Book deadline approaches for Elida centennial

The deadline to submit stories or photos for an Elida Centennial Book is June 1.

The book is scheduled to be released in June 2007.

Elida was incorporated July 3, 1907.

Shirley Cater of Elida said she spoke with former and current Elida residents during the Elida all-school reunion in June of 2004 about the centennial book. Cater said she began receiving photos and stories in the spring 2005.

“We have a lot of town history,” she said. “We are looking for photos and family stories, interesting stories we can put in the book. We’ve received a lot of wonderful stories.”

Cater said the stories about the early days of attending school at Elida are particularly interesting.

“All of the students (all grades) used to go to one room and rode their horses to school,” Cater said. “The teachers used to help students get off of their horses and help them with their saddles. Now they’re helping them with their laptop computers.”

Jayne Taylor of Elida is also helping out with gathering information for the book.

“We are looking for stories from anyone who has had a connection with Elida,” she said, adding that the first thing that comes to mind when she thinks of Elida is the people.

“They are good people, good neighbors,” said Taylor, whose husband, Bennie, and their children attended Elida schools. “It’s a good place to raise your children,” she said.

Some of the people have brought in stories of their families dating back to 1910, according to Taylor.

Cater said she’s already started taking orders for the books, which will cost $50. Taylor said this is a nonprofit venture, but any money made will go to paying for the all-school reunions, which are normally held once every five years.

Cater said the books will be available in time for the next all-school reunion on June 30, 2007.

Entries can be sent to Cater at 3486 S. Roosevelt Rd. AK, Elida, NM 88116. For information, contact 274-6348.

Cater is requesting photo-quality copies of original photos.