[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17033]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MELROSE, NEW MEXICO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 2005

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
kickoff of centennial festivities in the town of Melrose, New Mexico. 
The annual Old Timer's Festival on August 11th marks the beginning of 
an entire year devoted to celebrating the founding of this high-plains 
hamlet. In Melrose, the past will be commingled with the future as 
young and old stand together in tribute to one hundred years of 
perseverance and determination.
  The town was originally called BrownHorn, after two local cattle 
ranchers. The Santa Fe Railway earmarked the area for its division 
switching point and requested that the name be changed to Melrose, 
purportedly after a town in Ohio. Soon after construction had started, 
the Melrose location was abandoned and the division switch was moved to 
a larger town nearby.
  J.L. Downing, an early settler in the area, has been called the 
father of Melrose by some and is given much credit for the survival of 
this rural village. Downing is noted for encouraging early settlers by 
offering free water to residents until they could dig wells of their 
own; a feat of generosity that remains unrivalled to this date. The 
settlers stayed and the town continued despite the many challenges 
faced by early settlers.
  Widespread availability of water led to agriculture which became a 
mainstay for Melrose residents who were now able to irrigate the arid 
land and produce life-sustaining crops. Once known as the broom-corn 
capital of New Mexico, Melrose stayed alive as enterprising folks 
opened businesses to service the area. The struggle for survival was 
exacerbated by severe winters, drought and fire but hard work and 
dedication prevailed as Melrose residents toughed it out and stayed.
  In 1914, Melrose was reported to have had an Opera House, several 
businesses, a legendary girls' basketball team and a growing 
population. Some years later, however, WWI and the flu epidemic greatly 
depleted the town's population. Once again, residents of Melrose plowed 
through the hard times and in the 1930's organized a Chamber of 
Commerce for the betterment of the town and its people. In the WWII 
era, the population swelled to over 1500 from just a few hundred in 
1940.
  Today, the town encompasses 1.72 miles and averages 750 residents 
from all walks of life who engage in many career activities although 
ranching and farming remain at the heart of the Melrose economy. 
Located just 21 miles west of Cannon Air Force Base, the Melrose 
Bombing Range has been an integral part of testing and training 
operations. Many citizens of Melrose are employed by Cannon Air Force 
Base and local businesses benefit economically from it as well.
  Melrose is also the birthplace of William Hanna, one-half of the 
legendary Hanna-Barbera, whose credits include cartoons such as, ``Tom 
and Jerry, Yogi Bear and Huckleberry Hound.'' And the largest 
collection of Depression-era art in New Mexico can be viewed at the 
Melrose library.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute the citizens of Melrose, New Mexico, as they 
reflect on the past and look toward the future of this unique rural 
community. The town of Melrose has endured despite many challenges and 
setbacks over the year through the determination and of residents 
through the ages. In the coming year, townspeople will pay tribute to 
one hundred years on the high plains of New Mexico and honor their 
forefathers whose actions by many accounts, led to the successful town 
we see today.
  It is places such as Melrose that shaped this country into what it is 
today, which is why this fine community deserves our recognition.
  Melrose has a proud past and a bright future.

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