Rocky Ford enterprise., 1911-11-03


tured few times, and it was by his
efforts that the white people We're
able to live and not be disturbed by
the Indians. He would mingle with
them and find out their plans, then
use his influence toward keeping
peace.
AL this time Andy Nichols was
running a hotel and decided to build
hall OH the south part of his no.
tel for public purposes. 1t was used
for dancing, parties, storeroom for
the cowboys, to put their chaps, sad
dies and spurs; also as a church and
Sunday School, of which Mr.. Smith
was leader, Mr. Graham assistant.
They met in the afternoon, and old
as well as young attended.
Occasionally Rev. Merritt from
Las Animas would preach. Services
would be announced and everyone
distance reaching from three miles
above Manzanola and within four or
five miles of Las Animas. All gath
erings were attended alike. The min
lister was taken from and to his ap-
pointments by the friends in WA
gon, or by stage.
In 1876 the A. T. & S. f. railroad
was built and the Old Rocky Ford
was moved to the new and present
Rocky Ford which was started by Mr.
Swink and Mr.. Bightol by laying out
six blocks. The only residence at
this time on the site of the town
laid out was a small adobe residence
which had been erected little while
before by Mr.. George w. Nichols.
Swink and Beghtol built large
storeroom and engaged in general
merchandise. Also a large hotel.
where the Rockford hotel now stands
was built by Mr.. Andy Nichols. and
blacksmith shop by j. II. Swift.
These were the first buildings erect
ed on the spot where now flourishes
the beautiful and prosperous town of
Rocky Ford
Services were held for time in
the grain department of the Swink
and Bightol store building. which
still stands. The sacks of grain
seats. This place was also used for
dancing. 1t was here the first wat
ermelon feast was spread.
"In the fall of 1876 was built the
school house where now stands the
Liberty building. 1t was made of
adobe. flat roof covered with dirt.
1t has been said of the building that
when the sun shone the sun shone
in and when it rained the rain
poured in, and when it showed the
snow drifted in. Mr.. Ed Gauger was
one of the teachers of this building
and Rev Merit was his county school
superintendent and was first to hold
preaching services in the building
He would hunt antelope on his re-
turn home. The only transportation
then was by wagon, horseback or
rail. The first buggy in the valley
was owned by Isaiah Dennis and was
loaned to everyone.
'In tie fall of 1879 the first and
only camp meeting ever held in the
valley was held in little grove Just
north of where now stands the Swind
factory. There were about 200 in at
tendance. The meeting lasted a week,
ended on Sunday evening by heavy
lightning and rain storm. Timpas
Greek and the river overflowed their
banks until the settlers along the
river had to flee for their lives. In
1883 the little adobe school house
was boarded up on the outside and
shingle roof put on and the build
ing was painted white
Il have been unable to find the
exact date of the organization of
Bro. Eastwood's Sunday school. 1t
was near the year of 1885, our first
S. C. in New Rocky Ford. He or
ganized with eight or ten classes.
His trials were MANY and his strug-
giles hard. To him we owe a great
deal. The beginning of what now
ends this fine organization and build
ing. Mrs. Eastwood was teacher and
took one side of the room for the
girls and Brother Eastwood took the
boys on the other side. 1 well re-
member our first Christmas tree. 1t
was for everyone. everyone brought
gifts for their friends. The value of
the gifts placed upon the tree was
$500. The Sunday school for their
gift to the children was a silver
ring with our names engraved upon
IL There viera ton in punrhar tyi,an