The formal observance of Memorial Day dates back to around 1868. Before that year, a tradition had developed whereby the graves of the soldiers killed in the Civil War had been decorated with flowers. Since then, poppy flowers have become associated with Memorial Day observances. On Memorial Day, May 30, 1950, Lea County residents honored … Continue reading Rededication of the World War II Memorial Plaque (May 30, 1950)
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Joseph C. Lea, Namesake of Lea County
Joseph Calloway Lea was born November 8, 1841 in Cleveland, Tennessee to Dr. Pleasant Lea and Lucinda Francis Calloway Lea who had married three years earlier in Monroe County, Tennessee. Joseph was the second son born to the couple after Thomas C. Lea (1839) and was followed by brothers Franklin Houston Lea (1843), Alfred Erskine … Continue reading Joseph C. Lea, Namesake of Lea County
Opening the Cowboy Hall Of Fame and Western Heritage Museum
Western Heritage on Display at Cowboy Hall of Fame By Sue Seibert A journey into the colorful history of Lea County and the Llano Estacado will shortly become a reality as progress toward completion of the Lea County Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center nears conclusion. The Center, housed on the campus of New … Continue reading Opening the Cowboy Hall Of Fame and Western Heritage Museum
Old Baldy
The unique funeral of a prominent Lovington personality was held in the quiet of the day here Monday. Not many people witnessed the burial. There was no singing, preaching, or flowers, but this personality will be missed by most all of Lovington. Old Baldy, 28-year-old roping horse owned by Troy Fort, has been laid to … Continue reading Old Baldy
Zip Franklin
Oliver Gene "Zip" Franklin was an old time pilot. He was known around Lea County for having done just about anything one could do with an aircraft. He was born August 8, 1919 in Artesia and died September 11, 1991 doing what he loved, flying. An airport in Lea County was named for Zip Franklin, … Continue reading Zip Franklin
The Linam Buffalo Herd
Charles Goodnight founded a herd of buffalo on his Texas ranch. Goodnight had died in 1929 and a successor owner reportedly announced plans for a buffalo hunt on the former Goodnight ranch. Fortunately, the new owner was persuaded not to go forward with the plans. Some animals were sold, like the ones sold to Virgil … Continue reading The Linam Buffalo Herd
Seaman James Edward Teas
by David L. Minton, Lea County Historian (Used with permission) Good Morning Fellow Lea Countians far and near. Today I would like to remember and honor a Lea County man who lost his life in defense of our country. James Edward Teas who preferred to be called Edward was born January 29th, 1922 in Lea … Continue reading Seaman James Edward Teas
The Hobbs Family
James Isaac Hobbs was born January 2, 1852 in Tishomingo, Mississippi. By the time he was 19, he was working as a laborer on a farm in Prentiss, Mississippi. Eight years later in 1878, he married the former Frances Paralee “Fannie” Mooring in Point, Rains County, Texas, born in Tennessee on March 27, 1857. By … Continue reading The Hobbs Family
Charlie Campbell
Charles Leland Campbell was born June 19, 1911 in Elida, Roosevelt County, New Mexico to Zachary Taylor Campbell and Lillie Louise Bridges Campbell. In 1920, Zachary's profession was listed as barber and they were still living in Elida. Zachary passed away in 1930 after an illness. Charlie, as he became known, graduated from Elida High … Continue reading Charlie Campbell
Lea County Fair and Rodeo
[Transcribed from the 60th Anniversary Collector’s Edition of the Lea County Fair and Rodeo program for the event held August 5-12, 1995] The History of the Lea County Fair and Rodeo In 1935, the editor of the Lovington Daily Leader, Luke Roberts, led an effort to boost farming in this area and a meeting of … Continue reading Lea County Fair and Rodeo
Old Lea County, N.M. 