The Coolidge examiner., 1936-11-13

an organism which may be RESPONSE
BILE for the strange color changes
that take place in the waters of
certain ponds and pools. Apparent
ly the vermilion ''lakes" can exist
only when the water has evapora-
ted to a condition of high salt con-
tent, for the organism is known to
grow only in salt water of high
concentration.
Sites once occupied by an ancient
people are we'll known to the present
residents of the region, and obscure
reminders of early Spanish activity
are to be seen in many places
throughout the valley.
Three centuries ago Spanish ex-
plorers and missionaries frequented
the Tularosa desert and wondered
at its white sands. They noted the
unusual chemical properties of the
nearly 300 square miles of drifting
gypsum and, quite likely, wished
for means of transporting this
abundant supply of pure alabaster
to the settlements and churches a
hundred miles to the north
Recently, at the mouth OF Dead
man canyon in the San Andres, just
west of the White Sands, a promi-
nent son of the state of New Mexico
uncovered unmistakable evidences
that the Spanish Americans of a
generation long dead had entered
the Tularosa desert area with vehi-
cles. Divulgence of this forgotten
travel came in the form of two mas
sive wooden wheels from an early
Mexican oXcart.
If an authentic story could be
woven about those relics, perhaps
the period of the bullWha cker who
abandoned his conveyance would be
established as no earlier than the
Nineteenth century. However, maps
of the padres and dons definitely
point to Eighteenth century routes
east and west across the Tularosa
as well as north and south, where
the trails parallel the mountain
boundaries of its basin.
Many Uses for Gypsum.
The value of these sands for
plaster of paris and fireproofing ma
terial is we'll recognized, and re-
peated attempts have been made to
make commercial use of them.
Gypsum finds a multitude of uses
IN commerce and industry. AS a
fertilizer and soil conditioner it is
distributed as agricultural gyp-
sum-" AS mineral white it finds
use as filler in paper, paint and
fabrics. The makers of Portland
cement require it as a retarder. In
sculpture and the making of decora-
tive devices in architecture and
building it is known as "alabaster."
Even the school boys crayons
utilize much gypsum.
When natural gypsum is dehy-
drafted by heat, it becomes the
quick setting cement known as
plaster of paris" About four mil
lion tons of this calcined gypsum
are used each year for wall plaster
or stucco. Plate glass makers
imbed their glass in plaster of paris
preparatory to polishing.
Plasterboard, wallboarG and gyp-
sum lath require much gyp-
sum each year. Gypsum blocks"
and tile are used in partitions, roof
construction, and flooring, where
fireproofing and sound insulation are
important. Surgeons, dentists, and
artists demand the finer grades of
calcined gypsum for casting plaster.
Dreaded BY Pioneers.
1t appears on first thought that
here in the nearly pure gypsum of
White Sands is a veritable fortune
in plaster. But Tularosa is far re-
moved from large markets.
Old settlers of the region have
watched, feared, and hated the White
Sands for half century. This, one
of the worlds greatest deposits of
pure gypsum, has grown before
their eyes, threatening homes and
land that might be useful.
These piOneerS-cattleme sheep |
men, farmers, and lumbermen-had |
few interests outside their own busi-
ness. The spreading sands, ever in
creaSing in volume, struck dread |
into the stockman, who came to |
believe that the snoWy-White mass
would creep upon and envelop not |
only his ranch, but the towns of
Aiamogordo and Tularosa-now Is to
20 miles from the heavy white sea.
With the increase in population in
the little cities about the basin there
came the realization that the ala
baster dunes provided charming
sites for church picnics, school par
ties, and lodge gatherings. Intimate
and happy association with the
sands caused fear to turn to love
and pride. In 1880 the communities
of Alamogordo, Las Cruces. El
Paso, Carlsbad, Artesia, Roswell,
Mescalero, RuidosO, Cloudcroft, and
Tularosa joined forces in an effort
to create a national reservation in
the White Sands.