Newest Red River history book finally unveiled

 

Michael Johnstone, staff writer

RED RIVER — J. Rush Pierce signed copies of the hardback edition of his Red River history, entitled “Red River City, A History of Northern New Mexico 1800-2000,” Sunday, July 20. The book signing began outside of Millers Crossing in downtown Red River. By the appointed two o’clock starting time, a line had already formed.
Amidst a pleasant assortment of cookies and punch, Pierce inscribed copy after copy and patiently explained to the readers, and the readers to be, the origins of his book. As the monsoon clouds unleashed an especially powerful torrent of rain precisely at 3 p.m., the affair continued, unfazed, inside the store.
Pierce, who is a retired physician from Granbury, Texas, has been a summertime resident of Red River for the last 12 years. He explained that writing and history are two of his favorite hobbies, and he has a deep interest in Red River. “I’d been waiting for 10 years for someone in Red River to write this book. But they didn’t, so I did,” said Pierce. The author also commented that a great deal of the information he used in the writing of this book was gathered from the Red River Historical Society.
Bob Prunty, who is referenced multiple times in the book’s index, had two copies of the book signed; one for himself and the other for his nephew. Prunty has lived in Red River since 1921 and currently mans the Red River Museum. “There are several works about Red River, all are good but this one is the most organized. It also does a great job of detailing the families who were critical to the development of Red River,” said Prunty.
Another satisfied customer, Albon Head of Fort Worth, Texas, also walked away with several copies. “Why did I purchase the books? To start with I am a history buff. My family also has a connection with Red River, as my father built the Edelweiss Condos,” stated Head.
The book, along with other Pierce favorites of the region like “Red River Trails” and “Mountain Wildflowers of Northern New Mexico” can be found at Millers Crossing, on the west end of Main Street in Red River. Frye’s Old Town, The Starr, Williams Trading Post, the Main Street Mercantile and Wild Bill’s of Red River carry the book, as does the Corner Bookstore in Angel Fire and the Eagle Feather Trading Post in Eagle Nest. Those outside of the Enchanted Circle can order the book through Moby Dickens in Taos at 888.442.9980.