REMEMBER WHEN? TAKES A LOOK BACK AT A SELECTION OF EVENTS FROM TAOS’ PAST, PULLED FROM THE TAOS NEWS ARCHIVES. DEC. 29, 1959

15-inch snow dumped on Taos HOLIDAY OVER — Taoseños returning home from holiday trips encountered unsuspected difficulties as they were stranded on highways leading to Taos. However, the long awaited “big snow” was considered a boon by skiers, farmers and ranchers alike. Cars were stranded on US 66 for as far as the eye could see in either direction. Fifteen inches of snow blanketed Taos for the biggest snow in many seasons.

DEC. 28, 1961

Priest, 102 years old, recalls Kit Carson

A man born in Taos 102 years ago is observing his 74th year as a priest — probably the oldest in the United States.

The Rev. Joseph S. Garcia is resting out his years at Mt. San Rafael Hospital in Trinidad, Colo., looking back on a colorful carer as a church pioneer in New Mexico and Colorado.

The Rev. Father Garcia’s life spans history, back to Kit Carson, who was his Godfather.

Father Garcia, a Jesuit, recalls vividly his early days as a pastor in San Luis, Colo., when he rode a horsedrawn buggy across the country side to administer to his people. He went to San Luis in 1889.

The priest also can remember Kit Carson, the famous scout of the old Southwest. Father Garcia’s baptismal certificate at Taos lists Christofer Carson and his wife, Maria Josefa Jaramiel, as Godparents.

DEC. 30, 1982

Illegal TSV protest uneventful Almost a dozen area police officers looked on as more than 60 demonstrators marched in an illegal — and uneventful — protest at Taos Ski Valley Sunday (Dec. 26).

Members of the Committee to Save the Rio Hondo gathered in TSV parking lots to protest “uncontrolled growth” and pollution of the river which flows through the valley, adjacent to ski valley road.

Skier reaction was mostly noncommittal. Most of the skiers confronted tried to walk by without attracting attention. About a halfdozen skiers responded, half voicing support and half in opposition.