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Solomon Luna Family Album

 Collection
Identifier: PICT-989-004

Scope and Content

Collection consists of photographs copied from the Luna Family album. Most are images of the Luna family, friends, and ranch employees photographed on the Luna Ranch. Ranch photos include sheep shearing, cattle hearding, hog slaughtering, and exhibition of fine horses. There are a number of pictures of house interiors and exteriors in Los Lunas and Santa Fe, early model automobiles, and Native Americans on horseback and in traditional dress.

The Center for Southwest Research does not have the original photo album.

Dates

  • 1890-1929

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of photographic material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for all copyright compliance. For more information see the Photographs and Images Research Guide and contact the Pictorial Archivist.

Family History

Josefita Salazar Manderfield (Pepe) Armijo Otero: Born: 20 July 1874 Died: 18 Oct 1951

Josefita Manderfield was the daughter of William and Josefa Salazar Manderfield. Manderfield’s father was the founder of the Santa Fe New Mexican. She was married to George Washington Armijo, who was a Rough Rider and later a delegate to NM Constitutional Convention. Manderfield and Armijo had one child, Theodore Roosevelt Manderfield Armijo. The couple soon divorced as rumors of Armijo physically abusing Manderfield surfaced.

Following her divorce from Armijo, Manderfield married Eduardo (Lalo) M. Otero, son of Emanuel Basilio Otero and Eloisa Luna, and a nephew of Solomon Luna. Otero’s father, Emanuel, was later killed in the Manzano/Estancia area over a land dispute in 1883. His widow, Eloisa, later married Alfred M. Bergere and moved to Santa Fe.

Josefita Manderfield’s new husband, Eduardo Otero insisted on adopting Manderfield’s son, Teddy. The couple also had a child of their own, Nina Otero Warren.

After his uncle Solomon Luna’s death in 1912, Manderfield’s husband Eduardo inherited the family mansion. Manderfield added columns to the front of the mansion and painted murals throughout. Manderfield and Otero entertained dignitaries such as the President of Mexico and President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt was known to often hunt in the Gila on the Otero land holdings, and also became the godfather to Manderfield’s son, Teddy.

Teddy was the last of the family to reside in the mansion.

Manderfield, or “Pepe" as she was known, was also referred to as the "Mistress of the Mansion," and is the photographer for a majority of the photos found in this collection.

The original photo album is in the possession of Earl Whitemore, the owner of the Luna Mansion, in Los Lunas, NM.

Information provided by: Cynthia Shetter, Los Lunas Museum. January 2009.

Extent

uncounted items (1 box) : 6 folders, contact sheets, photocopies, negatives and digitized images

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Collection consists of photographs copied from the Luna Family album.

Physical Location

B2. Shelved by Pictorial Number.

Location of Originals

The original photo album is in the possession of Earl Whitemore, the owner of the Luna Mansion, in Los Lunas, NM.

Creator

Title
Finding Aid of the Solomon Luna Family Album, 1890-1929
Status
Edited Full Draft
Author
Pictorial Collections Staff
Date
© 2008
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

  • 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