From the Editors

By Stella Perry and Gretchen Dickey

As a first-time editor for this year's Borderlands, I want to thank Ms. Vise for her encouragement and support. She gave sound criticism and insight into this project. Had it not been for her research and critical writing class, the works of Aldo Leopold would have remained a diamond in the rough, a treasure lost to me. What started as a research paper has now morphed into an article detailing one man's effort in providing this country with a "breath of fresh air."

I also found myself reading a book that really burrowed into my soul. A Sand County Almanac approaches land ethics with both a tenderness and seriousness that are timeless. My goal to bring that message to a bigger audience is achieved in this issue. Thank you.

Gretchen was fun to work with and offered good advice on the art of research. I also found a great resource with the El Paso County Historical Society . Lynn, fellow researchers, and friends: you have been so kind and welcoming. I will see you for next year's issue. Many thanks to John Moses, Escontrias Elementary School, EPCC Library staff, "Buddy" Huffaker, Teresa Searock, and Erika Gerhardt at the Aldo Leopold Foundation ( www.aldoleopold.org ). The website supports ongoing land conservation efforts.

The biggest help of all came from home. My brother Sean helped me with the cover design and provided his talents as an artist. My brother Lane was a tremendous help as I agonized over Adobe Photoshop. My father always has helped me with any project I've had and brought out his extensive stamp collection for our cover. My mother, a fellow writer, has always been there to proofread and offer criticism. Thanks, Ryan, brother and confidante. And Daniel, my wonderful partner, thanks for always helping me find my way around town.

Stella Perry, Editor

It is my pleasure to serve as consulting editor for Borderlands this year. Working with such a remarkable and talented woman as Mrs. Vise is an honor for me. I thank her for inviting me again to work on such a vital publication that examines the area's rich history and allows us to be part of the preservation process.

This is an especially fulfilling year because we completed a story about Solomon C. Schutz, first begun by student Sara Flores. For two years we further researched this El Paso pioneer, whose greatest wish was to bring forth some semblance of law and order to a wild town.

Because both Solomon Schutz and his uncle Samuel had first names beginning with "S," and many historical documents merely referred to an "S. Schutz," it became difficult to attribute events and identities to the correct man. Both men operated general merchandise stores downtown, and each had a brother for a partner, an especially important fact in documents describing the Salt War .

Several historians identified the location of Luis Cardis' death as Solomon's store, S. Schutz and Bro. Although Cardis was killed in S. Schutz & Bro., it was not Solomon's store but one owned by Samuel and his brother Joseph. Masonic records helped us to establish that Solomon and Albert owned a mercantile named S. & A. Schutz. The research on Solomon Schutz made it evident that preserving past documents is paramount to safeguarding our historical facts. Every once in a while, we learn something new by exploring previously hidden treasures.

I want to thank my friends and family and especially my husband and children for understanding how important Borderlands is to me and for giving me the time to fulfill my obligation. I could not have done this without your support. I love you all.

Gretchen Dickey, Consulting Editor