Friday, April 19, 2013

Pat Garrett Really Should've Stayed the Night: Organ, New Mexico



Organ, New Mexico isn’t really a ghost town these days, but I’m gonna make it look like one. Sorry, good people of Organ. I’ll explain in a minute.

Organ is named for the razor-spired Organ Mountains visible to the south, which were themselves named because they look like the pipes of…an organ. After being a mining encampment from the 1840’s, the town was officially founded in 1883 as lead, copper, fluorite, zinc, gold, and silver mines were punched into the hill slopes to the northeast with ever-increasing frequency. By the turn of the century, Organ was peaking at about 1,800 residents, seven saloons, two smelters, two general stores, a two-teacher school, a Catholic church, a post office, a hotel, and a jail in a tunnel that had once been a powder magazine.



It seems strange that Organ was not called San Augustin, in honor of the San Augustin Mountains immediately to the northeast, or 7,030-foot San Augustin Peak, which literally towers over the town to the east, or even San Augustin Pass, now part of US Highway 70/82, which, if traveled eastward, will take you down onto a vast plain and the southern extent of the White Sands Missile Range. But, in 1908, long before US 70/82 was named, it was on this same stretch of road, traveling southwestward toward Las Cruces, that Pat Garrett was shot and killed some 28 years after he'd shot Billy the Kid in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. This bit of Organ’s history has remained long after its mines, which filled with water in the 1930’s, have mostly faded from memory.



Because Organ is the closest inhabited place to White Sands Missile Range, it was revived somewhat in the mid-1940’s when work began on the atomic bomb and missile range employees moved-in. Thus, while the population is still only just over 300, there are many well-kept homes and what looks like it would be a very quaint and tasty Thai restaurant. Too bad it was closed during our visit. Philip Varney mentions Bentley’s Store and Assay Office in New Mexico’s Best Ghost Towns and notes that it had become a private residence. This is still true and, in fact, the old building looks to be very well-maintained with lots of tended greenery out front. Varney also mentions the Organ School, notable for its corner bell tower, but I couldn’t find it. I think the tower has been removed and the school probably now just blends in with its older neighbors.



So, you may ask, if there are a few hundred people living in Organ, renovating their historic homes and eating Thai food, why all these photos of derelict buildings? Well, these pictures were taken on the south side of the highway. Those are the Organ Mountains in the background of a couple. As to WHY virtually every commercial enterprise on that side of the road has been abandoned—and apparently long-abandoned—I can’t say. Perhaps people prefer to eat and shop in Las Cruces, 15 miles away. That’s really the only other city in the area, but as New Mexico’s second-largest it would offer some retail competition. Whatever the case, I find it surprising that the spectacular views of the Organ Mountains to the south, San Augustin Peak to the east and Las Cruces to the southwest haven’t had more people stopping for sandwitches. I know I’d stop for a bite.



Next time we’ll go deep into the Organ Mountains themselves and visit Dripping Springs. But first I need to figure out how to make my crummy photos more presentable. Oh, and the photo above is the only shot from the north side of the highway. In the distance are the Doña Ana Mountains and the northern edge of Las Cruces, beyond which lies the Jornada del Muerto ("Journey of Death"), a waterless, 90-mile stretch of El Camino Real. Sounds like fun, huh?

For more information on Organ, consult ghostowns.com, Wikipedia and, of course, New Mexico’s Best Ghost Towns.

50 comments:

Julie Ferguson said...

You have made me want to visit Oregon, New Mexico. I love your pictures.

jmhouse said...

Thanks for the kind words, Julie! Much appreciated. Organ isn't *too* far from your neck of the woods, especially if you were making a little swing over from the Bisbee area! JM

Unknown said...

I was trying to locate the street you talk about here, and in the process of exploring the area in Google, I realized some of the street names sounded very familiar - particularly Space Murals Road. Within moments I realized that I had passed right by that town as I was going over the mountains to White Sands. Damn - another opportunity missed! Yet another location I'll have to add to my list.

