Re: Scenic and the C&TS, an Oral History, Part 3B: 1973 ”If the world ended today….”

Clovis, on the subject of 'outsiders'...I only rarely experienced overt prejudice for being an outsider or Anglo. But after one such incident, I happened to be having a beer with Joe Vigil at the High Country Lounge in the evening. After I had related the incident to Joe, he told me, "Richard, you will never be anything but an outsider, here in Chama. I was born and raised in Chama, but after high school, I left town to go to college, which few here do. When I returned, I started my own Auto Parts store and made something of myself. Ever since then, even I am considered to be an 'outsider' by many."

Living was pretty cheap in Chama winters. My old house ($5,000 for my half!) and car were paid for, so the only expenses I had were the utilities and food. I cut back to 2 meals a day when not working. Practically the only thing there was to spend money on in the winter was the bars. They did well - about the only businesses that did - but I rarely drank or otherwise went out. I found that if I was careful, I could live on $20 a week spending money.