I first began writing essays in the early 1980s – at about
the same time that I discovered the joy of manually uprooting dandelions from
our Wethersfield, Connecticut lawn. I
always felt that the two avocations were somehow related but I have never been
able to fully understand or articulate the connection. A few years into my new literary hobby I took
a writing course at a local university.
We were assigned a short composition that told something about ourselves,
and our interest in writing. I no longer
have a copy, but the thesis was the coincident timing of these two activities –
with no attempt to explain why or how they were related. As I remember, my write-up was considered
quite profound. (I should mention that
“show not tell” was the workshop’s modus operandi – so in some sense ignorance
of the reason something happened was perceived as a somewhat of a virtue.)
For several
years I drafted mostly what I would call semi-humorous, semi-philosophical,
semi-gardening essays for my garden club newsletter and our local
newspaper. Then after retirement my wife
Marsha and I became involved in Wethersfield (Connecticut) Historical Societyand I began penning non-academic history articles for the organization’s
website – “tell not show” storytelling where the narrative is driven by facts
of the case rather than the free form, stream of conscious ramblings of the
author. Which is how I came to know such
former Wethersfield residents as Francesco Lentini – “The Human Tripod” and
“The King” of circus sideshow freaks and Thomas Hickey who was tried and executed
for conspiracy to kidnap General George Washington.
Marsha and
I now live in The Village at Rancho Viejo in Santa Fe, New Mexico. And I am continuing my avocation by
researching the history of Rancho Viejo – the land on which it sits, and its
occupants – from prehistory to today.
I am not a
trained academic historian – in college I was a Philosophy major, and then an
Information Technology professional for thirty-six years – so what follows is
not an academic treatise. I have tried to
be factually accurate and deeply appreciate the assistance and guidance of
David Rasinski, Community Association Manager, Rancho Viejo North Community
Association; Dr. Eric Blinman, Director, New Mexico Office of Archaeological
Studies; Ryan Flahive, Archivist, Institute of American Indian Arts; Pablo
Chattey; Oscar Rodriguez; Bram Meehan, son, “second reader,” consultant, a graphic design; and
especially Marsha without whom I never would have started writing and whose
“first reading,” edits, suggestions, and support continues to make it all
happen.
The history
of Rancho Viejo, like that of many other places, encapsulates in miniature the
characteristic qualities and features of the growth of Santa Fe, of New Mexico,
and of the Southwestern United States.
I hope that
you enjoy reading my version of that story.
— Jim Meehan
