Taos Indians, Madrid New Mexico, July 4, 1930
The mining town Madrid, New Mexico became quite famous in the late twenties and into the forties for its most amazing Christmas Light Shows — its extraordinary themed dioramas and its “Toyland” — a Christmas wonderland built by the miners for their children. I have posted earlier about how my grandfather, Pierre Menager, an artist from Santa Fe was invited in the summer of 1940 by Oscar Huber, the mine’s owner and superintendent to help with the designing and supervising of the creation of the Christmas Displays and spectacular Light show.
Fifth or Sixth Grade Class, Madrid, NM 1929
Just recently I received a CD from Pinky Werner, granddaughter of Oscar Huber of over 600 scanned family photos and documents covering the life of Madrid (and its famous Christmas Light Show). I have been going through the photos — astonished at what an amazing little community Madrid must have been in its heyday. I will be putting together over the next couple of months some galleries so anyone interested can share in viewing these incredible photos. And of course, I will do a “Christmas Special” of the Madrid Light Show photographs.
Madrid Miners Basball Team, Madrid, NM, 1929
In the meantime, I wanted to offer a few of the photos now — just to let you peek at this rich treasure trove of historical documents. (Clicking on each photo should give you a larger version of the image for most of these photos.)
Taos Indians, Madrid, NM, Fourth of July 1930 Parade Float
Community Cookout, Madrid, NM, 1945
Musicians playing for the Dances, Madrid, NM, 1945
These are treasures, Midori. Thank you for sharing on your blog. As a former (sadly) resident of Santa Fe, I am sure there is a museum there that would love to have these photos. And if you haven’t visited Madrid for a while, you should do yourself a favor and go. It has developed quite a bit but still has lots of local color and spirit. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I enjoy your blog, book reviews, and amazing surprises that you tuck in, like this one.
Thank you Ramona! I suspect Pinky Werner has donated a copy of her CD of family photos (and scanned articles) to the museum already. It really is an amazing collection as there aren’t too many photos out there of Madrid. Except for the yearly Light Show, it was just another small town — that sadly fell into hard times.
Hope your Thanksgiving was good too! It’s all about the pumpkin pie for me.
My father, grandfather and uncles worked in the Madrid mines. I grew up with stories of their life in Madrid. They all talked about the Christmas lights and how beautiful they were. Would love to see some pictures of the display from back then. Also they all spoke of Mrs Lemon their beloved school teacher. Are there any pictures available of her? Does she have any living relatives. Would love to share my parents memories and regard for her. My family names are Lucero and Nieto. My uncle Toby Lucero played on the baseball team in Madrid.
Hi Fran,
Please contact me through the email address for this blog and I’ll see what I can find out for you!
Hi Fran-
I just read your comment. As far as I know Mrs. Lemon had one son Chad. I believe he and his wife Mickie did not have any children and have both died.
My Mom used to tell me that when she misbehaved in Mrs. Lemon’s class, her punishment was to have to sit next to Chad. I always thought that was unfair to Chad.
Pinky Werner
Pinky, you’re killing me here! I laughed so hard at your reply I spilled coffee every where! Happy New Years to you and your family.
TO ANYONE WANTING TO SEE A PICTURE OF MRS. LEMON, WELL, IT IS ON THE NEXT TO LAST PICTURE ON THE 1945 COOKOUT AT MADRID. SHE IS THE LADY ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE PICTURE. SHE HAD A SHORT BOB HAIRCUT. THE GENTLEMAN WEARING A WHITE HAT IS MR. LEMON HIMSELF, WEARING A WHITE SHIRT AND TIE. I KNEW BOTH OF THEM WELL, THEY LIVED IN CERRILLOS JUST ACROSS THE SAN MARCOS RIVER. MRS. LEMON WAS A VERY BELOVED TEACHER. I NEVER KNEW THEIR SON CHAD,
Thank you Jerry! It is wonderful to have names to these faces. Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge of those old Madrid days!
Midori
My grandpa and grandma Garcia are int he company cookout picture. John Garcia is the gentlemen sitting on the bench to the right of the young boy standing up (he is wearing a white t-shirt) The lady standing up to the left of the young boy is my Marye Garcia. What a wonderful surprise so see. Thank you for, continually, adding pictures and stories 🙂
Hi Pam — oh you are welcome! I do have more photos and I hoping to get them before too long. And thank you for identifying them!
Midori
I look at your site, frequently, to see if there are any new pictures. It’s like opening a present when there are some.
Hi Midori,
At one time you had several mining related photos of Madrid, I can’t find them now, did you remove them ?
I presently live in Madrid and have for the last 22 years.
Thank,
Carl
Hi Carl, Use the link above to open all the images on Typepad.Â
Midori