Pat Garret Really Should Have Stayed the Night
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.
The Thai restaurant closed and moved to Las Cruces around 2012/13 if I remember correctly
You are correct! They moved to Las Cruces
The Thai restaurant is open actually. I’m new here so they may be new owners, no idea.
It came back.
Economic Development/Sport Trophy Hunts: Sheep hunts generate millions of dollars in the State of Texas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBHUtz2y5a4.
Beautiful Organ New Mexico (https://elchuqueno.com/city-of-dust-organ-new-mexico/), has no economic activity. The New Mexico Game and Fish department licenses exotic hunts for African Oryx in White Sands NM, and Persian Ibex in the Organ mountains. Why not big horn New Mexico Dahl Heritage sheep? Gross receipt taxes on exotic Texas hunts produce millions of dollars of State Revenue. According to Southwick, total Texas economic impact from hunting 4.63 billion and $5.12 billion from hunting and wildlife-watching, respectively. Rare breed hunt prices are higher than more common species. Texas Dall sheep are a common commercial breed not related to New Mexico Dahl Heritage sheep. Trophy sheep hunts range from $3,500.00 to $30,000.00. New Mexico Dahl Heritage sheep are a rare distinct breed of which there are fewer than 200 in domestication. Feral numbers are unknown and may be extinct as NM Game and Fish Dept. shoots them on site. Scientific proof was verified via DNA analysis by professor and geneticist Dr. Rasmus Neilsen, PhD, University of California, Berkley center for Computational Biology; see attachment below. There is a Box Canyon in the cliffs of San Lorenzo Park, (https://www.blm.gov/visit/san-lorenzo-canyon), Socorro County, New Mexico where I captured (in the box canyon), a few of the first foundation New Mexico Dahl sheep in 1982. This was the beginning of the foundation herd in Belen, New Mexico.
Because native New Mexico Dahl Heritage sheep have a five hundred year history in NM, trophy sheep hunts in the Organ Mountains should take precedence over nonnative exotic hunts. This is where the legislature comes in. The funds generated by New Mexico Dahl Heritage sheep hunts would support a year round tourist destination in Organ, plus further support the historic development of the Organ economy. The residents of Organ, NM should manage and book regular sheep hunts, in cooperation with NM Game and Fish Dept., thereby creating local jobs. From our foundation herd in Belen, we would be happy to donate a starter flock to the town of Organ, NM. https://huntrockcreekranch.com/texas-sheep-hunts/.
That’s my Grandparents graves in that final picture. Traditionally we dig the graves by hand in the old Organ cemetery (I’ve helped dig a few), but a movie was being filmed in the cemetery when grandpa died and they had a back hoe rented to dig a fake grave and we’re kind enough to dig grandpa’s for us. Organ is a nice little town once you leave the highway, but the highway makes it look dumpy. Most of us wish those buildings would be torn down. One is in eternal probate, likely the owner had no will. Another was donated to a church when the owner passed and the church thinks it’s worth 250k just because it’s by the highway. I don’t know what the story is behind the old Chevron station and the building next door that was once the Sawahoo Trading Post, those have been boarded up for 20 years now. The building at the top of the hill that was once a gas station and restaurant belongs to a guy who just doesn’t care how ugly it is because he lives in a McMansion down in the valley. When I was a kid growing up in Organ in the 80’s there were 2 gas stations, 2 restaurants, 2 stores, 2 bars, and the trading post. Now all there is is a post office.
Made me a lil home sick. Growing up in Organ is now just a shock to anyone who I tell, or better yet show. We had fun, run the roads and owned the sand the ran down the mountain after a summer rain.
I C I would love to rebuild it I love old towns my little town did the same thing Taylor Taylor TX I was born in Austin but it got to big a have walked all these mountains and alot of biblical history in and around Las cruises NM I know because we are related and yes its who you think its biblical when you can prove your the monarch of the us but currupt government doesn’t want to let go of power
So Did I.
Spent all of my High School days there. 9th thru Senior year ( 1962-1966) before spending the next 24+~ years in the US NAVY.
Knew just about everyone in town from GEORGE CHANDLER,Lenny Fisher, Uncle Bert, J.R. And Betty Stanley, Ace Adams, Rojo Pobar ,
And now just my Brother L. Grant Rogers who runs the ORGAN GROCERY STORE.
