Contreras Family Papers
Collection
Identifier: MSS-52-BC
Scope and Content
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
- 1820-1944
Creator
- Contreras family (Family)
Language of Materials
English, and Spanish.
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Biography
Felipe Peralta was a La Joya merchant and Socorro County Justice of the Peace. Abram Contreras was a merchant of La Joya, New Mexico, and his son, Emiliano Contreras, was postmaster of Contreras, New Mexico in the 1930s and 1940s.
Extent
1 box (.38 cu. ft.)
Abstract
This collection is comprised of business and private papers pertaining to Abram Contreras, Felipe Peralta, Emiliano Contreras and their relatives who resided in Socorro County, central New Mexico, in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- Charles Ilfeld Company
- Contreras family
- Contreras, Abram
- Contreras, Emiliano
- Merchants--New Mexico--History
- New Mexico -- Commerce
- New Mexico -- History -- 1848-
- New Mexico -- History -- To 1848
- New Mexico -- Social life and customs
- Peralta, Felipe
- Photographs.
- Socorro County (N.M.)--History
- Socorro County (N.M.)--Politics and government
Creator
- Contreras family (Family)
- Title
- Finding Aid of the Contreras Family Papers, 1820-1944
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Processed by K. Stocker
- Date
- ©2000
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- 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 052 BC::Contreras Family Papers)//EN" "nmu1mss052bc.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