Alfred G. Cordova, thesis on Governor Octaviano Larrazolo, UNM Political Science, draft, copy, 1950
File — Box: 2, Folder: 11
Scope and Content
From the Collection:
Dan Chavez donated these papers to the Center for Southwest Research in 2012, adding a few items in subsequent years. The last in Box 2 were added in 2022. He had always been interested in New Mexico government and politics, and after retirement wanted to study and write about some of the unsung local leaders.
The majority of the folders in Box 1 deal with his book on Soledad Chacon, published in 1996. There are original and personal materials from Chacon’s daughter, Lena Ward, as well as histories of her family. In 1922, Chacon was nominated by the New Mexico Democratic State Convention for Secretary of State and won, being reelected in 1924. She was thus the first Hispanic woman elected to a State government office. While Secretary, she was called upon twice to be Acting Governor of New Mexico. In 1934 Chacon was the first and only Hispanic woman from Bernalillo County elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives.
Another section contains information about the poetry and short stories of Felipe M. Chacon, who was the brother in law of Soledad Chacon. He wrote poems for Soledar and for Larrazolo. Another interesting piece is the historical play by Jose Andres Chacon, about the Native American girl, Maria, who was recovered by Rafael Chacon from the Navajos. While researching Chacon, Chavez also collected material on the other women in New Mexico politics. The collection also has his 1999 study of New Mexico Women legislators, 1923-1999. He also made annotated lists of New Mexico’s various elected federal and state officials, which is included in the 2012 Statehood Anniversary New Mexico Blue Book. He also researched and published information of Territorial Delegates and the Justices and Chief Justices of New Mexico.
Box 2 has mainly material about New Mexico Governor and Senator Octaviano Larrazolo, a Mexican immigrant. Chavez researched the life and contributions of Larrazolo to portray his character for the New Mexico Humanities Council Chautauqua program. Chavez interviewed and received material from Eva Larrazolo, the wife of Paul F. Larrazolo, who was the son of the Governor, and from others. The papers cover Larrazolo's Legislative goals and views, concerns for the Villista prisoners captured during the Columbus 1916 raid, Larrazolo and Montes family history and other interesting topics.
Chavez noted that Governor Larrazolo supported women’s suffrage in New Mexico and helped pave the way for women in government like Soledad Chacon. In August 1919 Larrazolo proposed an amendment to the State constitution for women to vote, which failed by two votes. In 1920, he supported the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which the New Mexico Legislature approved. Also in the collection is Amelia Andrews’s study of John V. Conway, 1872-1953, who was a pioneer New Mexico school superintendent. The collection gives a good view of the political leaders and issues in the early decades of New Mexico statehood history.
The majority of the folders in Box 1 deal with his book on Soledad Chacon, published in 1996. There are original and personal materials from Chacon’s daughter, Lena Ward, as well as histories of her family. In 1922, Chacon was nominated by the New Mexico Democratic State Convention for Secretary of State and won, being reelected in 1924. She was thus the first Hispanic woman elected to a State government office. While Secretary, she was called upon twice to be Acting Governor of New Mexico. In 1934 Chacon was the first and only Hispanic woman from Bernalillo County elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives.
Another section contains information about the poetry and short stories of Felipe M. Chacon, who was the brother in law of Soledad Chacon. He wrote poems for Soledar and for Larrazolo. Another interesting piece is the historical play by Jose Andres Chacon, about the Native American girl, Maria, who was recovered by Rafael Chacon from the Navajos. While researching Chacon, Chavez also collected material on the other women in New Mexico politics. The collection also has his 1999 study of New Mexico Women legislators, 1923-1999. He also made annotated lists of New Mexico’s various elected federal and state officials, which is included in the 2012 Statehood Anniversary New Mexico Blue Book. He also researched and published information of Territorial Delegates and the Justices and Chief Justices of New Mexico.
Box 2 has mainly material about New Mexico Governor and Senator Octaviano Larrazolo, a Mexican immigrant. Chavez researched the life and contributions of Larrazolo to portray his character for the New Mexico Humanities Council Chautauqua program. Chavez interviewed and received material from Eva Larrazolo, the wife of Paul F. Larrazolo, who was the son of the Governor, and from others. The papers cover Larrazolo's Legislative goals and views, concerns for the Villista prisoners captured during the Columbus 1916 raid, Larrazolo and Montes family history and other interesting topics.
Chavez noted that Governor Larrazolo supported women’s suffrage in New Mexico and helped pave the way for women in government like Soledad Chacon. In August 1919 Larrazolo proposed an amendment to the State constitution for women to vote, which failed by two votes. In 1920, he supported the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which the New Mexico Legislature approved. Also in the collection is Amelia Andrews’s study of John V. Conway, 1872-1953, who was a pioneer New Mexico school superintendent. The collection gives a good view of the political leaders and issues in the early decades of New Mexico statehood history.
Dates
- 1950
Language of Materials
From the Collection:
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Extent
From the Collection: 2 boxes (1.50 ft., and one oversize folder)
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
cswrref@unm.edu
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
cswrref@unm.edu