Is Grant still around these days? I ask because my stepfather at the time used to hang at the store all the time 25+ years ago and I was also close behind. Long ago memories, very cool now that I’m an adult I am interested in looking more into all the history also.
Yes..his store has been closed due to his health. He has mobility issues. He wants me to come help him clean it up ans move stuff around so he can open back up but my vehicle just wont make it up and down that hill, it would be a great if I was able to go help and I definately would, if I could. Grants a great guy, full of stories. He has no one he trusts to come help. Yoi can go speak with him every Sunday morning bright and early at Big Daddys Flea. He goes and sits at his space, Shed 3, in his small Silver transport van. He has no one to help him load and unload his van, so he just sits and talks to whomever drops by.
Cynthia I was told that Grant passed away on Thursday night. He was one of the first folks I met when I moved up here in ’85 or so. I’ll miss him.
Jon Swalby
He had somebody he could trust. You know everyone on here talks about what a great friend he was but I never seen any of you up there even visiting much less helping him. Smh!
Angelica, I was told yesterday that Grant passed away on Thursday night (1/25/23). Reportedly from
natural causes. I say Reportedly because you never know what’s real or not up here.
Jon Swalby
Organ, NM
I need to get ahold of Grants brother asap! His name is Bruce Ruble. My number is 575-259-0779
The vultures up there started circling the day the ambulance came for him. I had talked to him two Sundays ago at the flea. He was a fixture there. I met him 35 years ago at his booth. All through the years he would bring an extra beer with him for me. We had many, many, conversations over that 35 yrs. When his health started to deter him from getting up and down or in and out of his vehicle, It was very disheartening for him. His entire life was his store and the flea. His long time helper has vanished. All I know is there was a disagreement and their friendship ended and he was all alone. He asked me to come and help him reopen the store but for as much as I wanted too I was financially unable to get up and down that hill. I’m so, so sad! He was a super guy! I was suppose to meet up with him this last Sunday since the prior Sunday the weather was so cold and crappy, he didn’t show up. RIP Grant! I will forever remember all the stupid man jokes! I will miss seeing you at your booth..NO MORE PAIN FOR YOU! You’re free to fly like a bird! SQUATTERS have taken over everything you spent your life with. Don’t know who gave them the idea they could, but they have! I will see you again someday. Until then…rest well My Friend! Oh and I called Diane, to let her know you wouldn’t be out at the flea any more! She was broken hearted as well. ? We all loved you!
And You have settled right in to HIS PLACE! WHO gave you permission to do so? I have sent his brother an email and the sheriff’s dept will be up there to remove you to jail for being on private property and stealing everything that does NOT belong to you! Vultures
Yes John, it was true. He died of a heart attack. His place is supposedly in probate. That worthless brother of his got here less than two weeks after he passed and got rid of everything he owned and worked for his whole life. Threw most of it away. Didn’t have the decency to place anything in the cemetery for him, placed his crappy obituary he (the brother, Bruce Ruble) threw together…in the bulletin 6 months after the fact…you can tell he didn’t even know Grant at all! Now he is selling the building – he was crying in church saying how he has to deal with the loss of his brother…he didn’t even acknowledge the fact that Ken, Helena, Gary and myself were there for him when nobody else that claimed to be his dear friend was. This is exactly the reason Grants brother knew (was told) nothing about the savings account Grant had …let’s just say it was about half of what they are selling the building for. Grant left specific instructions on what criteria had to be met to turn it over to his brother if something happened to his sister. Guess what? brother Bruce didn’t meet any of the criteria so the account was not turned over to him. His brother didn’t even have a service for him. Anyway, the pos is gone from Organ and I hope we never have to look upon his worthless face again! I was with Grant when he passed, he went peacefully and without pain. I really miss him, he was my friend for over 45 years, he was a wonderful man. He was loved!
Grant passed away Friday! I’m trying to get in touch with his brother. my number is 575-259-0779
Grant passed away on THURSDAY, again telling false information. And it is I, the person that has been with him every day for the last year and a half that is up at his place making sure it’s secure. I never ever heard him mention you. I bet you can’t even tell me his real name!
We lived in Organ in 70 and 71 while I was stationed at WSMR. We rented a trailer from Ace and Kathy Adams.
They rented about 4 units with a shared swimming pool. Those are good memories.
Before moving to Organ, we lived for a short while in Las Cruces. When I drove home from work I would stop at Aces Place drive through window and get a tall Coors for the home stretch.
I have some pictures I would like to post. Where do I do that?
