The Mansion, El Rito, New Mexico. This old home in El Rito, west of Taos on the road to Abiquiu, NM last week, beckoned across the meadow. The exposed adobe bricks in the wall warmed in the 60 degree sunshine. The vine cascading along the balcony caught my eye through the vine weaving it’s way along the boundary fence. What tales this place might tell. While were were stopped making images, a local pulled up, and with great enthusiasm, inquired as to what we knew about history of this place. I referred her to a local who shared with me some weeks ago that it was known as the “mansion” and that’s all I know to this point. Although now I’m intrigued enough and inspired toward further investigation. Thanks for looking. G
13 thoughts on “The Mansion, El Rito, New Mexico”
My great grandma’s house
This was the home of Maximino Martinez and Jesusita Sanchez Martinez, my great grandparents. They raised 9 children here. They grazed sheep and cattle. My mother and her siblings spent time there maintaing the home, wells, the orchards and feeding the animals. The Archuleta, still maintain and graze cattle here. The Martinez’s we’re considered wealthy at the time, although, they we’re not rich monetarily, their wealth was in ownership of the land, sheep, cattle and chickens. There is a lot of history with the home. If you would like more information, you may contact me via email.
Thank you Yvette. I would love to hear more and will email you. I greatly appreciate you getting in touch. The home is stunning. Thank you. Geraint.
Yvette, This is a long shot, but I was wondering if you had any information for me. I was born in 1952 and adopted soon after. The only information I have on my birth father was that his name was Max Martinez. Through ancestry.com, I have DNA matches with the senior Maximino Martinez from El Rito. I realize this is risky business because the family is probably unaware I was born out of wedlock. My birthmother’s name was Patricia Adams who was living in Yakima, Washington and she was 16 when her and Max conceived. My best guess is my birth father was the youngest son of the senior Maximino (guessing my birth father was about 22 in 1951). Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for you time.
Best Regards,
Phil Rollins, Olympia, Washington
My great grandma’s house!
This home is where my husband Freds Mother was raised in. He too has much knowledge and memories of this Mansion. He and his brother Peter are the sole caretakers of the home and land who keep their cattle grazing there during the winter.
My husband Fred and his brother Peter are the sole caretakers of this home. He has much knowledge of this home where his Mother was raised by his Grandparents as mentioned by Yvette. I have had many honored opportunities to see all of it, including the large barn which once stood to the left near the back of this home. I remember many cherished stories my Mother in law shared with me of her days living there.
Dear Jeanette. Thank you so much for sharing this story. I’m honored you have shared it with me. I would be honored to meet your husband Fred or Peter if that is possible. It would also be an honor to make you a print. My best to you. Geraint
That is quite a local following you have. El Rito is also home of a very fine restaurant, El Farolito. It had the same broom propped up against the front door for years…
It’s still there and I think we stopped there in El Rito on your last trip out to Abiquiu. I hope you are well and staying safe. Thank you Harold. G
My name is Gladys Archuleta. I spent many days with my God Mother and Grandma Jesusita in this mansion. Three of my uncles lived there. They had cattle and sheep. They marketed the variety of fruit from the orchard. Unfortunately, the trees are all gone.
My grandmother eventually sold the sheep to my father ( her son – in- law ) Pedro Archuleta.
This family had ancestry from Spain, Mexicoi and France
What a beautiful photo and story. I am amazed at the numerous responses to it, also.
The El Rito Library is undertaking an oral history of the area, and we would love to be able to talk to all of you who have memories of this landmark house.
While the project is just starting, you can get an idea of the concept at our website at elritohistory.com. I sincerely hope, as chairman of the library board, that some of those commenting here would be willing to share their stories and memories with us.
Thank you, David. I hope you get a few response s. Thanks for visiting. G