Unknown said...

I grew up in Organ NM from 1962 through 1966 when I left to see the world in the US NAVY. My Brother still resides there operating the ONLY Grocery Store located on B Street.

jmhouse said...

Bruce Ruble, I didn't know there was a grocery store operating in Organ at all! Well, I'll have to pay a visit next time I'm through. In fact, I want to go back soon and have a look at the spot where Pat Garrett was killed. I guess it takes a little work (and luck) to find the marker, but I think I can do it. It must've been like growing up in the Wild West out there!

Thanks for your comment! JM

Unknown said...

That spot is down high 70 closer to LC. My Brother Grant Rogers runs Organ General Store. Just down the street from the Schoolhouse about a block West.

jmhouse said...

I think I might be able to use this You Tube video to find the marker. I just need to do it before they build a subdivision on top of it. Maybe stop at the Organ General Store to get something to drink before heading out! JM

Unknown said...

If you have Google Earth you can go to street level for what the store looks like. It is on B Street down the block (west) from the old schoolhouse on the north side of the street.

jmhouse said...

Oh yeah, I found it, Bruce Ruble! It looks very inviting! The door is even wide open on the Google Earth capture! Do you know if that building was a store historically, or was it possibly a house? JM

Unknown said...

I'm not sure you will have to ask my Brother. When the little sign is out he is open.

jmhouse said...

Good to know! Will definitely try to stop by sometime! JM

windbloz301@msn.com said...

I hope this is still being checked up on.. I lived in Organ from '73 to '75 and in Soledad Canyon for '75 and '76. Grant is an old friend whom I had been keeping in touch with him over the many years tho' he hasn't been reachable the last couple of years. I hope all is well with him. As for your photos, the one of the Lodge with it's misspelled "Sandwitches" was a great place for food, drinking and music in the patio. It was owned by George Chandler and later John Gilkey. The motel rooms housed a few transient renters but otherwise, the proprietors family and staff. At one point later on it was a bar with topless dancers. I had bartended there as well as at Ace's, the Thai restaurant, though it was another local bar back then. The old Fishers service station was owned by Lennie Fisher, a talkative, somewhat nosey, but gregarious character with an easy laugh. I think the flat roofed house was Tedwell's, a great old timer who liked his beer. I took a two week vacation to New Mex. which turned into a four year stay. It was a great town with a colorful mix of characters. My time in Organ and the Organ Mts. left an indelible imprint on my soul. Bruce, I wish I would have met you. I think highly of your brother and remember meeting your mother as well. Hope I haven't bored you. Tom "Tk" Kennedy

jmhouse said...

Yes, Tom "Tk" Kennedy, I'm still keeping track of things here at City of Dust! And, far from boring me, your post provides some of the best information on the buildings in those photos and the community of Organ in the 1970's that I've ever received. Actually, *the* best. Granted, there isn't all that much competition, but still...I loved it!

It really must've been great to hang out on the patio of the Lodge eating "sandwitches," listening to some music, and taking in the Organ Mountains. I'm very happy to know that was Fisher's Service Station and likely Tedwell's house. Now, were there topless dancers at the bar in the motel? Or was it *only* a bar at that point? I can imagine that not many tourists would opt to stay in Organ rather than just heading into Las Cruces.

Well, New Mexico is interesting. You're not the first person to tell me that a quick trip turned into a stay of years or more. Maybe Bruce Ruble will read this and be able to put you in touch with Grant again. Otherwise, you could always pop by the Organ General Store sometime!

Thanks very much for your recollections. They're much appreciated! Best Regards, JM

Unknown said...

I knew Kenny Fisher very well.He always had a joke to tell you. I also knew his a set. Joe howard. Grant still resides there in the only active business in the town.

JustCindy said...

