REUNION of the MEXICAN VILLAGE
August 30, 2014 ~ Dodge City, Kansas
(SCROLL DOWN FOR THE VIDEOS) On Aug. 30, 2014, former residents of the "Mexican Village" of Dodge City, their family, friends, and descendents, gathered in Dodge City for a reunion. The day was filled with good food, plenty of laughs, and several impressive performances. Thanks to all those who made the day a success. If you have photos you'd like to submit, contact Dave at [email protected].
‘Mexican Village’ celebrates its place in history
By DAVID MYERS
Southwest Kansas Register
Former residents, family, friends and descendents of those who lived in the “Mexican Village” in Dodge City gathered Aug. 30 for a celebration of food, song, and memories.
More than 200 people filled the 3i building in Dodge City, where among the entertainers was 12-year-old Andrea Luna, who displayed an impressive vocal talent.
Prior to the luncheon meal, Father Wesley Schawe offered a prayer of thanks to God and to all those gathered who had lived in the Village, thus building a familial and faith-filled base for all those who followed.
The Mexican Village was constructed around 1900 to house the Mexican and Mexican-American Santa Fe Railway workers and their families.
The Village was razed in the 1950s due to health concerns.
Despite the racial hatred prevalent at the time (residents were not allowed to swim in the community swimming pool, and were delegated to the back of the balcony of the local movie theater) the many celebrations -- fiestas steeped in Catholicity -- paid testimony to a community that honored God and family.
One of the oldest living former residents is Nellie Torrez Trujillo, 92, one of a family of singers who entertained at fiestas, as well as on local radio.
In a letter she wrote that was read to those gathered, Nellie described the fiestas -- their celebration of the Church, their Mexican heritage, and their community.
“In the 1940s, World War II broke out and young men were drafted off to the war,” she said. “It was a very sad time for the families of the loved ones who did not make it back or were wounded.”
Fred Rodriguez had spent several years researching for a book on the Village before he died on March 30, 2013. In an interview with the Register, he had described the Village as a “tight knit community,” where any social function, whether it was a dance, fiesta, or a wedding, came with the implication that the entire village was invited.”
Among the other impressive performers at the Aug. 30 gathering were the Torrez Sisters, Gary Roth, Victor Amaro (who shared memories of high school football rivalries), and a charming duet by Mary and “Fly” Florez, who sang, “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You.”
Videos of several of the performances, as well as the reading of Nellie’s essay, can be viewed at MexicanVillage.weebly.com. The site is part of the Mexican Village Historic Preservation Project, a continuing project presented by the Southwest Kansas Register with the support of members of the community.
‘Mexican Village’ celebrates its place in history
By DAVID MYERS
Southwest Kansas Register
Former residents, family, friends and descendents of those who lived in the “Mexican Village” in Dodge City gathered Aug. 30 for a celebration of food, song, and memories.
More than 200 people filled the 3i building in Dodge City, where among the entertainers was 12-year-old Andrea Luna, who displayed an impressive vocal talent.
Prior to the luncheon meal, Father Wesley Schawe offered a prayer of thanks to God and to all those gathered who had lived in the Village, thus building a familial and faith-filled base for all those who followed.
The Mexican Village was constructed around 1900 to house the Mexican and Mexican-American Santa Fe Railway workers and their families.
The Village was razed in the 1950s due to health concerns.
Despite the racial hatred prevalent at the time (residents were not allowed to swim in the community swimming pool, and were delegated to the back of the balcony of the local movie theater) the many celebrations -- fiestas steeped in Catholicity -- paid testimony to a community that honored God and family.
One of the oldest living former residents is Nellie Torrez Trujillo, 92, one of a family of singers who entertained at fiestas, as well as on local radio.
In a letter she wrote that was read to those gathered, Nellie described the fiestas -- their celebration of the Church, their Mexican heritage, and their community.
“In the 1940s, World War II broke out and young men were drafted off to the war,” she said. “It was a very sad time for the families of the loved ones who did not make it back or were wounded.”
Fred Rodriguez had spent several years researching for a book on the Village before he died on March 30, 2013. In an interview with the Register, he had described the Village as a “tight knit community,” where any social function, whether it was a dance, fiesta, or a wedding, came with the implication that the entire village was invited.”
Among the other impressive performers at the Aug. 30 gathering were the Torrez Sisters, Gary Roth, Victor Amaro (who shared memories of high school football rivalries), and a charming duet by Mary and “Fly” Florez, who sang, “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You.”
Videos of several of the performances, as well as the reading of Nellie’s essay, can be viewed at MexicanVillage.weebly.com. The site is part of the Mexican Village Historic Preservation Project, a continuing project presented by the Southwest Kansas Register with the support of members of the community.