Ed Kale
Grant PASSED AWAY FRIDAY!! SOME SQUATTER ARE STAYING IN HIS HOME WITHOUT PERMISSION!! CAN YOU GET HERE ASAP??
He passed away Thursday night.
BRUCE, I WAS HOPING YOU MIGHT VISIT THIS SITE AGAIN. I REVISITED ORGAN LAST SUMMER AND SEEING GRANT WAS ONE OF MY PRIME GOALS ALONG WITH MIKE MERRICK, DALE HOPKINS AND A FEW OTHERS. GRANT AND I SPENT TWO GOOD SIT-DOWNS REMINISCING THE OLD DAYS AND THE VARIED DENIZENS OF ORGAN. I KNEW THERE WAS A GOOD CHANCE THIS WOULD BE MY LAST TIME SEEING THESE FOLKS AND IN GRANT’S CASE THAT REALITY IS NOW HERE. I AM SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR BROTHER. HE HELPED A LOT OF FOLKS ALONG THE WAY AND I CONSIDER MYSELF FORTUNATE TO HAVE HIM IN MY MEMORIES OF AN IMPORTANT AND INDELIBLE TIME OF MY LIFE. RIP GRANT TK
Actually in the 60’s and 70’s there were 3 gas stations . The STANDARD STATION ( POBARS) Fina Station ( Lenny Fishers) and the SHELL STATION. Restiarnts were Organ Mountain Lodge/ Restuarent behind Fishers gas Station. 2 churches 1st Baptist Church and CHURCH OF Christ.
Grocery stores ? Well my Brothers ( Grant Rogers and Bentleys ( long been Closed.
Beer joints ?
Organ mountain Lodge
Charley’s then it became ACES PLACE.
The Hitchen Post down towards LC with (go go girls) ( Sometime topless/ Sometimes Not) .
How do I know all this stuff ?
I grew up there from 1963 till 1966 and off and on after that until Zi settled down I. TEXAS !
What year’s did you live there. I was there from 80-84 when I was 11-15. There were about 7 or 8 of us teenagers in that town and we explored all over that town. I’ve found most of my friends that I grew up with and still keep in touch with Grant at the General Store.
Jeanette Phillips Booker
1980 to 1990. I graduated MHS 1990.
Jeanette, do you remember a Stephanie Smith? I’d like to get in touch with her. I’m Doug Wright my dad knew alit of folks in organ and eventually moved there until he passed. Her dad was Sam Smith, my dad was Ron Wright
There is 1 going concern business in ORGAN. MY BROTHER ( Mr. L. Grant Rogers) owns and operates the ORGAN General store.
I too grew up in ORGAN IN THE 60S AND 70S. IT is a crying shame what has happened to THE ORGAN MOUNTAIN LODGE/ACES PLACE/SOWAHU TRADING POST/FISHERS GARAGE/ETC.
I didn’t know Grant had a brother! Nice to meet you! I used to buy bubble gum from him when I was a little kid in the late 70’s. Good man. He isn’t getting around so well lately, but he is still at the flea market most weekends. I’ve always said if I won the lottery I would buy up all the old buildings and give them away to someone who would do something with them. I would buy the school house and fix it myself, but the old guy that owns it wants all the gold in fort Knox for it. He is to old to fix it up, and by the time he kicks the bucket I will be too!
That old guy wouldn’t be Pete Burak Sr. (Ret US ARMY) would it ?
You grew up with my parents (Weisner’s and St. John’s). I stopped to see Grant the last time we were visiting NM (about six years ago). Please tell him “Hello!” for me. My grandparents, too, would be terribly saddened by what Organ has become. I adored my years there, and have found memories of Lenny, Bum, and many others.
I was stationed at wsmr in 83. Iced across the street from Bart. I left in 84 . I remember Grant, on occasion we would sit out back of his store and feed his gophers beetles and bugs. I really loved that place, people!!! BART and the gang have me my ETS party at the Organ Mountain Lodge!!
Grant use to have turtles too!! I remember partying at Bart’s
That old guy wouldn’t be Pete Burak Sr. (Ret US ARMY) would it ?
No sir. Old Italian fellow named Lucian something or other. Grant knows him.
It was a great time [60’s/70s 80″S .
