Early view of Mesilla, 1854, as A.B. Grey of Bartlett’s Boundary Survey saw it. Carl Scuchard Lithograph Collection, MS 0339, Rio Grande Historical Collections, New Mexico State University Library, Las Cruces, New Mexico.
1854 – 1887 Blas Duran Family (additional information)
In 1854 Blas Duran received a solar de casa granting him permission to build a home on the present day site of the Guadalupe House from the Mexican Land Commissioner, Guadalupe Miranda. The house remained in the Blas Duran family until 1887. Blas Duran and family migrated to Ascensión, Mexico after the deadly Mesilla Riot of 1871.
1887 – 1937 Ramon Gonzales Family
In 1887, the house was acquired by Ramon Gonzales; one of the earliest colonists of La Mesilla. Señor Gonzales operated a wagon train over the Camino Real (e.g. the trail stretching from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Chihuahua, Mexico). During this period of time, the house also served as a courtroom for the local Justice of the Peace. According to old timers, the judge sometimes kept prisoners overnight, and the house on Guadalupe Street was often referred to as “the jail”.
1946 – 1954James D. Gibbons & Family (additional information)
This 1950 photograph shows Mr. Gibbons standing beside the east side of the house. Taken by Mary Daniels Taylor.
During this period, the north bedroom was used as a workshop for carpentry projects. In contrast to the previous photo, the east elevation of the house looks similar to present day including the trim around windows and doors, cement plaster, concrete collars and long protruding canales (rainwater drain pipes).
1954 – 19__ Harry & Mary Miller
In this photograph taken in 1958, the Miller family Willys jeep is parked at the curb. An adobe banco behind the cactus is the back of a recessed closet in the south bedroom.
The years the Miller family lived in the house were active and many changes occurred. During this period an addition was built on the west side; adding a living room, bathroom, and laundry area. On the east side wooden built-in closets and enclosed shelves were added in four rooms. One of the grandchildren still recalls the frequent smells of linseed oil from his grandmother’s latest project when he visited
19 __ – ?? Chancy Weeks
We have very little information about Mr. Weeks; but were were told by a long-time resident of Mesilla that while living in the house on Calle de Guadalupe, Chancy Weeks actively participated in town government.
1980 – 2016 Nason Hall Family (additional information)
Alejandra Nason Hall in her Mesilla home.