Photos by Mary Alice Murphy
The Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society hosted the 160th birthday of the Fort Bayard National Landmark at the New Deal Theater. As part of the celebration, long-time FBHPS member, Bill Kupke, who had turned 97 the day before on the fort's birthday, cut the birthday cake with a historic sword.
At the table to register, attendees could also fill out forms to join the society. Another table had items for sale, including books about the history of Fort Bayard, which was founded by the U.S. military on Aug. 21, 1866, as a fort to protect the ranchers and miners living in the area. Another table held several historic firearms from the days of the fort. And, of course, a table held the birthday cake and cookies.
During its history, the fort also had a hospital that treated tuberculosis patients, who found cures in the dry, clean air at the higher altitude.
Dr. John Bell portrayed Dr. George Bushnell, who served at the hospital from 1904-1917. He was considered a specialist in TB at the time.
Bell gave some of the fort's history, as did FBHPS vice president Cecilia Bell and long-time society member Ansel Walter, who often leads tours of the grounds, as he did that afternoon.
Tours are regularly scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., when the museum building, which used to be the fort Commanding Officer's quarters.
For more information on the activities of the society and on the history of the fort, please visit https://www.historicfortbayard.org
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