Most of these documents and artifacts were assembled and organized by Evelyn Measeles in the late 1960's - 1970's. Evelyn loved doing research at the New Mexico State Library on numerous topics of interest during her summers. One particular research topic was the dam here in Arroyo Hondo. Evelyn, her husband Robert, and daughter Larwin started building their home here in Arroyo Hondo in the early 60's. They moved into their home in 1963 becoming some of the first residents in Arroyo Hondo.
Carol Kurth and her husband Bob also collected various memorabilia to add to what Evelyn started.
We welcome submissions to the History page.
Joe and Jane Droege, 1963
The Droeges were some of the earliest residents of Arroyo Hondo and owned 600 acres of land off Leaping Powder Road, in what has become the Leaping Powder Homeowners Association and beyond. They raised cattle and horses and were generous in sharing the riding arena that is at the corner of Leaping Powder and Soleado.
This photo probably depicts a gymkhana in progress. The game consisted of pairs holding hands while walk-trot-cantering around the arena. The winners were the last pair able to ride while holding hands.
Joe is in full English attire, with coat, jodhpurs, hunt cap and boots, while Jane is more casually dressed. Also note that Joe’s horse, likely an Irish draught horse, is wearing bell boots, another sign of a classic English background, and there are poles and jump standards off to the side.