I’m thought i commented on this site before but maybe it was another. I met there Bruce as well. I lived in Organ in the early 70’s when a two week vacation became a four year adventure. It’s hard to look at the photo of the Organ Mountain Lodge now as I bartended there and remember the rich cross section of personalities and professions all drinking together. The patio with it’s Chinaberry trees providing shade for the bands and events we held there. The staff and family members lived in the old motel units. John and Justine Gilkey ran it after taking ownership from George Chandler. The old gas station was Lenny Fisher’s, a friendly guy who loved to share his opinion. The little flat topped house was Tidwell’s. An old welder who lived by himself, loved his brew and was an honor to call friend. The Chevron station and trading post were owned by the Pobars who would call the police about the noise from the Lodge a half hour before the music even began. I have communicated with Grant on and off over the years. He has helped more folks down on their luck than is hard to imagine. I helped him do his trash collections for the aluminum cans for a spell and worked his flea market table a few times. Grant is probably the town historian at this point. Mike
Merrick is another old timer who helped a lot of folks, including me, when times were tough. I hold both these guys in high esteem. Organ was like an outpost where you could feel insulated from the rest of the world for awhile before they butchered the desert and the world got even smaller with the computer age. Amen…
I was sent to work at the radar station installing a fire sprinkler system in 1969 we stayed in the vacant motel half a block from the pool hall/ grocery across from the post office. We used to buy fresh milk from Perry at the gas station what a different time the owner of the bar wouldn’t sell me a beer said the state patrol stopped in occasionally and couldn’t take a chance lol. Use to hear the Mexicans running behind the motel at night to elude the Border Patrol I’m sure it’s changed. Memories aren’t they great.
Huh? Ya sure ’bout that?
I know Grant and Mike.
Both great guys and helps me out many times when I was living in Organ.
I was stationed at WSMR and Mike rented me a trailer. Grant operated a store and sold the best dang cheeseburgers! He also married me over my harley inside his store. I miss those times of riding up and down 70/82 with teh fellas from the Army base and stopping at Aces for 25 cent beers and freee chips and salsa. Then the Lodge, what can you say. It’s all history now. I lived in the old school house for a while, was buying it from Pete and then found out it was haunted. Strange events led us to leave, the baby kept getting pinched at night and weird events with nise, picture off the walls and no lights working.
Even has solar water heat and a sauna in that place.
Smitty, Fat pat, preacher, rat pat, rudy to name a few.
What ever happened to thumper at teh lodge?
What a great place to be alive in the 80’s, wish I could buy the old chevron and fix it up and operate it. Sorry to hear Grants not getting along well, Jan, his old GF is blind in one eye and can’t see much out of the other, shes barely able to move around either and mean as a bob cat!
Jan Discala died in 2022. She lived with Gran for years, ran the Mutt Hut dog grooming shop in the rail road card next door to the store. Jackie, Jan’s daughter, my ex-wife stroked out 2 years ago and barely gets along these days. Me? I’m still on a Harley and loving life.
This is really interesting. I know some of these people. I was postmaster in Organ back in the day.
Hi Mary!
Anybody remember the small grocery store that was ran up there in 1999?
Mabey the ORGAN GENERAL STORE run by my Brother Grant Rogers ? He idd as my brother
Yes it was the family grocery.I owned it and also closed it one and a half years later
I moved up to o r g a n in the 70s I left for many years and I am now back living there again. I don’t remember a lot of you people. Do any of you remember Jack schubbe he lived here for over 40 years. And the General Store used to be run by Jerry powers who has a son named Wayne powers we used to hang out when I was here the Lambs were here mutt Hutt Barbara the Abernathy’s who are still here bud had passed away but Nancy is still here. Linda coffee Robert and Edgar Allan Poe old man Fisher bill l e e for now his son Weston Lee has his property Sally and Curtis b e a n The Jeffersons , Mike Merritt who is still here still has property here p e c k s use to live here and many more but I can’t think of offhand right now oh and p u l b a r not sure the spelling of that name had the jewelry store Joni Tyler Jim Tyler both have passed away the Cody’s the Helms does anybody remember any of these people?
Jack schubbe ? I have a classmate who is related to him . Her name is Hazel Weinrich. We graduated in 1966 ( along with +800 others from LCHS ! Go Bulldogs ( not DAWGS)
Denise, I remember all those people. Mr Jefferson was my grandfather. My Mom and Sister and Myself lived in the first trailer in grandads Park across the field from your house. Jack senior used to give me a dollar on my birthday which I’m sure I spent at Grant’s store. Jack junior made us crazy playing the Eagles on repeat. We used to build forts in the cinder block pile until a mouse ran up his pants leg. I helped bury Dewain Helms when he was killed in a car crash, along with Jeff Tyler and Travis Helms. Travis, last I knew, is working for the railroad and his mom is living in Tularosa. Still see Jeff now and then here in Cruces.
