Impressions of Santa Cruz County

From the mountains, according to the tales. Some of the stories hold that a great quantity of gold ore was gathered here, and that the priests, having to leave suddenly, buried it. Often, the hiding place of this ore assumes the form of a secret underground "escape" tunnel leading to the back of the Santa Cruz River; that in some parts of the tunnel the walls are lined with rotting sacks of gold. These tales, though false, are as stubborn as the desert itself! With the exception of two room walls, only the open foundations remain of the once solid and nobly-proportioned "convento" buildings which formed a quadrangle. This group of buildings, not a monastery or retreat, was a controlling center used for the purpose of "civilizing" the Indians, teaching them the Christian religion and new arts, trades and crafts. A glance over the building foundations shows how admirably the mission was planned for its purpose. Besides the church for instruction and worship, and the living quarters for the priests, there were storehouses for provisions, kitchens and shops for the various craftsmen. It was also a place teeming with life and hard labor. A passing look at the millstones suggests the primitive and arduous task of flouring; water tanks and drains bring to mind the great need of water from the Santa Cruz River for mission buildings, orchards and fields.

Beyond, to the east where the modern fields are, stretch far-reaching lands that at one time were part of the mission domain. In its finest hour, during the early 1800's, the mission was master of more than 52,000 acres of land. Yet it was relatively poor. Indian population, under the surveillance of the priests, was small; their donated labor required much urging and encouragement. Building a new church in itself was an economic drain and a heavy burden. Moreover, the missionaries were also busy with the responsibilities of three or four other villages and churches. And there were the recurring Apache attacks. Many a time, solitary travelers and men working in the fields were scalped. Under the very noses of the soldiers at Tubac, horses and cattle were stolen. Only smoking and blackened ruins remained of certain missions and settle-ments. For the missionaries, settlers and Indians, these mis fortunes were part of their lives. Indians and missionaries were not always fighting Apaches.

They devoted a great deal of time to religious activities. Typi cal mission ceremonies were described by one missionary as follows: Every day at sunrise, a signal was given "by ringing the bells calling all to Mass." A group of Indian officials went "through the whole village calling the children and all the unmarried to the church. With devotion and in silence they assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. On Sundays and feast days... everyone-men, women, and children-bathed, hair combed, and with clothing poor but clean, assist at Mass. On these days, the Mass is sung with harps, violins, and four or six male and female Indian singers. In the Holy Season of Lent everyone is obliged to attend Mass daily and recite the prayers in the Spanish language During Holy Week the ceremonies are conducted in the main Missions, with a replica of Christ's tomb, with processions, sermons, and expla nation of these holy events In the main villages, where the missionary regularly resides, many Indian men and women frequent the Sacraments on Easter and the solemn feast days-- On some feast days modest dances and games are permitted By means of various types of exhibits, the Museun brings to life the old days when the mission was a busy center of activity. A variety of themes are included: mission people and their occupations, Apache attacks, religious architecture, con struction of the church, furnishings, and others. Outstanding dioramas depict significant movements in the mission's story.

By means of various types of exhibits, the Museum brings to life the old days when the mission was a busy center of activity. A variety of themes are included: mission people and their occupations, Apache attacks, religious architecture, con struction of the church, furnishings, and others. Outstanding dioramas depict significant movements in the mission's story.Upon completion of the mission tour, the visitor walks away with an awareness of history. To most of them, "the rugged beauty and stateliness of the massive old structure is a sublime manifestation of much that is finest in the human spirit. Here they find an enduring monument to the faith, courage, and vigor of men who entered an alien frontier and by supreme effort blended the contrasting elements of European faith and culture with those of native peoples to form a new civilization."

ARIZONA SONORA NOGALES U.S.A. MEXICO

Between Nogales, Arizona, U.S.A., and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, there is an open gate, not a wall. Ties of blood and sympathy unite citizens of the twin cities. Hundreds cross the international line every day to shop, to work, for amusement, to attend church. Mexicans admire American clothes, cars, and electric labor-saving devices. But the baile and the barbecue are enjoyed still, on both sides of the border.

Old-fashioned family relationships remain for the most part unchanged. The elderly are respected and are cared for by their own. Anyone will drop everything almost anywhere to admire a friend's child or even a stranger's. But strangers are a rarity. The natural warmth and innate hospitality common to most local residents of either city quickly transform the newcomer into a member of the community. The traveler who regards Nogales, Arizona, as merely the Gateway to Mexico may overlook much of interest. Side streets lead variously to old-world appearing neighborhoods or to hilltops providing soul-stretching panoramas. The silver-domed, sixty-three-yearold courthouse on Morley Avenue, smells like old courthouses do. But it suffices. The fact that from its windows, you can listen to the neighbor's chickens while watching the bustling downtown traffic, somehow adds to its charm.

Restricted by topography to the narrow pass through the hills, the business district is of necessity crowded. Originally, the whole town was located on the shallow canyon's floor, where a shady grove of walnuts (nogales) near a spring had been a rendezvous of travelers since history began. With the advent of automobiles, residential areas began to creep up the hills, and in recent years have spread over them like wildfire. Curved drives lead to beautifully landscaped hilltop homes commanding priceless views. The few old mansions have been converted to apartments. Modern motels have pushed north to the city limits. There are several excellent restaurants.

In the center of town, lack of space also characterizes the buildings. Crowded aisles and heaped counters in the shops may be misleading. There is an excellent selection of quality merchandise.

Downtown in Nogales, Arizona, buildings are being enlarged, razed, or constructed on every corner. This, together with re-alignment of U.S. 89 and the new associated truck route, will further change the city's appearance. Retail sales are climbing in this shopping center for the west coast of Mexico. The new flute and piccolo manufacturing plant has given employment to many. Training for skilled labor is needed.

An estimated 18,000 carloads of tomatoes from the Mexican interior will be received, inspected, repacked and shipped from Nogales during the current season. Melons and shrimp are handled in volume. Small apartments are at a premium and motels are crowded with produce buyers from November to May. On the international line, the gate for pedestrians and vehicle traffic never closes. Approximately one hundred are employed as immigration inspectors, customs agents, and for other duties related to controlling traffic between Mexico and the United States. The international corrals, where shipments of cattle to either country are inspected by veteri narians from both, are located southeast of Nogales, Sonora. An estimated 55,000 head of cattle were imported into the U. S. last year.

At the south end of town, opposite the Border Inspection Station, are the modernistic buildings of the Sud Pacifico de Mexico Railroad. Equally impressive are the high-rise government building (PRONAS) and its squat companion, the soon-to-be-opened Museum, which can be seen from the gate. A government-operated shop offering elegant examples of handcrafted Mexican ware is located on the ground floor of the PRONAS building. Halfway across town, on the main thoroughfare, is the gigantic bronze figure by Alfredo Just, representing the beast of ignorance a composite creature