Page 59 - 2019 Las Vegas & San Miguel Co. Visitors Guide

described the “elegant home-like” interior as having “white maple, cherry and oak furni- ture, carpets, lace curtains, desks, and chairs.” A large space with a skylight occupied the center of the second floor. This area was a forerunner of current hotel business centers, providing private desks and telephones for hotel guests. The Rawlins Building boasted electric lights and a hot water “heating ap- paratus.” The ground floor had commercial space for two businesses. Once the building was complete, Mr. Rawlins, his wife, and daughter established their residence in a por- tion of the downstairs space. The Optic re- ported that the couple hosted a large dinner party to celebrate the opening of the “hand- some new building,” concluding that “it was an elite affair...with the hospitable and clever host.” The Optic “Personals” column report- ed guests at the Rawlins from a variety of locations including California and Illinois. In spite of the reputation of the famous Fred Harvey accommodations across the street at the Castañeda, the Rawlins Building had es- tablished itself as a successful hotel.
Rawlins Building. Courtesy Louis Pena
In 1902, the Fred Harvey company leased the upstairs of the Rawlins Building for closely supervised living quarters for the Harvey Girls who worked at the Castañeda. The Optic reported that there were fourteen bedrooms upstairs with two bathrooms and two washrooms each containing a bathtub.
During the years following the railroad boom, a variety of businesses opened and closed; however, once the Castañeda closed
as a hotel in 1948 and the Rawlins Building was converted to a rooming house in 1949, Railroad Avenue lost its luster as a bustling commercial district.
Now, once again the Castañeda and the Rawlins Building are a driving force of heightened activity on Railroad Avenue joined by a variety of businesses including arts and antiques. A beautiful restoration of the Mesker metal façade on the second floor of the Rawlins Building by current owners Tom and Tina Clayton is complete and in- terior construction is well underway. When finished there will be apartments to rent up- stairs and commercial space on the ground floor. For more information about this note- worthy historical building call 505-429-3861 or email rawlins1898@gmail.com.
The Castañeda is now owned by the Winslow Arts Trust, a non-profit estab- lished by Allan Affeldt and Tina Mion and restoration is well underway. In April of 2019, a limited number of rooms were ready for overnight guests with bar and restaurant service soon to follow. For more
Rawlins Building. Courtesy Tom Clayton
information call 505-425-3591 or visit Castanedahotel.org.
Rosa Walston Latimer is the author of a series of books about the Harvey Houses and Harvey Girls in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and Ari- zona, published by the History Press. All books are available online and in book stores. Visit rosalatimer.org for more information.
Courtesy Andy Kingsbury
The story of the winsome Harvey Girls and Harvey Houses in New Mexico, including the Montezuma and Castañeda right here in Las Vegas!
“...vibrates with memories, voices, and historical details...an intimate page-turner.” -New Mexico magazine
Also by
Rosa Walston Latimer
Harvey Houses of Arizona Harvey Houses of Texas Harvey Houses of Kansas
Published by The History Press
Harvey Houses of New Mexico Available locally at Rough Rider Antiques Plaza Hotel Gift Shop
or anywhere books are sold including Amazon.com
Las Vegas & San Miguel Co. Visitors Guide 2019 | 59
Courtesy Tom Clayton
Courtesy Tom Clayton