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Redfield, Goergia B. MAY 9 1938
Words 590
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Gs,au F. BLASHEK
Rstablished First Industrial Plants in Roswell
P Grist Mill in 1882, Planing Mill in 1892
And Ice Plant in 1906
Mr. George F. Blashek and his family cams to New Mexico end settled
in Las Vegas in 1880 where he vas engaged for two years in a mill at that
place.
He removed to Roswell in 1882 and established the first industrial
plant a grist mill for use of the town and adjacent community.
At the time of the coming of Mr. Blashek to this section of New
Mexico, there vas one store and postoffice, and a residence used for a hotel,
both owned by Captain J. C. Lea, a blacksmith shop which was established by
Rufus Dunnahoo in 1881 and a meat market opened by Patrick H. Boone in 1881.
Some farms had been opened up and good crops of wheat and corn furnished
grain for grinding the first years after the establishment of the grist mill.
Captain Joseph C. Lea who awned all -f the land of the town, as far
north as what is now at College Boulevard deeded to Mr. islashek forty acres
to be used for a mill site, on the ncrth side of lorth Spring River, at what
is now the corner of East College douievari and Atkinson Avenue.
After the establishment of the grist mill, Mr. Blashek filed on an
eighty acre homestead tract adjoining the mill site land on the north (now
the north side of U4st College Boulevard) and extending as far west as the
Santa '4 Railroad traess, which is the southeast quarter, settion 28, Town-
ship ten, Range 24 East.
On some of this land roses now bloom around the doorway of Frank and
Pat Blashek (sons of Mr. arid rs. 31ashek) that were planted and carefully
tended by them because of haviag been bought to Roswell in a covered wagon,
by their friends the Chisum family in 1817.
Mrs. Blashek, who was a typical pioneer wide and mother, bravely over-
came many obstacles and hardships of the new western country. She made a home
for her family, planted and cultivatai her flowers and her vegetable garden,
raised chickens and turkeys, and was aever too tired to dress her seven children
and take them to the church servicee and Sunday School on Sundays. She died on
Laster Sunday, March 26, 1899.
An ice plant was established and operated by Mr. Blashek in connection
with. his grist mill, from the year 1906 until the summer of 1919.
In 1891 or 1392 the first planing mill of Roswell was also established
by Mr. Blashek on land near the grist mill.
Ur. George H. Blashek was born in AAustria and came to America with his
parents when a young child. He was married at La Crosse, 4isconsin in 1876,
his vitas given name being Anna, family name unknown. After his marriage he
was engaged for two years farming, on a farm a few miles west of at. Loa's,
aissouri, from which place he moved to New Mexico in 1880.
Mr. and Mrs. Blashek were the parents of seven sons: brat*, Clay,
Earnest, Robert, Patrick, Victor and Fred. Of the seven only two, Frank and
Pat, are living at the present time.
dr. 31ashek was active in performance of his work of the grist mill until
the time of his death January 17, 1932, at eighty-six years of age.
His assistance in mechanical and engineering work as valuable to many
early settlers, in constructing intricate parts of machinery and farm implements.
His ability to construct devices used in mill work, and other industrial es-
tablishments, efts hanaed down to both of Mr. Blashek's sons, Frank and Pat, who
are always ready to help a neighbar in adjustment of parts of engines and other
machinery out of repair la their neighborhood.
They are highly respected and valued as friends and helpful neighbors
in the community in which they live.
Source of Infcmation
Personal knowledge of the writer and Frank Blaehek eon of
George H. Blashek, Roswell, New Vexico