las Cruces. Of special interest in the home is the “large safe that was used in the County Courthouse when San Elizario was the county seat in the mid 1800s.” (A Walking Tour of Historic San Elizario, p.19-20.) |
| 11. GASPAR ENRIQUEZ STUDIO AND HOME 12748 Socorro Rd.  PLEASE NOTE: Parental supervision of children is required for entry to this house. ALSO: Please use caution when exiting the driveway as this is a blind corner with oncoming traffic |
This home and working studio of nationally acclaimed Chicano artist Gaspar Enriquez and his wife Ann Garcia Enriquez was built in 1730. A high ceiling studio featuring a magnificent stained glass window has been added, and the older parts of the building have been modernized. Nevertheless, the house retains its original air of a pioneer dwelling at the outpost of New Spain. Ann Garcia Enriquez is a descendant of the original builder, Encarnación Escajeda. Her great-grandfather, Gregorio N. Garcia, lived in the house and was serving as County Judge in 1877 when the Salt War was fought nearby. Gaspar Enriquez is a native El Pasoan who obtained a fine arts degree from The University of Texas at El Paso and a master’s degree from New Mexico State University. Enriquez explores the subjects of family and relationships as they extend beyond one’s own generation. His images are visual and emotional statements that explore the history and continuity of a street-wise lifestyle of Mexican-American culture that relates to his experience of living on the U.S./Mexico border. |
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