Where the Grass is Always Greener...Clayton, NM

I just have to give you more on Clayton before we head to Springer. It is such a nice, quaint town. With the arrival of the railroad, Clayton was established in 1888. It was named in honor of the son of a former Republican Senator and noted cattle baron Stephen W. Dorsey. He helped in the planning of where the railroad would be located. His son, Clayton was a highly respected attorney in Denver. The town served as a railroad shipping point for large cattle drives from the Southern New Mexico area. It rivaled Amarillo.

Within the town are some interesting historical buildings still in use today. One that I found very fascinating was the Luna Theatre which was established in 1916 and takes you back in time. The original velvet curtains still hang across the stage. The owners have resisted the urge to modernize the theatre splitting the screen to make two screens. They choose not to change the original make up of the building and when you see it you will understand why. The antiquated barber shop with the barbers pole will make you feel Andy Griffith is just around the corner. Unfortunately, the Eklund Hotel and Restaurant has been hit by the faltering economy leaving it closed but plans soon to see a revival. It has been a landmark to travelers since the 1890s.

I would love to share some of the allure of the Herzstein Museum. It is a fascinating place first of all because of where it is housed. The museum is in the former Methodist Episcopal Church which has an historical value dating back to 1920. The stain glass on the second floor is all original from 1967 except the middle piece which was replaced in 1987. The church once had a one lane bowling alley in it, which is where you will find the medical section of the museum today. Franz Dyche grew up in Clayton always having fond boyhood memories. Upon his death, family members donated some of his favorite items to the museum which included John Wayne's putter and an ink drawing by Salvador Dali, "Velaquez". The Herzstein family, for who the museum is named, gave much to Clayton but it is evident that they received just as much from Clayton throughout their life that could not be measured materialistically. I have to mention Toni our tour guide. She was so sweet and so knowledgeable. This museum gives individual tours and they are free.

The Santa Fe Trail began in 1821 used by traders, merchants, mountain men, gold seekers, military expeditions, emigrants and a few early day tourist. It was used as a method for international commerce and trade into what was then known as the Republic of Mexico. Much of the Santa Fe Trail followed old Indian trails. McNees Crossing near Clayton, on the Santa Fe Trail is where Robert McNees and Daniel Munro were ambused and killed by Kiowa Indians in 1828. Also, at this site is where a 100 member wagon caravan held our first Independence Day Celebration as we know it today. This was on July 4, 1831. With the railroads pushing forward in 1880 it eventually saw the end of the Santa Fe Trail.

I hope this gives you a little insight into Clayton and the Santa Fe Trail, maybe even feel like you were there with us. Springer is next and I can't wait to see what is waiting for us there. Hope you join us!

Tammy