New life comes to Pep

Editor’s note: This is the second in a two-part series about that time in 1978 when Gray and Sara Wilson bought the Roosevelt County community of Pep.

There may not be many things more daunting than moving into a new-to-you small community and finding your niche in a place where everyone else seems to have known each other forever.

When Gray and Sara Wilson bought the town of Pep in 1978, they didn’t know a soul here, but I can’t remember anyone who ever more joyously embraced our community or who was in turn so warmly embraced by all of us.

Sara commuted from her job in Albuquerque on weekends for the first few years, but Gray settled right in as if he’d been born to live out the words of poet Sam Walter Foss and “live in a house on the side of the road and be a friend to man.”

In short order, the Pep store became Wilson’s Country Store, and Gray had business cards printed that added, “One Stop Store … Gray Wilson, Mayor.” Over the years he ordered and passed out caps, pens, buttons, keychains … you name it … and he happily gave interviews to anyone who asked.

He was the first I remember to order those tiny stick-on car calendars emblazoned with something like, “Pep: Friendliest Town In New Mexico.” We collected them by the fistful, passed them out everywhere we went, and mailed them to friends across the United States and around the world.

Gray was a gifted artist, and sometimes had an easel set up in the store where he could paint between customers. He may have given away more than he sold. The man had a generous heart.

Wilson’s Country Store was stocked with an assortment of gift items (many sporting the store name), as well as groceries, soft drinks, ice cream, and candy.

Gray kept a notebook by the cash register and was proud to have had people from all 50 states and a slew of foreign countries who had signed it. All of us made a point of taking visitors by to meet Gray and “sign the book.”

In 1986, Gray put on a new hat, that of United States postmaster. At the time, he was believed to be the oldest individual to be newly hired as a postmaster. He worked that gig until 2003, well after his 90th birthday. From the postal window, he could see into the store and pull double duty as needed, mayoral duties included.

Gray died 18 years ago last month, four years after Sara. They spent 62 years as husband and wife.

Seeing this notebook stuffed with clippings brought back such vivid memories of the folks who owned — and dearly loved — our little town for nearly three decades.

The property has changed hands several times since then. All that’s still active at Pep is the post office. There’s been a parade of occasionally changing “for sale” signs in front of the house for several years.

It sure would be nice if another Gray Wilson happened by one day and saw it.

I hear that mayor job is up for grabs.

Betty Williamson would love an ice cream bar from Wilson’s Country Store. Reach her at:

[email protected]