tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post3473321285490796461..comments2024-03-17T12:07:45.236-05:00Comments on CITY OF DUST: In the Shadow of the Buffalo Hunters: Causey, New Mexicojmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07470407787311078380noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-25662579189580349192023-06-17T19:51:46.767-05:002023-06-17T19:51:46.767-05:00I attended grades 1-4 at Causey and had Fay Jeffri...I attended grades 1-4 at Causey and had Fay Jeffries and Mrs Farris as teachers. My dad, Iven Prewett taught math and was principal. I had some trouble telling time and Mrs Farris put me in the hallway to stare at the big clock until I figured it out. My dad came by and told me to get back in class and I remember wondering just who was in trouble….me or Mrs Farris. Great people in that community! Later I went to Three-Way and Dora.Nancy Prewett Dehartnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-67060201599207536792023-04-08T12:19:58.784-05:002023-04-08T12:19:58.784-05:00Hi Anonymous,
Yeah, I got a little sloppy with my...Hi Anonymous,<br /><br />Yeah, I got a little sloppy with my phrasing, I'm afraid. I'd like to post more histories of towns and villages throughout eastern New Mexico, although the plains would still be a big chunk of that. The Ragland (and I think there is only one) I referenced is indeed on the edge of the caprock, south of Tucumcari, and maybe I'll be able to write something about it one of these days. I don't have too many photos, that's for sure.<br /><br />As for Lingo, I did manage to write a little about it a number of years ago. You can find that piece <a href="https://cityofdust.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-little-piece-of-quiet-lingo-new-mexico.html" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>.<br /><br />Thanks for checking on that. Here's to hoping I can get posts together on some of these places soon! JM<br />jmhousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07470407787311078380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-39987326110434128682023-04-08T11:57:34.241-05:002023-04-08T11:57:34.241-05:00I thought (know) that Ragland is located on the ca...I thought (know) that Ragland is located on the caprock near Tucumcari....unless there were two. I believe Lingo maybe what you were going for.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-753113763177851992021-05-24T16:53:46.328-05:002021-05-24T16:53:46.328-05:00All of my family is from Portales. Tommy Mullins i...All of my family is from Portales. Tommy Mullins is my grandfather. His family farmed the land around INEZ church and we have family in that cemetery. TRMullinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09506578369535721200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-41794685795565957482021-03-13T20:42:20.494-06:002021-03-13T20:42:20.494-06:00Hi Fawn,
Thank you for sharing your memories and ...Hi Fawn,<br /><br />Thank you for sharing your memories and family history! It's always wonderful to hear from someone with a connection to Causey. Since publishing <a href="https://cityofdust.bigcartel.com/" rel="nofollow">"Abandoned New Mexico: Ghost Towns, Endangered Architecture, and Hidden History"</a> I've found that the biggest positive response has come from the Eastern Plains. I think that's because there is just not that much that's been published on these towns, and the recollections of those that lived there are typically warm and fond and, of course, now a bit wistful. I regret not being able to include even more of them, places such as Ragland, Nara Visa, Kenna, and many others. Well...maybe in Volume II!<br /><br />Thanks again! JMjmhousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07470407787311078380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-87118948238777675332021-03-09T22:37:30.680-06:002021-03-09T22:37:30.680-06:00I know that this blogpost is over six years old, b...I know that this blogpost is over six years old, but my grandparents spent their childhoods in Causey, NM. Upon their passing, I got the old Tomcats yearbooks. When I was a young girl, I even attended a Causey High School reunion with them (and have all the photos from one in either 1992 or 1994) Every few years we would travel back there to visit the cemetery, take photos in front of the old school, and drive to their old farms. My grandmother was Louise (Robinson) Gregory & my grandfather was Marvin Gregory. So pleased to stumble upon this article - and many of the names sound familiar from the comments. Fawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12858144752357609735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-76762601502506234672020-08-22T16:34:12.014-05:002020-08-22T16:34:12.014-05:00Thank you for your comment and family history, She...Thank you for your comment and family history, Sherry 13! I wish I could put you in touch with Mary Bilberry directly, but, unfortunately, her comment doesn't contain any contact links. Perhaps she or someone who knows her will read this and get in touch with you. I hope so!