Cool I thought I was the only one or maybe losing my mind not too many people mention these people glad somebody remembers them
Ok Denise my HS friend thinks she knows you . Your full name please ( I’ll relay it to her ) ok ?
Denise M Schubbe ty
Jerry Powers never ran the General Store, Grant did.
Yes he did it was his before Grant
Yes actually Jerry Powers had the store before Grant did.
I remember them all. But then, I’m a Jefferson!
Hey, everyone. I grew up in Alamogordo, and when I would visit Las Cruces, on the way back home, there was a flat-roofed house that had chain link fence all around the leading edge of the roof, and inside the fence, was a basketball hoop and backboard and a jungle gym. I would always tell my dad we should stop and make friends and he would always reply with a smart-assed remark of why we shouldn’t. What ended up happening with that place? I had to drive through the area for some work in Deming and noticed it wasn’t there anymore.
I worked at the NASA site when the big antennas were first built back in the late 70’s. Remember stopping at a place with a sign saying Only Second Class Saloon near Organ. Does anyone know where it is or was? Inside there were pool tables and, I think it was there, a big chair made of horns and hide with a sign which said $5 ticket for a raffle in the year 2000.
Does anyone remember the go go dancers at the HITCHEN POST down from ORGAN ?
Unfortunately
The Hitchin’ Post was owned by George Chandler who used to own the lodge. I worked for George around the bar and doing whatever project he had going. I also tended at the Lodge and cleaned up Ace’s bar for Phil Burlinton on Sundays. Names that pop up – Lenny Fisher, Joe (worked for Lenny, saw action WWII, Jim Lambe, Stanley, Bob Vohn (pawn shop owner), Ed Slosar aka “Snoopy”, Mickey Hurly, Donny Joe, Joe and Ureta Lewis, John Coffee, Mr. and Mrs. Weisner, Ken and Karen Weisner, Jim Daley (tended at the lodge), Ulana, John and Justine Gilkey (owned the Lodge), Mr. Pobar, Old Rex (who read the water meters), Tidwell, Grant of course, Mike Merrick (made him my guru), Dale Hopkins, Bum Walters, JJ and stepson Kurt, Crazy Richard, Cody, Mickie (who lived across from the post office, was blind and had monkeys. She was a good friend of Jerry Powers who owned Grants store first). I ended up moving out to Soledad Canyon with my wife Nina (also worked the Lodge). I want my ashes spread up there with my dogs. Best place i ever lived.
Tom “Tk” Kennedy
Don’t you mean Crazy Larry, the one who walked around with a concrete guitar?
Wow those are some flashbacks. My mother Lola Griffin worked at Aces Place when Phil owned it . I have a pic of Phil and my mother. I also remember the Cody’s, Bum Walters and the lady with the monkeys. I used to help my Mom and worked serving when they had Spagetti night at Aces I was only about 8 or 9 then.
My parents rented The Colonel’s house from 1971-73. We had a PO Box at the Post Office, but our “address” was 3rd house down from the pass on the south side of 70. There were 4 houses there at the time – Cooper’s, Ingraham’s (the house with the basketball court), The Colonel’s, and the A-frame whose owners were never there. The best turn-off was the one west of The Rock Shop. The ruts in the turn-off by Cooper’s cracked our station wagon’s axle.
Dad worked at WSMR. On our move there the U-haul broke down on the east side because of the steep incline. It was late at night. Dad walked to Pobar’s gas station, which was closed. Then he walked to their house. They were total strangers to us. Mrs. Pobar sent cookies with Rojo in his big truck. The year I got to dress up and go to Pobar’s Christmas party was amazing with all the sparkling lights, decorations, and people laughing.
The Stammer girls were our babysitters, even when we moved into town. Susie took me to her high school for an Easter egg hunt. Barbie drove a yellow pickup truck. My little brother and I called it Yellow Banana and made up a song about it. Patsy got or shared Yellow Banana when she could drive.
