El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1911-07-13
Las Cruces and Mesilla Valley
LAS CRUCES FAIR
BOOSTERS BOOST
Urge Cooperation for Bene-
fit of the Mesilla Val
.ey Farmers.

Las Cruces N NJ, July 13.-The
regular monthly luncheon of business
men ct the Elks' club resulted in a
large and enthusiastic gathering OF
men who believe IN concerted effort to
bring about the greatest good IN the
settlement and reclamation Of the
valley.
Dr. Mcbride, vice president OF the
chamber Of commerce. presided at the
luncheon as toast master.
II E Lester, of Mesilla Park, the
first speaker for the FAIR association,
spoke Of the advancement and growth
Of the valley since the first county
fair held in 1887. giving the cultivated
area Of the county at date as 10000
acres on which there are about 1900
people residing. The annual produc-
ton of the valley tributary to Las
Cruces exceeds $500. 900. he said
The next speaker, the secretary OF
the Elephant Butte Water Users asso-
citation. n c. Frenger. referred to
ancient history in the valley and called
back memories Of the first county fair
held In 1887, and it was the good show
ting made at this fair which practically
started the alfalfa industry in the
valley.
NJ 3. Stevens as a member of the
fair committee, and a6so on behalf or
the chamber OF commerce, spoke of the
great value Of the two organizations to
each other.
AFR. Porter, president Of the Fair
association, presented the advantages
10 be derived by the farmer having
q display window" for his wares,
where the quality Of the products or
the valley can be shown in competition
between the various farms and COM
lnunitfes, thereby creating additional
Interest on the part or the farmer, and
Ia better grade OF produce for the con-
sumner.
County clerk Isidoro Armijo. was
next called on to address the boosters
! and he spoke mainly on United we
stand, divided we fall"
John II. May advocated the produc-
ton OF the highest grade Of fruit and
vegetables as the logical way to boost
the valley.
Mr. Nichols. Of the Chilldrenis Home
association for New Mexico being pres
emit as a visitor was called upon TO
offer a little comparison between Las
Cruces today and a year ago.
Mr.. O'Hara presented list Of prizes
10 be given at the fair. The Inter
national Harvester company will give
a complete power spraying outfit for
the best general collection of fruits
raised under irrigation in the Mesilla
valley. The John Deere Plow company
will give a IA inch Deere suIkey plow
for the best exhibit of cereals grown
under irrigation in the Mesilla valley.
Theo. Rouault & Son will give buggy
valued at SIS for the best exhibit OF
farm products raised under irrigation
in the Mesilla valley. These prizes TO
be in addition to any cash awards or
diplomas TO be given by the Fair
association
H 3. Holt the last speaker, took
issue with some Of the previous speak
ers on the suggestion that the farmers
of the valley thought the chamber OF
commerce and the Fair association were
for the benefit of Las Cruces, pointing
out that il was through the concerted
effort of the business men of the valley
that the farmers were given oppor-
tunity to benefit by the Elephant
Butte dam, and referred to the time
when the necessity arose for several
hundred dollars 10 pay the record
ing fees for recording the water rights
signed up under this project, and 1t
was recalled that at that time II bust
ness men of Las Cruces personally
became responsible for $1,000 in order
that the preliminary work for the cree
ton OF the dam might be accomplished
A committee was appointed to ar
range the details for the next luncheon
to be held in about month, no defi-
mite date being set.