An awesome guy is running the store and everyone passing through should stop in and take a look through his store. Its literally a museum! Lots of memorabilia and everything's for sale. You'll be amazed! He's just off I-70 east, first exit into Organ. The sign out on the hwy points to Post Office.Turn left off of highway. Go up one street turn right. General store is on Left. Hours of operation vary. If his door is open..He's open!. Not Open Monday or before 10 Tuesday-Fri until 6 pm. Open after 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

JustCindy said...

Send me your contact info. Im going to store at 9 am. I'll give him your info

Cindy said...

Oh and my email is JstCindy2u@aol.com

Unknown said...

Thanks for the kind words . He is my Brother.

Jeanette Phillips Booker said...

I lived there in the early 80's. I would sweep Grants floors and winded the cases for a Dr Pepper and a bag of peanuts. I still keep in touch with him today.

Anonymous said...

I lived in Organ and rented the old school house from Mr. Peter Burrack. We had many strange encounters in that old school, strange sounds, electric switched stopped working, thumps in the night, etc. Was good friends with Grant at the organ General Store, even had me a tab there. I remember gassing up at the Chevron, some old guy and his son ran it, he was mean as a snake to bikers!
Also rented a trailer for a bit from Mike he had several small parks there.
Good memories, always wanted to re-visit. Wonder if the A frame house is still standing

Jul said...

Organ was so named for the Organ mtns directly to the South of Organ.

Pat Garrett was not killed on the road that goes through the pass, he was killed in an arroyo, which served as the road, at least five miles East and slightly South of the pass.

I can tell you how to find the Pat Garrett marker if you contact me. It is really quite easy to get to once you know where it is - what to look for. It is several yards, from pavement. Not that very far at all. Civilization is encroaching... rapidly.

Anonymous said...

Also, the outskirts of Las Cruces are only 5 miles away from Organ. That is why it has withered away. Businesses want more business, which means moving closer to town. Even the newer Thai Restaurant is permanently closed and moved to the other side of Las Cruces, to Mesilla.

jmhouse said...

Thank you for the info, Jul! I have learned a bit more about Organ since I wrote that post, but I still have yet to visit the Pat Garrett maker. I saw a video on You Tube which gave some clues, but didn't provide exact directions.

Anyway, I'm not sure how best to contact you, but maybe you could send me a message at the e-mail address associated with my Blogger profile ("View My Complete Profile" link in upper right). Or, perhaps even easier, shoot me a message at the City of Dust Facebook page. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Thanks again! JM

Anonymous said...

Hello my name is Crystal and I have a twin named Beth. We where born in Oregon New Mexico, my mothers name was Carol Gaytan at the time and she lived there for quite sometime. She met my biological father there and I have been looking for him since. It would be nice to meet him once more. There is a grave at the cemetery in oregan that has a grave, i think his name was Mike Harp ( for the love of GOD I hope that is correct) and he had passed away before me and my sister where born.Mike Harp was only 19 when he was hit by a car crossing highway 70. My My bio dad carved him a beautiful head stone made of wood and that is all I have left from my father that I can go and visit so I hope it is still in good condition. This was in the 1970's so it was a while ago, actually almost 40 years ago. My mom (carol) would tell me stories about the Oregans and the crazy amount of mines that are out there. It really is beautiful out there. I get to see them everyday cuz I love in Las Cruces still after all these years. What I am trying to say is that if anyone knows my family or bio father please let me know I am still looking and won't give up!

jmhouse said...

Hi Crystal,

Thanks for your message. That is quite a family story. I appreciate your sharing it. If you're interested, I can also post it on the City of Dust Facebook page, which gets many more viewers on a daily basis than this blog. It's possible that someone out there will know either your family or biological father.

Anyway, let me know if you'd like me to put it on FB and we'll proceed from there.

Thanks again! JM

Unknown said...

