D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
August
2008
Oral History Group
Page: 2"Then in 1967 or '68, we got 'Urban Renewal,'" he says with tight lips. "It's not a favorite subject of mine." He recalls how the downtown "was torn up for about four years," and how the historic St. Genevieve's Church was lost.
"It was the start of the downfall of downtown," Klein says grimly. "The city is trying to restore it," he says of the project currently underway to revitalize eight key commercial blocks of Main Street. "Hopefully it will be Main Street again. I applaud the city for doing it."
Touching on the ramifications of urban renewal is not the only controversial issue Klein brings into his local-history lesson. His father, Sam Klein, was the mayor who ordered a new seal for the city of Las Cruces upon its reincorporation in 1946, and who adopted the "three crosses" symbol. The seal has been the subject of a legal battle since 2003.
Klein goes into some of the background of the case, Weinbaum v. Las Cruces Public Schools, in which the plaintiff, Paul Weinbaum, contends the three crosses in the city's logos and on school grounds violate the First Amendment by using public funds to promote religion. The courts have twice ruled against Weinbaum, pointing out that the name "Las Cruces" means "The Crosses," and apparently was inspired in 1849 by the various crosses that were present in the site as grave markings, probably of massacre victims in the area.
Klein emphasizes the historical — not religious — aspect of the symbol, and underscores his point but pointing out that the decision was made "by a Jewish mayor," drawing a smattering of applause from the audience.
Accepting questions and comments from the audience, Klein shows the depth and breadth of his knowledge of local business and politics.
Leroy Lozier, an organizer for the oral history group and twice a presenter himself, calls out, "Tells us about the demise of the Masonic Lodge," to which Klein responds with a brief history of the organization's move to another facility. A woman asks about parking in the Main Street area after the restoration project is complete. Evidently a rumor has been circulating that the changes will obliterate parking, discouraging car traffic in the area altogether. But Klein is up on this tidbit, too, and confirms that the new downtown area will have parking as well as wide sidewalks for pedestrian traffic.
Another audience member asks what is to become of the old Las Cruces Furniture building.
"My family sold it eight years ago. It's been resold since," Klein answers. The current plan, he says, is to tear down the building and build a parking garage.
With his reflections on the past giving perspective on Las Cruces' current reality, and perhaps even glimpses into its future, Klein's closing words sum up his thoughts and feelings.
"It was a great place to live. . . still is. And it's gonna get better," Klein says. Then, with a tight-lipped smile, perhaps even fighting back a tear, he adds, "I'm proud to call it my hometown."
Las Cruces Oral History next meets Aug. 7, 5 p.m., in the Columbus Room of the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn. The presenter will be Irene Oliver-Lewis, artistic director and co-founder of Alma d'arte Charter High School.
Donna Clayton Lawder is senior editor of Desert Exposure.