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Correspondence, n.d.

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 1

Scope and Content

From the Collection: This collection contains the miscellaneous business and private papers of Felipe Peralta, Abram Contreras and Emiliano Contreras. These papers reflect the social, political, and economic circumstances of the era in Socorro County, county seat and trading center located 72 miles south of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Among these documents are commercial licenses and Felipe Peralta" oath of loyalty to the United States during the time in which New Mexico's political status was that of territory. This oath is the same as that now given to individuals seeking citizenship in the United States. Other records reflect land transfers, post office transactions, and letters of courtship (and negotiation) between Emiliano Contreras and his betrothed, Sofia Chavez. These letters reflect the social customs surrounding courtship and marriage as well as the gender relations of the time. The critical phrase (taken from one such letter) "Women want to wear men's pants" suggests a sense that changes in gender roles were imminent. Other documents relate to a homestead application, certificates (registrations) of cattle brands, receipts, a pamphlet regarding a soil survey of the Socorro and Rio Puerco areas of New Mexico (1929), and general correspondence. Of particular interest are four letters from Elfego Baca, noted New Mexican historical figure, then attorney, to Emiliano Contreras. Record books from local businesses, including the Charles Ilfeld Company, and other general store tabs are also housed in this collection. Many of the documents in this collection are written in Spanish. The collection was previously called Emiliano Contreras Papers. The collection also contains six unidentified photographic portraits.

Dates

  • n.d.

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English, and Spanish.

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Extent

From the Collection: 1 box (.38 cu. ft.)

Physical Description

Items 1-8

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451