Ann Piper - Education in Albuquerque

IMAGES
of America

EDUCATION IN
ALBUQUERQUE

Albuquerque High School, the citys only comprehensive public high school for over 60 years until Highland High opened in 1949, has operated out of several locations since 1879. Located on the northeast corner of Broadway and Central, today the building still echoes voices of thousands of Albuquerque High alumni, living and past. Visible here, this older AHS was erected in 1914. While additions to this building were made many times, it remained in continuous use until a new AHS was opened north of this location in 1974. The old AHS stood nearly vacant for over two decades and came close to being razed, but a concerted community effort resulted in the building being renovated and converted into loft apartments in 2003 with a total revitalization of the neighborhood underway. (Courtesy APS.)

ON THE COVER: Built in 1931, Monte Vista Elementary served the new heights area of Albuquerque near the University of New Mexico. Just blocks from the Nob Hill Business Center, Albuquerques first shopping center, Monte Vistas neighborhood population exploded after World War II. (Courtesy APS.)

IMAGES
of America

EDUCATION IN
ALBUQUERQUE

Ann Piper
Foreword by Dr. Ernie Stapleton

Copyright 2014 by Ann Piper
ISBN 978-1-4671-3103-2
Ebook ISBN 9781439644713

Published by Arcadia Publishing
Charleston, South Carolina

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013952338

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I dedicate this book to the students, teachers, parents, and community of Albuquerques learning institutions, past and present, whose passion burns from a belief that by educating our youth and ourselves, we continue to create a better world for all.

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Gratitude goes to my husband, Blair Kaufman, who supported this project I jumped into within weeks after finishing my doctorateyet another stint in front of the computer. I also thank my children who long ago gave up the idea that myor theirlearning is ever finished.

The support of my mentors is greatly appreciated: that of Dr. Alicia Chavez, who helped me grow wings to achieve a big goal; Dr. Ernie Stapleton, who was steady and standing by when we lost our dear Dr. John Mondragon; Jim Hulsman, historian extraordinaire; and Jane Mahoney, who steered me to Arcadia. Also, thanks to John Dufay of Albuquerque Public Schools and Dr. Robert Milne, who aided me in accessing so many fabulous photographs.

I sing thanks to my girl friends, constant pillars of strength to me. I give untold gratitude to my school friends in Albuquerque who team with me to support students and families, build up dreams, and achieve our own goals. Thanks, also, to the Albuquerque Public Schools Foundation that does great things for kids.

Photographs appear in this book courtesy of a variety of sources. Commonly used sources are (and will be abbreviated as shown here): Albuquerque Public Schools Archives (APS), Albuquerque Progress Magazine (APM), University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections (CSWR), and Dr. Robert Milnes personal collection of Eldred R. Harrington photographs (ERH).

FOREWORD

A rich portion of New Mexico history is revealed when examining the educational record of the Land of Enchantment that stretches across centuries. New histories and stories about our schools are very welcome. Maude Crosno, an Albuquerque educator, penned these words: The past ever needs capturing. Albuquerques schools constitute the lions share of New Mexicos educational journey, and in her admirable and scholarly history of education in Albuquerque, Dr. Piper invites us to share those school days. We welcome her excellent retrieval of Albuquerques schooling and its share of great accomplishments and challenges.

The story of Albuquerques educational institutions offers a parallel view of the growth of the city. The legacies of the Native American, Spanish, and frontier periods; the tumultuous struggle for statehood; the population explosion after World War I; and all the major changes occurring after World War II have all impacted the city and its schools. Dr. Pipers narrative traces the convergence of historical, cultural, social, religious, economic, and educational forces that set the stage for their coming of age.

Significant changes occurred in the complex power structure of education in the Albuquerque area. Albuquerques school systems gradually morphed from rural/urban to urban. Dr. Piper creatively captures these dramatic developments as well as the positive presence of our religious institutions and their schools. The author depicts people of diverse backgrounds working in concert. She shows Albuquerques leaders, members of the Board of Education, professional organizations, and others historically strong and committed to building and maintaining a successful and inclusive educational communityone with its share of heroic men and women making major contributions. Additionally, Dr. Piper brings to life the remarkable legacy of Supt. John Milne.

This book combines many community and educational voices, and it includes a fortuitous collection of photographs tracing Albuquerques colorful educational history. The book is an essential read for all persons interested in Albuquerques journey from the early mists of New Mexicos human birth to the 21st century. Dr. Pipers informed work helps us to understand and appreciate the humanity of our schools. Education in Albuquerque will help educate the public about public education.

Dr. Ernie Stapleton
Emeritus, University of New Mexico
Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent, 19711977

INTRODUCTION

Albuquerque glitters in the high desert mesa of New Mexico, reflecting a unique history in American education. For centuries, Pueblo Native Americans in the area transmitted their ways of knowing to their young, emphasizing oneness with the land and universe. In the mid-1550s, sun-blinded Spaniards stumbled into the region bringing their ways of education. In 1821, Mexico gained rule of the Albuquerque area and feebly attempted to establish public schools across the great divide of desert and dust that separated the Albuquerque area and Mexico City, the seat of Mexican rule. People, time, and money were scarce, and therefore most education took place in homes of well-to-do citizens who could pay the local priest to teach children to read and write.

In 1821, the newly annexed Mexican citizens in the Albuquerque area witnessed thundering wagons, footsteps, and hooves from the northeast beginning to carve the Santa Fe Trail north of Albuquerque. A vibrant mix of cultures, religions, and languages ported systems of education into the Rio Grande Valley. Spurred by the passion of Manifest Destiny, in 1846 the Mexican-American War caused Gen. Stephen Kearney and the Army of the West to occupy New Mexico and lay claim for the United States. In early 1848, Albuquerque and New Mexico awoke to find themselves suddenly a territory of the United States, and these former Mexican citizens were offered full citizenship and rights as Americans. Ninety percent of New Mexicos surprised populace remained in the area and flourished under the terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hildalgo. But New Mexico struggled to develop a cohesive public school system, battling challenges of mixed languages, cultures, and resources. When the iron horse rolled into New Town Albuquerque in 1880, a tax base sprang up and public schoolhouse doors opened. By 1912, New Mexico won hard-fought entry to the union as the 47th state, but concerns in the East about schooling in the area are tallied as one major delay to entry into the union.