Albuquerque, the Town where I live, is over 300 Years Old.  And Not Much has Changed.

The focal point of community life since it was founded in 1706 by Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdez. Centered around the plaza, Albuquerque’s Old Town encompasses about ten blocks of historic adobe buildings. On the north side of the plaza is the San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest building in the city, which was built in 1793. Surrounding the church, the city’s settlers had built their homes, shops and government offices, many of which have since been converted into the restaurants, art galleries and shops that comprise Old Town today.

Old Town today looks much like it did when it was built centuries ago. Its Pueblo-Spanish style architecture with flat-roofed buildings and soft contours of adobe mirror the Southwestern landscape. Long portals (porches) line the fronts of most buildings offering shade from the New Mexican sun. Bancos (benches) are often found built into the back walls of the portals, providing the perfect place for weary walkers to sit and watch the world go by.

For almost three centuries Old Town has been the crossroads of the Southwest. It is the Historical Zone of the City of Albuquerque and home for many families whose ancestors founded the town.

True West Magazine.

Old Town, 1870.  True West Magazine.

Today we Still have Gunslingers.

The Gunslingers are fancifully mixed with Tourists and lots of Wild West Drama.

On a Peaceful Sunday Afternoon, We Witnessed a Trial and (almost) Public Hanging.

Lovely Stuff

Hello New Mexico Gunfighters Association.

And Our Favorite Actor…James Blackburn…Our Voice of the King and Prince in Madison Magic.

 

 

 

The Trial was held Just down the Lane from Wild Hare Studio.

 

 

Here’s How this Story Unfolds…

Sandal Man has come to Town with Six Guns Blazing.

Lives are Taken.  Townspeople live in Fear.

The Sheriff captures Sandal Man.

A Trial is On.

The Prosecutor.  In Buckskin Vest and 10-Gallon Hat.

The Defense Attorney.  Wet Willy.  Bottle in Hand.

The Judge.

The Townspeople are the Jury.  Listening Intently.

Side Bar Conference with Counsel.

One of the Good Guys.  Rope in Hand.

The Jury Seating Area.  Under the Portal and Hot Air Balloons.

Rope in Place.  In Case Sandal Man Tries to Flee.

Putting on the Evidence.  Counting the Counts.

Defense Counsel at the Ready.

Wait…Is that Gun Fire in the Distance?

Hurry.  Keep the Trial Moving.

The Sole Witness.  Miss Blind Lady who Saw Everything.

Telling a Convincing Story.

But in the Wild West, there’s Always a Shooting.

Today is No Exception.

The Trial Continues.  The Verdict is In.

Guilty as Charged on All Counts.

Off to a Hanging.

Everyone Back to Business as Usual.  Selling Silver and Turquoise Jewelry under the Portals.

Another Loss for Defense Counsel Wet Willy.

 

Ahh, but Tomorrow’s Another Day.

Where We Will Find Magic.