Richard Melzer Knihy

In 1941, New Mexico was an agrarian state with just over half a million people, many of whom lived without electricity, running water, indoor plumbing, or paved roads. However, the state provided more military volunteers per capita--including eight Medal of Honor winners--than any other state and had the highest casualty rate per capita in the country. New Mexico provided essential resources ranging from oil and coal to potash and copper. The state is often remembered for being the location where the first nuclear weapon was designed and tested in 1945, but more important at the time were the development of the proximity fuze and the testing of the top-secret Norden bombsight. The state also housed German and Italian prisoners of war, and, in one of the darkest moments in US history, incarcerated American citizens of Japanese descent in several concentration camps

Exploring the architectural and cultural significance of the Fred Harvey Houses, this book delves into their role in shaping the hospitality landscape of the Southwest. It highlights the unique design elements and historical context of these iconic structures, revealing how they contributed to the development of tourism and the railroad industry. Through vivid imagery and engaging narratives, readers will discover the legacy of Fred Harvey and the lasting impact of his vision on American travel and dining.

Focusing on the historical context, the book explores New Mexico's rise as a treatment hub for tuberculosis during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It highlights the region's appeal due to its clean air and sunny climate, which attracted patients seeking relief. The narrative delves into the establishment of sanitariums and the dedicated healthcare professionals who worked within them, illustrating the impact of the TB epidemic on the state and its communities leading up to World War II.

Tells the tragic story of what was once New Mexico's largest and most modern company town and of how the strong, determined residents of the community coped with two heartbreaking catastrophes.