Sep 25 2006
Josephina’s Gate
Today I gave a co-worker a ride home to Old Mesilla. Several years ago when I first moved to New Mexico from the midwest, one of the first places I went exploring was the Mesilla plaza. There’s a lot of history in this concentrated area… At the time Mesilla was founded, most of the population lived “around the plaza” as protection from Apache raiders. Billy the Kid was tried and escaped from jail, the consummation of the Gadsden purchase took place, and there was a political riot in 1871.
Each week a farmer’s market is held on Sunday afternoon, and visitors stroll with coffee drinks or just sit and chat. During the year, many celebrations and festivals are held in the plaza.
However, the most beautiful (and interesting) part of the plaza to me is a small adobe house near the church. Josephina Emerson lived in this small house for a number of years, tending the flowers as she participated in the life of the community. Gone now, the gate still bears a wooden sign “Josephina’s.” Many artists have painted the famed “Josephina’s Gate.” Everytime I visit Mesilla and walk by the house, I think of Josephina and the years of love she spent in this tiny home.
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