<br /><br />And say hello to you cousin Betty! I have fond memories of visiting her in Pep and we're still in touch!<br /><br />Thanks again! JMjmhousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07470407787311078380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-13942957361095329772020-08-22T11:55:06.326-05:002020-08-22T11:55:06.326-05:00Mary Billberry my parents Bud and Katie Littlefiel...Mary Billberry my parents Bud and Katie Littlefield rented your house south of Lingo from the late 1940s to 1057 I think. I am their youngest child Sherry. My brothers Donnie and Larry went to school at Causey and I had my photos taken even though I was too young to attend. I was wondering if you have a photo of that house? I'd love to have one from when the house was still standing!! Ssnyder at glenhill dot com. Is a good place to send it. We still come visit with Betty Williamson my cousin. <br /><br />Thanks so much. Sherry Littlefield Snyder Sherry 13https://www.blogger.com/profile/05097743447222257339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-57993198699657675432019-11-08T14:14:06.361-06:002019-11-08T14:14:06.361-06:00Bud Smith, you and I spent many hours playing in a...Bud Smith, you and I spent many hours playing in and around those buildings while our mom's cooked. Were you there the day Sharon Strebeck clocked me in the head with the rock and I bled like a stuck pig?Robert Farrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16461429329173102439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-47336996969686138002019-11-06T00:10:10.623-06:002019-11-06T00:10:10.623-06:00Donna Merrick, thank you so much for providing you...Donna Merrick, thank you so much for providing your recollections of growing up in Causey. I believe that's the most in-depth, firsthand description of day-to-day life in Causey that I've ever come across. As a picture of the town in the 1950s-1960s it's invaluable and I'm thrilled that you shared it here.<br /><br />I also realize that often my posts can make those who know these places feel wistful, at best. That is never my intention, of course; I'm trying to document these places as thoroughly as I can and with as much respect and love as I can muster. So I'm also glad that you enjoyed seeing Causey featured at City of Dust and sharing your fond memories. Hopefully that eased the ache a little bit.<br /><br />I do have to ask: Is that your mother's restaurant--Flo's Cafe--that still stands just west across the highway from the school? I have been in that building, but can't say I really got any good photos of it, unfortunately.<br /><br />Anyway, thanks again and, like Shirley Batteas Harris, I'm also pleased that you created the Causey Fire Department as a youngster! That's a most useful thing to have done! Best Regards, JMjmhousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07470407787311078380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-91838514186845052912019-09-19T16:04:14.266-05:002019-09-19T16:04:14.266-05:00Thank you, Donna Merrick, for being responsible fo...Thank you, Donna Merrick, for being responsible for the Causey Fire Department!;) In 1961, your fire department responded to our house fire in Goodland, Texas! Shirley Batteas HarrisAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03394506683268414768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-55441964467544542312019-06-13T18:29:18.676-05:002019-06-13T18:29:18.676-05:00(to continue) It is depressing to me to go back n...(to continue) It is depressing to me to go back now as my homeplace and the school are so rundown. I can recall the smell of the polished wood floors at the school readily. My folks kept a large orchard on the north side of our home, and our yard was a place of beauty. Most of us kids were members of the 4-H club or FFA and showed animals, did craft projects and went to state competitions. Mrs. Bilberry took us to state competitions in business. The whole town acted as our parents, and loved and disciplined (gently) us. It was a peaceful, quiet, safe place to grow up. Oh, that children could have such a place now! I loved it then, dearly, and I love the memories now. I graduated in 1963, and there were 9 in my class, so some of the later classes actually had more kids than we did. I didn't know it then, but our superintendent, Bill Smith, had actually served as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. What an honor! Our school couldn't offer as much as larger schools as far as science, etc., but when I went to college, I never found my education lacking. By the way, the cafeteria ladies sure could cook! Thank you for focusing on Causey and giving us a chance to add memories.Donna "Merrick" (maiden name)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-64959424360509773432019-06-13T18:20:26.990-05:002019-06-13T18:20:26.990-05:00(to continue) Odd story-I was sort of responsible ...