Smith Mercantile Company (Santa Rosa, N.M.) Records
Collection
Identifier: MSS -215 -BC
Scope and Content
The collection contains financial ledgers and invoices of the Smith Mercantile Company. The general ledger, 1911-1942, records the names and accounts of Smith's customers. Invoices, mostly from the Charles Ilfeld Company indicate the groceries and supplies carried in the store. Most of the ledgers cover the earliest and latest years of operation, 1901-1904 and 1946-1948.
An addition to the collection processed in April 2018 includes a number of binders, books, notebooks and ledgers detailing a variety of accounts, records and commodities related to Smith Mercantile. Records in the addition span the years from 1891 to the late 1950s. Some financial records of George H. Smith, Jr. predate the opening of Smith Mercantile in 1901.
This collection is also known as the Santa Rosa Mercantile Company Records.
An addition to the collection processed in April 2018 includes a number of binders, books, notebooks and ledgers detailing a variety of accounts, records and commodities related to Smith Mercantile. Records in the addition span the years from 1891 to the late 1950s. Some financial records of George H. Smith, Jr. predate the opening of Smith Mercantile in 1901.
This collection is also known as the Santa Rosa Mercantile Company Records.
Dates
- 1891-1959
- Majority of material found in 1901-1958
Creator
- Smith Mercantile Company (Santa Rosa, N.M.) (Organization)
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Institutional History
George H. Smith, Jr. opened a general store in the new railroad town of Santa Rosa, New Mexico in 1901. Originally from Minnesota, Smith came to New Mexico for health reasons. His business, first housed in a tent, was called George H. Smith, Jr. General Merchandise. The store moved into a permanent building in 1902 that featured a sign boasting, "The Peoples Store - La Tienda del Pueblo."
By 1911 the business operated under the name Santa Rosa Mercantile Company. In addition to general merchandise, Smith traded in hides and pelts and sold farm implements. Eventually, he expanded to real estate, buying and selling farm and ranch land in the area. In its last decade of operation, the business changed names again becoming simply the Smith Mercantile Company.
By 1911 the business operated under the name Santa Rosa Mercantile Company. In addition to general merchandise, Smith traded in hides and pelts and sold farm implements. Eventually, he expanded to real estate, buying and selling farm and ranch land in the area. In its last decade of operation, the business changed names again becoming simply the Smith Mercantile Company.
Extent
5 boxes (2.3 cu. ft.) + 10 volumes
Abstract
The collection contains financial records of George H. Smith, Jr., and the Smith Mercantile Company, also known as the Santa Rosa Mercantile Company. The business, located in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, was owned and operated by George H. Smith, Jr.
Relevant Secondary Material
- Wiley, Olive Smith. A Santa Rosa Story.(Wiley, 1973.)
Processing Information
Addition to the collection processed in April 2018.
- Business enterprises -- New Mexico -- History
- Charles Ilfeld Company
- George H. Smith, Jr. General Merchandise (Santa Rosa, N.M.)
- New Mexico -- Businesses -- History
- Santa Rosa (N.M.) -- History
- Santa Rosa Mercantile Company
- Santa Rosa Mercantile Company records
- Smith Mercantile Company (Santa Rosa, N.M.)
Creator
- Smith Mercantile Company (Santa Rosa, N.M.) (Organization)
- Title
- Finding Aid of the Smith Mercantile Company (Santa Rosa, N.M.) Records, 1891-1959 (bulk 1901-1958)
- Status
- Approved
- Author
- Processed by K. Ferris. Addition processed by C. Geherin.
- Date
- ©2000
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//University of New Mexico::Center for Southwest Research//TEXT (US::NmU::MSS 215 BC::Smith Mercantile Company (Santa Rosa, N.M.) Records)//EN" "nmu1mss215bc.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
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
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