I loved going up on Ingraham’s patio on their roof. I loved walking as close to the edge as I could, which scared the crap out of everyone, especially Dorothy. Greg taught me how to shoot basketballs. I was 4 so he would hold me up over his head to throw the ball. Greg was always great with my brother and me. Being the only 3 kids on the south side of the highway was fun for me. We ran up and down the arroyo, would climb through the barbed wire to try to pet the cows, and had picnics.
The people I knew have left Organ, one way or another. It was a wonderful time and place to be a little kid because of those people.
My Granny, Mother, Brother and I were all heading to CA when our car broke down in Organ, A nice family stopped and helped us, put us up for the night and helped us find a place to live. We moved into one of the moble homes in the trailer court behind the gas station that Lenny Fisher owned from 1978-1984. I was 11 when we moved there. I met Tabby and Debbie, and later Irene and Nancy and Eda and my dear deceased friends Melissa and Michael that lived further up the mountian. There was Dan Coday and Sean his side kick and his older brother Troy. The older group was Wayne, Jace, Michelle, Lisa, and I’m sure I’m missing some.
Pobar’s and the jewelry store, the Lodge, Ace’s, Grant’s Store were all open at the time. I use to go and Sweep and mop the floors and dust at Grants in exchange for Batteries for my walkman, A Dr. Pepper and a bag of peanuts.
I remember exploring the caves behind the trailer and walking up and down the arora. Climbing up to the water tower and sometimes walking to the higher rock hill. Once we even walked to Little Grove, there was a hot springs nearby too.
I swear everyone smoked weed and partied up there!!! It was one of the best times of my life.
My Mom worked at the Lodge for a little while as well as Ace’s, then worked at the Chili plant for a while.
Since leaving in 84 I have reconnected with several old friends, Tabby, Dan, Sean, Eda and I’ve always stated in contact with Grant. In fact I’m leaving tomorrow for NM to go see him and the old town and see the sunset from up there one last time.
I remember all of them. So many memories. I still stop in to check it out when I visit Cruces. It is so different from when I was a kid.
Royleen? Frankie’s sister?? I remember you from way back when. Next time you head up, you should visit me, I am at my dad’s old house. He passed away in 2005. Glad to hear from you!!
Well, I grew up in Organ from 1976 to … well current day. I left for a while from 1987 when I joined the Air Force, to 2007. Organ sure was a hopping, little place. From off the top of my head I can remember quite a bit of people that used to live in this town:
Betty and Jr. Stanley – owned Aces
Geneva Helms and her husband, Dwayne and Travis – Geneva used to be a bus driver – Dwayne passed away at 19, very young.
Joanne Cody and her husband and kids – Dan, John, Rocky and I believe there was one more boy. Joanne was a bus driver
Colleen Compton and her husband and kids Mary and Carol. Colleen was a bus driver. She works for USPS now.
Joanie Tyler and Jim Tyler and their kids Jeff, Jana, and Jace Tyler. Joanie was a bus driver, and then we all regarded her as the town Mayor. She was the one to go to when you needed to bury someone in the cemetery or needed something notarized.
The Lambe’s – PD, Bobby (who also passed away young) and I think Missy Lambe
The Jefferson’s, Charles (Jeff) and Renon, Lori Hale (Jeff’s daughter) Tony Hale (Lori’s son) Robert Jefferson who had two kids Charly and Lisa (both girls)
The Halladays – three kids Jeff, Larry, and Lynne (Lynne was adopted) I remember the moms name was Beth and the husband owned a truss company, where he built trusses for homes.
Tillie Legaretta who was the postmaster and had the twins Ronald and Donald – greatest postmaster ever!!
Grant Rogers – owned the Organ Gen. Store and still does, will be opening again soon. I help him out daily, he does have mobility issues, but we are getting everything taken care of for him. The store is going to be amazing.
Jan – she just recently passed away.
Jerry Powers and his son Wayne Powers and Jerry did own the General Store for a while before Grant bought it.
Bob Vaughn – owned the only pawn shop
Edgar Allen Poe and his son Robert Poe. Robert is still alive and lives off the highway somewhere.
Lance Wheeler – worked for White Sands or NASA ended up marrying Cindy Lee – Lance passed away some time ago
Bill Lee, Patti Ann – for whom the trailer park was named and Bills kids Weston, Cindy. Weston moved and sold the trailer park, I’m not sure if he still owns the garage.
Nancy and Bud Abernathy – Bud passed away recently, Nancy had both hips replaced, she watches over the cemetery now.
George Chandler, everyone called him the Witch doctor.