(to continue) Odd story-I was sort of responsible for the fire department. When I was about five, I was playing with matches hiding from my mom behind some organza curtains, which went up in flames quickly. My mom grabbed me and ran. Someone saw the smoke, and the men playing dominoes jumped in the back of a pickup truck, came and put out the fire. Thank the Lord for them. Afterward, they painted "Causey Fire Department" on the side of that truck. Then, through the years, thanks to revenue sharing in the state of NM, Causey was able to maintain a fire station with trucks and ambulances that would rival most much larger towns. My dad, Howell, was the mayor for many years, but so were many other fine men. My mom, Flo, had Flo's Cafe for many years that was due west of the school. Kids would be allowed once a week to go buy candy at recess there. Many truckers made it a point to eat there. She was a great cook, and her steaks and hamburgers were second to none. Many of the townspeople, mainly women, worked there through the years. She sponsored a women's volleyball team that would travel around the county competing. She had a lot of fun with it, and the women were great players and could spike the ball fiercely! Mary Lee Terral, Jimmy Nunnally, Geneva Judah were some of the women. There are many other really good ones that I can't remember. Jo Ann Blakey was another.Donna "Merrick" (maiden name)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-34703209131302239352019-06-13T18:10:09.107-05:002019-06-13T18:10:09.107-05:00My family moved to Causey in 1947 when I was almos...My family moved to Causey in 1947 when I was almost two years old. I had two older brothers, Jack and Joe. We all graduated from Causey. We were "town kids" and lived about 1/4 mi. north of the school. We walked to school, which I thought was torturous. We were neighbors to the Bilberrys, and I spent many hours at their house. Mrs. Bilberry was my high school business teacher, and a good one. I also had Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Farris as teachers. Mrs. Bilberry actually taught in elementary at that time, and I had Mrs. Jeffries, also. At the time I was growing up, there were actually 4 places that had gas pumps, one being a tiny station between us and the Bilberrys, where I ruined my teeth because the man who owned it gave me way too much free bubble gum. As said, there was a hardware store, a grocery store, feed store, blacksmith shop, croquet court, and for a while, a hamburger stand beside it, a laundromat with wringer washers, and 3 churches (one of which was north of our house). I remember playing croquet on summer nights after the town got electricity. I rode my bicycle freely all over town and several miles out of town to visit friends. Donna "Merrick" (maiden name)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-76939301410452852332018-08-30T19:18:33.900-05:002018-08-30T19:18:33.900-05:00Lots of great memories of Causey. My grandfather f...Lots of great memories of Causey. My grandfather farmed south at Lingo and my mother drove the bus and cooked in the “lunchroom” from ‘51-‘56 when we moved all the way to Griffith so I had to attend school in Moerton but most of my friends went to Causey. I have always loved that place.Bud Smithnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-92125043108078249152018-03-25T21:46:46.123-05:002018-03-25T21:46:46.123-05:00I started first grade in Causey, sept 1962 My old...I started first grade in Causey, sept 1962 My oldest brother Lynn (Jet) graduated from Causey, 1963. The new gym was built if<br />I am not mistake that year. My brothers Loyd and Jerry played Basketball in the new gym. It is sad to see it as it is now. p Strotherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05971353620962260848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-86014517509894166382017-03-20T22:18:18.016-05:002017-03-20T22:18:18.016-05:00p Strother, I'm always thrilled to have people...p Strother, I'm always thrilled to have people's memories of Causey recorded here at City of Dust. So thank you very much!<br /><br />You may have already seen it, but one of the most recent City of Dust posts features <a href="http://cityofdust.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-little-piece-of-quiet-lingo-new-mexico.html" rel="nofollow">LINGO</a>. Sadly, the old post office burned down not long ago.