HOUSE MEMORIAL 15
56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023
INTRODUCED BY
Jenifer Jones and Luis M. Terrazas
A MEMORIAL
DECLARING JANUARY 31, 2023 "DEMING LUNA COUNTY SILVER SPIKES DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WHEREAS, in the mid-1970s, several business people from the city of Deming and Luna county formed a local nonpartisan group to greet prospective new businesses and industries and visiting dignitaries; and
WHEREAS, the small rural community area benefited from the opportunities provided by the organization; and
WHEREAS, the name "silver spikes" comes from the ceremony held when, in March 1881, a silver spike was driven into the railroad at Deming to mark the completion of the second transcontinental railroad, which united the Santa Fe and Southern Pacific railroads; and
WHEREAS, with the completion of the railroad, Deming and Luna county began to experience growth; and
WHEREAS, Deming has always been known for its hospitality, beginning with its famous Harvey house restaurant and Harvey girls, making Deming a must-stop for rail travelers; and
WHEREAS, the Harvey girls were Deming's predecessors to the Deming Luna county silver spikes; and
WHEREAS, the Deming Luna county silver spikes members were called upon to greet new members of the community; and
WHEREAS, in the 1980s, the community leaders realized the
Deming Luna county silver spikes could serve a valuable role by
visiting Santa Fe each year during the legislative session and meeting with the governor and select department officials to discuss the area's local needs; and
WHEREAS, also during the 1980s, the benefit of bringing together elected officials and administrators of Deming, the village of Columbus and Luna county school districts to express their needs was recognized; and
WHEREAS, during the legislative session, a large reception is held one evening for invited guests; and
WHEREAS, the Deming Luna county silver spikes have provided a valuable venue to promote the needs of the area and assist with the creation of new businesses and industries;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that January 31, 2023 be declared "Deming Luna County Silver Spikes Day" in the house of representatives; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be
transmitted to the Deming Luna county silver spikes.
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