It was a warm and clear summer afternoon in August of 1991. There sat my grandfather, with a smile, handsome and strong; and in front of him, a birthday cake, lit with “90” candles, as three generations sang happy birthday to him!!!! Juan de los Reyes Santistevan, my maternal grandfather was born on August 11, 1901, in Costilla, a small agricultural community in northern New Mexico. He was the second generation of his family to be born in Costilla; which was established in th

The above picture is of Grandpa Jose Ignacio Valdez. As you can see, the picture is of the 1912 Costilla Base Ball Team, which he played on. He is the man on standing second from the left. José Ignacio Valdez was born July 31, 1891 in Costilla, New Mexico, to Francisco Valdez and Cecilia Santistevan. He was the older of two children. Grandpa “Nacho” (Ignacio) died July 27, 1966 in Pueblo, Colorado. My dad, Fermin, and Grandpa were quite close. They jointly bought property in

As the new editor for the GSHA newsletter, I am looking for exciting new content for upcoming issues. The newsletter that went out this week is about our informative GSHA conference; take advantage of the EARLY BIRD special and register before July 28! Not sure you can attend the day of the event – all speakers will be recorded for viewing later so you will not miss any speaker. Please note that only paid attendees will have access to the lectures after the conference is over

I am a 1940’s Zenith Console Radio, Chassis, Model 1005, Watts 95, Volts 117. I am now 81 years old. To the left is how I looked when Martin delivered me to Lynda's home. Now, I am gutted. My speaker cloth has been removed and I'm naked!!!! However, I am starting to take shape. My owners were the “SENA” Family. I was bought, and then landed up in the Herculano and Flora Sena household. I probably lived in Pintada and Santa Rosa New Mexico, as well as Fountain, Pueblo, and La

Rolando Sena was born on March 23, 1926, in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. His parents were Jose Herculano Sena and Florentina (Flora) Fajardo. He was raised in Pintada, New Mexico. Our dad’s trademark was his hat. He always wore a “FEDORA HAT!” He started wearing hats when he was young, and continued that tradition until the day he passed away. Our mom always laid out his clothes for him every morning. He always dressed up and was a professional business man. This is a pict

Before I started to write about my father, I asked some of his grandchildren to describe their grandfather. I received the following: He was unique, compassionate, generous, and humble, He valued education, was a Los Angeles Dodger fan, he loved sharing a meal, and he was funny in his own way. My father, Eugene Cardiel, better known as “Indio,” was born in 1910. His education stopped in the sixth grade, when he started working to help support his family. He served in the Uni