Crazy Larry Hurley and his brother Mickey Hurley. Larry used to walk around playing a cement guitar with no strings.
Rojo Pobar and John Pobar. Rojo owned the Chevron and John owned the Sawahu Trading Post full of Indian artifacts.
Lenny Fisher, had the gas station and oil change station up on the South side of the highway.
The Wooleys, Martha Wooley used to play the piano in the baptist church up here
Melissa Massey, her brother I forget his name.
Tammy Miller – She was around the same age as I.
Ingrahams – cannot remember their first names.
Phil Burlington – owns the Lodge now, definitely a run down establishment.
The Erstads her name was Mary, cannot remember his.
Rosemary Lujan with her kids George, Joseph, Fifine, Bernadette, Mona, Charlotte, and I believe she has two more but unsure if they were here at the time, John and idk the other one. Mona still lives up here in Organ, she has two kids Timmy and Tommy.
Jack Schubbe and his wife Mary, my sisters Lori, Cheryl, Denise, Jackie and myself. Mary passed away in 1987 right after I went into the Air Force, and my dad passed away in 2005.
Nancy and BJ – both ladies, they used to live in the old fire station on 3rd St. They were together but all that was hush hush back then. Everyone knew though.
Jon Swalby, and he still lives up here now.
The Fudges and their kids Frank, Eda and Cindy. I believe Frank and the mother still live up here, ran into Eda a couple times in Las Cruces, she’s doing good, talked to Cindy a few times, she is good.
The Smiths and their kids Robert, Stephanie and their little brother. Stephanie lives in the house now. The little brother just moved out of it a couple years ago.
Jada Sue Geddie and her mom used to live off B St. in the nice rock house. Haven’t heard from her at all or her mom.
Monica, Allen, Troy, Sean, Kelly and Stephanie – Stephanie still lives close unsure about the rest.
Torres Family – Oscar was the sons name, unsure of the rest they lived in the house just outside of Patti Ann Trailer park.
The Leards they owned a trailer park
Mike Merrick – he owned a trailer park, still alive today and still owns the park, he is about 92 I believe and gets around like a teenager. Never raised the rent prices on the trailer to this day.
The Weisners – Herman and Missy are the only two I remember, still hear from Missy although she changed her name.
Jim Pierce, used to be in a wheel chair has since died a while ago
Barbara and her kids Chuck and I believe he had a sister, cannot remember her name.
Bum Walters
The Pecks
Archie who was going to have the sex change operation and only ended up with the breasts
Steve Ho –
Mr. Brown used to let all us kids mow his lawn and stuff for money, he was pretty wealthy back then he has since died
The Arens family -Clyde, the mom and the kids Sean, Trish and their sister (I cannot remember her name)
Janette (Janetta is what we called her I believe) Phillips and her brother Michael? I think
There was the Star Wars Deli – Royce and his wife ran it, they had the two kids John and Mary – Royce passed away
Shawn Sherrick – he still lives up here
Stephanie Smith and her parents I forget their name, lived in a trailer on the corner of fifth and furnace where the Wind Chime place is now.
Julie and Chet Dunlap and their kids Chris, Chester, Julie Lynn, Joanne and Jessie I haven’t seen Julie for a couple years now, in fact that was the last time I saw Jessie as well and Chris. They lived in Jefferson’s Trailer Park.
Moe and her husband – Moe died early on in her 30 I believe
Mickey Thompson – Blind lady that lived on the corner of Padre la Rue and Fourth, had monkeys in the back house and a crap load of dogs. Used to deliver papers.
Nathan and Estelene Jacobs, who my sister Jackie ended up marrying Nathan and had two kids with him, Johnathan and Nathaniel.
