Location Description and History

Taken in this context, the history of White Oaks makes a little more sense. It helps explain why, in a town with an opera house, three churches, drama clubs, a newspaper, literary societies and a beautiful brick schoolhouse (pictured above), drunkenness, killings and visits from Billy the Kid and other desperados were common, especially in the early years. And if the darker side of a town could somehow manifest itself physically, that must surely explain the debaucherous suburb, appropriately named Hogtown, that grew up outside White Oaks. White Oaks had the churches and drama clubs; Hogtown had the saloons and whorehouses.  Continuing, let's say that in the a railroad is being built nearby, and the good side of White Oaks sees in it an opportunity to connect with the outside world, but the bad side sees only a chance to make money.

So unfortunately, the bad side holds out for a tremendous sum for right-of-way rights and the railroad bypasses White Oaks and goes to Carrizozo instead, and White Oaks (and Hogtown with it) peters out. 

Does this mean that the evil side of White Oaks won out? Maybe, but only temporarily, because the good side is clearly in evidence now. Just visit once and you'll be convinced this is one of the most stately and beautiful places in New Mexico. Not one but two elegant Victorian mansions, the wonderful school building, and a solemn and ultimately very touching graveyard named Cedarvale are some of the high points. 

• The sounds of children's voices
• Unexplainable movement of objects, especially erasers
• The feeling of being watched, unseen presence

Nothing unusual was found during the initial survey of this location.

Photographs