<br /><br />Thanks again! JMjmhousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07470407787311078380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-65215178526329984472017-03-19T16:10:57.012-05:002017-03-19T16:10:57.012-05:00I started first grade in Causey New Mexico in 1962...I started first grade in Causey New Mexico in 1962. My oldest brother "Jet" as they called him, graduated high school from Causey. My brother's played basketball in the new gym which was completed when we lived there. <br /><br />We lived about a mile southwest of Lingo New Mexico, down the road from the Griffin or Griffiths. We moved away in about 1964. <br /><br />This past Summer my brother, sister-in-law, husband, and myself made a day trip to Causey. The School looks the same as the picture posted here. <br /><br />Thank you so much for posting this story. p Strotherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05971353620962260848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-38147817383160737972016-10-20T15:51:34.990-05:002016-10-20T15:51:34.990-05:00casey squyres, it's always a treat to hear fro...casey squyres, it's always a treat to hear from someone with a connection to Causey! Those are wonderful recollections and I'm very pleased to have them included with the other fond memories people have shared. Thank you for passing your family's history along!<br /><br />Of course, it would be fantastic to hear from your mother, as well. First-person accounts of Causey's heyday are not very numerous, to say the least. And perhaps she would also like to say hello to bob Farris! JMjmhousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07470407787311078380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-66892383838866199612016-10-15T19:27:03.627-05:002016-10-15T19:27:03.627-05:00Casey Squires, Please tell your mom, Joy, that Rob...Casey Squires, Please tell your mom, Joy, that Robert Farris says hi.<br />Joy was one class ahead of me. We moved to Denver, CO when I was in fourth grade.Robert Farrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16461429329173102439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-8484070766396599752016-10-15T10:43:06.043-05:002016-10-15T10:43:06.043-05:00I am 42, and I have LOVED reading about Causey and...I am 42, and I have LOVED reading about Causey and have loved each response. I am going tontry and get my mom Joy Casey Nelson to post here. She was born and raised there and attended Causey schools until she graduated in 1968... Validitorian I believe of a class of 6! She had three sisters and her daddy O.T. had a cotton farm there. My siblings and I have grown up hearing story after charming delightful story of the school, ,classmates, clubs, home economics department, bus drivers, and so much more. She paints a beautiful picture of that era of Causey's caring adults who treated all of the children as their own and helped each other when they were down, -as well as celebrated each others victories! The yearbooks from those years that she has are FANTASTIC! Nothing was done half-way. Thanks for writing about Causey. casey squyreshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15199991146364952716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-52224662478801674302016-08-31T20:42:52.049-05:002016-08-31T20:42:52.049-05:00Thanks for your message, Tollett family! I'd l...Thanks for your message, Tollett family! I'd like to get some photos of that old church sometime, and maybe the graveyard, too. I'll add Inez to the list for next time I'm out that way. It shouldn't be too long! <br /><br />Best, JMjmhousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07470407787311078380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-75914869304348677462016-08-24T07:53:08.744-05:002016-08-24T07:53:08.744-05:00My husband's family are Inez people. All that ...My husband's family are Inez people. All that is left is the church and graveyard. The church was last a methodist church for many years. We still do a community Christmas service every year at the church. The graveyard is also where the family still gets buried to this day. We are the Tollett family. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-38085341326237059482015-11-20T16:18:58.764-06:002015-11-20T16:18:58.764-06:00What a fantastic connection to make going back ove...What a fantastic connection to make going back over 75 years, Anonymous. Thanks for your comment! Your mention of Lingo is timely as I'm hoping to visit there in December, when I return to Pep. Of course, if I get a chance to photograph the place, a post will be forthcoming and any history you might provide much welcomed.<br /><br />Thanks again! JMjmhousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07470407787311078380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921005.post-34927619695749163922015-11-19T23:00:24.488-06:002015-11-19T23:00:24.488-06:00MARY, YOUR MOM TAUGHT MY DAD IN LINGO 1936-1938, C...MARY, YOUR MOM TAUGHT MY DAD IN LINGO 1936-1938, CURRY PRUIT. GRANMOTHER PRUIT(LULA) RAN THE STORE AND POST OFFICE AT LINGO LATE 20s AND 30s. I DIDNT MEET SARAH TILL AFTER SHE RETIRED TO PORTALES, AS I REMEMBER SHE WAS ACTIVE IN OPERATION THE CAUSEY CEMETARY WHICH IS ACTUALLY AT GARRISON. DADDY, HIS MOM, AND ALL MY AUNTS AND UNCLES ARE BURIED THERE EXCEPT GEORGIA THE YOUNGEST. GEORGIA PRUIT CHITTY AND MY MOM GEORGIA JARMAN PRUIT WERE CLOSE AND CONFUSED PEOPLE WITH THERE NAMES AND CONNECTION TO MY DAD. THAT IS INTERESTING COUNTRY AND HAD SOME WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO PULLED TOGETHER, THEY HAD TO TO SURVIVE.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />SAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com