Causey/Lingo reunion ready to reminisce

Most people living in eastern New Mexico these days may not remember the heyday of the communities of Causey and Lingo. Many may not even know where they’re located. But this weekend they’ll be the main topic for more than 200 people with ties to the two rural communities.

The Causey and Lingo Reunion, this Friday and Saturday, is mainly for those who have lived in or gone to school in either of the communities, organizers say.

Lifetime Causey resident, and secretary of the reunion, Marcel Merrick said anyone who had any dealings with the communities, or anyone who even had friends there, are invited to attend the two-day event.

Merrick said the reunion’s first day will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Causey Community Center, where old friends can visit and catch up. Dinner will be provided at 6 p.m.

It will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Eastern New Mexico University Campus Union Ballroom. There will be a catered meal at noon.

Merrick said she is looking forward to “having lots of fun visiting with old friends.”

She said more than 200 people are expected to attend, from as far away as Georgia, California, Washington, Arizona and Arkansas, as well as Texas and New Mexico.

Merrick said the first reunion was held in 1989. They began to hold the meetings every five years after that for two cycles, and then they began to hold them every three years.

Causey, with a population of about 50-60, is located about 33 miles southeast of Portales. Lingo is seven more miles to the south with a population of about 4 as well as surrounding residents. Both towns are small, agricultural communities.

Merrick said Causey schools held kindergarten through high school classes until they closed in 1972.

Joe Beakley, president of the reunion, who lives near Lingo, said Lingo schools taught first grade through high school until the 1940s, when they were closed and consolidated with Causey schools.

Beakley said he is looking forward to meeting old friends and classmates again.

For more information contact Merrick at 273-4241.