La Sociedad: Guardians of Hispanic Culture Along the Río Grande

Appendix One: Selected Oral Histories

111 The documentary survey conducted for this book included digital video interviews of members in which they related personal memories and reflections of their participation in the SPMDTU. Selections from a few oral histories are included here for the unique information each one provides to readers. The members describe their connections to the society and the importance of the organization to them, their families, and their local communities. Limitations of space precluded the use of all the interviews. In addition, the narratives presented here are not entirely complete or verbatim and instead are excerpted from the video transcripts with minor editing, and some were translated from Spanish where needed. We acknowledge and thank Rosa López Gastón for transcribing the interviews from the original video and audio recordings. Rogelio Briones and Daniel Salazar, Interviewers memories of the Founder: James Perea James Perea is a grandson of don Celedonio Mondragón, the acknowledged founder of the SPMDTU. Hermano James is a member of Council No. 7 in Denver . Like many others of his generation, he left Antonito to seek opportunities in Denver right after high school graduation in 1964. He is very well respected within La Sociedad not only because of his pedigree, but because he is a successful businessman and a person who lives up to his commitments. He helps with various charitable projects in the Denver area sponsored by the local council, and he contributed financially to the renovation of the Superior Council meeting hall in Antonito. In his interview, Hermano James shares how his mother APPENDIx ONE Selected Oral Histories 112 Appendix one passed on the legacy of Celedonio Mondragón and why he and many other family members continue to participate in the society. (Date of interview: September 14, 2002.) Celedonio Mondragón, my grandfather, started the SPMDTU in 1900 as a fraternal organization dedicated to helping Hispanics and to combat rampant discrimination that existed at that time. My mother, Eliria Mondragón Perea, was very young when her father died; however, she often related to us the memories she had of the good things my grandfather accomplished for the community. My grandfather was a jeweler by trade in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and later in Antonito, Colorado, and for a while he also was postmaster of the small town of Cenicero, Colorado, about two miles from Antonito and now called Lobatos. He was widely known and respected, and he left a legacy that all of our family is very proud of. My grandfather was very committed to the SPMDTU. I recall my mother talking about all the meetings he attended and the trips he made to recruit new members at a time when traveling was very difficult and expensive. He sacrificed quite a bit to help the organization grow. He also spent countless hours, along with other members, establishing a life insurance program at a time when Hispanics could not get this coverage from traditional sources. He and other members also assisted their neighbors, friends, and relatives in harvesting their crops or with other needs they had in times of illness or injury. When an hermano passed away, the members would help cover the cost of the funeral, provide an honor guard, and assist with the burial services. One of the memories I have when I was growing up in Antonito is of the SPMDTU anniversary celebration on November 26 each year at the Concilio Superior meeting hall. I remember how dedicated the members were and the pride they took in their organization. The program and ceremonies were conducted flawlessly, and the speakers were very articulate. The society also presented entertainment and a talent show, which was always something we looked forward to. Currently, my brothers, Eppie Perea Jr. and Billy Perea, and I are members of the SPMDTU Council No. 7 in Denver, and our sister, Bernadette Armenta, is a member of the Antonito Council. At this time, our goal is to keep the organization that my grandfather founded going and continue to provide help and assistance to our people even though things have changed and needs are different today. I see the help we have given people here through the Denver local council. We’ve had a Christmas program for many years when we put selected oral histories 113 together food baskets, and we purchase clothing and toys for families in need. The members deliver these goods themselves, and we get...