Recordings of the full-length interviews are available for checkout at the Library.
Produced locally with interviews recorded with StoryCorps, and support from the Institute for Museum & Library Services, Embudo Valley Library, and Hindenburg Systems. Learn more at storycorps.org.
Gilbert Griego tells his son, David, about the Harding Pegmatite Mine near Dixon, New Mexico. Gilbert’s uncle and father worked in the mine in the 1940’s and 50’s until it closed for good in 1958 at which point Gilbert’s father became caretaker of mine until his death in 1984. Gilbert is currently the mine’s caretaker - a job that includes leading tours of the mine. (Edited by StoryCorps)
Aaron was a pillar in the Embudo Valley and has been lauded for his contributions as an educator and acequia mayordomo. Long-time friend and co-parciante, Joseph (Jo Jo), reminisce together about Aaron’s 50 years as a mayordomo in Dixon. (Edited by Virginia Griego)
This interview focuses on the process of growing and processing white concho corn into chicos, a traditional holiday food. Preparing the soil in the spring, planting, irrigating, and finally harvesting the corn at the peak of the “milk stage” is vital to producing an exceptional product which is in demand around the holidays. Attention is given to the type of wood as well as to how much fire will produce the correct heat to process chicos in an outdoor oven called an “horno.” Romolo will repeat the loading of his horno approximately 10 times with 35 dozens of corn per horno which will produce approximately 120 pounds of chicos ready for sale every season. (Edited by Virginia Griego)
Dedicated professionals, Betty, an RN and Liz, a PA, compare stories about the history of the Embudo Hospital which eventually became the Embudo Clinic. Although they worked at the facilities at different times they share memories that only a nurse can love. (Edited by Minna Santos)
Joe and Archie’s StoryCorps conversation centers around a shared passion for tradition, culture and their Catholic faith. This interview had many beautiful moments and lots of material for future Listening Events. This edited piece focuses on Archie’s connection to the land and memories of his grandparents. The song that fades in and out of the interview is written and performed by Archie and was part of the original StoryCorps interview. (Edited by Minna Santos)
Rebecca asks her father, Ernesto, about growing up on a farm in the Vadito, area. During his career, Ernesto managed 3 different rural electric cooperatives in northern New Mexico. Why is a child’s point-of-view vastly different from that of an adult’s? Find out with Ernesto’s memory of a 65-hour power outage in the Penasco area in the 1980’s. (Edited by Rebecca Mitchell)
Connie tells her daughter Kiva why she came and has stayed in the Embudo Valley for over 50 years, embracing a different way of life from the comfortable existence she left behind in California. (Edited by Emmett Moulton)
Un pueblo que no cuida a sus abuelos ni a sus niños, no tiene futuro, porque no tiene memoria ni tiene fuerza. “A town that doesn't care for their grandparents or children does not have a future, because without a memory there is no strength.” a quote by Pope Francis. Amos, former executive Director of Siete del Norte, an economic development non-profit, shares memories of community involvement and national organizing. Levi, a poet and UNM professor of Chicano/Chicana Studies joins Amos in reflecting about life. (Edited by Sylvia Ernestina Vergara)
Descendants, Vicente Griego and Levi Romero share a Spanish/English language interview of important cultural values that have helped sustain an agricultural way of life for hundreds of years in the Embudo Valley of Dixon, New Mexico. Imaginings of the home wood stove of their past ignite a steady stream of child- hood memories; thoughts concerning struggles and strengths, education, family, agriculture and community. (Edited by Sylvia Ernestina Vergara)
12 year old Amanda asks her father, Carlos, about his passion for hunting and working with his hands. (Edited by Minna Santos)
You may see him twice a day as he drives by in the big, yellow school bus or you may see him while he is on call as an EMT in Taos. Either way, Wayne Archuleta is a figure in our Embudo Valley Community. In this interview, Beatriz, Wayne’s daughter, asks her father about the traditions and celebrations surrounding “La Matanza”. (Edited by Adrienne Rosenberg)
Corine and Charlotte are church buddies. They discuss the history of the Embudo Presbyterian Church and the impact of the mission school’s education in northern New Mexico. (Edited by Minna Santos)
In their StoryCorps Interview, ceramic artist Betsy Williams and stone carver, Mark Saxe talk about how they each came to call the Embudo Valley “Home”. They share their thoughts on the Embudo Arts Community and the Dixon Studio Tour. This edited segment highlights reflections on their lives as artists and partners. They discuss personal experiences that have influenced their choices and ultimately their shared path. (Edited by Minna Santos)
During the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, when the U.S. and the Soviet Union hovered on the brink of nuclear war, many of the missile crew members charged with launching the missiles were young men in their 20s. Emanuel, a resident of Peñasco, was one of those young men. He recalls the night when President Kennedy's speech to the nation was broadcast into his missile silo. (Edited by Kathleen Dexter)
6th grader Maile Montano talks with her grandfather Horacio Martinez in this StoryCorps interview. Maile was one of 4 youth who were involved in the StoryCorps visit to Embudo Valley Library. Maile produced this edited version of her 40 minute interview in a follow up audio workshop sponsored by the Embudo Valley Library. (Edited by Maile Montano)
In this conversation Lebeo, owner of Lebeo’s general store and Joe, community activist, talk about the demands and cultural expectations of village life. Colorful imagery coupled with Norteño history, humor and humility offer lessons in living as a resident of El Valle de Embudo. (Edited by Joe Ciddio)
Elena Arellano is a mother, librarian and beloved wife of Estevan Arellano; Dixon, New Mexico’s celebrated historian, journalist, author and activist. Estevan passed away last year and in Elena’s recollections about their life you sense the loss and grief. She is joined by her friend, Ernie Atencio, a writer and conservationist currently working for The Nature Conservancy in Taos. Ernie was an adolescent living with his Tio Tomás in Dixon in the early 1970’s. The two reminisce about those times when Estevan and Tomás founded La Academia, a visionary Chicano cultural organization. Through their conversation they recognize and appreciate what depicts the culture and diversity of northern New Mexico. (Edited by Judy Goldberg)
Marcia, an educator and Shel, a ceramic artist, reflect on the birth of the Embudo Valley Library in the early 1990’s: from planning to key players to the anticipation of the community’s response. (Edited by Emmett Moulton)
