The recent passing of Charlie Watts, drummer for the Rolling Stones touched my heart, triggered memories of my youth and reminded me of something called the British Invasion of the 60’s Since the age of 13 I have loved, enjoyed, and followed the Rolling Stones. Since the first time I saw them on TV, I have been a fan. I have been to many of their concerts, and hope to see them (sadly without Charlie Watts) later this year. Neither band member had rock star good looks. They were even downright homely, but their sound stole my heart at age 13 and they will always be my favorite band. There is only one Mick Jagger and there is only one Honky Tonk Women and Satisfaction.
In the then vacant S.P.M.D.T.U. (Sociedad Proteccion Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos) building the local youth planned ‘record hops.’ We collectively brought our 45s of the 60s played them on a record player and danced from 7-10pm on any given Saturday night. A time of innocence. The music ranged from the latest Beatles hits like ‘She was just 17’ to the Stones’ ‘Satisfaction’ and the Beach Boys Surfin’ USA.’
The nearly irreplaceable and unmatched sound of the 60’s lit a fire in our hearts. Ironically, the unique- ness of a bilingual community of teenagers also listened to the New Mexico sound of Al Hurricane’s ‘Sentimento along with Tiny Morrie’s Lonely Letters and Little Joe y la Familia.
To add to that musical history was the history of the organization that owned the S.P.M.D.T.U. building. If you are Hispanic, the S.P.M.D.T.U should summon historic pride and more than likely ring a bell and trigger childhood memories. This 1900 Hispanic organization is the oldest Hispanic organization, now 121 years old and a chapter still exists in Denver.
Formed in 1900 in Antonito, CO and founded by Celedonio Mondragon, expanded and made their way into most Southern Colorado and Northern Mexico towns. Its purpose was to provide monetary help for widows of mem- bers, a type of life insurance. In those early days, major insurance companies discriminated against Hispanics and insurance coverage was nearly impossible to pur- chase let alone afford.
Who would have thought that the oldest Hispanic organization in the U.S. coupled with the British invasion made immeasurable memories for teenagers in northern New Mexico.
Where else but in the heart of northern New Mexico can the Stones, the Beatles, Al Hurricane and the S.P.M.D.T.U. conjure up memories after all these years.