I’m certain there were more people in the town, but those are the ones I remember growing up,
Mary Ruth Thomas was my step-mom (may as well have been my mother, she was the best parent anyone could ever have and taught me many things. She was an Amazing woman and her daughter Hazel O’Meara (Mary’s last name used to be Weinrich) is the person I believe you were talking about Bruce Ruble. I remember there used to be a laundromat up here, the Community Center who was always having parties for Halloween and the Fourth of July. The Star Wars Deli and the convenience store which sold gas, the Lodge, Aces, Fishers, Mutt hutt, Grants, the Chevron (Pobars), Sawahu Trading Post (Pobars), The Rock Shop (up by the pass), the Baptist Church, the junk yard out Stanley’s road (now called 3rd St. Grant owned that as well) The other sand”witch” (sic) shop, all the bus drivers lived up in Organ, it really was a happening place. I remember these people for being the most kind up in our little town: Grant Rogers – always giving to people when they needed it and he still is a great guy, its too bad many people have ripped him off and never paid him back for his kindness and the money they owed him, Jeff Jefferson helped out many people in his day, Mike Merrick used to bring people food, give them a break on the already cheap rent, he was a great guy still is… Mr. Brown always helped us kids, and the Wooleys always helped us as well. I am so glad I grew up in Organ, it was a great place to live. I can upload some pictures next time I sign on, I will eventually make a website for Organ, they are trying to call it part of Las Cruces now, but it should never happen thanks to a presidential order in 1888 that said no municipality could ever incorporate Organ and we will always be our own township.
The Smiths was Steve and Jane, the youngest brother was Mike aka Smithy. Steve passed away in Cloudcroft around 2005. Jane passed from Cancer about 5 years ago. My sister, Shanna, grew up in Organ too. I remember about all of the people you mention. Also, the community baby sitter, don’t remember her name, everyone called her Granny. I believe she was Bob Vaughns mom or mom in law. Oh, Royces wife who ran the Deli was Peggy. After the Deli closed she purchased a restaurant in Cottonwood az called Georgies. Very successful, she retired and now John and Mary run it together.
Thanks Tony Hale for filling in what I couldn’t remember …I’m getting too old haha!
Granny =Mary Erstad, also Bob Vonn was Mary Erstad’s ex son-in-law. There was also Bob Vonn’s daughter Hope and step kids Shannon, Shawn, and Dale Hester.
Melissa Massey’s brother was Patrick Massey. Missy died 1989, Patrick died 1988. I was their stepmom Barbara Massey. We lived up on “snob hill”. The Ingrahams were Fred and Dorothy. So many names that I recognize.
Wow what an interesting site, i knew quite a few people from organ from school. Went to scool w rocky coday linda cracelius knew bud when he was mac fool man. In 81 _82 i rented out the shop right in front of the lodge mr coffee was my landlord for a guy in ariz. Worked on all kinds of things up there like joni tylers big linclon and her rotortiller the wooleys were my neighbors to the west (very nice people) got along good with pobars both of their bussineses were still open then would go listen to music and pop a few over at the lodge after work, jim was bartender then . Allways liked organ was thi king ofgoing back but after a very disapointing tour decided not to, so so sad what has happened up there, still love it up there, if the rif raf could be cleared out id still go back. hi to everyone else i knew and didnt mention , i read a comment in here that mentioned patty stammer i also remember her hello from old mountain auto in organ nm
I remember you Allan Check when I was living there at the L&M Lapidary rock shop (located at the top of the St Augustine Pass) and attending Court Jr High. We would get high together before school lol…I was Jo Ann Broyles. We didn’t live there that long and I don’t think I even got to know that many people for some reason
Clark Clark whomever you really are …you are talking out your ass! There are no looters, no squatters… no vultures were circling except maybe some lady who came in pretending to be a friend. So stop spreading LIES and misinformation on this very positive website. My step-mother used to say, ” its better to keep your mouth closed and look like a fool then to open it up and prove it,” which you have done rather well. If you don’t know what you’re talking about, dont!
Tony Hale,Cool. You remember all them people as well ?
Is anyone who still lives in Organ concerned about the lack of codes enforcement? Our community is starting to get a little scary. I’ve lived in Organ for 18 years. In the last 3 to 4 years it has taken a turn for the worst. Several homes vandalized. One set on fire then spray painted. Some neighbors are using their property as a trash dump (for example 15800 Furnace St and the Corner of 3rd and Padre La Rue). I would strongly encourage anyone who is also concerned to contact our Commissioner Susana Chaparro at 575 525 5810. Codes has said they are running up against county obstacles and advised us to call our commissioner. I’ve asked the commissioner’s office to hold a community meeting at the community center so that we may share our concerns. In the meantime our property values are being adversely impacted. BIG Kudos to whom ever restored the School House – Well Done! Nice to see some positive action taken – THANK YOU!
Does anyone remember the name of the business that sold the “sandwitches”?
John,
Check this out:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimsawthat/40642755201/in/photostream/
I spent a lot of summers in Organ with my sister and brother-in-law, Janet & Charley Hall. They lived on the north side of the arroyo across from Geneva Helms.