[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO TEXICO, NEW MEXICO ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Texico, New Mexico, as its citizens celebrate their centennial 
anniversary this month. Texico is a small community on the New Mexico-
Texas border. It is known for its rich history and abounding sense of 
community, which has, over the years, sustained the town's traditional 
values, superb educational standards, intellectual strengths and high 
quality of life in Curry County.
  I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Mayor Jerry Cunningham 
and all the residents of Texico on this happy occasion. On Saturday, 
July 27th, 2002, Texico, New Mexico, will celebrate its 100th 
anniversary. A parade beginning in Texico and ending in Farwell, Texas, 
its twin city, will lead citizens to Farwell Park, where craft shows, 
food booths, and class reunions will commemorate ``Border Town Days.'' 
I know how excited everyone is about this special event.
  Texico is located in what has been described as the ``Golden 
Spread.'' This southwestern edge of the Great Plains is filled with the 
spirit of pioneers, who faced excitement, adventure, hardship, hope, 
fulfillment, disappointment, sadness and happiness as they moved West. 
Those that chose to found Texico gave the town the distinction of being 
the oldest community in Curry County.
  In 1902, settlers moved into the area after railroad officials were 
considering Texico as a possible site for a railroad cutoff to Belen. 
The federal government and the New Mexico territorial government passed 
homestead laws in an effort to settle the eastern region of New Mexico. 
Soon settlers swarmed the area, and on either side of a muddy street, 
buildings soon formed a line of merchant shops and pioneer stops. Rooms 
for over-night visitors were quite reasonable--only twenty-five cents 
per night or $1.40 per week. Harry's Cafe offered the best steaks, 
lamb-chops, fresh oysters, and eggs in town, and after dinner the 
dancing hall offered entertainment.
  The bank ranked as the most important institution, but close behind 
was the Cozy Cottage Hotel. The hotel served as Texico's only two-story 
building, which was very distinct. A church was later built, along with 
a one-room schoolhouse, to which students would ride their mules every 
morning. By 1925, the graduating class had increased to nine students.
  Today, Mayor Jerry Cunningham governs a total of about 1,065 
citizens. The true charm of Texico is the fact that not much has 
changed in its 100-year existence. People have come and gone and 
businesses have opened and closed; but the warmth, friendliness and 
character have remained intact. Agriculture and its support services 
have always been the backbone of the community, and the wholesome rural 
nature has been preserved. The citizens of Texico, and Curry County in 
general, should be very proud of that status.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, with all the historical grandeur Texico 
boasts, we have great reason to celebrate today. Accordingly, I extend 
my warmest congratulations to my friends in Texico on its 100th 
Anniversary. Texico most certainly has distinguished itself through its 
historical and social presence, and I call upon my colleagues to join 
me in applauding 100 years of excellence.

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