The A framed house is still standing but has been redone, I live about 4 miles down in moongate, I'll take a bike ride up there and snap a photo for you.

jmhouse said...

Hi Lane Luna,

Thanks for your comment! I'd love to see a current photo of the A-frame house! You can send it to: jmhouse(at)cityofdust(com).

Thanks very much! JM

JustCindy said...

Having a hard time trying to find out how to reserve a spot in the Slumbering Mountain Cementary up here. Its a mystery! No one down in the County Building, Post office or In a Google Search gives any names to contact since the Tylers passed away. Frustrating!

Unknown said...

Mike was my best friend when he died that terrible night the whole community was devastated God bless

Number2carol@gmail.com said...

I lived in the area from 76-79. My husband was stationed at WSMR and I worked off post for George Chandler at the Hitching Post on Hwy 70....(about half way between Organ and Cruces). What a character, what a time! It was a WILD time!! That was a boomin place and George could always be found sitting by the grill with his paper Hormel hat on. He had Stetsons and lots of them, but he would wear a paper Hormel hat. People would come from Santa Fe, Albuquerque,....all over the state to eat a the best steak around, some sweetbreads, onion rings and talk to George. What a wild and crazy place. The building had a “drive in window” where folks could get a “to go” doggie bag or a bottle of booze. Sometimes the dinger would go off letting the staff know someone was at the window.....go to the window and slide it open and a horse stuck his head through the window....cowboy wanting a bottle of booze to go. I was working one day when a man who didn’t speak English and had been in the desert for days (maybe week) came in the front door with a rattlesnake he kept pointing at the grill....he wanted it cooked. Talk about clearing a place out!!! I have fond memories of George and The Hitching Post. I heard it became a “Gentleman’s (not so gentlemanly) Club after George passed. What a shame, it should have been placed on a historic building list. Awe yes, those were the days!!

Anonymous said...

i lived in the area from 76-79. My husband was stationed at WSMR and I worked off base for George Chandler at the Hitchin Post on Hwy 70 between Cruces and Organ. George lived in Organ but spent most of his time at the Hitchin Post. At the time it was a hoppin place! I still see George in my minds eye sitting by the grill with his paper “Hormel” hat on. He had Stetsons, but wore the paper Hormel hat. He was quite the character for sure! People would come from Santa Fe, Albuquerque, all over the state for the best steak around, have some sweetbreads and onion rings and talk to George. It was a wild place!! There was a drive in window for folks wanting a “to go” order or a bottle of booze. The “dinger” would go off to notify someone there was a customer. I remember once the dinger went off, I walked over and opened the sliding window. A horse stuck his head in the window....a cowboy riding his horse wanting a bottle of booze!! A non- English speaking person who had been out in the desert for days you could tell...came in one day with a live rattlesnake that he wanted cooked. Talk about clearing out a place!!! It was quite the place! I remember George, the place and “regulars” fondly. I heard it became a “Gentleman’s (not so Gentlemanly) Club after George passed and the building went into disrepair. What a shame, it should have went on the Historical list. George owned land and lots of it! He once offered me as many acres of land that I wanted for $100.00 an acre. At the time it was sand and sagebrush so I said no. I hear there is a huge sub-division there now.....oops should have said yes. For a gal from Seattle, it was quite an eye-opening experience for sure and George reigned over all of it!

Jul said...

Anonymous, so there's an empty old building (ex- gentlemen's club) next to Los Compas on hwy 70. Was that the Hitching Post?

Unknown said...

