Borderlands: Look for Us on the Web - Editor's Column 22 (2003)

Article first published in Vol. 22 (2003-2004)

By Ruth E. Vise

Welcome to Borderlands, the El Paso Community College student writing project. Students in selected English 1302 classes (Research and Critical Writing) choose local history topics to research and write an extensive paper. Some students illustrate their papers with historical or original photos. As they learn the research process, they also learn about people, events, buildings, philosophies, customs and so much more about the geographical area in which they live. Student and faculty editors then turn the research papers into feature articles that we bring to you in this annual newspaper.

This project is 22 years old and I have had the privilege of directing Borderlands for 13 years. Last year we first appeared on the Web, and we have heard from history buffs and fans of the Southwest from coast to coast. If you are interested in browsing past volumes of Borderlands, go to Borderlands (epcc.libguides.com/borderlands). My deepest thanks go to Monica Wong, Joe Old, Rachel Murphree and Lorely Ambriz for bringing us into the cyber age.

Our articles deal with legends and pioneers, all adventurous and some considered as "good" or "bad" by various historians. We begin with the Apache leader known as Victorio and then look at several El Paso pioneers such as O. T. Bassett and Charles Morehead who established the State National Bank in 1881; S. H. Newman, editor and publisher of one of El Paso's first newspapers; Elfego Baca, a legendary marshal and lawyer in New Mexico and Texas; adversaries Colonel Albert J. Fountain and Albert Bacon Fall, political leaders and lawyers in both El Paso and Las Cruces; and finally Dale Resler, who was born in the 19th century (1899) and worked quietly most of the 20th century to make El Paso a better city in which to live.

Other students researched family owned businesses like Price's Creameries and Woodlawn Bottling. We also have articles on the El Paso Woman's Club; St. Patrick's Cathedral; Union Depot; and the Cloudcroft Baby Sanatorium, a unique facility that saved many babies from heat-related diseases in the early decades of the 20th century.

I was blessed with two first-rate editors this year: Gretchen Dickey and Kristi Smith, energetic women who have learned to balance family, school and work. They cheerfully followed leads all over the Southwest and searched for photographs in libraries, museums and private family collections. Thank you, Gretchen and Kristi, for maintaining your humor and patience while you worked hard.

We often use several papers for one article. Learning the difference between academic and journalistic writing, the editors organize and write the feature article, often doing more research. Then I have a go at the articles, sometimes exploring the topic further. At this point, my colleagues Joe Old and Robert Yarbrough, both English instructors at the college, give us their honest opinions, using their editing pens freely ? and they do this year after year with no compensation other than our HEARTY THANKS!! After final editing and layout, we go to the printer. One staunch supporter over the years has been the El Paso Times, which continues to insert Borderlands into a Sunday edition.

We hope you enjoy the 2003-2004 issue of Borderlands. Sit back, relax and have a good read.

Ruth E. Vise, Director Faculty Editor & Advisor

Image caption: Ms. Ruth Vise, Faculty Advisor/Editor

Article first published in Vol. 22 (2003-2004)

By Gretchen Dickey and Kristi Smith

I will always treasure the experiences I have had these last two years working with Borderlands. To my co-editor Kristi -- you are fantastic!

As far back as I can remember, my grandmother shared El Paso's rich history with me, but it was through the hands-on experience of researching, writing and editing for Borderlands that I have truly come to appreciate the rich historical influence of El Paso's beginnings.

Research is a new passion of mine. I have learned the importance of documenting and preserving our history. As an editor, I encourage everyone to share stories and photos of their ancestors so that valuable facts and memorabilia will not be lost.

The purpose of Borderlands also is to collect, preserve and share history with you, our readers. This year's issue transports you to early El Paso where visionaries stepped off the trains and saw incredible potential and did something about it. I hope you'll jump on board with us and learn a little about old El Paso, as there have been many who have made this trip possible for you.

Thank you to the Northwest Library Staff I couldn't have done this without you. Thank you, Ms. Vise, for allowing me to be part of this wonderful publication. Your faith that I could succeed in this endeavor touches me deeply. Your encouragement and knowledge inspire me and you will always be a part of me.

I would like to thank my sisters Terri and Lisa for their help. I thank my very patient family Gary, Jeremiah, Riley, Zach and Hallett. I could not have taken on this responsibility without your love and support. I love you.

Gretchen Dickey, Co-Editor

When Ms. Vise asked me to be an editor for this year's Borderlands, I was a little unsure and perhaps even a little frightened. I am so thankful that I did not run from this incredible opportunity. I was born in El Paso and I have always considered this city my home. However, prior to working on Borderlands, I truly knew very little about the city's history. This job has taken me to places that I had never visited and did not realize existed in my hometown. My research has given me a newfound appreciation and love for our wonderful city and its people. Our history is rich and interesting!

Thanks to Ms. Vise for seeing in me that which I did not see I myself. This has been an extremely rewarding experience. I have enjoyed every minute of my time working g with Ms. Vise and my co-editor Gretchen Dickey. Thank you both for hours of laughter in the midst of hard work. I have come away from this job with a sense of accomplishment, but more important, I have two new wonderful friends.

I would like to thank the library staff of the EPCC Northwest Campus for all their help. You make our job much easier.

My love and gratitude go to my husband Basil for supporting me in all that I do and for always trying to make my load a little lighter. Zachariah, Jordan and Konnor my beautiful children thank you for giving me the time and space I needed to complete this task. Thanks also to Suzanne Flack, my mother, for providing me with child care.

Kristi Smith, Co-Editor