I "lived" in Organ, NM from about 1952 until I enlisted in the Navy in January 1967 to do my part in the noble cause of keeping the Commies out of South Viet Nam. We didn't do so good in that endeavor, but we did get some darn good rock and roll music out of the deal. My dad rented a cabin from L.B. Bentley right across the street from the L B Bentley General Store and Assayer Office. Mr and Mrs. Bentley were well along in they years and passed before I got to know them. Ann Bentley became proprietor of the store. My Mom assisted in the store and helped care for the elderly Mrs. Bentley until she passed away. Later Mom worked part time at the saloon owned by Amos as chief cook and bottle washer. Later the establishment change hands and became Ace's Place. There were two saloons in the town at the time The other was The Organ Mountain Lodge owned and operated by George Chandler, it featured a saloon, motel and nice dining room renowned for T-Bone steaks. There were also 2 churches and a garage/coffee shop operated by Lenny Fisher and his wife Billie. Lenny always had joke to tell and would give you the shirt of his back if you needed it. IMO they don't make that cabler of people any more. There a was a gas station too, operated by Sonny Chandler. I would say it's claim to fame wat that is where the ONLY telephone in town back then. we hung out around the gas station (Kent an I) and when the phone would ring we would hop on our bike and di di mau to home of the person being called and tell them they has a phone call waiting a the gas station. It wasn't a really tele combination enterprise but we usually got a decent tip for our effort. There was only 1 paved street thru Organ at the time, Highway 70 other than that all the streets were dirt and dusty roads. Television, forget it. Do to the topography TV signals from El Paso wouldn't make it to Organ. I guess it was in the mid 1950's George Chandler had a repeater setation built in the valley which pickup a station (NBC ?) from El Paso and sent it to Organ, when it worked any way.

I lived briefly returned Organ in 1968 to work for Grumman doing static testing of the Lunar Module. That all came to an end after a few months as President Nixon to LunarProgram.have babbled on about Organ long enough
work







12750 Camassia Ct, rancho cucamonga 91739

jmhouse said...

Hi Anonymous,

Thanks so much for your comment! Those are the most detailed recollections I've ever come across regarding life in mid-century Organ, NM. They paint a rare picture and I'm glad to have them posted here!

And, you're absolutely right—we did get some darn good rock and roll music out of the deal.

Thanks again! JM

Unknown said...

Jim,
Thanks for commenting on my comments. My Name is Harold Shaw. MY dad bought some lots and we built the house which is directly east of the old school house. I say we, but I was a just a kid at the time and mostly just got in his way. That old abandoned 1 room school house was just an old abandoned 1 room school house at the time but the bell tower was still up there. It made a pretty good play spot for the few of us kids living in Organ. As I remember some of tne old desk with ink wells were still there too. Today that junk would Organ for many years. Last I time I there I found more people calling Slumbering Mountain home than in Organ.
At this I would like to give a shout out the Weisners, they were like family to me. Epically was like a brother tome. Although most of the lies they told about us were not true we still found enough mischief to be entertained. RIP Kent.
Also I want to give a shout out to Steven Walter. He along with 58,200 people from my generation were killed for the 'noble cause in Viet Nan but never came home.
ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL

jmhouse said...

Hi Harold,

Thanks for adding some additional details to your picture of Organ! It's all very much appreciated. I wish I could've seen those desks with inkwells. Heck, I wish I could've seen the bell tower. I'd like to say I could remember your house, but all I'm bringing to mind is that assay office right now. I'm not sure when I'll be through Organ again, but I'll try to have a look on that day.

And, yes, 58,200. Such a devastating number. Thank you for your service.

Best wishes for the holidays, JM

jmhouse said...

Also, to Anonymous a few comments back, I keep meaning to thank you for you recollections, as well. I wish I had a photo of the Hitchin' Post, but I can't recall seeing it either. Geez. It sounds like it was quite a place! Freshly-cooked rattlesnake, eh? Well, I suppose one could develop a taste for it under the right circumstances.

As for that subdivision, I'm not sure there's one between Organ and Cruces. If that land was in Cruces proper (or on the outskirts at the time), well, that could be possible. I used to live in Minneapolis and I should've sold some organs to buy real estate 25 years ago. I could be doing City of Dust full time! Alas.

Anyway, thanks for your comment. I don't think one is likely to come across another such snapshot of the wild Hitchin' Post of Highway 70, New Mexico and I'm glad to have it here!

Best, John

Anonymous said...

Hi John, thanks for the response. My understanding was that George Chandler owned most of the land between Organ & Cruces, and east toward El Paso quite a ways.I think the piece he did not own was where the Butterfield trailer park was. Not sure about that, he may have owned that too. Not sure if that trailer park is still there or not...it was pretty run down way back then. George lived in Organ, but spent most of his time at the “Hitchin Post. If you drive between Organ &/Cruces you will see a very run down; dilapidated building that says Gentleman’s Club. That was the old Hitchin Post”.It may have fallen down by now., I don’t know. I was through there several years ago and it was in horrible shape then. Broke my heart to see that. When I went through several years ago, Ace’s and the Organ Mountain Lodge were not open anymore and the buildings looked in awful shape. It’s a shame every thing I saw was in such disrepair. It’s a very historical town and should have been protected....in my opinion. Thanks for letting me reminisce lol

Anonymous said...

Jul, yes tha’s The building

Jack W. G. Schubbe said...

I currently live in Organ, New Mexico and have lived here since 1976. My father bought the last house in the northwest corner of Organ, and after he passed away, I took it over. The schoolhouse you mentioned is on the corner of 3rd and B St. The Gen. Store is about a half a block west on the other side of the street. The time when this town was the most booming was in the 80's (at least after it became a ghost town from the gold rush). My home was built in 1941 by J.J. Giddings, and it still stands with hardly any erosion at all. It is made of cinderblock and stucco. IF you would like pictures of the town and possibly lists of the people buried in the cemetary and maybe even the stories surrounding some of their untimely deaths, feel free to contact me.

jmhouse said...

Thank you for the information and family history, Jack W. G. Schubbe! It's very much appreciated. I'd love to see some photos and hear some tales of untimely deaths. However, I don't seem to be able to access your contact details through the Facebook address linked with your name. You can find me at the email address associated with the "View My Complete Profile" link at the top right of this page.

Thanks again! Hope to hear from you soon! JM

Unknown said...

I lived in Organ with Carol Butler(Colts)& Armondo Valdez. Later moved in with Jack Schubbe( the son). I am originally from Maine, but mover there in 2014. I am sensitive to spirits and paranormal activities, and so many times Ive heard miners talking outside my bedroom window, seen white and darks mists chasing each other; heard and seen things that I kept to myself for fear that no one wod believe me.

Unknown said...

I know Grant, lu ed down a couple streets with Jack Schubbe on organ Path lane (Road) Back in 2017-2018. Grant is a good man, Wild sense of humor, always crackung jokes with me whenever I went in there.😀

Jack Schubbe said...

This comment is for Crystal. Robert Derby, has 3 sons, one of them is named Malachi, they married into the Gayton family, Tina Gayton to be exact and still live in Las Cruces, NM. You may start there to find out what happened to your Dad. Hope it helps!!

Number2carol@gmail.com said...

Yes, looked a lot different then. Broke my heart to see it in such disrepair

Number2carol@gmail.com said...

I lived in Organ for a few years in the 70’s. I lived in a mobile home park and met a couple named Bill & Evelyn. I can’t remember their last name. Terrific folks. Retired couple from White Sands Missile Range. Anybody know who I am talking about? Fairly sure they have passed on, but would like to know if anyone knows if they were buried in Organ cemetery?

Unknown said...

I moved to Organin 2019, and I've heard the same thing. It stopped after awhile, or I simply may gotten used to it.

Anonymous said...

Yes it was

Anonymous said...

I believe you are talking about the family Lee they have the mobile home park across the Highway that used to be Fishers garage his son Weston l e e is now owner of the Mobile Home Park

Anonymous said...

The old building still stands however they are doing work on it course they were doing work on it before and they stopped so not sure what they're trying to do with it but it's still there as of now